Chiang Mai

Founded in 1296 by King Mengrai, Chiang Mai (translation = New City) is the largest city in the north of Thailand and is a distinct contrast to Bangkok. The climate is less humid, the pace less frenetic and the city easier to navigate than the Thai capital. Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loy Krathong (celebrating the end of the rainy season) are celebrated nationwide, but there aren’t many better places than Chiang Mai to witness them. There are also numerous other local festivals celebrated with great enthusiasm in Chiang Mai which has gained the nickname of ‘Rose of the North.’ Chiang Mai is 750km (470 miles) north of Bangkok. Journey times are 1 hour by air, 11 hours by bus and 13 hours by train. Located in a valley, Chiang Mai is 310m (1,000 feet above sea level) and is surrounded by hills and mountains including Doi Inthanon which at 2565m is the highest peak in Thailand.

What to See

If temples are your thing, then Chiang Mai is the place for you. Within the old city alone, there are over 30 temples, the most famous probably being Wat Phra Singh. The old city is a lovely place to walk or bicycle around, wander in and out of the sois and generally laze away the day. The holiest temple of the area (and the north of Thailand as a whole) is situated high on a hillside overlooking the city. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep makes for a wonderful short trip out of Chiang Mai and is not to be missed if you’re visiting the area. A short distance away from Doi Suthep are the beautiful royal gardens at Bhuping Palace whilst the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens are also recommended.

What to Do

Chiang Mai regularly features in lists detailing the best cities in Asia to visit and is one of those places that has a great vibe that can be difficult to explain to people who haven’t yet been. There is a thriving music scene with jazz, blues and traditional Thai music all well represented. Arts and culture are prominent in the city and there are countless restaurants and local stalls serving up delicious and inexpensive Thai food including local specialities like khao soi. The surrounding countryside is fantastic for outdoors adventures such as elephant rides, trekking, rafting and mountain-biking. You could take in a river cruise along the Ping River or dine out at a khan toke dinner show. Chiang Mai is also famous for its shopping and handicrafts with many tourists heading for the Night Bazaar. A better option in my opinion, is the excellent Sunday Walking Street Market in Chiang Mai’s old town district where a vast array of stalls set up temporary encampment every Sunday. You’ll find far more local people here and I find the atmosphere is more relaxed and enjoyable than the Night Bazaar. Warorot and Lam Yai market are also worth a visit for an authentic Thai experience.

Where to Stay

Chiang Mai is full of excellent, good value accommodation. Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, you generally get more for your money compared to Bangkok, Phuket or Ko Samui. Getting a room shouldn’t be a problem if you haven’t booked in advance, but for Songkran and Loy Krathong hotels and guest-houses tend to fill up quickly and advance booking is recommended. Visitors should note that Chiang Mai is name to both the city and the province so be careful when booking accommodation to ensure you actually get what you want. I’ve listed some areas below to help you decide the best location for your stay depending on your individual requirements.
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Boutique Hotels in Chiang Mai »

The Old City
The area of the old city is quite distinct, being surrounded by the remains of the old city walls and the moats. There is an abundance of guest houses dotted amongst the sois (lanes) of the old town, with the heaviest concentration being around the Thapae Gate area which is very popular with backpackers and independent travellers. There are also some pleasant mid-range boutique hotels in the old city of Chiang Mai as well as top class places like the Rachamankha.

Downtown Area
The night bazaar area is considered by most visitors and residents to be the downtown area of Chiang Mai with plenty of activity during the day and night. This area has the old town to the west and is bordered by the Ping River to the east. Much of the accommodation here is mid-high range with less emphasis on budget travellers. The night bazaar itself sprawls along Chang Klan Road whilst Loi Kroh Road houses a number of bars.
Boutique hotels in downtown Chiang Mai »

Other Areas of the City
There are some excellent hotels to the west along Suthep Road, such as the Ayatana Hamlet & Spa. Another decent location is Huay Kaew Road with hotels like the Chiang Mai Orchid. If you are staying a bit further away from the downtown district, many of the bigger hotels arrange free shuttle services to or from the Night Bazaar area.

Chiang Mai Province
There are some lovely resorts and hotels situated in the valley of Mae Rim and Mae Sa to the north of the city. These are ideal for those seeking to enjoy the countryside, but there is limited public transport to or from the city in the evening.
Boutique hotels in the Chiang Mai countryside »

Transport

An abundance of songthaews and tuk-tuks make getting around Chiang Mai relatively easy although you may have to negotiate fares. The international airport is only a ten minute car journey away from the Old Town and the city is also served by the railway which links to Bangkok. Local and inter-city bus services connect to the Thai capital as well as other popular northern Thailand locations such as Chiang Rai and Pai.
Detailed information on Chiang Mai transport options »