These are larger taxis with benches inside. Both Chiang Mai and Bangkok are incredible world-class cities, but if we had to make a choice, then, well our vote would go to Chiang Mai. Explore the Numerous Temples. Things to Do in Chiang Mai If in this part of the world again, I will not hesitate to use your services.. Debbie Woods. Note that cable cars are available to transport you if you cannot bear the hike. For that reason, its the most popular area with expats. The best way is to walk around although you can arrange for a tuk-tuk to take you to the sites. We picked up a Grab from the airport which was 215 baht (very expensive but it was a busy time) and would have been better off to hire an airport taxi because they were offering 180-200 baht instead. When is the best month to visit Chiang Mai? Therefore, to make sure you have the best holiday its crucial you know what to expect from Chaing Mai! I mean, if this isnt a great thing to do in Chiang Mai who knows what is? This period is also the peak season which means higher tour and accommodation rates plus more crowds. With no entry fee, and very few crowds, its well worth a visit. Bangkok is equally a great city with a lot of fun activities to do. >> Book Your Doi Suthep and Wat Umong Sunset Tour! Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. How Long Do You Need In Chiang Mai? Inside it had murals depicting western superheroes alongside images of nuclear warfare while outside there are hundreds of outreaching hands coming up from the ground! Comparing flights is so important to get the best deals. Whatever you want in a massage, you can find it in Chiang Mai. Try Booking for a huge variety, Agoda for great deals and Hostelworld for budget accommodation! Chiang Mais airport is serviced by flights from every other major destination in Thailand as diverse and far apart as Mae Hong Son in the north to Phuket in the south. To reach the temple, you need to climb a long staircase that leads up to the entrance. If you are catching the train then I would definitely recommend the sleeper trains. Although, if this is the case then ensure you book a hotel with a swimming pool, it will at least help soothe the reality as much as possible. Doi Inthanon National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful natural wonder located in the mountainous region of Chiang Mai. We're Jack and Abi, travel junkies and nature lovers! From Bangkok, its around 12 hours. Bangkok is a much bigger city than Chiang Mai. Foodies will love the market, with a wide range of local delicacies and street food on offer, such as Khao Soi, a popular northern Thai curry noodle dish. Its a scenic route that takes you through the picturesque mountains of northern Thailand. Her Wanderful World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Warorot Market, also known as Kad Luang, is a bustling indoor and outdoor market located in the heart of Chiang Mai. The average temperature in Bangkok rises to 32 degrees in some months. WebIs Chiang Mai worth visiting? You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld. We spent most of our days exploring this great city by scooter, visiting over a dozen temples and becoming bubble tea experts. Were very grateful to have met her and feel like we have found a friend in Gemma! A friend who travels to Pai frequently suggested that we take a shuttle or city bus. Back then, it used to be more for the views, but now its very much a go-with-your-friends and splash-around kind of tourist attraction. The market is spread over several floors, with a wide range of products. We take care of all the paperwork while you focus on enjoying the variety of fun activities Chiang Mai has to offer. Chiang Mai didnt disappoint. We love being outdoors and saving money while we travel and so this website is aimed at budget travel and adventure! Some of our favorite restaurants include: Its not just the restaurants that make Chiang Mai worth visiting. Unless youre flying, its not easy to reach Chiang Mai! You cannot get tired of the scenery of mountains and bodies of water surrounding Chiang Mai. A visit to Chiang Mai is worth it to sample some of the citys great markets. It's very much easier to get around and there are a lot of interesting places you can go to on foot. On one hand, it is a city that is flooded with culture and Women are not allowed inside. Brian and Michelle. This dynasty reigned for nearly 500 years and it left behind dozens of beautiful temples in its wake. The parks most popular attraction is the Twin Pagodas, which were built to honour the king and queen of Thailand. We want to add She was always spot on with figuring out logistics and coming up with unique ideas that suited our interests and schedules. The market is located in the Wua Lai neighbourhood, just south of the old city, and is known for its unique handicrafts and local food. It is located north of Bangkok at the base of the mountain range, which is home to the highest peak in Thailand, Doi Inthanon. Our day started by visiting the market and purchasing a few ingredients, although many were being grown in the garden attached to the cooking school. Pickpocketing in the more touristy areas, like the street markets and around the walled city is also something to keep an eye out for. But not to worry, we've got it all figured out for you. For example, you could spend 2 days visiting the temples and historical sites and then split the rest of your time between a cooking class, a visit to the national park and a day trip to Chiang Rai. Youll be able to find budget hostels and apartments, luxury hotels and resorts. And both times we've had fantastic vacations. It took us 12 hours to get to Chiang Mai from Kanchanaburi and 10 hours to get from Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya. Absolutely NO! In the end, despite the fact that I changed my mind on location multiple times, I ended up booking a 17 day trip to Thailand for this upcoming November. How Many Days Should You Spend In Chiang Mai? TIP: if you are staying at a proper hotel (unlike us) the shuttle will pick up at your hotel. Plus plenty of bars, clubs and fun spots to drink, however, its not as lively as say Bangkok, which is known for its nightlife. This includes visiting the temples, museums and street markets. If youre spending any time at all in Thailand, be sure to pencil in a visit to Chiang Mai. Although both of them are worth visiting. Its just outside the walled city but still easy to reach and I would certainly suggest adding it to your temple itinerary. Many people prefer Pai over Chiang Mai as its much more mellow and so laidback it might fall off the cliff! If youre not happy to fill your days with activities, Chiang Mai can quickly become boring! Its steeped in history and has a fascinating culture, the architecture is stunning and the Thai people are some of the most friendly and heart-warming people we have ever met. This trendy neighborhood is filled with tons of great restaurants and bars. Chiang Rai VS Chiang Mai Where Should You Go? We packed hats and sunscreen with us whenever we went out, which were helpful for some of our temple visits. Having a scooter is an efficient mode of transport which is great if youre taking day trips further afield to places such as the national park. Thank you sharon. At Asia Highlights, we are dedicated to making your trip a memorable one. Right, now weve established the reasons Chiang Mai might not be worth visiting, let me tell you the reasons it is by going over the best things to do in Chiang Mai. Find out more amazing things about the country and why we think Thailand is worth visiting here. With that in mind, is Chiang Mai really worth visiting? Nov 2022. Elephant sanctuaries are quickly replacing the traditional elephant riding camps as tourists and local communities better understand the horrific conditions the animals are kept under. Where To Stay In Chiang Mai? About the Author: Dotti Mazga is one half of Travel Oasis, a worldwide travel blog focused on outdoor adventures and cultural travels in both common and uncommon destinations. When we arrived, we were met by our guide and all the details were attended to. 2016-2023 Asia Highlights Discovery Your Way! Chiang Mai has a big train station, with trains arriving throughout the day. Its known as the City Of Temples, because, well youve guessed it, its full of temples! We use a variety of companies to find the best deals, and you should too. Adding Chiang Mai would make it very hectic and not do justice to the various In northern Thailand, essentially all roads lead to Chiang Mai, so there will be a bus heading to Chiang Mai from any destination north of Bangkok that you can think of! If youve come to Phukets international airport youll have to fly if you want to go direct to Chiang Mai as its not economical to do it any other way. Doi Suthep Temple is a stunning and iconic temple located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is a laidback hippie town high in the mountains that attracts digital nomads and tourists looking for a peaceful retreat. 2. Doi Suthep is still a temple, so you will need to dress appropriately (no shorts and shoulders must be covered). In fact, the monks are always pleased to converse with visitors. Chiang Mai and Phuket are very different cities with completely different vibes. Theres just so much to love about Chiang Mai: its accessible, easy to walk around, laid-back, has a great climate (outside of the smokey season) and again, it has that vibe! Last Updated On: March 24, 2023 Chiang Mai is a land of misty mountains and colourful hill tribes, a playground for seasoned travellers, a paradise for shoppers and a delight for adventurers. She made sure we were still picked up and escorted to the airport. The winner is Chiang Mai. Its so important to make sure you are covered even if youre on a short trip. Its appropriate to have your shoulders and legs covered when entering a temple. If youre not, If you can get there to practice for a few days then Chiang Mai might be more accessible. What is khao soi you ask? Pixabay Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern The park is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and camping. Want it basic and cheap? The landscapes change from beaches to jungles to mountains and if youre lucky enough to travel from top to toe youll be able to immerse yourself in this evolution. At Asia Highlights, we are committed to providing you a premium, North and south Thailand are very different places. Coming from overseas, youll most likely have a layover before landing at Chiang Mai airport. There are now a number of massage centers in Chiang Mai offering the service. The park is named after Doi Inthanon, which is the highest mountain in Thailand and stands over 2,500 meters tall. Conclusion: Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? It can be a fun and entertaining experience but ensure you get at least the second class ticket if youre travelling through the night. If Bangkokis the City of Angels, then Chiang Mai is the City of Temples. However, ancient carved houses and structures with beautiful ancient architectural designs still remain, preserving its cultural heritage. Thanks so much! The bad news? More details on our scooter hire place below. >> Check Best Prices for Glory Boutique Suites! 7 Days in Hanoi: Spend an Adventurous Week in Northern Vietnam, When I travel internationally, Ill book through. Theyll be impressed! Ultimate Travel Guide to Chiang Mai He was on time and the van was clean and well-maintained. This is the area youre more likely to be centred in although Nimman to the northwest of the walled city is also a popular spot. It is celebrated on April 13th every year. Visiting or Living In Bali On A Budget 2023. Mr. Prassert was our guide for the 4 days we spent in Bangkok. Just check out Amed and Pemuteran. The location is good, the rooms are comfortable and the pool is much appreciated after a long day of sightseeing. Chiang Mai Unless of course, you dont want to include any beach time then, Chiang Mai it is! Contact us now! To get to Huay Teung Tao, drive a scooter, catch a songthaew or hail a Grab (a ride-sharing app). Food is cheap here, and we estimated that its cheaper to eat out every meal than to buy groceries and cook dinner. Even a number of pet-friendly hotels in Chiang Mai if youre travelling with a furry friend! Do you book lots of flights? It's a Beautiful City with a Preserved Cultural Heritage. This, in turn, means busier roads and hectic traffic. Within the old walled city, there are numerous temples to discover, some are small and humble while others are grand and covered in gold. Apr 2023, Peter Bongiovanni, Wat Chedi Luang dates back to the 15th century and used to be one of the tallest structures in Chiang Mai. With so many interesting foreigners and locals hanging around, theres a wealth of meet-ups and activities happening in Chiang Mai that you can get involved in. From our time spent in Chiang Mai, I feel its a safe place. One thing I would keep in mind is that its a good idea to choose somewhere with a pool if your budget permits. That said, we found most of the transport in Thailand to be honest and reliable, unlike those in Nicaragua! In relative terms, Chiang Mai is very affordable. Driving straight through takes 3 hours, but whats the fun in that? We use SKYSCANNER and KAYAK to book and compare flights. What Are The Negatives Of Chiang Mai Tourism? Once you get to the mountain, you have to climb over 300 stairs. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. These festivals, celebrated to mark the new Thai year, are always memorable ones for locals and visitors alike. In December, you can expect pleasant daytime temperatures of around 77F-81F (25C-27C), clear skies, and nights cool enough for a sweater. For international flights, you most likely will be flying into Bangkok. Each time, Alisa provided me an updated itinerary with activities that matched my interests. Q&A Is Chiang Mai worth visiting Is it worth it to go to Chiang Mai? The white temple Wat Rong Khun was really unexpected. Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? - The Bush Camp Chiang Mai So choosing where to go can be overwhelming, these were our favourite temples: Wat Lok Moli is a beautiful and historic Buddhist temple known for its impressive architecture and intricate details, including the stunning red and gold decorations that adorn its white exterior. Its on top of a mountain called Doi Suthep, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. If youre heading to Thailand anytime soon you may have heard about Chiang Mai. Foreign cuisine, such as pizza, zucchini fries, chocolate mousse, and other Asian dishes, is not hard to find. With a massage center seemingly on every block, there are enough places in Chiang Mai that you could spend a year here and still probably try a new one every week. You can read more about our favorite night markets and food guide here. It is the attention to detail and what we specifically wanted to see that made the reservation experience so exciting. From afar, the similarities between these three cities can leave you feeling confused. On temples, there is an etiquette to clothing when visiting all Buddhist temples in Thailand. There are cooking classes if you would like to re-create your favorite meals. If you want to visit Pai, I would add another 2 days to your journey. We really enjoyed staying at the My Chiang Mai Boutique Lodge. If you book your flight tickets in advance you should be able to get great deals! The construction of condos and shopping malls have made life more comfortable for tourists. In terms of popularity, Chiang Mai often wins out over other once-popular destinations like Phuket - here's why. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel. The bus to Chiang Mai is generally the cheapest option but also the most uncomfortable. If youre in Chiang Mai for an extended period of time, visiting the Grand Canyon is a fun time. How Many Days In Chiang Mai Apart from elephants, Chiang Mai is home to many other species of animals. The units at Glory Boutique Suites are excellent, but what really makes it shine is the rooftop pool! However, since Thai culture is what attracts many to Chiang Mai the city has managed to hold onto its traditions. So we took his advice and bought tickets with a shuttle bus company that does regular Chiang Mai to Pai trips. During the festival for Songkran, water is splashed onto friends and family, which often symbolizes a wish for blessings for the new year. With any destination, you can do and see as much or little as you like. Thats a big statement, but still, Chiang Mai is worth visiting to see this very special place. Do you enjoy nature, wildlife and history? The cool season in Chiang Mai lasts from late November to February (favorable for vacations). Days would reach up to 30 degrees Celsius with nights cooling off only slightly. Hmm..tough question. Youll need a whole day to explore the city and maybe another for the best museum. These mostly come from other Asian destinations, like Singapore, Seoul, and Beijing. Nicknamed the "Rose of the North", Chiang Mai features immense greenery and breathtaking architectural structures with designs that are pleasing to the eye. In effect, that can drive up prices and make things harder for locals. Avoid the weekends! One of the most interesting features of this temple is the cave-like tunnels crisscrossing the temple grounds. This human-made reservoir, located only 14 km from Chiang Mais old city, is a great place to chill for the day. So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. 1. Thanks Bella, for being patient explaining everything to me. Another place is Kanchanaburi which offers an insight into the infamous Death Railway. The class itself was very interesting. The great thing about having a scooter is youll have much more freedom to move around at your own pace. Thanks Albee for making our vacation through south east Asia absolutely perfect!!! Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. In fact, ethical elephant sanctuaries wouldn't allow this activity. So, I would say if you want a slower pace and more peaceful escape head to Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai Bali has the beach which is something Chaing Mai is sorely missing, but, Bali also has piles of roadside trash and an endless stream of stray dogs, Chiang Mai does not. The temples were designed to represent the dominating kingdoms throughout the centuries. Well, if you enjoy When were not hanging out in fun cities like Chiang Mai or Istanbul, we love seeking out lesser-known places in the world. Thank you, Albee. Even so, youre looking at about 600 Bhat per person one-way. If you continue browsing, you agree to From jungle trekking to bathing elephants, and from hiking, rock climbing, white water rafting, and zip-lining to visiting Doi Inthanon National Park, you have a wider range of activities to choose from than in Bangkok. One element I enjoyed was making our own pastes for the curries by grinding the ingredients to a pulp. Its got an old-age charm and a laidback hippie vibe which has somehow intermingled with the local Thai culture. Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Art has an incredible amount of positive reviews and it looks beautiful. Remember I said Chiang Mai could get boring Bali is far from boring! is chiang mai worth visiting? - Thailand Forum - Tripadvisor Since Chaing Mai is quite isolated visiting for three days is also not economical. Another festival worth mentioning is the Chiang Mai Flower Festival. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are two different places located 3 hours apart. The buses regularly run direct routes from popular cities including Bangkok, Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya. By the sounds of the reviews, it seems like POR is another great place to stay with great amenities and friendly, helpful staff. The floating houses , railway market and elephant sanctuary were particular favourites.We had one minor glitch with the accommodation in Phuket which was immediately dealt with by Tip. Wat Sri Suphan is quite the sight! Gemma was incredibly generous with her time and even walked us to security at the airport to make sure we could carry all of our luggage. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. After youve eaten all that delicious food, one of the best things you can do in Chiang Mai is to take a cooking class! Pro tip: It can also get very busy, so time your visit: during the day, mid-week is best. The goal is to provide women with professional skills, so they can reintegrate into society successfully and reduce the risk of reoffending. Its within walking distance from the night bazaar and about 2 miles from the bus station. These are ideal if youre visiting areas a little further away however be sure to ask your hotel how much the journey should cost, roughly, and make sure to agree on the price before getting in. But, apart from these facts, there are numerous events and fun activities that can only be enjoyed in Chiang Mai. Each city brings something exciting to the table, so how are visitors to decide (Transportation Guide), Top 17 Foodie Destinations to visit in Southeast Asia, 29 Best Things to do in Hanoi Old Quarter. Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? - akyra Manor Chiang Mai Hotel 3 September 2021 View Bangkok versus Chiang Mai: the competition is fierce. (Expert Advice), How to Plan a 3-Week Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Couples/Family Tour, How to Plan a Thailand and Vietnam Trip (2023/2024), How to Plan a Trip to Southeast Asia 2023/2024. Violent crime is rare in Chiang Mai however there are issues with petty crime. Book your trip with us for a memorable and hassle-free experience. Where Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Wonders: The Top Reasons Why Chiang Mai is Worth Visiting! Yes, it's the biggest city in Northern Thailand and home to wonderful architecture. The monks teach about the principles of Buddhism, give insights into their monastic life, and tell other monastery tales. The stalls sell handmade crafts and textiles to electronics and souvenirs. In the temple, you will see a replica of the Emerald Buddha and also a white elephant shrine. Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself before booking a holiday to Chiang Mai: I want to dig a little deeper into the above questions because how you answered them can determine if Chiang Mai is right for you. On a trip to Chiang Mai, the curious traveller can expand their horizons with Thai massage and cooking courses. Would definitely use them again when we come back to Asia, Asia Highlights is very reliable agency and Albee is an amazing representative of the company. This doesnt include travel time! The route is also dotted with numerous charming villages and towns, each with its own unique culture and attractions.
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