The Best Local Tips To Discover Stunning Chiang Mai!
When you travel to Thailand, do yourself a favour and add Chiang Mai to your itinerary! It is simply a stunning place you shouldn't miss out on. Ancient temples with orange-robed monks, breathtaking mountain vistas and diverse tribal cultures - these are the ingredients that make Northern Thailand such a special place. I simply love it, the ideal slow travel destination! But what are the highlights? Where best to stay and what best to do? We have asked a local to give us some tips on what you need to see and do while in the area!
Chiang Mai - Some Basic Facts
I don’t know anyone who went to Chiang Mai and didn’t fall in love with this charming town! Even though it’s the third-largest city in Thailand as well as the economic, cultural and educational centre of the North, Chiang Mai is home to only about 127,000 inhabitants. Surrounded by mountains, this quaint town has a much more relaxed atmosphere than the huge metropolis of Bangkok or Southern Thailand’s busy beaches.
The ancient walled city centre was founded in 1296 at the banks of the Ping River and used to be the capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom. You can still find well-preserved temples in the centre that date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Typical wooden Thai-style houses line the streets of Chiang Mai’s old town while the rest of the city outside the ancient walls is decidedly modern. About 1000 metres above the city centre towers Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most significant Buddhist temple. If you visit this beautiful temple in the early morning or at sunset, you might even get lucky to hear the monks chant!
If you have read last weeks post ‘Need A Ride? Explore Fascinating Northern Thailand by Tuk Tuk‘, you already know a few key points of the area. Thanks to our local contacts up North, we’d like to introduce some Must-Visit highlights as well as some hidden gems! Let’s see what Chiang Mai and its surroundings has to offer!
Avoid travelling to Chiang Mai between January and March because of 'The Haze'. During this period, farmers all over Northern Thailand burn their fields to prepare for the next season. As a - quite annoying - consequence, the entire area is covered in a thick haze for weeks until the burning ends.
How To Get There?
Situated about 700 km north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai lies in the centre of Northern Thailand. Depending on your preference, there are a few options for how to get there.
By Plane
Chiang Mai has an international airport servicing domestic and mostly regional international flights. The airport is located only 5 km outside the city centre. Therefore getting from and to the airport is quick, easy and cheap!
Most international flights go into Bangkok, where you’ll connect to a domestic flight to Chiang Mai! Qatar Airways even flies seasonally directly from Doha into Chiang Mai. Other international airlines connect Chiang Mai to China, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar.
Thailand’s many low-cost carriers offer many cheap and easy flight connections between Chiang Mai and other parts of the country. Especially if you are flying between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, there are plenty of options available daily. If you are a bit flexible with your time, you can find tickets as cheap as 500 THB per person (about 15 USD or 13 EUR). If time isn’t on your side or you simply prefer to make the journey as short as possible, flying is the best option!
By Bus
Not my favourite mode of transport, but if you prefer the road over a quick flight, there are several daily bus connections between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The bus ride will take approximately 10 hours and costs between 400 and 800 THB per person (about 12 – 24 USD or 10 – 20 EUR). The busses depart hourly from Morchit Bus Terminal in Bangkok, located in the North, close to the Chatuchak weekend market. You can choose between several bus companies offering this route. It is entirely up to you which company, time and price work best.
A TIP FROM THE LOCAL - Take the Night Train
If you aim to travel slowly, why not take the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai? It’s not exactly a secret but is, in fact, a popular mode of transport travelling up North. Try it at least one way! It is a great experience, especially if you are a savvy slow traveller!
I would suggest treating yourself to a first-class sleeper cabin. If you travel as a couple, it’s perfect since there are only 2 beds per cabin. The private first class compartments have aircon and bunk beds. The beds will be assembled by the conductor once you are on the way. First Class tickets cost around 1500 THB (about 46 USD or 39 EUR) for the upper bed and 1700 THB (about 52 USD or 44 EUR) for the lower bed! If you travel alone and wish to have the compartment to yourself, you will have to pay for both beds.
A bed in second class with aircon costs only between 400 – 500 THB. Here you have an ‘open plan’ layout, with berths on either side of the aisle. Again, the beds are being made by the conductor once you left Bangkok. An individual curtain at your bed provides privacy at night. It’s a great experience and a must-try when travelling between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Sometimes the tickets are hard to come by due to popular demand. They are also only available as old school paper tickets, so make sure you have your tickets organised in time! For all information on train travel in Thailand – have a look here!
The Best Places To Stay
There are so many places in and around Chiang Mai, it’s near impossible to cover all needs. I’ve therefore picked three favourites, of which only one is situated in Chiang Mai. The other two are a destination in their own right, so make sure you have enough days available in your itinerary.
Bodhi Serene Chiang Mai
When in Chiang Mai – treat yourself! I have always loved the Bodhi Serene for its relaxed atmosphere and great location. It might not exactly be a budget option, but a stay here isn’t going to break the bank either! Why not indulge yourself a little and enjoy Chiang Mai to its fullest!
Located in the heart of Chiang Mai’s walled old town, this beautiful boutique hotel is perfect for your city stay. The Bodhi Serene combines the typical northern Thai Lanna style with all modern amenities needed. The rooms are beautifully decorated and come with a private balcony overlooking the lush gardens. Inside, you’ll find all the modern equipment you would expect from a 4-star hotel. While relaxing by the pool, it’s easy to forget that you are right in the heart of the old town. Meanwhile, you’ll find everything Chiang Mai has to offer on your doorstep. The Tha Pae Gate is only a stone throw away and to the famous Night Bazaar, you’ll only walk about 15 minutes.
The relaxed atmosphere, the friendly staff and the perfect location make it the best place to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace. Treat yourself and enjoy Thai hospitality at its finest!
Tree House Hideaway
This hidden gem got me from the moment I saw it! What a stunning place and a great experience staying high up in the Thai jungle!
The Tree House Hideaway is located about 75 km north of Chiang Mai, nestled deep in the jungles bordering the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary. This stunning treehouse overlooks nothing but lush forests and imposing mountains. Everything about the treehouse is natural and fits into the surrounding area like a glove. Your bamboo-walled room overlooking the dense Thai jungle is simply breathtaking. The rooms have no windows installed, so you can fully immerse yourself in nature. At night you have bamboo shutters to keep the night out.
Given its remote location, the Tree House Hideaway only offers a one- or two-night package. The packages include the pick-up and drop off in Chiang Mai, most meals and exciting activities such as jungle trekking in the area, visiting hot springs and mountain caves. En-route to the Tree House Hideaway, you can choose between several activities to stop at before arriving at your home for the night. Additionally, you can treat yourself to a Thai massage in the comfort of your treehouse room. An English speaking guide will be by your side during your stay at the Treehouse Hideaway making sure you have the best time possible. If you want to experience something unique, truly off the beaten track and away from the rest of the world – don’t miss the opportunity to stay at the Treehouse Hideaway.
TIP FROM THE LOCAL - Chai Lai Orchid
Chai Lai Orchid comes highly recommended by our local expert and promises a truly unique experience! Staying at the Chai Lai Orchid is more than just an overnight – it is a once-in-a-lifetime thing!
Situated in Maevang, about 1.5 hours drive South-West of Chiang Mai, the Chai Lai Orchid is a nature resort where elephants and people stay together! The resort is set high on the top of a hill overlooking the local Karen hill tribe village. They have 15 resident elephants living on the premises that roam the area freely. The animals are kept ethically and all interactions with guests are strictly according to animal welfare principles.
The glamping style bungalows are built with love and are entirely made from the materials of their natural surroundings. The thatched roof, bamboo furniture and en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower will make you feel like being one with nature. The common area features the restaurant and bar as well as a large terrace overlooking the valley. Could there be a better way of enjoying your meals than watching elephants only a few metres away peacefully going about their business? I don’t think so!
Staying at the Chai Lai Orchid is not only a fantastic experience but you’ll also support the indigenous communities in several ways. All staff working at the Chai Lai Orchid come from vulnerable local communities. They have been trained in hospitality and other areas to receive professional skills and equal opportunities. The Chai Lai Orchid makes a point of especially supporting women from these minority and refugee communities, providing job- and learning opportunities. This is why about 90% of their leadership is female!
Everything about this place is set up in harmony with nature, the elephants and the local communities. If you would like to support responsible tourism while having an absolutely unique experience – book a few nights at the Chai Lai Orchid!
Chiang Mai - Must Do's
The list of things to do in and around Chiang Mai is sheer endless! Chiang Mai is jam-packed with history and temples that are worth exploring. How best to explore all these highlights? As soon as you get out of the city, adrenaline junkies can fill their boots with jungle trekking, caving, kayaking and river rafting. There are so many national parks and natural highlights in the area worth exploring – you just choose what suits you best. Let me introduce you to some tips from the local and my personal top 10 Must-Do activities!
My personal Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Chiang Mai:
#1 - Explore Chiang Mai by bicycle:
If you are like me, you love a good bicycle tour! Chiang Mai’s city centre has so many highlights worth exploring – why not go by bicycle?! Have a guide take you to the highlights to learn more about the history and significance of the different sights. It’s a great way to get to know the city and maybe make some new friends during your tour.
I have worked with Grasshopper Adventures before, a good company offering several cycling trips in and around Chiang Mai. Apart from your historical city tour, you can also join a foodie tour, explore the city at night or enjoy the Chiang Mai countryside! No better way to experience the area than by bike!
Alternatively, if you prefer to explore Chiang Mai by bike on your own – just rent a bicycle! There are plenty of rental services around the old town! It’s cheap and easy to do!
#2 - Chiang Mai Street Food Tour
You always get to know new cultures best by trying their food! Street food is such an integral part of life in Thailand it’s worth learning more about it. Plus, it is a delicious way of getting to know Chiang Mai!
With Chiang Mai Street Food Tours, you learn more about the culture, traditions and history of Chiang Mai while indulging in some of the best food the city has to offer. There are two tours you can choose from. Option one is to explore Chiang Mai’s old town in the morning and option two is to join the evening market tour.
During your morning tour, you’ll get to try some of Thailands most popular breakfast dishes while weaving your way through the beautiful old town. For lunch, you’ll get to try Khao Soi curry, a typical Northern Thai dish! The evening tour takes you through several evening street food markets. Here, you not only get to taste different Northern Thai delicacies, but you also learn how to order your food in Thai! A fun excursion, filling your belly and your mind!
#3 - Thai Farm Cooking Class
While we are at it – let’s stick to the delicious Thai food, shall we?! It doesn’t matter if you are a wizard around the stove at home or not – you’ll have a great time joining the Thai Farm Cooking Class!
The Thai Farm Cooking School takes place at an organic farm about 17 km outside of Chiang Mai. In the morning you’ll meet the guide and the rest of the group at a central point in the old town. On your way to the farm, you’ll stop at a typical Thai market to shop for some ingredients. Here, you get a great insight not only into traditional Thai cooking but also into typical day to day life. On arrival, you get a tour around the organic farm and pick some of the needed fresh ingredients. Then it’s time to get behind your Wok to start preparing the 6 dishes you’ll be cooking today! Listen well to your cooking instructor because you will eat your own creations later. It’s a fun day with great experiences and some – hopefully – delicious food!
#4 - Doi Suthep Sunrise & Buddhist Experience
One of the must-visit sights in Chiang Mai is the famous Doi Suthep temple towering over the city! At more than 1000 metres high, this stunning temple overlooks the area. Meanwhile, it’s a big tourist attraction Doi Suthep temple is also home to Buddhist monks living here. The website With Locals offers a great Doi Suthep Sunrise tour with a local ex-monk named Kit. He will show you around the temple, explain how the monks live and introduce you to the ritual of giving alms. Getting up early to experience Doi Suthep definitely pays off since you will have the temple almost to yourself! Enjoy the tranquillity with a steaming hot cup of coffee, watching the sunrise over the city.
If you can’t make it for sunrise, Doi Suthep is worth a visit all through the day. Have a look at different tour options on the ‘With Locals’ site or check with your accommodation for other tours.
If you prefer to experience Doi Suthep by yourself, no problem. You can easily arrange one of the local Songtheaw (traditional Northern truck meets share taxi) to drive you up. Otherwise, speak to your accommodation provider to help you arrange transport. It’s easy enough!
#5 - Peruse the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai’s favourite shopping district is Night Bazaar street market, located at the intersection of Chang Khlan and Choi Khro Roads. Thousands of stalls offer anything from clothes, homeware to souvenirs and food. Depending on your shopping skills and suitcase size, you can spend hours here perusing for trash and treasures. Never forget to check out the street food stalls to try out some more typical Northern Thai delicacies. It doesn’t matter if you go here after dinner for a stroll or if it is your main event that night – the Night Bazaar is worth a visit!
#6 - Go out on trendy Nimman Road
So far, we have only talked about the old part of town with its historical city walls and temples. If you want to see what modern Thailand has to offer, spend an evening perusing Nimman Road. The road’s full name is Nimmanahaeminda Road but since it doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, you can just say Nimman. From Suan Dok Gate on the West side of the old town city wall, it’s only about 2 km to the heart of Nimman. Here, you’ll find funky student bars, fashionable restaurants and cafes, boutique hotels and modern shopping malls. There is plenty to discover and a fun experience. If you like some more detailed information on where to go and what to do in the area, click here!
#7 - One Day Jungle or Hill Tribe Trekking Around Chiang Mai
With all that beautiful nature around Chiang Mai, you should spend one day joining a jungle or a hill tribe trek outside the city. The options of tracks and areas are endless, depending on what you are most interested in. The Maevang area west of Chiang Mai is the most popular area for trekking through the hills, visiting the villages of the Karen and Hmong tribes. The jungle treks focus on trekking through national parks, visiting cascading waterfalls and exploring hidden caves. There are plenty of good companies out there offering different trekking options around the area. Some small local companies to check out are Ethnic Hilltribe Eco Trails or Chiang Mai Jungle Trekking, just to name a few.
#8 - One Day Tuk Tuk Adventure
If you have read last weeks post about The Tuk Tuk Club adventures, you can skip this one. If you haven’t read it, let me tell you about this trip in a nutshell. With this trip, you learn how to ride a Tuk Tuk through Chiang Mai’s stunning hinterland. You get picked up from your hotel in the city and get driven out to the Tuk Tuk Club basecamp in Maevang. Here, you get your Tuk Tuk driving lessons. If you are not interested in driving yourself, no problem, you will get a chauffeur. Once you are ready, you start exploring the lesser travelled backroads of Maevang in your Tuk Tuk. You visit an ethical elephant sanctuary, spend time with the animals and enjoy traditional Northern Thai lunch. Afterwards, you go bamboo rafting with a local guide down the jungle rivers. At the end of your adventure, you’ll be driven back to your Chiang Mai hotel. It’s an unforgettable experience showing you the best of what Maevang has to offer! For more detailed information, have a look here!
#9 - TIP FROM THE LOCAL- Explore Pa Pong Piang
If you are an intrepid traveller, the best way to explore the area is with your own wheels – no matter if it’s two or four. Renting a scooter or a car gives you the flexibility to explore this beautiful stretch of land on your own terms!
One of those gems you would be able to discover is Pa Pong Piang, a stunning small valley on the ‘backside’ of Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain. By car or motorbike, it’s a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to get to Ban Pa Pong Piang, the hamlet with the same name as the valley. Especially between June and October, the views over the bright green rice terraces and rolling mountains in the distance are just breathtaking. This is a truly hidden gem, very rarely discovered by non-Thai visitors. You can include a little side trip to Mae Pan waterfall, Chiang Mai’s highest waterfall. A lovely mini-hike through the forest gets you to the waterfall, which cascades down the cliff in two tiers. The drive from Chiang Mai to Pa Pong Piang is already scenic with little to no chances of seeing any other foreign tourists.
#10 - A TIP FROM THE LOCAL - Explore Wat Luang Khun Win
Northern Thailand is a paradise for temple lovers! In Thai, they are called Wat. The reasons why I have stayed mostly away from adding temples to the list is A) staying in Chiang Mai old town you stumble across them B) You easily get templed-out and C) if you see too many it’s not that special anymore. There is however one that comes highly recommended by our local. Wat Luang Khun Win is situated about a 1.5-hour drive outside Chiang Mai. Again, this is for the intrepid traveller, who loves to get out and about independently. The drive to the temple is very scenic, especially the last 30 km take you through a stunning forest albeit bumpy track. This beautiful little temple is tucked away high in the mountains in a forest clearing. The ever hovering mist gives it a mystical atmosphere. If you really want to explore the area far away from any tourist noise, explore this truly local area!
We hope you enjoyed our excursion to Thailand’s beautiful North. There is so much more to discover, but this will have to wait for another time. Hopefully, the tips from our local friends have inspired you to visit Chiang Mai and its stunning hinterland.
With this, we are leaving Northern Thailand and make our way down South again. Join us next week again when we explore a new part of Thailand. The doors will be open soon, so it’s time to get excited!
Have a great week ahead. As always – Like and Subscribe to receive updates!
Until next time!
