Its a mellow city in northern Thailand that many people say should be on any Thai itinerary. Discovering the Charm of Chiang Mai: Is it Worth Visiting? We're slowly travelling around the world and exploring the beauty of our planet. I cant say enough about how much we appreciate all the efforts, attention to details and immediate responses to all questions that Albee and her team provided. The Mae Song loop will require around 4 days as well, but of course, then encapsulates Pai. Its one of our favorite cities in the world, along with Istanbul and Melbourne. The body-friendly cool temperature means you can enjoy more hours of fun without getting tired. In terms of popularity, Chiang Mai often wins out over other once-popular destinations like Phuket - here's why. It takes place on the first weekend in February. If Bangkokis the City of Angels, then Chiang Mai is the City of Temples. Her Wanderful World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Chiang Mai is a big global hub, with lots of expats and digital nomads hanging around. So, after wed absorbed all the information at Kanchanaburis Death Railway and Hellfire Pass we jumped onto the bus and headed to Chiang Mai. So, if youre looking for somewhere to throw your arms up and dance through the night, Chiang Mai isnt worth visiting. Its a scenic route that takes you through the picturesque mountains of northern Thailand. Another festival worth mentioning is the Chiang Mai Flower Festival. We don't leave for 9 more months. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel. How many days should you spend in Chiang Mai? Nov 2022. is chiang mai worth visiting? - Thailand Forum - Tripadvisor Chiang Mai boasts a diverse range of fascinating markets, in all shapes and sizes. However, you should consider taking a jacket or sweatshirt because the temperature drops to about 10 degrees after sunset. Both Chiang Mai and Bangkok are incredible world-class cities, but if we had to make a choice, then, well our vote would go to Chiang Mai. Another popular tour is a visit to Chiang Rai. Your personal If the only place you have seen elephants is in movies, then you need to pay Chiang Mai a visit. Chiang Mai has the best elephant sanctuary in the whole of Thailand. The elephants are very big and friendly but please don't ride on one as you can hurt it by doing so and it may become unfriendly at that point. They offer peaceful retreats from Bangkok (which is where Im assuming youre flying into) and although neither has that bohemian vibe Chiang Mai is so famous for, they do offer a great alternative if youre short on time. Lets not even get started on the mango sticky rice! Waterfalls and river activities such as white water rafting are better during the wet season when the rivers fill and the waterfalls become more powerful. MORE DETAILS. Additionally, you can rent a scooter from one of the numerous motorbike rental companies in Chiang Mai. Therefore, to make sure you have the best holiday its crucial you know what to expect from Chaing Mai! From jungle trekking to bathing elephants, and from hiking, rock climbing, white water rafting, and zip-lining to visiting Doi Inthanon National Park, you have a wider range of activities to choose from than in Bangkok. We started our trip in Bangkok, where Mr. Prassert our tour guide, met us. Theres just so much to love about Chiang Mai: its accessible, easy to walk around, laid-back, has a great climate (outside of the smokey season) and again, it has that vibe! The loop begins and ends in Chiang Mai and covers a distance of about 600 kilometres, passing through the provinces of Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai. The temple is located in a national park, so there are various walking trails to explore and some waterfalls you can swim in. Leave all the booking work to us, including international and internal This area had a bunch of apartment-style accommodation and eateries. Its also a favourite amongst nature lovers as there are plenty of national parks, nature activities and hiking routes to enjoy. If youre arriving at the bus terminal instead of your traditional tuk-tuks you might notice the Songthaews. However, its pretty far away from Bangkok and can be expensive and tiring to reach. We choose a selection of dishes and showed how to make them, its incredible how quickly these dishes came together. The Karen Hill Tribes are a group of indigenous people who inhabit the mountainous regions of Thailand and neighbouring countries. Located right next to Wat Chedi Luang is Wat Phan Tao. That said, you do need to still exercise caution when crossing the roadthe traffic in Chiang Mai can get crazy and cars will not stop for you! Although we were able to get some sleep, I would always suggest an overnight journey to save on accommodation costs, it was nowhere near as easy as it used to be. Nimman is where youll find really excellent nightlife. If the skies are clear, youll also be rewarded with great views over the city. Where to Stay in Hanoi: 9 Best Neighborhoods + Hotel Options! Brian and Michelle. Food is cheap here, and we estimated that its cheaper to eat out every meal than to buy groceries and cook dinner. Aside from the historical side of Chiang Mai, the surrounding countryside is stunning and a must-visit with opportunities to visit hot springs, waterfalls and breathtaking panoramic views. One thing Jack and I were really impressed by was how Thailand has been able to develop and grow as a country and yet still remain affordable. For us, this trip was a more laid back, enjoying living like a local in Chiang Mai. Visiting or Living In Bali On A Budget 2023. Its an experience we both enjoyed, although they never turned off the light so pack an eye mask. There are now a number of massage centers in Chiang Mai offering the service. Due to its ranking as one of the most popular tourist spots in Thailand, Chiang Mai is brimming with excellent accommodation options. There are a lot of five-star hotel options within walking distance to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and plenty of hostel for those of you on a tight budget. If you're confused about which temple to visit, or you're not a fan of temples, don't miss the visit to Doi Suthep. Luckily, its also very easy to visit. Chiang Mai didnt disappoint. I will update my review in a few months. Doi Suthep is still a temple, so you will need to dress appropriately (no shorts and shoulders must be covered). It once lasted for over 60 hours in 2016. The parks most popular attraction is the Twin Pagodas, which were built to honour the king and queen of Thailand. Yes. Chiang Rai is close to Chiang Mai, so a trip to Chiang Mai is usually combined with Chiang Rai. The landscape, ethnic villages, and interesting temples in Chiang Rai will show you what northern Thailand is really like. Chiang Rai has three biggest highlights that you cannot experience in other cities in Thailand: Absolutely yes! The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is one of the most popular and vibrant markets in Thailand. From ancient temples, and traditional street markets to quirky cat cafes and stunning scenery, I think Chiang Mai is a place worth visiting in northern Thailand. If youre heading to Thailand anytime soon you may have heard about Chiang Mai. That said, we did visit Chiang Mai in late march and although the scenery was not crystal clear we didnt notice any other effects. It has a culture derived from the Lanna Kingdom with unique traditions. What Are The Negatives Of Chiang Mai Tourism? Reasons Why You Should Visit Chiang Mai Over When traveling domestically, you can get to Chiang Mai via plane, train, and bus. link to Her Wanderful World's Instagram account, link to Her Wanderful World's Facebook account, link to Her Wanderful World's Pinterest account, link to Her Wanderful World's Twitter account, Teaching English Abroad Everything You Need to Know. 60-60/1 Srimongkol Rd, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300. However, its better not to visit during March as its the burning season and the air can become polluted. Trust us, Chiang Mai is worth visiting to learn the skills so you can whip up a delicious pad thai for your friends and family when you get home. 3 September 2021 View Bangkok versus Chiang Mai: the competition is fierce. Youll be able to find budget hostels and apartments, luxury hotels and resorts. Ive started using theWayAway Flight Aggregatorto book as they actuallygive 5% cashback on bookingswhen you joinWayAway Plus. There are a number of restaurants scattered throughout the city, but some of our favorites are Khao Soi Mae Sai and Khao Soi Nimman. first-timer's guide to Chiang Rai Dont get me wrong, Chiang Mai does have a night scene and it can get lively but it pails in comparison to the capital the likes of Phukets Patong and the full moon party. Do you book lots of flights? Chiang Mai is a sprawling city, with pockets of trees and parks making for an incredibly peaceful environment. We have planned the perfect 9 day itinerary to Thailand. The weather in Chiang Mai during the dry season will be sunny, cooler and pleasant with a nice breeze. Wat Chedi Luang dates back to the 15th century and used to be one of the tallest structures in Chiang Mai. If the flight wasn't so long I would visit Southeast Asia more often. Paul, our guide and Chiang Mai was really thoughtful, fun and full of great information about the temples and sights. Highly recommended. If youre not, you might want to reconsider visiting Chiang Mai! Chiang Mai is naturally blessed with a favorable landscape and beautiful vegetation. Even so, youre looking at about 600 Bhat per person one-way. Ive found this one on Get Your Guide, which states: Once arriving at the 1000-year-old forestSpend over 2 hours zipping through the jungleExperience the thrill of riding the worlds longest zip line roller coasterand the rush of flying through treetops on a zip line and seeing breathtaking views of the jungle Ride Thailands longest zip line reaching lengths of 1000 meters. Find out more amazing things about the country and why we think Thailand is worth visiting here. Whats really lovely about this is that you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the nearby pools and take in the stunning natural surroundings, great for those hot days! The route is also dotted with numerous charming villages and towns, each with its own unique culture and attractions. Avoid the weekends! Make sure you keep up to date with current news and travel information and practice safe travelling to ensure you have the safest trip to Chiang Mai. We made a short visit of 5 days, choosing to catch an overnight bus from Kanchanaburi. Try Booking for a huge variety, Agoda for great deals and Hostelworld for budget accommodation! I recommend Asia Highlights to everyone and look forward to using them again on any other trips to Asia in the future. Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. However, we found that if you go for a walk or a short scooter ride, these food trucks and stalls pop up everywhere nightly. Note that cable cars are available to transport you if you cannot bear the hike. It's very much easier to get around and there are a lot of interesting places you can go to on foot. Use this 10% discount code if you want to join! The Ultimate Chiang Mai Travel Guide | Gecko Routes So far, its probably our favourite Southeast Asian destination (although we havent visited them all) in terms of affordability and accessibility. There are bamboo huts right on the water, you can grab some food from one of the many restaurants and now you can even paddleboard on the water! So, I would say if you want a slower pace and more peaceful escape head to Chiang Mai. culture and interacting with local people. planning will be made easy with just one specialist throughout. So we took his advice and bought tickets with a shuttle bus company that does regular Chiang Mai to Pai trips. Comparing flights is so important to get the best deals. The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Adding Chiang Mai would make it very hectic and not do justice to the various Here are some of the best places to stay in Chiang Mai: Book a stay with Chirin Home which has all the modern comforts you could ask for, even a (very small) pool. <<. Visit the White Temple, Chiang Rai (Wat Rong Khun) For most visitors though, the "temple" that tops the Chiang Rai must-see list is Wat Rong Khun (with some visitors even making the journey to see it as a long day trip from Chiang Mai ). Once you get to the mountain, you have to climb over 300 stairs. Its so important to Chiang Mai that theres a very famous Thai saying that if you havent seen the view from Doi Suthep, you havent been to Chiang Mai.. Planning Your Stay In Chiang Mai Whens The Best Time To Visit Chiang Mai? You can have an absolute feast for AUD 20. Chiang Mai, the laid-back capital of Thailands northern region, is a city thats brimming with culture, adventure, and natural beauty. Alternatively, you can use the famous tuk-tuks to get around. We packed hats and sunscreen with us whenever we went out, which were helpful for some of our temple visits. The rest of your time in Chiang Mai will be moving around on daily excursions or possibly multi-day trips. Due to the low cost of living, combined with all of the awesome reasons above, Chiang Mai attracts creative and interesting people from all over the world, who give the city a beautiful, multicultural, and buzzing energy. Its worth weighing the positives and negatives and thinking about what activities you want to do. From my previous visit in 2010, I could clearly see an improvement in infrastructure, such as better roads, accommodation, and transport links. Bella was extremely responsive and helpful!! If you only have a couple of weeks in Thailand, there are other historical places closer to Bangkok which offer a similar experience. Unless of course, you dont want to include any beach time then, Chiang Mai it is! I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. Want to splash out and get a luxury treatment? Based on the reviews, it sounds like POR Thapae Gate is a great location, with friendly and helpful staff, and delicious food which would make a great stay. Is Panama Worth Visiting In 2023? In fact, ethical elephant sanctuaries wouldn't allow this activity. Being places of spiritual worship as well as cultural and community study centers, temples are adorned impressively in Chiang Mai. We really enjoyed staying at the My Chiang Mai Boutique Lodge. This flight path turned out to be a delightful surprise for us! Our recommendation? There are activities which you could still enjoy however I think its likely you would find Chiang Mai boring after a few days. This isn't even up for debate. She was always spot on with figuring out logistics and coming up with unique ideas that suited our interests and schedules. I worked with Alisa and she is fantastic! transportation, visas, hotels, meals, and activities. Would not want to do it any different when we travel to Asia from now on. Its one of the top spots for those backpacking the country with a boho-casual vibe and stunning scenery. Definitely we will approach you again for our next Asian trip. Bangkok is equally a great city with a lot of fun activities to do. I often describe our trip as the trip of a lifetime! All the places we visited in Thailand we considered safe places. One of the most interesting features of this temple is the cave-like tunnels crisscrossing the temple grounds. Many people prefer Pai over Chiang Mai as its much more mellow and so laidback it might fall off the cliff! Doi Suthep is one of Thailands most sacred temples on the mountain overlooking the city. You should too! >> Check Best Prices for My Chiang Mai Boutique Lodge! Chiang Mai Learn how your comment data is processed. A Thai saying goes: "If you haven't tasted khao soi or seen the view from Doi Suthep, you haven't been to Chiang Mai". And, even though Chiang Mai isnt a hidden gem lost in the mountains its still got enough rural entertainment to please the toughest of nature lovers. Its so important to make sure you are covered even if youre on a short trip. If the only place you have seen elephants is in movies, then you need to pay Chiang Mai a visit. During the month of March, the farmers in northern Thailand begin burning their rice fields in preparation for the new growing season. They picked great hotels and tours. Chiang Mai is a fantastic place to visit elephants and something which shouldnt be missed. Chiang Mai is worth visiting, but I wouldnt do so with the expectation that its going to change your life. I had previously been to Chiang Mai back in 2010 and from memory, knew it was somewhere Jack was going to love. travel advisor will always reply within 24 hours. As you walk around youll notice Sinhalese-style stone elephants and mythical creatures guarding the entrances. Since Chaing Mai is quite isolated visiting for three days is also not economical. Do you enjoy nature, wildlife and history? Why you should visit Thailand's Chiang Mai | CNN You should try out the local dishes too they will leave you asking for more. If you love good food, then Chiang Mai is 100% worth visiting. Popular activities include cooking classes, visiting elephant sanctuaries, and a day trip to Chiang Rai and the national parks. The average temperature in Bangkok rises to 32 degrees in some months. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! There are multiple ways to get there. Afterwards, we were taken around said garden and introduced to Thai herbs, spices and vegetables. Located in the heart of Chiang Mai, the temple is famous for its distinctive Lanna-style architecture, which features ornate wooden carvings and intricate details. I believe there are quite a few underlying messages of good and evil, but Ill leave it up to you to make up your own minds. Understand the destinations by practicing the local The park is named after Doi Inthanon, which is the highest mountain in Thailand and stands over 2,500 meters tall. Getting To Pai From Chiang Mai Getting To Chiang Rai From Chiang Mai Final Thoughts About Chiang Mai Why We're Jack and Abi, travel junkies and nature lovers! Foodies will love the market, with a wide range of local delicacies and street food on offer, such as Khao Soi, a popular northern Thai curry noodle dish. Cant wait for the trip. You can read more about our experience and views in our post about visiting Maerim Elephant Sanctuary. Thank you sharon. We take care of all the paperwork while you focus on enjoying the variety of fun activities Chiang Mai has to offer. Web10 Reasons to Visit Chiang Mai. Its got an old-age charm and a laidback hippie vibe which has somehow intermingled with the local Thai culture. There were also not nearly as many stray animals roaming the streets as I was expecting! Nevertheless, just because Jack and I loved Chiang Mai that doesnt mean its worth visiting for everyone. The temples intricate details and beautiful decorations are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the Lanna artisans who built it. This includes visiting the temples, museums and street markets. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. She had a great attitude that made exploring the city fun and exciting, as well as an abundance of knowledge and experience. The sumptuous meal features a mix of chicken, curry broth, soft egg noodles, and spicy coconut milk. Doi Inthanon National Park (entry 300 THB per person) is over 480 sq km and home to numerous waterfalls and hiking trails. The old city of Chiang Mai is surrounded by a moat and is easy to navigate. Note that the second-floor rooms are considerably better than the ground-floor options, so try to seek one of these out if you can. The Yee Peng Lantern Festival is a good one to experience. Chiang Rai is located in the northeast To reach the temple, you need to climb a long staircase that leads up to the entrance. The bad news? 4. Pro tip: if youre really looking for a massage on the cheap, then you cant beat the temple massage. We paid 400 baht per person (about AUD 20) for round trip tickets. The architectural designs of the over 300 temples in Chiang Mai are incredible to behold. This temple is made of silver metals and alloys. If youve come to Phukets international airport youll have to fly if you want to go direct to Chiang Mai as its not economical to do it any other way. From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. India, Nepal, One place we loved was Ayutthaya, which was once the capital of the Siam Kingdom and is overflowing with ancient temples. Guests agree that Hostel One Art and Gallery is beautiful, clean, and comfortable, with great amenities. More details can be found in our privacy policy. <<. Although we didnt get to visit the tribes it would be a great experience to add to your Chiang Mai itinerary. When shes not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. No other city in Thailand offers as many fun activities as Chiang Mai. Below are the top seven reasons you should visit Chiang Mai in 2019. We stayed in an apartment just on the fringe of the city near Nimmanhaemin,heres more on where we stayed. Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai Surroundings & Day Trips Chiang Rai Surroundings & Day Trips. Most holiday-makers will opt to fly to Chiang Mai while the budget-conscious backpacker will either take a bus or train. Chiang Mai is absolutely overflowing Boo! Explore destinations at your own How to Plan an Incredible Family Trip to Japan in 2023/2024. Monica is a very sweet young lady who speaks excellent English via email/WhatsApp, and knows the importance of excellent customer service. Chiang Mais airport is serviced by flights from every other major destination in Thailand as diverse and far apart as Mae Hong Son in the north to Phuket in the south. But please ensure you visit an ethical elephant sanctuary no elephant riding. Thanks so much! Speaking of locals, in some instances tourism has also pushed them out of their homes and communities to make way for hotels and tourist-related activities. Depending on your budget and travel preferences you have a few options to reach Chiang Mai. The temples were designed to represent the dominating kingdoms throughout the centuries. These parks provide a safe haven for elephants that have been abused or injured, and allow visitors to get up close and personal with them. They are known for their unique customs, traditions, and clothing, which are distinct from those of other ethnic groups in the region. Back then, it used to be more for the views, but now its very much a go-with-your-friends and splash-around kind of tourist attraction. 2. Although the city is a lot more developed than it once was, it still preserves the ancient structures that once made it the capital of Lanna Kingdom, which ruled Northern Thailand. Traffic is often at a standstill so many people opt for the Skytrain as a means of transport. Once inside, admire the temples stunning architecture, which features intricate carvings, colourful murals, and exquisite decorations. We were in Chiang Mai for the last two weeks of October, and it was hot. From our time spent in Chiang Mai, I feel its a safe place. Discovering Chiang Mais Rich and Diverse Culture Chiang Mai is a city with a rich and diverse cultural heritage that makes it a unique and fascinating destination for travelers. These are larger taxis with benches inside. I asked my friends Dotti & Zandy at Travel Oasis since theyve spent a lot of time in Chiang Mai over the years and have gotten to know this city very intimately. Is Chiang Mai worth visiting? However, these days, I would say Bali is more popular. October 14, 2022 Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? However, the flights vary in cost and although you can pick up a great deal if youre flexible with your dates you might find a spontaneous trip to Chiang Mai too expensive. Its a hotspot for digital nomads for this reason with many people being able to live for as little as $1,000 dollars a month while still enjoying an active social life. The market is located in the Wua Lai neighbourhood, just south of the old city, and is known for its unique handicrafts and local food. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? - The Bush Camp Chiang Mai First, there are the thick, soft noodles and then the bowl is topped with fried crispy egg noodles. It has a peaceful and serene atmosphere that we absolutely loved and found it to be a popular spot for meditation. If your idea of a good time is visiting mountain temples, eating street food and finding a hole in the wall bubble tea shop than I would say that Chiang Mai is worth visiting. Chiang Mai has some of the best street food in Thailand, with dishes like khao soi costing 25-50 THB and snacks costing 10-20 THB. Most meals at a casual sit-down Thai restaurant cost 80-95 THB. Western food is more expensive, starting around 170-195 THB for a main dish. A burger is 210 THB, pasta is 180-245 THB, and pizza is around 250 THB.
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