top of page
Camera and open photo album on a fabric surface. Text reads: "blogs - lost in landscapes found in words". A black circle logo beneath the text includes white text: "Closer Lives Jenn & Leon Travel & Lifestyle."

Closer Lives Travel and Lifestyle Blog: Your Guide to Adventure and Cultural Discovery

Welcome to our blog!

A man and a woman posing together in front of a colorful canal with traditional houses and an urban skyline in the background.

Nice to meet you!

We are digital nomads slow traveling the world full time, budget and bougie style! Jenn & Leon Travel Blog is for you if you enjoy relationships, history, getting to know local people & communities, are looking for travel & tourism, world culture & cuisine, digital nomadic how to's, tips, tricks & recommendations from 42 countries and counting. We also review restaurants and our Airbnb stays!

A world map with interconnected lines and a circular logo labeled "City Lives, Travel & Lifestyle" is featured. The words "Country Guides" sit at the bottom, inviting you to explore just as warmly as a stuffed turkey hoodie on Thanksgiving.

FREE Country Guides

Check out our all you need to know comprehensive country guides for over 20 countries, with everything from visa information to culture and customs, transportation to health and safety, must-see places and handy maps. We include helpful links, sim card info and even emergency numbers! Not to mention our blog posts, videos, interesting facts and much more.

Check out our latest posts

Jenn & Leon on YouTube

As entrepreneurs and full-time slow travellers our goal is to see as much of this beautiful planet as we can! We love getting to know communities and locals around the world and through our channel we want to help and support them by sharing their culture with our viewers.

 

By subscribing to our channel you will get notified of our latest videos as and when they land, so you will never miss out.

Two people taking a selfie in clear shallow water, one wearing a pink cap and sunglasses, the other with a beard, both smiling.

Get our latest posts straight to your inbox. No spam, opt out anytime

We plan to see, learn, love and share as much of the world with others as possible. That is why we created Closer Lives, to create a community for like-minded individuals and to help bring the world a little closer together through poetry, history, storytelling, healing, art, purpose and community.

 

If you'd like to join us please subscribe; our social part is still being developed but currently you are able to post, share and interact. You will also be notified of our latest blog posts, videos and receive our monthly newsletter! We'd love to have you here with us!

 

PLUS when you sign up you will receive a welcome bonus of 20% off ANYTHING on our site!

Three people modeling casual clothing with printed designs, outdoors in a natural setting, above a sign reading "Closer Lives Emporium.

Travel & Lifestyle Emporium

Shop our inspirational range of suitcases, backpacks, phone cases, clothing, gifts exclusively designed by us with worldwide delivery. Our range also includes stylish kitchen & home gifts, stationery & office items with positive quotes, awesome accessories with powerful designs and an excellent range of fun gifts for all ages and occasions!

Popular Searches

Categories

Some of the links in our posts are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links.

 

Privacy Policy & Affiliate Links

Writer's pictureJenn & Leon

The Giant Chiang Mai Treehouse Cafe: An EPIC place to relax and enjoy INCREDIBLE views!

Updated: Jun 16

The Giant Chiang Mai Cafe is a 'highly' unique cafe located in the Lampang district of Chiang Mai. The cafe is part of a giant treehouse, complete with rope bridges, and it offers stunning views of the mountainous jungle it sits in the heart of. The vantage point is absolutely epic, and beyond the refreshments, it is worth the visit just for THAT view alone.


The Giant Chiang Mai.

The cafe serves a variety of coffee drinks, as well as food and cakes. It has been a tremendously popular spot for both locals and tourists alike, and it is a great place to immerse yourself in a forest and literally feel what is like to hang out in the trees. In all of our travels, we cannot say we have ever experienced dining quite like it!


A map showing the location of a trail in the forest.
There are not many cafes on maps that come up like this!

The Giant Chiang Mai Treehouse Cafe was opened in 2014 as part of a village community project to promote the rich history of coffee in the area. The cafe is constructed on platforms intertwined amongst giant trees that overlook valley within the dense woodland. The treehouse was built by the villagers and is on the site of Baan Pok, a cultivated area of coffee, tea leaves and persimmon fruit.



A wooden gate leading to a wooden building with a sign on it.
The entrance is as grand as the name!

The objectives of the project are to develop utilities in the village, such as improving the roads and cell signals. The Giant is also seeking to create awareness and promote natural and sustainable living, alongside campaigning against deforestation, hunting and agricultural burning.


We are super happy we had the opportunity to come here, now that it is open again. We hope this post will be enough to encourage you to take a trip to The Giant and support this great community venture if ever you are in Chiang Mai.

Read on for our highlights, the food, how to get to The Giant Chiang Mai, and our cafe ratings.




 


Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. Tap here for further information.


Image showing a couple excitedly pointing towards a list of travel resource logos including Amazon, Klook, Turo, Walmart, Wise, and more. Text reads, "Our Top Travel Resources. Tap Here to Earn & Save".

 

Our Giant Chiang Mai highlights


This really was a climbing-to-new-heights experience here in Chiang Mai. The Giant is an enchanting place that doesn't just begin at the cafe; it begins on the road trip to get there too. As we made our way deeper into the forest, we started to feel more and more like we were about to find ourselves someplace very different, and very different it was!


A large statue of a buddha sitting in the middle of a forest.

The climb to the cafe is very steep and the road is in poor condition, although we did make it with no issues. Initially we were greeted by Buddha, before parking up and making our way to the cafe's grand entrance.


There is a sweet ambience here and we were really impressed by the view and vibe. The cafe is built seamlessly with the trees and nature around it, utilizing branches and open spots, but blending really well with the natural environment.


A tree house sits on top of a tree in the jungle.

The first thing to navigate is the wooden rope bridge, which is fun and scary all at the same! Only two people can cross at a time, and it is super wobbly. We were still brave enough to film as we crossed, but we had to take good care with it! We certainly knew we were in a treehouse by the time we got to the other side, that's for sure.


A wooden bridge with tables and chairs on it.


A bridge over a tree.

The elevated platforms and walkways provide a sense of adventure as you navigate through the treehouse, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Every corner of this café is thoughtfully designed, and we certainly give the builders a lot of credit for making it a dreamlike setting and a memorable experience.


A restaurant with a tree in the middle of it.


A man is standing in front of a tree house.

Being in the heart of a lush forest, the cafe offers uninterrupted views of verdant mountains and vibrant trees. The melody of chirping birds and rustling leaves felt so tranquil, backed up with nice, efficient service and most importantly, good coffee. But more on that later!


A view of the mountains from a wooden deck.

Note: As this cafe is located amongst woodland, be prepared for bugs! Mosquitos and other biters are prevalent here, so be sure to bring some bug spray or wear long / loose clothing to avoid those pesky itches. We were actually bitten several times, and it was weird as the tiny bites actually drew blood. We did not even notice at first! Mozzies do not do that so we are not sure what they were. But be advised!


A picture of the Thai king on a pole.
King Vajiralongkorn of Thailand


 

A large golden Buddha statue with text reading Wat Phra That Thailand


Full of intricate beauty and powerful energy, Wat Phra That is home to an incredible Golden Buddha that is a must-see if you are in the area.


 
 

The food & menu at The Giant Treehouse Cafe


The menu here is fairly limited but there is a good selection of coffee and juices on offer, along with a handful of Thai and Western food options if you are hungry. The cake section is perhaps the main highlight though, and what we opted for (it was mid-morning). They were well presented and added a great touch of color to our photos too!


Two plates of cake on a table with a view of mountains.

The menu includes steak, spaghetti dishes, soup, curry and pizza. There are only a few choices of each, and when we return here we will probably go for one of them. Leon is a big fan of curry and has developed a penchant for sampling Panang Curry wherever he goes, so at the very least we need to try that! Let us know in the comments if you try / recommend any of the other options!


A cup of coffee on a tray with nuts.

Thailand Travel Tip tip: if you order a coffee, state that you want it hot (if you do). As with many Thai cafes & restaurants, it will be assumed you want it cold if you don't!

The coffee was really nice, although it was a tad on the lukewarm side when it was served. That seems fairly common in Thailand though and we do not really mind. It was a nice touch to add the complementary alphabet crackers too.


Three plates with desserts and coffee on them.

We added two treats to our order, a carrot and a strawberry cream cake. Cake seems to be the signature items on the menu, and besides, who doesn't want to eat cake in a treehouse right?! They were presented really nicely and tasted great, we would suggest giving them a try for sure.



A table with a cup of coffee and cake on it.


 
 

Special Events at The Giant Chiang Mai


While there is no definitive schedule, the cafe has seen a variety of live music performances in the past. The cafe has also hosted a number of art exhibitions, featuring the work of local artists.


The Giant is actually connected through a series of bridges to other structures within the trees too. We saw an ad about Yoga Retreats and Zip Lines elsewhere amongst the trees, but we did not check them out. From what we saw and can tell from research online, much of the additional things you can do here have not resumed since Covid restrictions.


Prior to 2019 the cafe was a popular spot for that reason too, but has struggled to regain visitor numbers since then, largely due to negative press around Smoky Season in Chiang Mai.


Be sure to check the The Giant's Facebook page for the latest updates.


Two people sitting at a table overlooking a forest.


 
 

How to get to The Giant Treehouse Cafe & opening hours


Getting to The Giant Chiang Mai was a pretty cool adventure for us as we have a hire car, and it was a great opportunity to drive out to a more remote area.


The Giant Chiang Mai Treehouse Cafe is located in the Baan Pok village, Huaykaew, Mae On, Chiang Mai. It is about 60 kilometers from Chiang Mai city center.


⪢ By Bike or Car

The cafe is located on a hilltop, giving it that perfect views of the surrounding countryside. To get to The Giant, you will need to follow the signs to Mae On. Once you reach Mae On, you will need to follow the signs to Huaykaew Road. The cafe will be on your left, just before the Huaykaew Waterfall.


If you are coming from Chiang Mai city centre, you will be coming off of Highway 118. The roads from there are in pretty good condition, however once you get to Baan Pok village, the mountainside will become pretty steep, and the road surface is very uneven and pot-holed. Good tires and a decent car are required here; we have a 10yr old Fiesta in good condition and it was just about ok.


If you are worried about the final climb, there are Songthaews at the bottom that will be happy to take you the rest of the way.


⪢ By Taxi or Tuk-tuk

One way to get to the cafe is by taking a taxi or a tuk-tuk. You can either hail one on the street or request a ride through a ride-hailing app (we use Grab).


⪢ Public Transportation

While public transportation options may vary, you can look for buses, trucks or songthaews (red trucks used as shared taxis) that go in the direction of the Mae Rim district in Chiang Mai. From there, you can arrange for a taxi or tuk-tuk to take you the remaining distance to the Giant Chiang Mai Treehouse Cafe.


It's advisable to check the restaurant's operating hours and plan your visit accordingly. Additionally, consider the traffic conditions in Chiang Mai, which can get fairly hectic during peak hours, to ensure a smooth journey.


It's always a good idea to have an offline map (you can download them on Google if you do not have data) or GPS navigation system handy, as well as the contact information of the cafe, in case you need to ask for further directions or encounter any difficulties along the way.




Address: 100/1 Moo 1, Huaykaew Road, Mae On District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand


Contact Number: (+66) 86 776 2946


Email: thegiantthailand@gmail.com


Opening Hours: Mondays: Closed | Tuesday - Sunday: 8am - 5pm



NOTE that CASH is certainly preferred here. There is a card machine but it was not working on our visit (we suspect it was, but like many restaurants in Thailand, the owners want to avoid the charges and taxes that come with processing payments electronically).


A deck with chairs and tables in the middle of a forest.


 
 

Our Giant Chiang Mai experience ratings


A woman taking a selfie in a mirror.

The Giant Chiang Mai Treehouse Cafe is an enchanting destination that seamlessly blends an outdoor dining experience with mesmerizing natural beauty. Being in this giant tree, at height, we had a one-of-a-kind experience where we felt completely immersed in the peace and warmth of nature. Whether you're a traveler seeking adventure or simply looking for a unique dining experience, this treehouse cafe is sure to leave an indelible impression, beckoning you to return again! Embark on this extraordinary journey and let The Giant create a special memory for you.


✓ Atmosphere: 5/5

The Giant Chiang Mai Treehouse Cafe embraces sustainable practices, making it a haven for eco-conscious travelers. The cafe employs renewable energy sources, minimizes waste, and supports local farmers and artisans. By visiting the cafe, you contribute to their mission of environmental preservation and sustainable tourism, leaving a positive impact on the community and the planet. That, alongside its style and location, that we have already gushed about, puts this cafe in top mark territory.

Cost: 3/5

✓ Food: 4/5

✓ Service: 5/5



 
 

How to follow our Blog


There are lots of ways for you to stay up to date with Jenn and Leon Travel. If you follow us on Instagram, you can join our broadcast channel for our latest updates and posts. You will also find us on YouTube of course, or you can simply subscribe to our blog, and we will drop our latest posts straight into your email inbox. It is that easy!


 

Your FREE interactive map of Thailand


Check out all of the places we visited in Thailand courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. Tap any of the numbers for more information including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews and much more.



Wanderlog is a free travel planning app for iOS and Android devices that allows users to create trip itineraries, organize flights, hotel and car reservations, view places to visit on a map, and collaborate with friends. It is super handy and has made a big impact on our travel planning. It saves time and is super easy to use!



 

Explore Chiang Mai with special offers from Klook


Klook offers a wide variety of tours to help you experience the best of Chiang Mai. Whether you're looking for a relaxing spa, a jungle sanctuary or even cooking classes, Klook has it all. In addition to their wide selection of tours, Klook also offers great deals on transportation, accommodation, and activities.



All tours are led by experienced guides who can help you learn about the history and culture of Thailand. Klook's tours are all-inclusive too, so you don't have to worry about anything but enjoying your experience!


 

Your GUIDE to visiting Thailand


First time in Thailand? Check out our comprehensive guide with all you need to know including our latest posts, must-see places, and key information about health & safety, transport, local customs, connectivity, visa information, useful links and much more!


Your guide to visiting Thailand.



1,849 views

Related Posts

See All
Banner showcasing travel resource logos like Wise, TrustedHousesitters, Expedia, and Amazon. Two people pose on the left. Text: "Our Top Travel Resources - Earn & Save with Budget Travel Tips!

Save, Earn & Explore!

Find amazing, specially curated offers for travel (Klook, Trusted Housesitters, Expedia, 12go), teaching online (Cambly), shopping (Amazon), drop-shipping (Printify) and even banking (Koho, Wise). Save, earn and explore with us here at Closer Lives! And don't forget to check back regularly for new offers and opportunities!

bottom of page