Mae Lao (Thai: แม่ลาว, pronounced [mɛ̂ː lāːw]) is a district (amphoe) in the central part of Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand.

It originally consisted of the four tambons: Dong Mada, Chom Mok Kaeo, Bua Sali, and Pa Ko Dam.

The mountains of the Phi Pan Nam Range dominate the landscape of the district, which is named after the Lao River that flows through it The district is divided into five sub-districts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 63 villages (mubans).

Mae Lao covers parts of tambon Dong Mada, and Pa Ko Dam parts of tambons Pa Ko Dam and Chom Mok Kaeo.

This Chiang Rai province location article is a stub.