Known as “the Rose of the North”, Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of Thailand, calling tourists in to enjoy the pleasant Thai way of life amidst nature’s bliss. Steeped in history and surrounded by incredible architecture, this city strikes a fine balance between the traditional and the contemporary.

Check out the fabulous attractions of Chiang Mai that must be in your itinerary for your next trip to Thailand.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

A sacred site for the Thais, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a mountainous temple in the city. Tourists can reach this temple by hiking up the Doi Suthep Mountain, hopping into a songthaew or renting a motorbike. The major highlight of the temple is seven-headed serpent statues lining up the stairs to the temple and a much-revered seated Buddha at the central shrine.

Elephant Nature Park

While Thailand has several elephant camps, Chiang Mai is home to the largest number of domesticated elephants. Situated north of the city, Elephant Nature Park is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre where visitors can enjoy sighting the large animal from close by. It was founded in 1995 and is home to more than 35 elephants, most of which have been saved from the illegal logging industries. You can either visit the premises during the day and can either have an overnight stay at its newly renovated accommodation.

Night Bazaar

Chiang Mai is a shopper’s heaven and the city’s famous Night Bazaar is an ideal shopping spot for all the bargain lovers. This bazaar is home to numerous stalls spreading all across the street and selling everything you can think of, from clothes, jewellery and footwear to carvings, furniture and houseware. The handmade Thai silk clothes are perhaps the major highlight of this bustling and colourful market.

Doi Pui

A Hmong tribal village, situated in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Doi Pui offers tourists an insight into the lifestyle of Thai tribes. Lying at the top of Doi Suthep, a 1676 metre high mountain, it is an ideal spot for trekking and revelling in the picturesque beauty of nature. Here, tourists can explore incredible wildlife, a beautiful garden, an ancient museum and many tribal houses. Besides, they can enjoy lunch at one of many small restaurants, and shop for hand-made jewellery, hand-woven textiles, tea and other goods at the shops.

Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls

Made of limestone and mineral deposits, Bua Thong Waterfall is a small and beautiful, multi-tiered waterfall visited by a number of tourists from different parts of the world. It is called “the sticky waterfall” because of the limestone floating in the water and making the rock non-slippery. Tourists can easily climb up the waterfall to the top. Besides, there is a picnic spot and a few restaurants at the entrance of the falls, allowing you to spend a fun-filled day with family and friends.

Chiang Mai is the largest and one of the most culturally rich cities in Northern Thailand. The wide range of attractions and warm welcoming hospitality wins one over in no time! Sounds interesting? Perhaps, you would like to know a bit more about the destination. So, here goes.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is between October and April. The weather during these months is cool and pleasant with light breeze flowing simultaneously. This is the peak tourist season! For outdoor activities, the period between November and February is believed to be the ideal time. Monsoon arrives in the month of June and lasts till October.

Food

Many delights await foodies by way of delectable preparations such as Khao Soi, Khan Toke, Sai Oua, Gaeng Hang Lay, Miang Kham, and Gaeng Hoh. They are truly lip-smacking and are created in an interesting manner. People who love to cook must try observing the preparations. They’ll be amazed, undoubtedly! Restaurants that have made a mark here include David’s Kitchen, Favola, Le Grand Lanna, Farang Ses and many others!

Accommodation Options

You can choose your accommodation according to your budget. Dorm rooms and hostels are relatively inexpensive. Most of them are located within the older part of the city. As expected, budget hotels are slightly costlier than hostels. Service apartments are offered by certain commercial brands (Airbnb). Luxury travellers can opt for sophisticated hotels such as Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, Shangri-La Hotel, Rachamankha, and Four Seasons Resort.

Public Transportation

Elaborating on public transportation, the city transport is dominated by red minibuses known as songthaews. They are tourist friendly and found everywhere! Tuk-tuks (tempos) are also available in every vibrant corner. Haggling skills can come in handy, while negotiating fares! Scooters can be hired for discovering places with absolute freedom. You also may want to consider taxis for your trip from the airport to the hotel!

Places of Interest and Activities

Chiang Mai is a precious gem waiting to be explored by countless travellers! Some of its prominent hotspots are Doi Pui, Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon, and Chiang Mai Gate Market. Prospective visitors should check out the opening and closing times. Thrill seekers can participate in activities such as morning Buddhist almsgiving, city tours, elephant experience, and sampling the delicious Khantoke dinner.

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand located amidst a stunning natural backdrop of spectacular mountains, lush greenery, cascading streams and charming hill tribes.

An important cultural hub in Thailand, the city is full of historical temples, street markets and lovely restaurants serving delectable cuisine. Take a look at some of the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

Visit Historical Temples

Chiang Mai is home to numerous historical temples, which reflect ancient architecture and designs. Visit the revered Wat Pra Singh of the Lion Buddha fame and the tall Wat Chedi Luang that once housed the Emerald Buddha. Also visit the Doi Suthep located near the top of a mountain and the magnificent pure White Temple.

Chat With a Monk

Some temples or wats of Chiang Mai offer a unique experience – a ‘Monk Chat’ programme. One may chat with the monks and use this opportunity to learn about their lifestyle, beliefs or Buddhism. A couple of such temples are the Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Suan Dok.

Experience Wildlife

Blessed with raw natural beauty, Chiang Mai has many places where wild animals can be seen at close quarters. Visit Chiang Mai Zoo to see penguins and pandas, Mae Sa Elephant Camp to see elephants doing circus acts in the vast lands and the night zoo Chiang Mai Night Safari.

Trek to Tribal Villages

Visit the village of Mae Klang Luang, which is a popular tourist attraction and provides an insight into local tribal life. Explore the lives of more exotic tribal communities by visiting the Hmong Tribal Village and the Padung Village. The latter is home to the ‘Long Neck Karen’ ethnic hill-tribe.

Hire Floating Houses

Spend a day or at least a night at the Eakachai Houseboat, or the floating houses, at Mae Ngat Dam. These are like small bungalow-shaped houseboats on water and can be reached only by long-tail boats. Relax on the deck or dive and swim in the dam waters – have a serene experience in the peaceful environs!

Visit the Local Markets

Chiang Mai has numerous bustling local markets offering a variety of essentials as well as knick-knacks and foot massages at reasonable prices. Some of these popular markets are Chiang Mai Gate Market, Sunday Walking Street or the Night Bazaar.

Learn Local Skills

Chiang Mai has a fantastic vacation learning scene for travellers – cooking classes, massage schools and even Thai language classes. There is a plethora of schools offering such short courses at reasonable rates to tourists here.