Exploring Chiang Mai in 2024 – An ultimate travel guide

Located in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a captivating city that perfectly combines the old and new. It is known for its ancient temples, vibrant markets, exciting activities, and mouth-watering cuisine. This makes it an excellent tourist destination that offers a unique blend of culture and adventure.

Planning your trip to Chiang Mai

With Chiang Mai’s rich history and stunning natural beauty at your fingertips, it’s crucial to plan your visit carefully keeping everything in mind like how your trip is going to be and things you want to do during your travel. This includes selecting the most suitable time to travel and determining the ideal number of days to indulge in Chiang Mai’s cultural treasures.

The best time to visit

Depending on your preferences, you’ve got two stellar periods to consider when planning your trip to Chiang Mai. The first is from February to July, a time when Chiang Mai comes alive with its dazzling Flower Festival in February. Despite being a bit hot and humid, it’s less rainy, therefore offering you ample opportunity to look into it freely.

Meanwhile, opting for November to March provides a different weather experience. This period gifts you with cool, dry weather, perfect for comfortable sightseeing. Additionally, November’s Loy Krathong lantern festival simply can’t be missed, adding yet another unique factor in determining your travel timeframe.

How to reach Chiang Mai

By air

• Airlines: Several airlines operate direct flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, including Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Bangkok Airways. There are approximately 75 to 80 flights available weekly on this route, with about 43 being direct flights
• Flight Duration: The flight time from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is approximately 1 hour and 10 to 1 hour and 15 minutes

Airports

• Departure: Flights can depart from either Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok.
• Arrival: All flights will arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), which is located just a few kilometres from the city centre

By train

• Departure Station: Trains to Chiang Mai depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (formerly known as Bang Sue Grand Station).
• Travel Time: The journey takes approximately 10 to 13 hours, depending on the train service. The fastest option is Train #7, which completes the trip in about 10 hours and 25 minutes.
• Frequency: Five direct trains are operating daily on this route, with departure times spread throughout the day. The earliest train leaves at 09:05 AM, and the latest at 10:30 PM

Summary of Train Schedule

By bus

• Departure Terminal: Buses to Chiang Mai typically depart from Mochit Bus Terminal (Northern and Northeastern Bus Terminal) in Bangkok.
• Travel Time: The journey takes approximately 9 to 11 hours, depending on traffic and the specific bus service chosen.
• Bus Companies: Several operators provide services on this route, including:
  • Bangkok Busline
  • Budsarakham Tour
  • Nakhonchai Air
  • Sombat Tour
  • Cherdchai Tour

Ticket Information

• Ticket Prices: Fares range from 600 THB to 1,000 THB (approximately $17 to $28), depending on the class of service and bus operator. For example:
  • Standard buses: Around 600-700 THB
  • VIP buses: Approximately 800-1,000 THB, offering more comfort and amenities.
• Booking: Tickets can be purchased at the bus terminal or online through platforms like redBus or 12Go Asia. Book your bus tickets online.

Experiencing Chiang Mai cuisine

Diving into Chiang Mai’s culinary scene takes you on a delicious adventure, filled with flavours, textures and finally, experiences. Let’s look into the signature dishes that northern Thailand, particularly Chiang Mai, has to offer.

Signature Northern Thailand dishes

Khao Soi

First on your list, is Khao Soi. This popular curry noodle soup, liberally peppered with boiled and fried noodles, is adorned with various meats and vegetables. What are your go-to places for this dish? Khao Soi Prince and Khao Soi Islam, are both exceptional.

Sai Oua (Grilled Herb Sausage)

Second, be sure to try Sai Oua. This northern-style sausage is an exquisite blend of ground pork, dried chillies, garlic, shallots, and herbs. Sai Oua gets served grilled, alongside a companion, sticky rice.

Nam Phrik Ong

Another dish to tantalise your taste buds is Nam Phrik Ong. This spicy tomato-based dip, accompanied by crispy pork skin, steamed vegetables, and sticky rice, is a must-try. You’ll find this dish at Sorn Chai restaurant and Midnight Fried Chicken.

Khao Niew Mamuang

Finally, it isn’t a Thai meal if it doesn’t end on a sweet remember. So, round off your food trip with Khao Niew Mamuang. This classic Thai dessert pairs mango with sticky rice, providing an unforgettable sweet finish.

As you travel to Thailand and look into its endless culinary wonders, recall relishing every bite of the unique, complex, and delightful tastes that makeup Chiang Mai cuisine.

Noteworthy attractions in Chiang Mai

A voyage through Chiang Mai’s rich heritage unveils a lively weave of tradition and nature. Look into the old city, visit the grand temples, and soak in the charm of the night bazaars.

Exploring the Old City

Roaming the Old City, you’ll find yourself enclosed by a canal, presenting a frame of ancient city walls. Tiny boutiques, quaint coffee shops, and tranquil temples serve as living history. Chiang Mai’s Old City is an intimate space, boasting 117 of the entire area’s 300 temples. Dotted among these, you’ll find welcoming massage spots to relax and rejuvenate under skilled hands.

An experience in the Old City often draws parallels with the ambience of Strasbourg, embracing a blend of ancient charm and cosmopolitan freedom.

Visiting temples

Getting lost in the spiritual labyrinth of Chiang Mai, you’ll encounter a mosaic of over 300 temples. Upon setting foot inside the Old City, the likes of Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phantao, and Wat Phra Singh unfold before you, each brimming with unique grandeur.

The charm of night bazaars

Immerse yourself in the lively bustle of Chiang Mai’s many night bazaars. Offering a bountiful spread of crafts, local delicacies, and fragrantly sumptuous street food, these bazaars provide an enchanting way to end an eventful day of exploring. The magnetism of local tradition, the exhilarating dance of bargaining, and the kaleidoscope of experiences at these bazaars enhance your travel experience in Thailand.

Chiang Mai beauty

Unveil the true beauty of Thailand by stepping out of the city limits. A variety of exceptional day trips from Chiang Mai cater to various interests and preferences.

1. Doi Inthanon National Park: A 70-kilometer jaunt from Chiang Mai reveals Thailand’s tallest peak, boasting a sky-high height of 8,415 feet. The national park attracts fitness fanatics and nature lovers alike, offering scenic hiking trails and enchanting waterfalls.

2. Ancient City Exploration: Wiang Khun Kam and Wiang Tha Kan: Sheets of history unfold within the 700-year-old ruins of Wiang Khun Kam and Wiang Tha Kan. Your exploration through these ancient cities ushers in a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of Thailand.

3. Huay Teung Tao: Escape the hustle and bustle by retreating to Huay Teung Tao. Soak in the serene beauty surrounding the lake while indulging in some well-deserved relaxation.

4. Sticky Waterfalls: Here’s a unique twist on your usual waterfall visit! Sticky Waterfalls, or Bua Tong Waterfalls, invites you to climb the cascading water without a single slip, thanks to its remarkably sticky surface.

5. Elephant Sanctuaries: Nearby Elephant Sanctuaries grant you the opportunity to partake in ethical elephant interactions. Feed, bathe, and take leisurely walks with these majestic beasts while ensuring their well-being remains an important priority.

Your travels in Thailand won’t be complete without an exploration of Chiang Mai’s neighbouring treasures. Seize the opportunity to create memories that will remain as timeless as the ancient ruins and as captivating as the Thai landscapes.

Rules of conduct in temples

• Adhere to temple customs: Follow the guidelines and conventions of these sacred spaces.
• Respect the monks: Show reverence to the resident monks.
• Dress modestly: Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
• Understand the cultural significance: Appreciate the role of temples in the community.
• Immerse yourself in Buddhist traditions: Gain insights into the religious practices.
• Respect local customs and values: Embrace the Thai culture beyond sightseeing.

Money-saving tips

Budget-friendly travel is achievable in Chiang Mai with judicious planning. These indispensable tips provide solutions to economize your Chiang Mai sojourn:

• Accommodation: Opt for lodgings in the old city. Authenticity intertwines with affordability here, creating an enriching stay at a reduced cost.

• Food: Eating at local markets trumps dining in costly organic restaurants. Your wallet breathes a sigh of relief, and you’re better acquainted with the tradition.

• Transportation: Songthaews (red trucks) represent a cost-effective travel choice at 30 baht ($1 per trip). Alternatively, you could use the Grab rideshare app—it’s a cheaper option than hailing a tuk-tuk.

• ATMs: Drawing cash directly from ATMs ensures favourable exchange rates. Should the machine inquire about conversion rates, a simple “no” is your best response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you haggle in Chiang Mai?

Yes, bargaining is a common practice in Chiang Mai, especially at street markets. Sellers often anticipate customers to negotiate for a better price.

Why should I visit Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai offers a tranquil, culturally rich experience. As the old capital of the Lanna kingdom, it boasts beautiful mountainous landscapes, lush farmlands, and multiple heritage sites.

Is Chiang Mai better than Phuket?

It depends on your personal preferences. Chiang Mai is ideal for those seeking cultural experiences, fresh air, and mountain vistas. Phuket, on the other hand, is perfect for a relaxed beach holiday with tropical cocktails and stunning sunsets in Phuket.

How much for a tuk-tuk in Chiang Mai?

Short trips typically cost around 50-80 baht ($1.41-2.26), while longer rides can cost over 150 baht ($4.24). Tuk-tuks, though smaller, offer a quicker, cost-effective way to navigate through the city traffic.