Mae On, Administrative district in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Mae On is a district east of Chiang Mai, covering hilly and forested terrain with scattered villages and rural communities. It is divided into six subdistricts and follows the course of the Mae On River, from which it takes its name.
Mae On was established in 1994 when parts of the neighboring San Kamphaeng district were separated to form a new administrative area. It received full district status in 2007 as part of a reorganization of the Chiang Mai province.
The name Mae On comes from a local river name, following a common naming tradition in northern Thailand. People from Chiang Mai often head here on weekends to visit the hot springs and enjoy the countryside.
The area lies about an hour east of central Chiang Mai and is most easily reached by motorbike or car. Those planning to explore the hillier parts should wear sturdy footwear, as many paths are uneven.
Crazy Horse Buttress, a limestone formation in this district, is one of the most visited climbing spots in Southeast Asia. Just a short distance away, natural hot springs rise to the surface from the same underlying geological activity.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
