For a more local scene in Thailand, definitely add Chiang Mai to your itinerary. The city is one of the oldest cities in Thailand; founded in 1296 has become the largest city in northern Thailand. Compared to other cities like Bangkok and Phuket, Chiang Mai has a relaxing and chill vibe. The city is well known for its food and keeps its culture and history at its core. Surrounded by lush forests, the city offers visitors a chance to enjoy a side of Thailand different from the famous beaches. Due to its location and mountainous landscape, Chiang Mai is approximately 10 ° Fahrenheit cooler than southern cities, making it more comfortable.
Check out our Previous Post on Essential Things to Know Before Going to Thailand which details all the COVID19 Requirements for Thailand.
In This Article:
Getting To Chiang Mai
It is fairly easy to get around in Thailand with several domestic airlines and flight routes for cheap. Chiang Mai is a little over an hour away from Bangkok by plane. We flew Nok Air from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for ~ $40 USD per person.
Where To Stay in Chiang Mai
We stayed at Le Meridian, a Marriot Bonvoy Hotel. The hotel was absolutely luxurious, with fantastic staff and concierge services. Breakfast was included in our booking, and they had many great options. The infinity pool overlooked the city and mountains. The hotel was within easy walking distance to Old Town and many restaurants. We recommend going on Agoda to search for accommodations that suit your budget.
Top Things To Do in Chiang Mai
#1 Chang Puek Gate Night Market
You will most definitely LOVE this market if you are a foodie. This market sets up every evening from 5 pm till midnight, just outside the north gate (Chang Phuak) of the Old City. Many food vendors offer a wide range of authentic northern-Thai dishes for cheap. Dishes usually range from 20-50bhat (75c – $2USD). We ate here almost every night, sampling all the different dishes on offer. – noodles, soups, Thai omelets, Thai sausages, fried fish, skewered meats, fresh fruit juices, roti, Thai desserts, and so much more.
#2 – Wat Chedi Luang
This is a MUST when visiting Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is stunning, and it is home to the most sacred Buddhist relic in Thailand. Fun facts: Construction started in 1385ish as a temple when King Saen Muang Ma planned to bury his father’s ashes there. Construction ended in the mid-15th century. At its peak, the structure was 82m (269ft) tall, with a base of 54m (177ft) wide. That’s huge! Shortly after construction, an earthquake in 1545 destroyed the top 30m (100ft).
3 Tips for Visiting Temples in Thailand (or anywhere):
- Like anywhere you travel, SHOW RESPECT, FOLLOW RULES
- Ladies must dress appropriately, no bare shoulders, crop tops, wide neck tops, cleavage tops, mini skirts, or shorts.
- Remove shoes to enter the temple.
#3 – Cooking Class
If you want to learn more about people and their culture, take a cooking class. Many recommended we take a cooking class in Chiang Mai. I didn’t know what to expect, and we were absolutely blown away by Asia Scenic Thai Cooking Class @asiascenic. This was the best immersive experience of Thai food and culture. The class had a homely feel, much like an extension of the instructor’s home and the feeling of friends cooking together. We cooked so many delicious dishes with fresh ingredients from the market around the corner; we were pretty stuffed by the end. Gayray, the owner, was excellent and generous with Lo and got to prepare her own spring rolls (except the deep frying part).
#4 – Elephant Sanctuary
We had the opportunity to visit an Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The elephants we saw were rescued from teakwood farms, where they were used as farm labor to haul teakwood in the least humane practices. It was great to learn more about the significance of elephants in Thai culture; they are the national animal of Thailand, representing strength, loyalty, and longevity. Fun fact: The elephant 🐘 is Kas’ totem/clan animal in African Bantu culture. It was extraordinary for Lo to be up close and personal with her totem for the first time 🥰.
3 Tips for Visiting Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand:
- Do your research beforehand; really take time to research the sanctuary you plan to visit to ensure it’s one with ethical practices. We cannot stress this enough.
- If your taxi driver offers to take you to their recommended sanctuary, don’t assume they’ll take you to a good one. Either ask for the name where they will take you and cross-reference with reviews or provide them the name of the one you want to visit.
- Ask how many elephants the sanctuary has ahead of time, so you know what to expect.
#5 – Doi Inthanon National Park
This National Park is a true jewel of natural beauty just an hour outside Chiang Mai. It is the highest peak in Thailand, consisting of beautiful mountainous terrain blanketed by lush tropical forest. There are several hiking trails, waterfalls, viewpoints, and home to the Two Chedis, Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Nophamethanidon in Thai or King and Queen Temples in English. This is worth the day trip if you have time in your itinerary! ro Tip: rent a car for the day for approximately $35 instead because tours can cost ~$50 per person.
To make the most of this day trip, get an early start. We recommend a change of clothes – one for hiking and the other change of clothes for a leisurely stroll in the beautiful gardens of the Two Chedis. Remember to cover up for Temples and Gardens; sarongs are available for rent at the gift shop. We also recommend doing the Two Chedis last to enjoy the sunset at the viewpoint if you are comfortable driving at night. Unfortunately, we had a late start, so we only had time for the gardens at the Two Chedis.
#6 – Sunday Night Market
The night market is available only on Sundays, as the name suggests, open from 4 pm till midnight, starts at Tha Pae Gate and through Ratchadamnoen Rd, for approximately 1kilometer. Definitely visit the Sunday Night Bazar, the most popular shopping experience in Chiang Mai, if you have an opportunity to be in Chiang Mai on a Sunday. You will find authentic Thai curios and also get to sample some of the best Thai food. We learned on this trip not to save shopping for last; if you see what you like, buy it immediately to avoid the last-minute scramble.
Covid note – you will be required to present your vaccination card and take your temperature to enter the Night Market.
#7 – Shop At Warorot Market
if you miss the Sunday Night Market, you can also shop at the Warorot Market, a busy hive of daytime market activity. Warorot Market opens daily early in the morning and closes after dark.
#8 – Wander Around Old Town
Old Town is within the ruined city walls, surrounded by a square moat of around 2.2 square kilometers. Each city wall has a ‘city gate’, with the most famous being Tha Phae Gate on the east wall – the Sunday Night Market entrance and open space entertainment area. Inside the gates of the Old Town, there is plenty to see, from temples to museums. To fully experience the charms of this ancient city, step outside your comfort zone and venture into the smaller lanes and alleys. If you have older kids, then a bicycle tour would be fun for the whole family.
We hope we have convinced you to add Chiang Mai to your Thailand itinerary <3