Referred to as the ‘Rose of the North’, Chiang Mai is positioned 700km north of the capital metropolis of Bangkok (BKK) and is taken into account because the second (2nd) largest metropolis in Thailand. Nevertheless, it solely has 200,000 individuals in comparison with BKK (which has 9 million) — so, you’ll be able to think about how quite a lot of vacationers would like to journey right here on a vacation particularly in the event that they’re in search of a laid-back Thai journey. (Issues to do in Chiang Mai)
Apart from, with its wealthy tradition, bustling night time scene, pleasant locals, and pure heritage, there actually are so many actions to simply fill your itinerary with!
In search of the most effective locations to remain in Chiang Mai?
Come and take a look at my checklist of the ‘Greatest Lodges in Chiang Mai’ which options the highest beneficial selections for reasonable to luxurious lodging selections.
Chiang Mai Journey Information
» Greatest Time to Go to Chiang Mai
The ‘cool’ season is the most effective time to go to Chiang Mai, particularly with how there’s a decrease likelihood of rainfall — nevertheless, it’s additionally the height season with November being the busiest because of the well-known Loy Krathong and Yee Peng Lantern festivals. The new season can get fairly insufferable too however some would possibly benefit from the Songkran Competition held normally in the midst of April.
With that stated, visiting throughout the wet season is good and it’s additionally the most affordable time; plus, it doesn’t imply that it’ll rain all day.
– – –
» Getting in to Chiang Mai
By airplane. If you happen to’re coming from Bangkok, there are about 16 home airways that may take you to CNX in 70 minutes; alternatively, there are a number of worldwide carriers that may take you on to CNX. My go-to platform for grabbing the most effective flight deal is Skyscanner. However after all, it’s at all times good apply to first analysis the price range airways that exist within the nation that you simply’re presently staying in as a result of they may have rock-bottom costs that aren’t usually seen within the above flight engines like google. (For instance, within the Philippines, price range airways like Cebu Pacific and AirAsia have nice offers and promos that always set ticket costs at nearly $1!).
Take notice that Chiang Mai Worldwide Airport (CNX) is the closest airport to the town and it handles each home and worldwide flights. If you happen to journey a taxi, it’ll take you 10 to fifteen minutes to get to Chiang Mai’s metropolis heart and it ought to price a flat charge of ฿160 baht for as much as 5 passengers for airport taxis or a charge ranging from ฿40 baht + ฿50 baht service payment for metered taxis. You can too choose to journey a tuk-tuk/songthaew (for ฿50 to ฿60 baht per particular person) or the bus (for under ฿20 baht — search for bus quantity 9 or 4).
What I might counsel is to only e book a personal switch for a extra hassle-free expertise. It turns into a fantastic choice too for those who’re touring along with lots of people in order that the fee is so much chief.
By in a single day prepare. You possibly can catch a prepare from Bangkok’s station in Hua Lamphong to get to Chiang Mai (takes about 14 to 16 hours, beginning at ฿280 baht per particular person) or you’ll be able to journey an in a single day prepare (beginning at ฿900 baht). I like to recommend taking the in a single day prepare that arrives late as a result of it provides you the prospect to see various landscapes on the way in which.
By bus. There are a selection of buses that go away Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal they usually provide various selections of value, consolation, and pace. Simply take notice that the value normally begins at ฿400 baht.
– – –
» Visa for Thailand
If you happen to’re NOT a citizen of any of Thailand’s exempted international locations, you might be then required to avail a visa beforehand (or you may as well get an exemption).
If you happen to’re from the Philippines, you’ll be able to enter Thailand with simply your passport and you may keep as much as 30 days if getting into through a global airport (or 15 days if getting into via a land border checkpoint from a neighboring nation reminiscent of Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia).
- Examine full visa necessities right here as per your nationality.
– – –
» Thailand Forex
Thai Baht (THB / ฿) whereby USD $1 = ฿37~ (as of July 2022). Within the occasion that you simply wish to change your cash for THB, I extremely advise that you simply do NOT change your cash on the airport because the charges there usually are not aggressive.
- Easy methods to finest change your forex? Both change it at a financial institution or at a cash exchanger in your house nation or in Chiang Mai’s metropolis heart. Higher but, simply withdraw from an ATM together with your debit/bank card — nevertheless, you need to make one large withdrawal to reduce charges together with your financial institution. Talking of playing cards, many Chiang Mai institutions settle for bank cards nevertheless it’s at all times advisable to have money readily available as a result of quite a lot of smaller outlets do not settle for playing cards.
– – –
» The place to Keep (Chiang Mai Lodging)
To seek for the most effective lodge lodging in Chiang Mai at the most effective costs, I counsel cross-checking lodge costs between Agoda and Reserving.com. However for those who’re slightly fascinated by renting comfy homes or flats, it is best to search via AirBnB.
For the last word checklist of low-cost hostels and luxurious lodging, try this checklist of the finest inns in Chiang Mai.
– – –
» Price of Journey in Chiang Mai
Very similar to some other nation in Southeast Asia, the price of journey in Chiang Mai is sort of low in comparison with different components of the globe reminiscent of Europe.
To provide you an thought, it is best to anticipate to journey to Chiang Mai with a median every day price of about USD $13~ per particular person on a price range, or at the least $35~ if you wish to expertise extra consolation in actions, excursions, inns, and extra. (Values beneath present low price range to medium price range ranges solely).
- Lodges: $7 to $20 USD / day
- Transport: US$1 on common per tuk-tuk journey
– – –
» Easy methods to Get Round Chiang Mai
Commuting round Chiang Mai—in addition to in different components of Thailand—is normally performed with the assistance of songthaews and tuk-tuks. To distinguish between the 2, it’s finest for me to indicate you this picture:
Photograph by: Shutterstock
You possibly can undoubtedly lease a bike too and that is truly one of the best ways to go round Chiang Mai for those who don’t wish to undergo the effort of haggling with songthaews and tuk-tuks.
The place to lease bikes? They’re all over the place. You possibly can simply ask your lodge the place the closest one is, nevertheless it’s stated that KPD Automotive Hire and Mr. Mechanic are good ones. Additionally, relying on the form of bike that you simply wish to lease, it might vary from ฿150 to ฿500 baht per day. And nonetheless relying on the form of bike, you could be required to provide a deposit starting from ฿2,000 to ฿10,000 baht (and even increased). By no means go away your passport with them if they might occur to ask you so. Costs may also change (increased) if you’re going to avail of a package deal with insurance coverage; with out insurance coverage normally signifies that if something occurs to you or the bike, you’re going to shoulder or repair it.
Songthaews. As you’ll be able to see they’re larger and for a motive — it’s as a result of it’s a shared taxi and finest for lengthy distances; which means that for those who’re going to a faraway place and also you’re fortunate to have the ability to come together with different individuals going in direction of the identical means, then your fare’s value can go down.
Tuk-tuks. They’re clearly smaller and cramped, specialised per se; so not advisable for lengthy distances. Songthaews and tuk-tuks will price you ฿20 baht (per particular person) if you wish to go to sure components throughout the metropolis of Chiang Mai. Outdoors of Chiang Mai is a special matter although as a result of that is the place you’ll have to use the artwork of haggling, very like how you must do it in different components of Asia. However normally, an excellent non-tourist-trap charge is ฿100 baht per particular person, roundtrip, on a songthaew (normally to components like Mae Sa or Mae Rim).
Metered taxis. These have a ฿30 baht primary taxi cost whenever you flag them down on the streets; then once more, they’re not normally seen on Chiang Mai streets.
– – –
» Security in Thailand
The nation of Thailand and even Chiang Mai in itself as a metropolis is among the most secure locations on the earth. In truth, the one attainable hazard which will occur to you is petty crime or scams because of the excessive charge of tourism; so it’s finest to remain vigilant and to remain avenue good always.
– – –
» Useful Thai Phrases
Hi there (casual): Sa-wat-dee
Hi there (formal, speaker is man): Sa-wat-dee khráp
Hi there (formal, speaker is a lady): Sa-wat-dee khá
Thanks: Khop khun
Sure: Chai
No: Mai chai
Goodbye: Laa kon
Goodbye (casual): Sa-wat-dee
Excuse me (to beg pardon): Kho thot
I’m sorry: Kho thot
Is there somebody right here who speaks English?: Tee-nee-mee krai poot-pa-sa Angrit dai-bang?
Assist!: Chûai dûai!
Cheers!: Chai yoo!
• • •
Prime Issues to Do in Chiang Mai
So, in no explicit order, listed here are 10 issues that it is best to completely do and shouldn’t miss on this Thai haven:
1. Go to Buddhist Temples
Photograph by: Shutterstock
This capital is FULL of historical Buddhist temples known as ‘Wats’ dated means again to when Chiang Mai was initially based (1296) and as we speak, there are round 200 of them in and across the metropolis through which some are nonetheless in use—not solely by Buddhist monks however of Thai individuals as properly.
Over time, these temples have survived and it proves that the unique builders possessed nice expertise in placing them up and that the succeeding artisans have performed properly in sustaining them too. (It’s stated that completely different Kings have left their ‘mark’ by constructing these constructions.)
Absolutely, it will be inconceivable to go to all 200 temples, however listed here are various wats that you need to go to!
- Wat Sri Suphan is usually referred to as the ‘Silver Ubosot Shrine’ through which it has a particular chapel (ubosot) that’s fabricated from silver, nickel, and aluminum (as Rupi silver and Cling silver are uncommon and costly). This was performed to exhibit the work of the close by Wua Lai silver-making neighborhood. Positioned at Wualai Street, it’s finest to go to right here on Tuesdays/Thursdays/Saturdays between 5:30PM to 7:00PM since they maintain a ‘Monk Chat’ every now and then.
. - Wat Chedi Luang is positioned within the previous metropolis close to Prapokkloa Street and was ordered to be constructed by King Saen Muang Ma within the 14th century to accommodate the ashes of his father. The Emerald Buddha was positioned right here in 1468 however was moved away after an earthquake that made the temple’s higher part fall off. (The Emerald Buddha is now on the Grand Palace in Bangkok.)
. - Wat Phra That Doi Suthep or generally known as Doi Suthep is close to the highest of Mount Suthep (which interprets to ‘Doi Suthep’ in Thai) and is the preferred Wat in Chiang Mai. If you need a guided expertise of this temple, I extremely counsel reserving a tour.
. - Wat Phra Singh is among the most lovely temples in Chiang Mai, helped preserved as a result of a number of renovation efforts. Notable would be the predominant temple constructing’s intricately adorned constructing that seemingly shines brilliant throughout the day.
TIP: As seen within the picture above, releasing floating lanterns into the sky is a typical factor performed in Chiang Mai particularly since Buddhists consider that it symbolizes letting go of misfortunes — and for those who additionally make a want whenever you launch it, such will come true. There’s a enormous celebration for this known as as Yee Peng (Lantern Competition) and the most effective place as to the place it’s held is at Mae Jo College. Alternatively, an occasion particularly catered to vacationers can also be arrange yearly with tickets costing about $100 (together with full meal, transfers and a couple of lanterns). Places and dates for this are normally introduced in November with the occasion held on the finish of the month.
• • •
2. Witness Doi Inthanon Nationwide Park
Photograph by: Shutterstock
Nicknamed the ‘Roof of Thailand’, this is among the hottest nationwide parks within the nation. Inside this expanse is Doi Inthanon which is Thailand’s highest mountain and likewise part of the Himalayan vary.
Other than the picturesque trails, villages, farms, waterfalls, and viewpoints dotted all around the park, additionally, you will love the view from the summit which is at 2,565 meters altitude. You possibly can attain this solely by automotive however you would additionally hike from the parking space. Don’t overlook to drop by the 2 chedis on the primary highway 5km south of the summit which is named Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Nophamethanidon.
To get right here, you’d usually switch from one songthaew to a different — because of this I might slightly advocate that you simply take up a guided Doi Inthanon tour to avoid wasting your self the time and the effort. In any other case, the doorway payment is 300 Baht for foreigners and 50 Baht for locals.
• • •
3. See the Pure Heritage: Come to Mae Sa Waterfall
Photograph by: Shutterstock
There are numerous issues that you could select from: caves, farms, gardens, and so forth. Although one of the vital well-known pure sights can be Mae Sa Waterfall!
That is within the Mae Sa Valley of Chiang Mai and closes at 5PM with an entrance payment of ฿30 baht ($1) for Thai individuals and ฿100 baht ($3) for foreigners. We managed to solely pay ฿30 baht since we had been touring together with some Thai buddies that we met on our journey… or that perhaps, we simply seem like Thai individuals anyhow. Haha! (Oh, there’s additionally a ฿20 baht for parking).
It should take you half-hour to get right here from the town; and once more, you have to a songthaew for this or simply lease a bike for those who’d like. Normally, songthaews are keen to drop you off at close by sights for those who’re going to the Mae Sa or Mae Rim areas (we paid ฿100 baht per particular person, roundtrip, and visited 4 completely different sights).
Native Thai individuals normally go to Mae Sa Waterfall to hang around, swim, and do picnics; so you are able to do the identical too! It follows that for those who don’t wish to hang around with the ‘crowd’, go right here on weekdays.
There are buying and meals stalls close to the automotive parking and earlier than the beginning of the waterfall tiers.
• • •
4. Meet Elephants at a Sanctuary
Photograph by: Shutterstock
In case you don’t know, Thailand’s elephant tourism topics these mild giants to merciless coaching as a way to enable individuals to journey or play with them.
A easy Google Search will lead you to quite a lot of materials and proof as to how the elephants are handled badly — because of this I extremely counsel that you simply chorus from supporting companies that supply these sorts of providers.
However, you’ll be able to nonetheless benefit from the firm of Thailand’s elephants via respectable and moral sanctuaries reminiscent of that of the Elephant Nature Park. As a park, they purpose to guard and look after mistreated elephants which have been rescued from logging and tourism corporations. They don’t do rides or methods on the elephants, however you will be with them via walks, feeding, bathing time, and even throughout performs within the mud.
TIP: You can too try the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary for the same expertise.
• • •
5. Chiang Mai Evening Safari
Photograph by: Shutterstock
Wanna get near different native animals within the area in addition to different varieties of African wildlife? Then come and expertise Chiang Mai Evening Safari Park — a novel endeavor the place you may get a more in-depth take a look at the animals through a fully-enclosed tram journey.
The tour will final an hour and it’ll actually be an exciting reminiscence! In any other case, path excursions are additionally obtainable within the morning together with different exhibits and sights.
NOTE: An alternate would be the Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium.
.
In the meantime, please additionally take notice NOT to go to locations like Tiger Kingdom as they don’t seem to be moral locations.
• • •
6. Go to the Evening Markets for buying and consuming
Photograph by: Shutterstock
Choose and put on your most comfy footwear girls and gents… it’s time to hit the markets of Chiang Mai!
Scattered all around the metropolis, that is an exercise that you simply shouldn’t skip because it’s the PERFECT alternative to see the locals and even a good way to witness the completely different crafts and livelihoods that the Thai individuals have in these components. You get to buy low-cost and contemporary stuff too!
With the variety of markets round Chiang Mai, it might get actually dizzying so I got here up with this map that will help you all out:
[ Click on the colored lines to see the kind of markets on these streets; it’s best to put it on full screen so you can see the list of markets ]
In right here you’ll be able to see that Chiang Mai metropolis has a square-like half smacked within the center. That is truly it’s previous walled metropolis surrounded by a moat because it initially was in 1296. All the encircling areas exterior this field have slowly grown/constructed through the years, making up the entire of the town as it’s as we speak. The unique moat continues to be in use however presently, components of the previous wall have already damaged down: Tha Pae Gate is among the iconic components of this wall that’s nonetheless intact.
The preferred and busiest night time market of all of them is the Sunday (Strolling St.) Market, which because the title goes, solely occurs on Sundays from 4PM until midnight. It’s a stretch from Tha Phae Gate all the way in which right down to Rachadamnoen Street (the pale blue line on the map; contained in the sq./previous metropolis) full of hawker outlets that promote VERY low-cost stuff.
However since we arrived in Chiang Mai on a Monday and have stayed for under 5 days, we didn’t get the prospect to see this. Nevertheless, there are nonetheless a LOT of different night time markets obtainable for us and our greatest picks for this had been Warorot Market (blue line on the map above the yellow line) and the Evening Bazaar (purple line on the map).
As for our decide on the hippest place within the metropolis, it will be Nimmanhemin Street (pink line on the highest a part of the map) which was filled with fascinating fashionable outlets and eating places!
Going to those day and night time markets is straightforward: simply hail down a songthaew or tuk-tuk, say the highway/market’s title they usually’ll comprehend it. Price for that is simply ฿20 baht (lower than $1) because it’s simply throughout the metropolis. If in case you have additional time, then journey exterior of the town to take a look at San Kamphaeng (for genuine Thai silk and lacquerware) or Bor Sang (for hand-painted paper umbrella craft) after which Ban Tawai (for wooden carvings and furnishings).
• • •
7. Eat, eat, eat — Thai ‘Avenue Meals’ is the Greatest!
Photograph by: Shutterstock
Whilst you’re strolling round Chiang Mai’s Evening Markets and buying avenues, don’t hesitate to open your senses to their culinary delights!
Desire a guided meals tour? E book right here!
Thai meals is unquestionably well-known for its spicy dishes, however additionally they have a variety of gastronomic picks that might fit your palate. I say, take some braveness and order a small pattern of one thing, ANYTHING (even the unique insect dishes!) — particularly whenever you see quite a lot of native Thai individuals lining as much as a stall to get their order.
A number of the issues that it is best to completely strive are their well-liked Khao Soi (egg noodle curry), satay, curries, pad thai, quail eggs with coconut, and extra!
Thai Delicacies is thought for its steadiness of the three to 4 elementary style senses in every dish or the general meal: bitter, candy, salty, and bitter.
If consuming isn’t sufficient, then why not try to discover ways to make some well-liked Thai meals dishes, proper? I counsel that you simply strive taking a cooking class from an area.
READ: The place to Eat? The Prime 10 Chiang Mai Avenue Meals Dishes!
• • •
8. Discover Tribal Villages
Photograph by: Shutterstock
If you happen to’re in search of a extra immersive expertise, why not go to a few of Chiang Mai’s tribal villages and meet locals as a way to be taught extra about their historical past?
There are 2 locations that I can advocate for this particularly…
- Karen Lengthy Neck Tribe Tour: Discovered close to the border of Myanmar is the Karen lengthy neck tribe and they’re well-known worldwide for his or her customized through which girls put on brass coils round their necks to create the looks of an extended neck (other than the idea that the rings will shield them from hazard, the extra {that a} girl can put on, the extra lovely she is perceived to be). Additionally they put on these coils on their legs and arms.
- To be taught extra about their way of life and historical past, you’ll be able to partake in a half-day guided Karen tour which may also allow you to go to Wat Pha Lat on the well-known Doi Suthep.
.
- To be taught extra about their way of life and historical past, you’ll be able to partake in a half-day guided Karen tour which may also allow you to go to Wat Pha Lat on the well-known Doi Suthep.
- Doi Pui Tribal Village and Nationwide Park: Doi Pui is the best peak within the Doi Suthep-Pui Nationwide Park and amongst its lovely terrain, the Hmong Tribal Village is among the most sought-after sights within the space. In spite of everything, a tour of this village will provide you with an thought of their hill-tribe way of life. One fascinating a part of their historical past is that they used to domesticate opium poppies for a dwelling till they flip into agricultural farms as a substitute.
TIP: In its place, you’ll be able to go on a journey known as because the Golden Triangle Tour the place you’ll be able to go to the place Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. It is a enjoyable one-day tour the place you get to go to quite a lot of fascinating pure spots, tribes and temples alongside the way in which.
• • •
9. Lay again and chill out
Photograph by: Shutterstock
After all, a visit to Chiang Mai is NOT full and not using a journey to a spa to get that much-needed pampering session after all of the touring you’re going to do. In spite of everything, the standard Thai therapeutic massage is a tremendous expertise and it’ll actually be memorable for you! For this, come try the ‘Let’s Chill out Spa‘ institution.
In any other case, for those who’re after a special form of rest, how a few leisurely journey on a scorching air balloon? This can be an hour-long flight as you get to witness once-in-a-lifetime panoramic views over the entire of the town.
Moderately into meals? Go and take a look at Shangri-La’s Afternoon Excessive Tea service the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a big selection of sweets and cross the time away in an expensive setting.
• • •
10. Do Adrenaline-Pumping Actions
Photograph by: Shutterstock
Finish your journey with among the best issues to do in Chiang Mai — an exhilarating exercise within the open air! There are a selection of issues that you could select from and they don’t seem to be restricted to…
- Flight of the Gibbon: Undergo thrilling wire ziplines, sky bridges, and abseiling in a magical rainforest!
. - Jungle Flight Zipline Journey: A 3-hour jam-packed exercise full of zipline and treetop actions of your choice.
. - Dragon Flight Zipline: Held close to the mountains of Doi Saket, the camp has impediment programs, canopies, sky bridges, ziplines and so many extra.
. - Rafting: Held within the roaring Mae Taeng river, you’ll be rafting via waterways full of gorgeous nature.
. - Thapae Boxing Stadium: Witness genuine and fierce Muay Thai boxing matches in Thailand’s first-ever Muay Thai stadium!
. - ATV Buggy: Select from a 150cc ATV up a mountainous incline or a 1500cc off-road buggy via lush rainforest and off-road terrain (for extra skilled drivers).
.
• • •
Reserving Necessities
TIP: It’s a good suggestion to crosscheck your World Nomads‘ whole journey insurance coverage value with that of SafetyWing as a result of the latter is usually priced cheaper (particularly when it entails journey that spans for a number of weeks or months — and even years!).
.
Nevertheless, take notice that SafetyWing’s affordability usually means lesser protection than World Nomads. So please at all times make sure that you learn the nice print as a way to decipher which journey insurance coverage firm is the fitting match for you and your journey! On that notice, HeyMondo can also be an excellent various (click on this hyperlink to get 5% off).
• • •
Total
I hope this helps take advantage of your Chiang Mai itinerary — take pleasure in!
