Referred to as the ‘Rose of the North’, Chiang Mai is positioned 700km north of the capital metropolis of Bangkok (BKK) and it’s additionally the second (2nd) largest metropolis in Thailand. (Issues to do in Chiang Mai)
Nevertheless, it solely has 200,000 individuals in comparison with BKK (which has 9 million) — so, you possibly can think about how a variety of vacationers would favor to journey right here on a vacation particularly in the event that they’re searching for a laid-back Thai journey.
In addition to, with its wealthy tradition, bustling evening scene, pleasant locals, and pure heritage, there really are so many actions to simply fill your itinerary with!
On the lookout for the perfect locations to remain in Chiang Mai?
Come and take a look at my checklist of the ‘Finest Motels in Chiang Mai’ which options the highest advisable selections for affordable to luxurious lodging selections.
Chiang Mai Journey Information
» Fast Journey Planning
– – –
» Finest Time to Go to Chiang Mai
The ‘cool’ season is the perfect 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 recent season can get fairly insufferable too however some would possibly benefit from the Songkran Competition held often in the midst of April.
With that mentioned, visiting throughout the wet season is good and it’s additionally the most cost effective time; plus, it doesn’t imply that it’s going to rain all day.
– – –
» Getting in to Chiang Mai
By aircraft. In case you’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 perfect flight deal is Skyscanner. However after all, it’s all the time good observe to first analysis the funds 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 search engines like google. (For instance, within the Philippines, funds airways like Cebu Pacific and AirAsia have nice offers and promos that always set ticket costs at nearly $1!).
Take be aware that Chiang Mai Worldwide Airport (CNX) is the closest airport to the town and it handles each home and worldwide flights. In case you journey a taxi, it can 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 may as well decide 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’d counsel is to simply guide a non-public switch for a extra hassle-free expertise. It turns into an incredible possibility too should you’re touring along with lots of people in order that the fee is so much chief.
By in a single day practice. You may catch a practice 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 possibly can journey an in a single day practice (beginning at ฿900 baht). I like to recommend taking the in a single day practice that arrives late as a result of it offers you the possibility to see various landscapes on the way in which.
By bus. There are a number of buses that go away Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal they usually provide various selections of worth, consolation, and velocity. Simply take be aware that the worth often begins at ฿400 baht.
– – –
» Visa for Thailand
In case you’re NOT a citizen of any of Thailand’s exempted nations, you’re then required to avail a visa beforehand (or you too can get an exemption).
In case you’re from the Philippines, you possibly can enter Thailand with simply your passport and you’ll keep as much as 30 days if coming into through a world airport (or 15 days if coming into via a land border checkpoint from a neighboring nation similar to Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia).
- Verify 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 should not aggressive.
- Learn how to finest change your foreign money? 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, it’s essential to make one large withdrawal to attenuate charges together with your financial institution. Talking of playing cards, many Chiang Mai institutions settle for bank cards but it surely’s all the time advisable to have money available as a result of a variety of smaller retailers do not settle for playing cards.
– – –
» The place to Keep (Chiang Mai Lodging)
To seek for the perfect lodge lodging in Chiang Mai at the perfect costs, I counsel cross-checking lodge costs between Agoda and Reserving.com. However should you’re moderately interested by renting comfy homes or flats, it’s best to search via AirBnB.
For the last word checklist of low cost hostels and luxurious lodging, take a look at this checklist of the finest inns in Chiang Mai.
– – –
» Value of Journey in Chiang Mai
Very similar to every other nation in Southeast Asia, the price of journey in Chiang Mai is sort of low in comparison with different elements of the globe similar to Europe.
To offer you an concept, it’s best to anticipate to journey to Chiang Mai with a median day by day price of about USD $13~ per particular person on a funds, or at the least $35~ if you wish to expertise extra consolation in actions, excursions, inns, and extra. (Values beneath present low funds to medium funds ranges solely).
- Motels: $7 to $20 USD / day
- Transport: US$1 on common per tuk-tuk journey
– – –
» Learn how to Get Round Chiang Mai
Commuting round Chiang Mai—in addition to in different elements of Thailand—is often carried out with the assistance of songthaews and tuk-tuks. To distinguish between the 2, it’s finest for me to point out you this picture:
Picture by: Shutterstock
You may undoubtedly lease a motorbike too and that is really one of the best ways to go round Chiang Mai should you don’t wish to undergo the trouble of haggling with songthaews and tuk-tuks.
The place to lease bikes? They’re all over the place. You may simply ask your lodge the place the closest one is, but it surely’s mentioned that KPD Automobile Hire and Mr. Mechanic are good ones. Additionally, relying on the sort of bike that you simply wish to lease, it could vary from ฿150 to ฿500 baht per day. And nonetheless relying on the sort of bike, you might be required to provide a deposit starting from ฿2,000 to ฿10,000 baht (and even greater). By no means go away your passport with them if they could occur to ask you so. Costs may also change (greater) if you’ll avail of a package deal with insurance coverage; with out insurance coverage often implies that if something occurs to you or the bike, you’ll shoulder or repair it.
Songthaews. As you possibly can see they’re greater and for a cause — it’s as a result of it’s a shared taxi and finest for lengthy distances; which means that should you’re going to a faraway place and also you’re fortunate to have the ability to come together with different individuals going in the direction of the identical approach, then your fare’s worth 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 elements inside the metropolis of Chiang Mai. Exterior of Chiang Mai is a unique subject although as a result of that is the place you’ll have to use the artwork of haggling, very similar to how you must do it in different elements of Asia. However often, a super non-tourist-trap charge is ฿100 baht per particular person, roundtrip, on a songthaew (often to elements like Mae Sa or Mae Rim).
Metered taxis. These have a ฿30 baht fundamental taxi cost while you flag them down on the streets; then once more, they’re not often seen on Chiang Mai streets.
– – –
» Security in Thailand
The nation of Thailand and even Chiang Mai in itself as a metropolis is likely one of the most secure locations on this planet. In actual fact, 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 road good always.
– – –
» Useful Thai Phrases
Whats up (casual): Sa-wat-dee
Whats up (formal, speaker is man): Sa-wat-dee khráp
Whats up (formal, speaker is a girl): 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 specific order, listed here are 10 issues that it’s best to completely do and shouldn’t miss on this Thai haven:
1. Go to Buddhist Temples
Picture by: Shutterstock
This capital is FULL of historic Buddhist temples referred to as ‘Wats’ dated approach again to when Chiang Mai was initially based (1296) and immediately, there are round 200 of them in and across the metropolis during 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 carried out properly in sustaining them too. (It’s mentioned that completely different Kings have left their ‘mark’ by constructing these buildings.)
Absolutely, it could be not possible to go to all 200 temples, however listed here are numerous wats that it’s essential to go to!
- Wat Sri Suphan is often often called the ‘Silver Ubosot Shrine’ during which it has a particular chapel (ubosot) that’s product of silver, nickel, and aluminum (as Rupi silver and Grasp silver are uncommon and costly). This was carried out 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’ at times.
. - 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 deal with 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 referred to 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. In order for you a guided expertise of this temple, I extremely counsel reserving a tour.
. - Wat Phra Singh is likely one of the most stunning temples in Chiang Mai, helped preserved because of a number of renovation efforts. Notable would be the fundamental 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 carried out in Chiang Mai particularly since Buddhists consider that it symbolizes letting go of misfortunes — and should you additionally make a want while you launch it, such will come true. There’s a large celebration for this referred to as as Yee Peng (Lantern Competition) and the perfect 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 pair of lanterns). Areas and dates for this are often introduced in November with the occasion held on the finish of the month.
• • •
2. Witness Doi Inthanon Nationwide Park
Picture by: Shutterstock
Nicknamed the ‘Roof of Thailand’, this is likely one of the hottest nationwide parks within the nation. Inside this expanse is Doi Inthanon which is Thailand’s highest mountain and in addition 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 may 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 street 5km south of the summit which is named Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Nophamethanidon.
To get right here, you’ll usually switch from one songthaew to a different — that is why I’d moderately advocate that you simply take up a guided Doi Inthanon tour to avoid wasting your self the time and the trouble. 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
Picture by: Shutterstock
There are numerous issues that you could select from: caves, farms, gardens, and so forth. Although probably the most well-known pure sights could 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 associates that we met on our journey… or that possibly, we simply seem like Thai individuals in any case. Haha! (Oh, there’s additionally a ฿20 baht for parking).
It would take you half-hour to get right here from the town; and once more, you’ll need a songthaew for this or simply lease a motorbike should you’d like. Normally, songthaews are keen to drop you off at close by sights should you’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 often go to Mae Sa Waterfall to hang around, swim, and do picnics; so you are able to do the identical too! It follows that should you don’t wish to hang around with the ‘crowd’, go right here on weekdays.
There are procuring and meals stalls close to the automotive parking and earlier than the beginning of the waterfall tiers.
• • •
4. Meet Elephants at a Sanctuary
Picture by: Shutterstock
In case you don’t know, Thailand’s elephant tourism topics these light giants to merciless coaching with the intention to enable individuals to journey or play with them.
A easy Google Search will lead you to a variety of materials and proof as to how the elephants are handled badly — that is why I extremely counsel that you simply chorus from supporting companies that supply these sorts of companies.
Nonetheless, you possibly can nonetheless benefit from the firm of Thailand’s elephants via respectable and moral sanctuaries similar to that of the Elephant Nature Park. As a park, they purpose to guard and look after mistreated elephants which were rescued from logging and tourism firms. They don’t do rides or methods on the elephants, however you might be with them via walks, feeding, bathing time, and even throughout performs within the mud.
TIP: You may as well take a look at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary for the same expertise.
• • •
5. Chiang Mai Night time Safari
Picture by: Shutterstock
Wanna get near different native animals within the area in addition to different forms of African wildlife? Then come and expertise Chiang Mai Night time Safari Park — a novel endeavor the place you may get a better have a look at the animals through a fully-enclosed tram journey.
The tour will final an hour and it’ll really 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 be aware NOT to go to locations like Tiger Kingdom as they don’t seem to be moral locations.
• • •
6. Go to the Night time Markets for procuring and consuming
Picture by: Shutterstock
Decide and put on your most comfy footwear women 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 an effective way to witness the completely different crafts and livelihoods that the Thai individuals have in these elements. 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 possibly can see that Chiang Mai metropolis has a square-like half smacked within the center. That is really 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 over time, making up the entire of the town as it’s immediately. The unique moat remains to be in use however presently, elements of the previous wall have already damaged down: Tha Pae Gate is likely one of the iconic elements of this wall that’s nonetheless intact.
The most well-liked and busiest evening 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 all the way down to Rachadamnoen Street (the pale blue line on the map; contained in the sq./previous metropolis) stuffed with hawker retailers 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 possibility to see this. Nevertheless, there are nonetheless a LOT of different evening 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 Night time Bazaar (purple line on the map).
As for our decide on the hippest place within the metropolis, it could be Nimmanhemin Street (pink line on the highest a part of the map) which was stuffed with fascinating fashionable retailers and eating places!
Going to those day and evening markets is simple: simply hail down a songthaew or tuk-tuk, say the street/market’s title they usually’ll realize it. Charge for that is simply ฿20 baht (lower than $1) because it’s simply inside the metropolis. In case you have further 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 ‘Road Meals’ is the Finest!
Picture by: Shutterstock
Whilst you’re strolling round Chiang Mai’s Night time Markets and procuring avenues, don’t hesitate to open your senses to their culinary delights!
Need a guided meals tour? E book right here!
Thai meals is definitely well-known for its spicy dishes, however in addition they have a variety of gastronomic alternatives that would fit your palate. I say, take some braveness and order a small pattern of one thing, ANYTHING (even the unique insect dishes!) — particularly while you see a variety of native Thai individuals lining as much as a stall to get their order.
Among the issues that it’s best to completely attempt are their widespread Khao Soi (egg noodle curry), satay, curries, pad thai, quail eggs with coconut, and extra!
Thai Delicacies is thought for its stability of the three to 4 basic style senses in every dish or the general meal: bitter, candy, salty, and bitter.
If consuming just isn’t sufficient, then why not attempt to learn to make some widespread Thai meals dishes, proper? I counsel that you simply attempt taking a cooking class from a neighborhood.
READ: The place to Eat? The Prime 10 Chiang Mai Road Meals Dishes!
• • •
8. Discover Tribal Villages
Picture by: Shutterstock
In case you’re searching for a extra immersive expertise, why not go to a few of Chiang Mai’s tribal villages and meet locals with the intention to study 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 during which girls put on brass coils round their necks to create the looks of an extended neck (other than the assumption that the rings will defend them from hazard, the extra {that a} girl can put on, the extra stunning she is perceived to be). Additionally they put on these coils on their legs and arms.
- To study extra about their way of life and historical past, you possibly can 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 study extra about their way of life and historical past, you possibly can 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 stunning terrain, the Hmong Tribal Village is likely one of the most sought-after sights within the space. In spite of everything, a tour of this village will provide you with an concept 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 residing till they flip into agricultural farms as an alternative.
TIP: As a substitute, you possibly can go on a journey referred to as because the Golden Triangle Tour the place you possibly can go to the place Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. This can be a enjoyable one-day tour the place you get to go to a variety of fascinating pure spots, tribes and temples alongside the way in which.
• • •
9. Lay again and loosen up
Picture by: Shutterstock
In fact, a visit to Chiang Mai is NOT full with out 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 really be memorable for you! For this, come take a look at the ‘Let’s Chill out Spa‘ institution.
In any other case, should you’re after a unique sort of leisure, how a few leisurely journey on a scorching air balloon? This will probably be an hour-long flight as you get to witness once-in-a-lifetime panoramic views over the entire of the town.
Quite into meals? Go and take a look at Shangri-La’s Afternoon Excessive Tea service the place you possibly can take pleasure in a wide selection of sweets and cross the time away in an opulent setting.
• • •
10. Do Adrenaline-Pumping Actions
Picture by: Shutterstock
Finish your journey with the most effective issues to do in Chiang Mai — an exhilarating exercise within the outdoor! 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 stuffed with 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 stuffed with 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‘ complete journey insurance coverage worth 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 be aware that SafetyWing’s affordability usually means lesser protection than World Nomads. So please all the time be certain that you learn the fantastic print with the intention to decipher which journey insurance coverage firm is the suitable match for you and your journey! On that be aware, HeyMondo can also be an excellent different (click on this hyperlink to get 5% off).
• • •
Total
I hope this helps profit from your Chiang Mai itinerary — take pleasure in!
