When talking about ideal places to visit in Thailand, many people choose Chiang Mai as their top priority. Located 800km from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a beautiful, mysterious land with ancient and modern beauty. This city is located in the highest mountainous terrain in northern Thailand. The city runs along the right bank of the Ping River, one of the largest and most important tributaries of the Chao Phraya River.
Chiang Mai overview
Once the capital of the Lanna kingdom around the 13th century, Chiang Mai still preserves many valuable architectural works and historical relics. With a cool year-round climate suitable for tourism development, it is one of Thailand Travel's most popular destinations for international visitors.
Chiang Mai Weather
Chiang Mai's weather is quite cool and a bit chilly at night. Chiang Mai also has two main seasons: the rainy season and the hot season.
Chiang Mai also has two main seasons: the rainy season and the hot season.
If your time permits, you should come here during the hot season (from February to June) and November and December because the weather is dry and cool, suitable for outdoor activities. Especially in April, the famous Songkran Water Festival will take place, with many funny sections during that time.
Of course, you can still visit Chiang Mai in the rainy season. But you should prepare more thoughtful equipment for the most enjoyable visit. Each time of the year has a different beauty, so please consider arranging your time properly.
Chiang Mai Transportation
There are many international airline flights to Chiang Mai. However, you had better book your tickets about 1 month before your trip to get good prices, especially during peak tourist periods.
Compared to Bangkok, traffic in the center of Chiang Mai is not too busy. The public transportation options here are also quite diverse.
Songthaew
As one of the unique features of Chiang Mai tourism, the characteristic of Songthaew cars is that they are red with two benches in the back and a canopy on top. To call a Songthaew, just stand on the side of the road and wave to any red car; the driver will stop and ask where you want to go. If your destination is on this vehicle's fixed route, the driver will tell you to get on the bus. Otherwise, the driver will refuse, and you will have to wait for the next car to appear. Before getting in the car, remember to ask about the price and bargain.
Songthaew cars in Chiang Mai
Bus
In Chiang Mai, public bus and van services are rare. Itineraries are often changed or canceled frequently. If you want to use this type of transport, the best way is to learn the route in advance or ask for help from local people.
Public bus is rare In Chiang Mai
Tuk-tuk
Don’t forget to get on a tuk-tuk during your trip to Chiang Mai. It is one of the most popular means of transport when talking about Thai Travel. You will easily see tuk-tuks waiting for customers around the Tha Pae gate area and other famous tourist destinations. Tuk-tuk drivers will pick up passengers by often beeping and slowing down to ask if they want to ride.
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Don’t forget to get on a tuk-tuk during your trip to Chiang Mai.
Motorbike
For solo travelers, a motorbike can be a great choice to explore around Chiang Mai. Especially, it will help you move faster during rush hour and traffic jams.
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A motorbike can be a great choice to explore around Chiang Mai
Grab
To avoid wasting time waiting or bargaining to get a good price, Grab is the extremely optimal choice for Chiang Mai Tourism. Fast, safe, and convenient are the big pluses of this app-based car booking service.
If you are confused about which type is right for you or want to spend time visiting instead of spending hours searching for a hotel. Let Asia Private Travels help you design a tour package that includes full transportation in Chiang Mai.
Top attractions in Chiang Mai
Wat Ku Tao
Let’s start your journey with Wat Tu Kao! This place is suitable for those who love old architectural works and learning about Buddhist religious symbols. It is one of the places not to be missed on the list of things to do in Chiang Mai.
As one of the holiest temples in the locality, this is a place of religious activities for many people in the area. People often come here to pray for good luck, happiness, and success. The temple will be open from Monday to Friday and closed on the weekend. Therefore, arrange a reasonable schedule to visit this location.
Phu Ping Palace
The next place to visit in Chiang Mai is the King's Summer Palace. This place possesses a fresh, cool atmosphere, and fragrant flowers bloom all year round, creating a scene like a fairyland.
King's Summer Palace in Chiang Mai
Pu Ling Palace
Besides, the palace is on a high mountaintop in Doi Buak Ha-Suthep. Therefore, standing from here you can see the vast picture of tranquil villages. Don’t forget to take a rest and then take some pictures of this spectacular view.
Doi Inthanon
Do you want to capture a magnificent sunrise scene? What about hopping on an adventure to Doi Inthanon National Park - part of the famous Himalayas? Here, you will immerse yourself in the fresh natural atmosphere with many surrounding trees.
Sunrise in Doi Inthanon National Park - part of the famous Himalayas
Enjoy the sounds of animals and see colorful birds. Don't forget to stroll along the peaceful streets with picturesque beauty. Then stop at Sirithan waterfall - one of the best places to visit in Chiang Mai and enjoy snacks that you prepare yourself. Soaking in the cool water and recording artistic footage are two interesting activities in this area.
Grand Canyon
Gaining more and more attention in Chiang Mai in the past few years, the Grand Canyon has quickly become a famous destination for tourists, especially young people who are passionate about photography.
Grand Canyon in Chiang Mai
The terrain is cliffs about 15m high, yellow-brown-like soil, surrounded by many tall green trees. All create an extremely wild and majestic scene. You can come here to walk on these cliffs or have a picnic with beer, and fried chicken and chat with friends for hours.
Are you a lover of sports and active games? If so the Grand Canyon will certainly be the perfect choice for your Thailand Travel journey. Exciting games like boating, water gun shooting, etc. Very popular with tourists when coming here to experience them.
Night Bazaar Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Bazaar Night Market is another must-see place in Chiang Mai. This is one of the prominent shopping paradises in Thailand. Here, you can buy handicrafts created by the people of Chiang Mai and Northern Thai provinces as souvenirs for friends and relatives.
Chiang Mai Bazaar Night Market is another must-see place in Chiang Mai.
If you are a foodie, the Bazaar night market will be an ideal location for you. Delicious dishes typical of Thai street cuisine are concentrated in this Chiang Mai tourist destination. In addition, why don’t you spend relaxing moments at coffee shops or massage parlors right on the street at quite reasonable prices? It will be an unforgettable moment in your Thailand Travel itinerary.
Chiang Mai Cuisine
Have you ever heard about Khao Soi, Khaonom Jeen Nam N Giao, or Luk Chup? Let’s explore what they are with a Chiang Mai-recommended food list below from Asia Private Travels!
Khao Soi
When talking about Thai cuisine, it is impossible not to mention Khao Soi - one of Chiang Mai's local cuisines. Khao Soi is a crispy fried egg noodles stir-fried with curry, beef or chicken, chili sauce, salted cabbage, pepper, and lemon. Khao Soi appears everywhere from 5-star hotels to street food stalls in Chiang Mai.
Khao Soi - one of Chiang Mai's local cuisines.
Khaonom Jeen Nam N Giao
One of most typical dishes in Chiang Mai - Khaonom Jeen Nam Nquang
Let's try the one of most typical dishes in Chiang Mai - Khaonom Jeen Nam Nquang. This is Chiang Mai's signature vermicelli dish with spicy tomato sauce. When eaten, it is often served with lemon, pickled mustard greens, bean sprouts, raw vegetables, and crispy fried pork skin to create a rich and unforgettable flavor.
Kaeng Khanun
We are usually familiar with chicken, beef, and vegetable curry, right? But when you come to Chiang Mai, you will have a chance to taste a very new curry cooked with jackfruit. This dish has the main ingredients of young jackfruit, curry, and tomatoes stewed until the jackfruit pieces are soft to the bite. Are you interested in this unique food?
Kaeng Khanun - a very new curry cooked with jackfruit
Luk Chup
Walking on the streets of Chiang Mai, you probably can't take your eyes off the stalls selling Luk Chup - a dish with many funny shapes and bright colors. This is a cake made from green beans, sugar, and coconut water then shaped into extremely eye-catching fruits and vegetables. If you are a fan of sweet dishes, take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy Luk Chup.
Luk Chup - a dish with many funny shapes and bright colors.
Chiang Mai Accommodation
Are you feeling confused about a variety of accommodation options in Chiang Mai? Let us give you some reasonable suggestions.
Old City
For those who like the excitement in the heart of Chiang Mai and are close to many entertainment venues, Old City will be the most suitable area. This location has many hotels from budget to luxury for tourists to choose from. Not only that, with surrounding amenities such as restaurants, markets, and convenient transportation, you can easily move to famous attractions in Chiang Mai.
Old City - the heart of Chiang Mai
Night Bazaar
Located a little outside of Old City, Night Bazaar is an area reserved for those who like to shop. This place is home to Chiang Mai city's largest night market which is open every day. The nightlife scene in this area is quite bustling with many interesting bars, clubs, and loud music overnight.
Night Bazaar is an area reserved for those who like to shop
Riverside
Are you looking for a place with a cool and quiet atmosphere? Then the Riverside area is the place for you. About a 10-minute drive from the city center, located next to the romantic Ping River. This area which has a diversity of high-quality resorts gives you a peaceful atmosphere, different from the bustle and excitement of central Chiang Mai.
Riverside - a place with a cool and quiet atmosphere
Need further advice on accommodation in Chiang Mai? Asia Private Travels is always available to answer all your questions!
Want to explore more tourist destinations in ‘the country of Golden Pagodas’? Click on Asia Private Travels' Thailand Tours section and feel free to choose the most suitable trip for yourself!
