We fell in love with Chiang Mai, Thailand for a wide variety of reasons. Whether it was the daily dose of delicious food, the walks around fabulous temples, or the drive around the city’s outskirts, we were amazed at all the things to do in this city. And that’s why you’re getting this love-filled Chiang Mai travel guide because we really do have a big soft spot in our hearts for that amazing city.
Chiang Mai Travel Guide
This is part of our series on Thailand Travel and also Southeast Asia Travel. It was originally created on March 25, 2016. It has been maintained and updated (as of December 27, 2018) to reflect current viewpoints and travel trends.
When to Go
Compared to the rest of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai can get quite hot. Much like the rest of the region (and Thailand as a whole), the city’s tourism peaks between October and February. That’s when the weather is at its coolest and driest. You’ll find the best weather during this time of year but also the largest crowds. Many people will also be traveling around the country as a whole for the major holidays, like Songkran and Loy Krathong. If you take a chance and visit Chiang Mai during the wetter months (July to October), you’ll find smaller crowds but heavier rainfall. We did that and had some rain, but also some wonderfully sunny days. Just keep that in mind when you’re picking when you’ll be traveling.
Where to Go
Chiang Mai Points of Interest
One of the best places to visit in Chiang Mai is its Old City, which I recommend if you want to get a good start near the action. Nimman Hyemin is well known as more university-friendly and not too far from everything. The Riverside seemed like the most romantic part of town and was filled with beautiful views of the water. Either way, it’s well known that Chiang Mai hotels subsidize lower prices in the name of booking commission-rich tours for guests. The highlight of our Chiang Mai tour experience involves a fabulous day of playing with elephants (not riding).
The Temples
I truly love Chiang Mai’s more relaxed atmosphere compared to the in-your-face nature of Bangkok. Much of that comes from its over 300 temples, which are hard to avoid. Some of our favorite temples include Wat Chedi Luang (pictured above) and Wat Chiang Man. You’ll see beautiful structures and Thai Buddhist monks walking around. Some temples offer monk chats to spread their message to visitors from all over. My only experience was with a young man inside the Wat Chedi Luang complex. He was considering leaving the faith, due to all the rules he had to follow. Hopefully, he made the best decision and is doing well these days!
Food and Drink
Chiang Mai Food
No matter where you’ve just come from, Northern Thai cuisine puts every previous meal you’ve had to shame. Referring to pineapple fried rice as standard Thai fare does it a bit of disservice, but that’s what happens in this part of the country. Northern Thai food’s distinction comes thanks to geography, as one can find different varieties of vegetables and fruits here. Its proximity to neighboring Myanmar and Laos also help, as I’ll never get over those hearty and delicious bowls of Burmese-influenced Khao Soi that were pretty much a daily requirement.
North Gate Food
After cycling or riding the many Chiang Mai hotspots, our bellies always grumbled for a visit just outside the famed North Gate for food. Following Anthony Bourdain’s lead, we searched out the “Cowgirl” who allowed a photograph after we bought some of her absolutely delicious marinated pork leg with rice and other sides. Thankfully it came in portions that leave enough room in one’s belly for a sampling of the other awesome stalls in the area. I could handle two plates before tapping out but am sure others could withstand a more brutal assault. Come hungry or you’ll be sorry.
Coffee Shops and Co-Working Spaces
As delightful and exciting it is to play with elephants and going for motorbike rides, I’m a writer and have deadlines to meet while traveling. Coffee shops are easy to find and most have Wi-Fi available, as long as you’re buying a coffee or some mango sticky rice. Chiang Mai’s abundance of co-working spaces are worth noting because why wouldn’t you want a place that offers good Wi-Fi, free food and snacks in exchange for a couple of dollars per day? The co-working spaces and cheap cost of living convinced me why so many digital nomads have chosen this city as a base.
Chiang Mai Surroundings
We love Chiang Mai for the comfortable Northern Thai bubble that one could easily get stuck inside. I could spend years exploring all the wonderful places that surround the city. We rode the 760+ curves away to Pai and completely chilled out in that backpacker’s paradise for a while, and probably could’ve just given up on life while there. Having a motorbike opens up a bevy of possibilities when in Chiang Mai. The aforementioned Doi Suthep is a more manageable set of curves up and down a couple of mountains and leads to a beautiful temple and much more if you have enough gas to make it.
More
Our hotel urged us to book a car to reach Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls but after a nerve-wracking ride along highways and country roads, we made it back in one piece and hardly a scratch on the rented scooter. My one regret is the 14-hour Golden Triangle Tour that pushed my exhaustion levels through the roof. Chiang Rai’s White Temple was the one positive takeaway from that day but it’s possible to do that alone. Very few tours are going to be as uplifting as our day at the Elephant Retirement Park, and I’m not the only person to vouch for that type of experience.
Caution
I felt pretty safe in Chiang Mai, but always suggest practicing caution when walking around or if you plan to go out late at night. Also, Bicycle and motorbike rentals loom everywhere but are caution-worthy. If one trusts their hotelier, ask them for help in this area. I mistakenly overpaid for the same crummy bike at an expat-run place with all the fancy signs. It’s not just the foreigners who’ll rip you off but my experience is to go for the place with rickety signs.
Our Thoughts and Yours, Too!
This city’s mix of convenience, atmosphere, and that wonderful food kept us happy and hungry to see more every single day. It’s easy to praise any place that one visits but I’ll probably be on my deathbed raving about this wonderful Northern Thai city. I’ve seen some truly wonderful places in my own country and many others but have to say that I love Chiang Mai more than anywhere else.
Have you ever visited this wonderful city? Do you also love Chiang Mai? What did you think of it? If you’re in the planning stages, where do you plan to go first? I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments section below!
Further Reading
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My husband and i are going back to Chiang Mai in May. We love this place, the people are relaxed and friendly, there is so much to see and do.
My favourite place to go is to see the Karen tribes with their traditional rings around their necks or long ears. The food is spectacular and shopping is cheap. Cant wait to get back. Shame we are only staying 4 nights as part of ohr 3 week tour of Thailand.
Love Chiang Mai. Can’t wait to go back someday. Thanks for commenting, Freda!
I love Chiang Mai. Been there twice for two weeks and it is such a great city with both thai and western atmosphere.
x
I’m hoping to visit Chiang Mai later this year and wasn’t too sure if we’d get time to go here but after reading your post, I’m sorely tempted! It looks like such an idyllic place
I really couldn’t agree more. I know it’s quite touristy these days, but Chaing Mai still feels relaxed! Mostly very friendly people, beautiful temples and bloody fantastic food. I miss it!
I did get the touristy vibe when we were staying there but it was different from the other places we’ve been. Mostly Chinese tourists were there, which was a change from being around lots of westerners. I do miss the food though! Oh man, what I would do for some really good Khao Soi right now:(
I can’t wait to get there!
And I have a question: 1 month in Chiang Mai with trips around the area or 2 weeks there and another 2 weeks in Pai?
What do you think?
Thank you!
Hi Simona, thanks for stopping by! Shew, I wish I had a month in Chiang Mai right now! So I’m a bit jealous of you:)
As for your question, I feel like 2 weeks in Pai might make you restless but it’s up to you. If you’re a person who needs to be on the move, then I say 1 week in Pai will be good for you. It was almost too much for me and there are so many things to say in and around Chiang Mai. I’ve heard wonderful things about Sukhothai as a good stop between CM and Bangkok.
As you can see, there are so many options, huh? I hope that answers it for you. Thanks for commenting and good luck on your trip!
Ah buddy! Thank you so much for including a link to my post on c-working spaces in Chiang Mai! You rock! Have an amazing day 🙂
Thanks for providing the awesome stuff to work with, Tess! I loved the coworking spaces in Chiang Mai and must say they really helped me stay caught up while on the road. Libarista was my favorite and looks like it was yours as well:)
Take care and I hope to stay in touch!
Have not been there yet, but would love to visit some day. These pics are awesome, just one thing I don’t eat pork. You must enjoy your stay and I love reading your posts. I always post them to Facebook for my friends to see in the hope they will also enjoy your readings and decide to visit .
Thank you so much, Gaironesha! I truly appreciate your kind words and don’t worry, I’ve got a couple of postcards in the mail to you after your response to my emails. Hopefully you’ll get to Chiang Mai and see my favorite city someday. Until then, stay in touch and take care.