3 September 2021 View Bangkok versus Chiang Mai: the competition is fierce. I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . Comparing flights is so important to get the best deals. We had to put down a deposit of 1,000 baht. We stayed in an apartment just on the fringe of the city near Nimmanhaemin,heres more on where we stayed.
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. Were not a fan of these sorts of excursions preferring to go at it alone but we simply did not have the time, so off we went on a group tour. Based on the reviews, it sounds like POR Thapae Gate is a great location, with friendly and helpful staff, and delicious food which would make a great stay. Its worth considering your activities in Chiang Mai as some may be better during the wet season. The coffee beans are sourced directly from coffee farmers residing on the mountains so you can enjoy freshly made coffee from freshly harvested coffee beans. 3. The smoke pollutes the air and can cause some issues for tourists taking in the views. Although we didnt get to visit the tribes it would be a great experience to add to your Chiang Mai itinerary. So yes. Chiang Mai is worth visiting just to eat khao soi, arguably Thailands greatest food and typically only found in northern Thailand. Even a number of pet-friendly hotels in Chiang Mai if youre travelling with a furry friend! Although not a temple the Three Kings Monument is a popular tourist attraction located in the heart of Chiang Mai. Cooking classes have quickly become one of the citys most popular activities and there are dozens of schools offering classes. That said, Bali does have an edge that Chiang Mai is missing. More details can be found in our privacy policy. This dynasty reigned for nearly 500 years and it left behind dozens of beautiful temples in its wake. Chiang Mai is absolutely overflowing A visit to Chiang Mai is worth it to sample some of the citys great markets. Note that the second-floor rooms are considerably better than the ground-floor options, so try to seek one of these out if you can. We flew in from Denpasar (Indonesia) and decided to fly to Chiang Mai first instead of stopping in Bangkok. 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. From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. Theyre basic as hell (think mats lining the floor and multiple people in the same room), but theyre are about as cheap as you can find them usually, around 150 THB ($5 USD) per hour. Traffic is often at a standstill so many people opt for the Skytrain as a means of transport. So we would recommend getting out at night, besides its slightly cooler (only just.). Bangkok is a much bigger city than Chiang Mai. They didnt hate it, but ultimately they said they should have booked a shorter trip and split their time better between the north and south of Thailand. Theres also the issue of resources with more people around, some poorer areas might struggle with accessing enough water, food, and energy. Asia Highlights uses cookies to give you the best possible service. (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. There was more activity at night than during the day, with families going out to the night markets to enjoy dinner. (+ 13 Things To Do).
Chiang Mai Are you thinking of chilling out in Chiang Mai? We were in Chiang Mai for the last two weeks of October, and it was hot. You don't want to sit in a taxi during a traffic standstill in Bangkok. (Transportation Guide), Top 17 Foodie Destinations to visit in Southeast Asia, 29 Best Things to do in Hanoi Old Quarter. Visiting or Living In Bali On A Budget 2023. 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. First, there are the thick, soft noodles and then the bowl is topped with fried crispy egg noodles. This area had a bunch of apartment-style accommodation and eateries. Leave us your email to receive new posts, tips, and the latest travel news! He was on time and the van was clean and well-maintained. The body-friendly cool temperature means you can enjoy more hours of fun without getting tired. Khao soi is a delight! So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. Dinner for two (about three dishes) can cost from 120-180 baht (AUD 6-9). The route is also dotted with numerous charming villages and towns, each with its own unique culture and attractions. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. If youre in Chiang Mai for an extended period of time, visiting the Grand Canyon is a fun time. The beloved hippie vibes are perfect for those of you seeking a slower pace away from the crowds of Thailands capital. Bangkok is equally a great city with a lot of fun activities to do. I was planning my honeymoon trip, and I changed the destination multiple times. Within the old walled city, there are numerous temples to discover, some are small and humble while others are grand and covered in gold. It took us 12 hours to get to Chiang Mai from Kanchanaburi and 10 hours to get from Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya. 6-Day Bangkok and Chiang Mai Highlights Tour. Khao soi is a classic northern Thai dish that you can get anywhere in the city. In December, you can expect pleasant daytime temperatures of around 77F-81F (25C-27C), clear skies, and nights cool enough for a sweater. However, we found that if you go for a walk or a short scooter ride, these food trucks and stalls pop up everywhere nightly. 1. We visited the Womens Massage Center by Ex-Prisoners. Pro tip: if youre really looking for a massage on the cheap, then you cant beat the temple massage. Its the abundance of fresh produce that can be found all over the city, plus the juice and smoothie bars. Sharon from Asia highlights has been amazing. >> Check Best Prices for Pao Come Boutique House! Cant wait for the trip. Speaking of locals, in some instances tourism has also pushed them out of their homes and communities to make way for hotels and tourist-related activities. If youve never ridden a scooter before, Chiang Mai might not be the best place to start however the nearby town of Pai is. Check out my travel resources to get started on planning your trip! These mostly come from other Asian destinations, like Singapore, Seoul, and Beijing. Note that cable cars are available to transport you if you cannot bear the hike. 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. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. I mean, if this isnt a great thing to do in Chiang Mai who knows what is? While the temples of the old city, the height of Doi Suthep and the many waterfalls around the city are charming, it also tends to be fully of tourists, and overpriced compared to the rest of Thailand. Where to Stay in Hanoi: 9 Best Neighborhoods + Hotel Options! I just want to note here, that journey was terribly uncomfortable! The location is good, the rooms are comfortable and the pool is much appreciated after a long day of sightseeing. Another interesting element of Wat Phantao is that it was once a royal palace before being converted into a temple. In terms of popularity, Chiang Mai often wins out over other once-popular destinations like Phuket - here's why. The Karen Hill Tribes are a group of indigenous people who inhabit the mountainous regions of Thailand and neighbouring countries. The average temperature in Bangkok rises to 32 degrees in some months. For more information, check out my travel resources page. Find out more amazing things about the country and why we think Thailand is worth visiting here. 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. Thanks so much! Unless youre flying, its not easy to reach Chiang Mai! Chiang Mai is absolutely overflowing with beautiful temples, and this alone makes Chiang Mai worth visiting. We did not have to give up our passports, which we heard some places require, however, we did send them photos of our passports for reference. From Bangkok, its around 12 hours. If you only have a couple of weeks in Thailand, there are other historical places closer to Bangkok which offer a similar experience. Is Chiang Mai worth visiting? Days would reach up to 30 degrees Celsius with nights cooling off only slightly. One of the highlights of the market is the flower market, where you can find a beautiful display of fresh flowers and ornamental plants! We spent most of our days exploring this great city by scooter, visiting over a dozen temples and becoming bubble tea experts.
Reasons Why You Should Visit Chiang Mai Over We want to add Want to splash out and get a luxury treatment? Thank you, Albee. All the places we visited in Thailand we considered safe places. You'll find coffee shops on virtually every corner within the city so pop into one to enjoy a drink! The old city of Chiang Mai is surrounded by a moat and is easy to navigate. The Mae Song loop will require around 4 days as well, but of course, then encapsulates Pai. Whats particularly great about Chiang Mais massage scene is the increasingly popular, social justice-oriented massages done by ex-prisoners. Would not want to do it any different when we travel to Asia from now on. pace. Theyll be impressed! The wonderful thing about Chiang Mai is that it has a story. A friend who travels to Pai frequently suggested that we take a shuttle or city bus. Well, if you enjoy Unless of course, you dont want to include any beach time then, Chiang Mai it is! The two could not be more different which makes it hard to determine which is better.If youre a sun-worshipping, beach-loving social butterfly then its more likely youll enjoy Phuket most, however, if you prefer a slower pace of life and nature activities then Chiang Mai is for you. Youll still be able to find waterfalls and take a refreshing dip in the plunge pools! There are cooking classes if you would like to re-create your favorite meals. Another great company to use to get around Indonesia is 12Go. If the skies are clear, youll also be rewarded with great views over the city. Located in the heart of Chiang Mai, the temple is famous for its distinctive Lanna-style architecture, which features ornate wooden carvings and intricate details. Dont miss Nam Tok Mae Sa, a tiered waterfall great for swimming. India, Nepal,
Dottis massage was fantastic and Zandys was good (but not great). However, if youre expecting a hip and happening place, Chiang Mai is not it. >> Check Best Prices for My Chiang Mai Boutique Lodge! Remember the first itinerary is a rough draft and you may modify it to suit your tastes. Once you get to the mountain, you have to climb over 300 stairs. 9 minutes reading time Thailand Chiang Mai is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Thailand. Lets not even get started on the mango sticky rice! Wat Umong is a beautiful 700-year-old temple set in a secluded, forested location away from the city. It is a 3-day celebration filled with beauty pageants, ceremonies, and gardens filled with locally bred flowers. Getting To Pai From Chiang Mai Getting To Chiang Rai From Chiang Mai Final Thoughts About Chiang Mai Why 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. Nimman is where youll find really excellent nightlife. You'll be amazed when you reach the top of the mountain. However, there was one mention of the walls being thin and noise from other guests was heard, Double rooms from 179 (Ive seen rates as low as 69). You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld. 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. Youll be able to find a wide range of local fruits and vegetables, such as durian, mangoes, lychees, and dragon fruit, as well as herbs, spices, and other cooking ingredients. >> Check Best Prices for Glory Boutique Suites! Its just outside the walled city but still easy to reach and I would certainly suggest adding it to your temple itinerary. There are of course always precautions you should take while travelling no matter where you go. Wat Phra Sing is the most popular temple in the city because it holds Chiang Mais most important Buddha image, the Lion Buddha. Albee went above and beyond to make our trip perfect. Is Panama Worth Visiting In 2023? It was damaged by an earthquake in the 16th century, but its still very beautiful and also holds the claim to fame for once housing the jade Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha), which is now found in the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . The loop begins and ends in Chiang Mai and covers a distance of about 600 kilometres, passing through the provinces of Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai. December is the best time to visit Chiang Mai. Although this is a blessing for many it can be a curse for others. However, its pretty far away from Bangkok and can be expensive and tiring to reach. During a visit to Chiang Mai youll be able to interact with elephants, take a famous Thai cooking class and enjoy scenic views of the stunning landscape. They are surely a sight to behold! Doi Suthep Temple is a stunning and iconic temple located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Sure thing. Pixabay Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Chiang Mai is unique because everyone loves it. 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. Yes. Chiang Rai is close to Chiang Mai, so a trip to Chiang Mai is usually combined with Chiang Rai. The landscape, ethnic villages, and interesting temples in Chiang Rai will show you what northern Thailand is really like. Chiang Rai has three biggest highlights that you cannot experience in other cities in Thailand:
Lets talk about the best things to do, restaurants, where to stay, and more for your three days exploring my personal favorite city! 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. If Bangkokis the City of Angels, then Chiang Mai is the City of Temples. Brian and Michelle. The sumptuous meal features a mix of chicken, curry broth, soft egg noodles, and spicy coconut milk. But, apart from these facts, there are numerous events and fun activities that can only be enjoyed in Chiang Mai. <<. Thousands of lit lanterns are released into the sky, which symbolizes letting go of misfortune. This can be a problem for beach lovers. Youll likely get a sore bum and if the roads are not smooth it will be a bumpy journey too. We actually stayed in a wonderful hostel, which Ill recommend below but it didnt have a pool. Check out more Chiang Mai cooking classes! What is khao soi you ask? Popular activities include cooking classes, visiting elephant sanctuaries, and a day trip to Chiang Rai and the national parks. The market is spread over several floors, with a wide range of products. Another place is Kanchanaburi which offers an insight into the infamous Death Railway. If you continue browsing, you agree to
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 will allow a few days to explore the city and another few days to explore outside of the city. Six Reasons You Should Be Sure To Visit Are you planning to travel to Thailand in the near future? You can read more about our experience and views in our post about visiting Maerim Elephant Sanctuary. Srithana Condo 2 Siri Mangkalajarn Rd Lane 1, Suthep, Mueang, Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Your email address will not be published. Doi Suthep is one of Thailands most sacred temples on the mountain overlooking the city. The market is held every Saturday evening, and the main street is closed off to traffic to make way for the stalls and vendors. I had previously been to Chiang Mai back in 2010 and from memory, knew it was somewhere Jack was going to love. Leave all the booking work to us, including international and internal
The quickest way to get to Chiang Mai is to fly. Bucket List Worthy: Is Grand Canyon, Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey your dates, your destinations, at your pace.
Days In Chiang Mai Itinerary Opposite the Three King Monument, youll find the Lanna Folklife Museum. Transport was always ready for us at the agreed time and the drivers were excellent.There were so many highlights enjoyed by all the age groups. Doi Inthanon National Park (entry 300 THB per person) is over 480 sq km and home to numerous waterfalls and hiking trails. If you love being close to nature, then Chiang Mai is the place to be. Weve stayed at Pao Come Boutique House a couple of times and have really loved it. Apart from elephants, Chiang Mai is home to many other species of animals. Violent crime is rare in Chiang Mai however there are issues with petty crime. Its also a favourite amongst nature lovers as there are plenty of national parks, nature activities and hiking routes to enjoy. You get youre own bunk (with a curtain) pillow and blanket. Aside from the historical side of Chiang Mai, the surrounding countryside is stunning and a must-visit with opportunities to visit hot springs, waterfalls and breathtaking panoramic views.