Browse: Home / Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai weather >>
Chiang Mai transport>>
Backpacking in Chiang Mai? Compare rates for Thailand travel insurance >>
Pagoda at Doi Inthanon National Park, 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.

Chiang Mai Accommodation

Chiang Mai is full of excellent, good value accommodation. Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, prices remain cheaper than Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Samui. Getting a room shouldn’t be a problem if you haven’t booked in advance, but for Songkran and Loy Krathong accommodation fills up quickly and advance booking is essential.
Search prices and availability for Chiang Mai hotels >>
Boutique Hotels in Chiang Mai >>
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.

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
The abundance of songthaews and tuk-tuks makes getting around Chiang Mai quite easy, so don’t be put off from staying in another part of the city. There are some excellent hotels to the west along Suthep Road (such as the Ayatana Hamlet) and Huay Kaew Road (e.g. the Chiang Mai Orchid). Many of the bigger hotels arrange shuttle services to or from the night market area.
Hotel Review: Ayatana Hamlet & Spa, Chiang Mai >>

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 >>

Chiang Mai Attractions

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai

Temples
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(pictured right) makes for a wonderful short trip out of Chiang Mai and is not to be missed if you’re visiting the area.

Shopping
Temples aside, Chiang Mai is famous for it’s shopping and handicrafts with many tourists heading for the Night Bazaar. A better option in my opinion, is the Sunday walking street market in the old city where a vast array of stalls set up temporary encampment. 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 both recommended for an authentic Thai experience.
photos © thaizer.com

Related Posts