Chiang Mai Thailand Travel Guide - A Vagabond Life
Chiang Mai Thailand Travel Guide – Nestled in the mountainous northern region of Thailand, Chiang Mai is a city where the past and present blend seamlessly, offering travellers a unique journey through time and culture. Founded in 1296 as the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is steeped in history, evident in its old city area, where ancient walls and moats encircle over 300 temples, each telling its own story of the city’s rich heritage.
Today, Chiang Mai has evolved into a vibrant hub for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. From exploring the bustling night bazaars filled with handicrafts and street food to trekking through lush jungles and visiting hill tribes, the city offers a myriad of experiences. Its cooler climate, compared to other parts of Thailand, makes it an alluring destination year-round, inviting visitors to discover its enchanting landscapes, indulge in its culinary delights, and immerse themselves in a tranquil way of life that has been preserved through the ages. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of history, the beauty of nature, or the warmth of its people, Chiang Mai promises an unforgettable journey.
Chiang Mai Thailand Map: Chiang Mai Thailand Travel Guide
Getting To Chiang Mai Thailand: Chiang Mai Thailand Travel Guide
Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural surroundings. There are several convenient ways to reach Chiang Mai, making it accessible from various parts of Thailand and beyond.
The most common way to get to Chiang Mai is by air. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) serves both domestic and international flights, with numerous daily connections from Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, which is about an hour and a half away by plane. Airlines such as Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and budget carriers like AirAsia and Nok Air operate regular flights to Chiang Mai, providing a range of options for travelers.
For those who prefer land travel, Chiang Mai is reachable by bus or train from Bangkok and other major Thai cities. The journey by bus takes approximately 10-12 hours, and several operators offer comfortable options, including overnight buses. Alternatively, taking the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai provides a scenic route through the countryside, with both daytime and overnight trains available. The train ride typically takes around 12-14 hours, and sleeper trains offer a more relaxed travel experience.
For travelers coming from neighboring countries like Laos or Myanmar, there are also options for crossing the border and continuing by bus or train to Chiang Mai.
Getting Around Chiang Mai Thailand: Chiang Mai Thailand Travel Guide
Once in Chiang Mai, getting around the city and exploring its surroundings is straightforward, with a variety of transportation options available to suit different preferences and needs.
Tuk-Tuks and Songthaews
Tuk-tuks are a popular and convenient way to travel short distances within the city. These three-wheeled vehicles are readily available and offer a fun, open-air experience. For slightly longer journeys, songthaews—red pickup trucks with bench seating—are a common choice. They follow fixed routes but can also be hired for private trips, providing a flexible and economical option for exploring the city and nearby attractions.
Motorbike Rentals
Renting a motorbike or scooter is a popular way to navigate Chiang Mai, especially for those who prefer the freedom to explore at their own pace. Numerous rental shops offer affordable rates, and driving around the city is relatively easy. However, be sure to have a valid international driving permit and wear a helmet, as traffic can be busy.
Bicycles
Chiang Mai is bike-friendly, with several rental shops offering bicycles for exploring the city and its surroundings. Cycling is a pleasant way to see the city’s temples, markets, and parks, as well as to enjoy the scenic countryside.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing Apps
For a more comfortable mode of transport, taxis are available throughout the city. While not as common as tuk-tuks or songthaews, they offer metered fares and can be a good option for longer journeys. Additionally, ride-sharing apps like Grab operate in Chiang Mai, providing a convenient and modern alternative to traditional taxis.
Tours and Private Cars
For those interested in exploring beyond the city limits, such as visiting nearby temples, national parks, or elephant sanctuaries, organized tours or private car hires are available. These options offer guided experiences and ensure a more comprehensive exploration of the region’s attractions.
In summary, Chiang Mai offers a range of transportation options to suit different needs, whether you’re navigating the city’s vibrant streets or venturing into the beautiful northern Thai countryside.
Things To See & Do In Chiang Mai Thailand: Chiang Mai Thailand Travel Guide
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep - Chiang Mai Thailand
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the most important temple in Chiang Mai. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is marked by seven-headed serpent statues that line the stairs to the temple where a Chiang Saen style golden pagoda and all its exquisite Lanna architecture is situated. The view of Chiang Mai from here is just phenomenal as well. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is located in Tambon Suthep, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Mai Province. Doi Suthep Hill is 14 kilometers away from the center of Chiang Mai.
Wat Phra Singh - Chiang Mai Thailand
Wat Phra Singh is perhaps the second most venerated temple in Chiang Mai after Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It houses three main structures, the main attraction being the beautifully decorated Lai Kam assembly hall and its restored murals depicting the lives of locals hundreds of years ago. Located inside the old city wall, at the western end of Ratchadamnoen Road, the temple’s signature Lanna-style roofs and glittering viharn is well worth the visit. Opening Hours: 06:00-17:00 Location: Inside the old city wall, at the westernmost end of Ratchadamnoen Road
Chiang Mai Thailand Saturday Walking Street - Chiang Mai Thailand
The Saturday Walking Street takes over Th Wualai, running southwest from Pratu Chiang Mai at the southern entrance to the old city. There is barely space to move as locals and tourists from across the world haggle vigorously for carved soaps, novelty dog collars, woodcarvings, Buddha paintings, hill-tribe trinkets, Thai musical instruments, T-shirts, paper lanterns and umbrellas, silver jewellery and herbal remedies.
Talat Pratu - Chiang Mai Thailand
In the early morning, this market is Chiang Mai’s larder, selling foodstuffs and ready-made dishes. If you want to give alms to the monks, come early and find the woman who sells pre-assembled food donations (20B); she’ll explain the ritual to you. Things quieten by lunchtime, but the burners are re-ignited for a popular night market that sets up along the road.
Lanna Folklife Museum - Chiang Mai Thailand
Set inside the Thai-colonial-style former Provincial Court, dating from 1935, this imaginative museum re-creates Lanna village life in a series of life-size dioramas that explain everything from lai·krahm pottery stencilling and fon lep (a mystical Lanna dance featuring long metal fingernails) to the intricate symbolism of different elements of Lanna-style monasteries.
Talat Warorot - Chiang Mai Thailand
By the river Chiang Mai’s oldest public market, Warorot (also spelt Waroros) is a great place to connect with the city’s Thai soul. Alongside souvenir vendors you’ll find numerous stalls selling items for ordinary Thai households: woks, toys, fishing nets, pickled tea leaves, wigs, sticky-rice steamers, Thai-style sausages, kâab mŏo (pork rinds), live catfish and tiny statues for spirit houses.
Trekking In Chiang Mai Thailand
Trekking in Northern Thailand is incredibly popular with just cause. A trek will generally take you through incredible scenery from soaring mountains to rainforests. Staying in local villages at homestays gives you a chance to meet locals and minority clans and spend time with guides who are passionate about what they do.
