Chiang Mai

As the largest and most important cultural centre in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai offers visitors lots of opportunities to see and do unusual things. Visit Chiang Mai for its majestic temples, bustling markets and bazaars, and breathtaking national beauty.

The beauty of the mountains, hill tribe villages, and botanical gardens attracts millions of tourists to Chiang Mai every year. You can also enjoy a Zoo and Aquarium, a nocturnal zoo, and classic Northern Thai temples and architecture which are a Fusion of Lanna, Mon, and Burmese styles.

Getting around the city is easy by walking, biking, or using public transportation. When you travel to Chiang Mai, you’ll find some of Thailand’s greatest cultural treasures, with a more laid-back atmosphere than Bangkok’s.

What to see in Chiang Mai

1. Wat Phra Singh

Amongst the major highlights of Thailand, are the Buddhist temples. Located in Chiang Rai, the northernmost island, the Wat Phra Singh is one of the oldest temples in the country and definitely one of the best Chiang Mai tourist attractions. Located right beneath the viharn, is the gold-plated Pagoda, which is a major highlight of the temple. The white and gold part of the structure of the temple was constructed in 1385. Also, the pure Thai Lanna style antique golden motifs add to the décor of the place and offer a splendid sight.

2. Bo Sang Umbrella Village

Why not relax under the shade of colorful umbrellas at the Bo Sang Umbrella Village? Beautifully painted fans and umbrellas can be found in this village that is renowned for its marvelous handcrafted products. It also boasts magnificent surroundings, which will leave you awestruck! It is among the best places to visit in Chiang Mai if you’re interested in learning about the culture of Thailand and the traditional industries. A string of souvenir shops is also present along with showrooms as well as workshops, where you can shop till you drop.

3. Wiang Kum Kam

Along the Ping River, to the south of Chiang Mai and 5 km away, is the attractive countryside. Located here is one of the most magnificent things to see in Chiang Mai, the ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam, which dates back to the Hariphunchai Kingdom of the 18th century. Interesting things like Mon scriptures on stone tablets, pottery, earthenware, Buddhist scriptures, and architecture are the major attractions of this place. No doubt, it is amongst the popular Chiang Mai points of interest for history buffs.

4. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

Serving as a home to all those elephants who were once labourers to the logging and tourism industry of Thailand, the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is not less than heaven on Earth for these animals. During your trip to the place, you will experience the divine atmosphere in which these elephants live. Your experience will definitely become a memorable one when you reach out to the elephants and spend some time playing with them.

5. Doi Inthanon National Park

This place is a must-visit for adventure lovers. The park forms part of the Doi Inthanon mountain range, a part of the mighty Himalayas. There are many small and big peaks here with heights of about 865m to 2565m above sea level. Doi Intahnon is the tallest mountain in Thailand. 

6. Wat Pa Mai Daeng

Wat Pa Mai Daeng or Wat Phra Chao Phrommaharat is a Buddhist temple located on Amphoe Chai Prakan, 130 kilometers far from the Chiang Mai city. The area is 49 rai large. It assumed that it was established on 1056.

What to eat in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has an abundance of vegetarian eateries, organic juice shops, and lots of international food options.

Perhaps the cheapest and most enjoyable way to experience local food is to eat street food from the many markets and carts. Try the large market area and many carts located along the moat at Chiang Mai Gate in the southeast corner of the city. You'll also find street food all along Moon Muang -- the main road just inside Tapae Gate.

Shopping in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai shopping is more handicraft-oriented than anywhere else in Thailand. The city is encircled by factories and workshops where you can watch craftspeople at work before buying their wares. You can even learning the craft yourself, in some cases. With a visit to such places, you are certain to come away with some really unique souvenirs.

On a regular shopping level, experiences come in a series of shapes and sizes. The city is home to a relatively modest selection of shopping malls, but an impressive choice of markets. There are also many boutiques and gallery-style stores selling art, antiques and handicrafts. The Nimman Road area offers a compact and thorough shopping experience, with the items on offer of consistently good value and quality.

Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is in the cool season between December and February. The sunny, mild and relatively dry weather ensure Chiang Mai tourism packages are at their most costly during this time. If not in the cool season the second best time to visit Chiang Mai would be from June to September during the monsoon months. Due to it being less crowded many discounts are available, and it is easier to cover different attractions. However, do keep mosquito repellent and an umbrella handy if you are going sightseeing in Chiang Mai during the monsoon.

How to Reach Chiang Mai

By Air

Chiang Mai Airport is the only international airport in Chiang Mai which operates both domestic as well as international flights. There are several flights to Chiang Mai from India that can be easily booked through the internet. On reaching the airport, you will have to cover a distance of 3kms to reach the main area of the city. There are several taxis and other local transport systems running between the city and the airport.

By Train

The major station in the province is Chiang Mai station. It is located at a distance of 3 kms from the east of the city. There are no direct trains running from India to Chiang Mai. But there are daily trains that operate from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The train journey is extremely comfortable for families and backpackers who plan to hop from one city to the other. It is advisable to reserve your train tickets much before the boarding day in order to avoid any last-minute hassle.

By Road

There are no direct buses from India to Chiang Mai. However, on reaching Chiang Mai, you will easily find local buses and cabs plying on the road. You can cover the major attractions of the city by taking the buses here. Local buses are available at the Chang Pauk Terminal which offers easy access to other cities and places in the province of Chiang Mai. If you want to travel to cities outside the province, there are buses available at the Chiang Mai Arcade terminal. You can also reach Chiang Mai from Bangkok by road. There are tourist buses that take you to other exotic destinations like Phuket, Pattaya, and Hua Hin.