Chiang Mai is considered Thailand’s cultural capital, close to some of the great attractions in northern Thailand, most within an hour or two’s drive from the old town. Chiang Mai, the second-largest city in Thailand, has grown into a major business and tourist center in the last 10+ years and is often used as a gateway to the jungles other adventures in the north.
The city also offers incredible northern Thai cuisine and snacks, delicious enough to lure my friend a Bangkokian 700 kilometers north for a bite. While the city has lost some of the charms that initially made it so famous, it is still a vibrant place, and there is a lot to do here despite the growth, smog, and package tourists.
Visit Wat Doi Suthep
One of Chiang Mai’s main attractions is Wat Doi Suthep, located on a mountain of the same name outside the city. Another reason to go to Chiang Mai is the night market. This market is famous worldwide, and people come here to buy cheap goods. The outdoor night market covers several city blocks. You can buy anything and everything here at much lower prices than you can in Bangkok.
Visit Elephant Nature Park
Visit the Elephant Nature Park – Located an hour outside of Chiang Mai. The Elephant Nature Park rescues abused and injured elephants from around the country. It’s a sanctuary for them (and a bunch of dogs and cats). You can come to visit for a day or spend a week volunteering and taking care of elephants. It’s a phenomenal day trip, gives back to the community and lets you help these beautiful animals. After coming here, you will know why you should NEVER ride an elephant in Thailand.
Stroll Through Chiangmai royal pavilion
If you love parks, visiting Royal Park Rajapruek should be for you. The park is about 12 km from Chiang Mai city and is easily accessible by taxi or tuk-tuk. However, the park is huge, so there is a tram service to go around for convenience. The garden is beautiful; especially the sunset scene is picturesque.
Cultural Show in Chiang Mai
Experience and enjoy Chiang Mai’s oldest Khantoke, traditional northern Thai meal, and Cultural Show, including dance and music performances by several Chiang Mai hill tribes.
Cooking Class for a Change
Chiang Mai also draws people with its cooking classes and massage classes. There are also cultural shows that you can enjoy in the evening.
Visit Night Market in Chiang Mai
The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a spectacular market dedicated to antique and handicraft stores. The present-day legacy of the Yunnanese caravans stopped here on a busy trading route. Get a glimpse into the local culture with an evening stroll through this active bazaar.
Day Trip to Royal Pagodas at Doi Inthanon
A day trip to Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, is located in the national park in Chaing Mai. The summit of Doi Inthanon is at an elevation of about 8,415 feet (2565 m) makes it one of the most popular destinations from Chiang Mai, both among locals and tourists. Apart from other attractions there are a few waterfalls is worth visiting. Wachirathan Waterfall is one of them.
Getting There
Best way to get there from Bangkok:
It’s only a 90 minutes flight from Bangkok. We took budget airlines, Air Asia, from Don Mueang airport to Chiang Mai. There are other daily flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport as well.
Getting Around in Chiang Mai
It is very much walkable inside the wall of the Old City as there is little traffic and I recommend it so that you would have a chance to discover some beautiful hidden places.
You can also use the red pick-up trucks called Songthaews that serve as public transportation. Even you don’t know the destination still it worth taking a shot to see the city at a glance. Prices depend on the distance and start from 20 THB up to 60 THB (1 US$ = 35 baths).
Tuk-Tuk is also a very common 3-wheeled transportation. To avoid overcharge, just know where you want to go and agree on a fare before getting on.
I did not take a chance of renting a bike, but that is also another option to rent it for a day or two. It’s affordably priced between 150 – 300 baths per day with an additional security deposit.
Chiang Mai also draws people with its cooking classes and massage classes. There are also cultural shows that you can enjoy in the evening.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you like to be in the City Center, and don’t mind dealing with the traffic jam, and like to experience the look and feel of any other metropolitan city in the world then the Wall City area is right for you. For the best experience in Chiang Mai, I stayed around the old city, not far from Tha Phae Gate. Where all the action is, a moat surrounds the Old City, and it’s called Old City, home to many hotels, temples, and restaurants.
The Empress Premier Chiang Mai Hotel
The Empress Premier Chiang Mai – SHA plus hotel features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and bar in Chiang Mai. A few popular points of interest near the hotel include Elephant Care & Grand Canyon Jumping, Chiang Mai Gate, and Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. In addition, Chiang Mai International airport is less than 2 miles away. A great place to stay in Chiang Mai, in my opinion
Yaang Come Village Hotel, Chiang Mai
The Yaang Come Village Hotel provides spacious 4-star accommodations with modern Thai décor and a private balcony. The hotel is just under 1 mile from Sunday Walking Street and Chiang Mai Train Station. Chiang Mai Airport is 2.5 miles from the resort. On-site relaxing body massage at Lanna Come Spa is available for the guest. In addition, the resort provides car rental services, free parking, and a tour desk for Sightseeing arrangements.
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Thailand? Any cool tips to share?
Over the years I have visited Thailand multiple times, during this trip, I decided to stay in Chiang Mai for a while mostly for sightseeing, food, and cultural experience. During this trip, I had one of the most unforgettable adventures of my life and definitely loved it. Hope my story has given you some idea and motivated you to plan a trip.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
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