Within the old walled city, there are numerous temples to discover, some are small and humble while others are grand and covered in gold. Because of our domestic connection, we went through a different terminal for customs which meant that we got through immigration much quicker and avoided the masses. With any destination, you can do and see as much or little as you like. Chiang Mai, the laid-back capital of Thailands northern region, is a city thats brimming with culture, adventure, and natural beauty. Its one of our favorite cities in the world, along with Istanbul and Melbourne. The Best Things To Do In Chiang Mai (PROS). However, ancient carved houses and structures with beautiful ancient architectural designs still remain, preserving its cultural heritage. Its worth weighing the positives and negatives and thinking about what activities you want to do. To get to Huay Teung Tao, drive a scooter, catch a songthaew or hail a Grab (a ride-sharing app). We spent most of our days exploring this great city by scooter, visiting over a dozen temples and becoming bubble tea experts. Dottis massage was fantastic and Zandys was good (but not great). Therefore, this Chiang Mai itinerary does feature temples, temples, and a few more temples, however they are all pretty unique and well worth visiting. One of the most unique features of Wat Lok Moli is its large, ancient chedi (stupa) that houses the ashes of several kings! Ultimately, we do feel that Chiang Mai is somewhere worth visiting. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. The Yee Peng Lantern Festival occurs every mid-November in Chiang Mai. The Answer Might Surprise You! Its great if you like to experience a bit of authenticity. Days would reach up to 30 degrees Celsius with nights cooling off only slightly. Being an informal setting, you can talk about various topics including stories about yourself, your country, or even your favorite color. Chiang Mai is a special place because of its ability to mix the past and present into a much-loved modern-day metropolis. Its on top of a mountain called Doi Suthep, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. In relative terms, Chiang Mai is very affordable. The monument features life-size bronze statues of the three kings who were instrumental in the founding and development of the city of Chiang Mai. Located in the heart of Chiang Mai, the temple is famous for its distinctive Lanna-style architecture, which features ornate wooden carvings and intricate details. When we arrived, we were met by our guide and all the details were attended to. When were not hanging out in fun cities like Chiang Mai or Istanbul, we love seeking out lesser-known places in the world. You'll find coffee shops on virtually every corner within the city so pop into one to enjoy a drink! On the other hand, Phuket is a large island-like region in southern Thailand full of tropical vibes and party-goers. One of the most interesting features of this temple is the cave-like tunnels crisscrossing the temple grounds. When Is The Best Time To Visit Chiang Mai? This experience as a whole was incredible and something which we both really enjoyed. There are plenty of quiet spaces to work or relax, and the private rooms are huge and comfortable. Plus plenty of bars, clubs and fun spots to drink, however, its not as lively as say Bangkok, which is known for its nightlife. Here are three reasons why Chiang Mai is the better choice. WebWhether you want to try the famous Khao soi or explore the citys many other culinary delights, Chiang Mai is a foodies paradise that is definitely worth a visit. There are cooking classes if you would like to re-create your favorite meals. Here are some of the best day trips you can make from Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon, the highest point in Thailand, is located just 2 hours from the city. Its a slice of hippie-heaven with an interesting past and lots of great activities. In the period between the offer and the trip, Albee was always available for all our questions and supported us on the best possible way. The coffee beans are sourced directly from coffee farmers residing on the mountains so you can enjoy freshly made coffee from freshly harvested coffee beans. There are 762 right turns, he wrote, I never drive myself.. Use this 10% discount code if you want to join! You can also visit Doi Suthep and Wat Umong (another one of Chiang Mais most-popular temples), on a sunset evening tour. She worked in my budget and was very flexible when I had to change my flights. When traveling domestically, you can get to Chiang Mai via plane, train, and bus. Wat Chedi Luang dates back to the 15th century and used to be one of the tallest structures in Chiang Mai. The quickest way to get to Chiang Mai is to fly. They are lovely places to while away the day. Top Tip: If youre in the USA Kayak is best, for Europe, Skyscanner is king (usually)! WebYes - Chiang Mai is Worth Visiting if you get the chance!. Many of the villages are located in remote and picturesque locations, making them great spots for hiking and exploring. It was damaged by an earthquake in the 16th century, but its still very beautiful and also holds the claim to fame for once housing the jade Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha), which is now found in the Grand Palace in Bangkok. You can have an absolute feast for AUD 20. Its a scenic route that takes you through the picturesque mountains of northern Thailand. The driver was safe and punctual. 2016-2023 Asia Highlights Discovery Your Way! If youre on a backpacking trip, Ive previously noted 5 days is a good amount of days to spend in Chiang Mai. However, if youre expecting a hip and happening place, Chiang Mai is not it. However, these days, I would say Bali is more popular. The temples intricate details and beautiful decorations are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the Lanna artisans who built it. Asia Highlights is working well for me so far! Conclusion: Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? Like most cities in Asia, night markets are a part of the daily nightlife. Weve taken a class with Chiang Mai Secret Cooking School and cant recommend them enough. Sharon from Asia highlights has been amazing. The cost to fly was very cheap, our tickets with AirAsia was AUD$40 per person. <<. More details can be found in our privacy policy. Its not somewhere for those of you looking for a tropical escape and beach-laden days, so just keep that in mind. I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . For example, you could spend 2 days visiting the temples and historical sites and then split the rest of your time between a cooking class, a visit to the national park and a day trip to Chiang Rai. Pixabay Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern We started our trip in Bangkok, where Mr. Prassert our tour guide, met us. I asked my friends Dotti & Zandy at Travel Oasis since theyve spent a lot of time in Chiang Mai over the years and have gotten to know this city very intimately. These circle the city regularly and generally run between the bus stop and the city. She was a wonderful agent who helped us nail down our trip and make everything go as smooth as possible. Yep, you can find that too. Paul, our guide and Chiang Mai was really thoughtful, fun and full of great information about the temples and sights. The parks most popular attraction is the Twin Pagodas, which were built to honour the king and queen of Thailand. Its worth noting that some areas in southern Thailand have experienced political unrest and occasional incidents of violence. We flew in from Denpasar (Indonesia) and decided to fly to Chiang Mai first instead of stopping in Bangkok. Hiring a scooter was a great way to get around Chiang Mai. Go beyond the sightseeing. There were also not nearly as many stray animals roaming the streets as I was expecting! We first called to book but found it wasnt helpful with the language barrier. If you only have a couple of weeks in Thailand, there are other historical places closer to Bangkok which offer a similar experience. Located right next to Wat Chedi Luang is Wat Phan Tao. Discovering Chiang Mais Rich and Diverse Culture Chiang Mai is a city with a rich and diverse cultural heritage that makes it a unique and fascinating destination for travelers. Luckily, its also very easy to visit. Many travellers love Chiang Mai due to its affordability and closeness to nature. Doi Suthep is one of Thailands most sacred temples on the mountain overlooking the city. Guests are loving the free breakfast and fresh fruit bar, as well as the pool and clean rooms. If in this part of the world again, I will not hesitate to use your services.. Your tour will be tailor-made to suit you by a destination expert. Thailand Chiang Mai 60 Fun Things to Do in Chiang Mai November 22, 2022 Receiving over 2 million foreign visitors per year, and coming in after Bangkok as the second-largest city in Thailand, is the magnificent city of Chiang Mai. Its super popular amongst Thai families. Below are the top seven reasons you should visit Chiang Mai in 2019. Thanks Albee for making our vacation through south east Asia absolutely perfect!!! We actually stayed in a wonderful hostel, which Ill recommend below but it didnt have a pool. That said, we did visit Chiang Mai in late march and although the scenery was not crystal clear we didnt notice any other effects. If your idea of a good time is visiting mountain temples, eating street food and finding a hole in the wall bubble tea shop than I The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is one of the most popular and vibrant markets in Thailand. Just check out Amed and Pemuteran. Wua Lai Walking Street is another popular market in Chiang Mai that is famous for its vibrant street scene and cultural atmosphere. Thailand is generally considered a cheap country to visit. A popular activity is to motorbike route 1095 from Chiang Mai to Pai. So, I would say if you want a slower pace and more peaceful escape head to Chiang Mai. Highly recommended. If you continue browsing, you agree to
And both times we've had fantastic vacations. Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. Theres also the issue of resources with more people around, some poorer areas might struggle with accessing enough water, food, and energy. I was planning my honeymoon trip, and I changed the destination multiple times. I believe there are quite a few underlying messages of good and evil, but Ill leave it up to you to make up your own minds. If you're confused about which temple to visit, or you're not a fan of temples, don't miss the visit to Doi Suthep. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. Ive started using theWayAway Flight Aggregatorto book as they actuallygive 5% cashback on bookingswhen you joinWayAway Plus. quality private tour, whether it's a milestone trip, family trip, or bucketlist trip your
In fact, ethical elephant sanctuaries wouldn't allow this activity. Chiang Mai is a fantastic place to visit elephants and something which shouldnt be missed. <<. Yes, it's the biggest city in Northern Thailand and home to wonderful architecture. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Temple clothing: Wear clothing that covers your knees, shoulders, midriff, and cleavage. It allows time to visit the ancient temples and sites within the walled city, plus additional days to explore outside the city. Lets have a proper look between Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai and all the things you should know before travelling. POR Thapae Gate location is also excellent, with easy access to the night market. But we can both confidently say that supporting this social enterprise was a great way to spend our money in Chiang Mai. There are of course always precautions you should take while travelling no matter where you go. Dont Forget! The bad news? The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during the dry season which runs from November to April. Its an experience we both enjoyed, although they never turned off the light so pack an eye mask. Its a beautiful and thrilling adventure which will take you high over the mountains as you wind around hairpin turns. Thats just one example of how far out of her way she went to make our trip easier and more enjoyable. Thailands rainy season is from June to October and the north experiences an additional smokey season from February to May. In my honest opinion, 3 nights in Chiang Mai is not enough. So far, its probably our favourite Southeast Asian destination (although we havent visited them all) in terms of affordability and accessibility. If you can get there to practice for a few days then Chiang Mai might be more accessible. I think we would have struggled to resolve the problem by ourselves. The old city of Chiang Mai is surrounded by a moat and is easy to navigate. It sounds like the hotel staff is very accommodating and helpful, making for an overall great stay. We visited the Womens Massage Center by Ex-Prisoners. If Bangkokis the City of Angels, then Chiang Mai is the City of Temples. North and south Thailand are very different places. Each city brings something exciting to the table, so how are visitors to decide >> Check Best Prices for My Chiang Mai Boutique Lodge! Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Let's talk travel, teaching abroad, and travel blogging.I also love sharing about my love for Asian dramas and #allthethings to create memorable experiences! Chiang Mai is a laidback hippie town high in the mountains that attracts digital nomads and tourists looking for a peaceful retreat. They are known for their unique customs, traditions, and clothing, which are distinct from those of other ethnic groups in the region. Although both of them are worth visiting. Even so, youre looking at about 600 Bhat per person one-way. Additionally, you can rent a scooter from one of the numerous motorbike rental companies in Chiang Mai. Youll be able to find a wide range of local fruits and vegetables, such as durian, mangoes, lychees, and dragon fruit, as well as herbs, spices, and other cooking ingredients. Standing at a height of about 5,400 meters, the mountain affords you a rare view over the city. That said, we found most of the transport in Thailand to be honest and reliable, unlike those in Nicaragua! This flight path turned out to be a delightful surprise for us! Having a scooter is an efficient mode of transport which is great if youre taking day trips further afield to places such as the national park. So yes, Chiang Mai is worth visiting because you can spoil yourself with daily (or twice daily) massages. If you want to visit Pai, I would add another 2 days to your journey. While we were there we did meet a couple who were not enjoying their time there as much as they thought they would. Easy, competitive price, front row tickets. Transport was always ready for us at the agreed time and the drivers were excellent.There were so many highlights enjoyed by all the age groups. However, the flights vary in cost and although you can pick up a great deal if youre flexible with your dates you might find a spontaneous trip to Chiang Mai too expensive. This, in turn, means busier roads and hectic traffic. Albee was readily available which brought me much comfort and feeling of safety. First, there are the thick, soft noodles and then the bowl is topped with fried crispy egg noodles. For tourists, it can still be an affordable destination however taking tours and daily excursions will eventually add up. In comparison, Chiang Mai is a relatively small city. Tours, such as Chiang Mai Night Safari and Flight of the Gibbon, open you up to sightings of diverse forest-dwelling creatures. Based on the reviews, it sounds like POR Thapae Gate is a great location, with friendly and helpful staff, and delicious food which would make a great stay. Chiang Mai is worth visiting, but I wouldnt do so with the expectation that its going to change your life. For the most part, communities relish the wealth and opportunities tourism brings, but its not always the case. 9 minutes reading time Thailand Chiang Mai is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Thailand. Theyre basic as hell (think mats lining the floor and multiple people in the same room), but theyre are about as cheap as you can find them usually, around 150 THB ($5 USD) per hour. (+ 13 Things To Do). Although we didnt get to visit the tribes it would be a great experience to add to your Chiang Mai itinerary. But please ensure you visit an ethical elephant sanctuary no elephant riding. So we took his advice and bought tickets with a shuttle bus company that does regular Chiang Mai to Pai trips. Wat Sri Suphan is quite the sight! You should try out the local dishes too they will leave you asking for more. I would suggest a total of 5 extra days. In terms of being known as a party town, Chiang Mai is not. She made sure we were still picked up and escorted to the airport. Over the last 5 years we've used Asia highlights twice. Most holiday-makers will opt to fly to Chiang Mai while the budget-conscious backpacker will either take a bus or train. If you book your flight tickets in advance you should be able to get great deals! Its also a favourite amongst nature lovers as there are plenty of national parks, nature activities and hiking routes to enjoy. During a visit to Chiang Mai youll be able to interact with elephants, take a famous Thai cooking class and enjoy scenic views of the stunning landscape. The vibe in Chiang Mai is a more modest affair, there are clubs and bars and markets but things rarely get out of hand. Therefore, to make sure you have the best holiday its crucial you know what to expect from Chaing Mai! Lets talk about the best things to do, restaurants, where to stay, and more for your three days exploring my personal favorite city! Pickpocketing in the more touristy areas, like the street markets and around the walled city is also something to keep an eye out for. Its within walking distance from the night bazaar and about 2 miles from the bus station. If the skies are clear, youll also be rewarded with great views over the city. However, we found that if you go for a walk or a short scooter ride, these food trucks and stalls pop up everywhere nightly. Fast forward 15 years and now its hard work! Set on a quiet back street, Pao Come has a super tranquil vibe, which is enhanced by its Lanna-style of architecture. Whether I had a small change to an activity, a question about one of the arrangements, or a change or destination, Alisa was helpful, thoughtful, and knowledgeable, providing me with updated options in an extremely timely manner. Its a superb place to visit if you love the outdoors and have an adventurous soul. We use SKYSCANNER and KAYAK to book and compare flights. Here are some of the best: With stunning mountain scenery just outside the city limits, Chiang Mai is the perfect place to base yourself for some fun day trips or find hidden gems. Thousands of lit lanterns are released into the sky, which symbolizes letting go of misfortune. He was on time and the van was clean and well-maintained. 1. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. Unless youre flying, its not easy to reach Chiang Mai! Buying tickets from their website was super easy and the whole process was straightforward. Note that the second-floor rooms are considerably better than the ground-floor options, so try to seek one of these out if you can. In this post, Im going to discuss why we think Chiang Mai is worth visiting, but Im also going to talk about the negatives of the city. Understand the destinations by practicing the local
Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Art has an incredible amount of positive reviews and it looks beautiful. Well, imagine if red curry and noodle soup had a love child. How to Plan an Incredible Family Trip to Japan in 2023/2024. Are you thinking of chilling out in Chiang Mai? (Expert Advice), How to Plan a 3-Week Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Couples/Family Tour, How to Plan a Thailand and Vietnam Trip (2023/2024), How to Plan a Trip to Southeast Asia 2023/2024. Although we didnt do the whole loop we only went to Pai its something we wish we had. Youre not going to find a ton of activity in the old city, but just outside you will find the North Gate Jazz Co-Op, our favorite spot for some live music. It's a Beautiful City with a Preserved Cultural Heritage. Thank you, Albee and Asia Highlights. transportation, visas, hotels, meals, and activities. You don't want to sit in a taxi during a traffic standstill in Bangkok. Its a mellow city in northern Thailand that many people say should be on any Thai itinerary. On a trip to Chiang Mai, the curious traveller can expand their horizons with Thai massage and cooking courses. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. Bali has the beach which is something Chaing Mai is sorely missing, but, Bali also has piles of roadside trash and an endless stream of stray dogs, Chiang Mai does not. 1. Our day started by visiting the market and purchasing a few ingredients, although many were being grown in the garden attached to the cooking school. 98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+, Heather Stern Wilensky,
What Are The Negatives Of Chiang Mai Tourism? As you walk around youll notice Sinhalese-style stone elephants and mythical creatures guarding the entrances. Violent crime is rare in Chiang Mai however there are issues with petty crime. We spent a lot of time in Bali, 6 months to be precise, before moving to Thailand and what we found was that both places have a unique charm. Is Chiang Mai worth visiting? Comparing flights is so important to get the best deals. For the most thrilling experience, take advantage of our perfectly-planned customizable tours our tours are tailored to suit your needs and preferences. The sumptuous meal features a mix of chicken, curry broth, soft egg noodles, and spicy coconut milk. 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World | Privacy Policy | Affiliate Disclosure| Terms & Conditions | Disclaimers. Something you will need to consider when making a booking is whether the hands-on or hands-off approach sits better within your moral grounds. Dont miss Nam Tok Mae Sa, a tiered waterfall great for swimming. A few adventurous souls opted for the hot chilli base, Taking a cooking class in Chiang Mai is a great way to learn about Thai cuisine, meet people and be guided around a local market (without having to pay for a separate tour!). These parks provide a safe haven for elephants that have been abused or injured, and allow visitors to get up close and personal with them. Most of the activities and tours we had to ourselves and the although this wont likely be your experience, Im sure youll still have a great time. The Mae Song loop will require around 4 days as well, but of course, then encapsulates Pai. Dinner for two (about three dishes) can cost from 120-180 baht (AUD 6-9). You can often find us camping in our little orange tent and embarking on adventurous multi-day hikes in places as diverse as Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. No matter where youre coming from, Chiang Mai is pretty easy to get to. Enjoy having your own personal local guide and ride. Jack and I use SafetyWing to book our travel medical insurance when we are overseas. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The rest of your time in Chiang Mai will be moving around on daily excursions or possibly multi-day trips. Wat Umong is a beautiful 700-year-old temple set in a secluded, forested location away from the city. She prepared our trip offer within few hours and afterwards she was extremely flexible to adjust as per our needs. So choosing where to go can be overwhelming, these were our favourite temples: Wat Lok Moli is a beautiful and historic Buddhist temple known for its impressive architecture and intricate details, including the stunning red and gold decorations that adorn its white exterior. From ancient temples, and traditional street markets to quirky cat cafes and stunning scenery, I think Chiang Mai is a place worth visiting in northern Thailand. However, since Thai culture is what attracts many to Chiang Mai the city has managed to hold onto its traditions. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are two different places located 3 hours apart. For that reason, its the most popular area with expats. When shes not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. Another festival worth mentioning is the Chiang Mai Flower Festival. pace. I would say the best month to visit Chiang Mai is February. Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself before booking a holiday to Chiang Mai: I want to dig a little deeper into the above questions because how you answered them can determine if Chiang Mai is right for you. Its affordable, walkable, home Due to the low cost of living, combined with all of the awesome reasons above, Chiang Mai attracts creative and interesting people from all over the world, who give the city a beautiful, multicultural, and buzzing energy. With so many interesting foreigners and locals hanging around, theres a wealth of meet-ups and activities happening in Chiang Mai that you can get involved in.