A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Bangkok may be the capital of Thailand; however, Chiang Mai, a magnificent city in the northern part of Thailand, is often regarded as the “traditional capital.” This former capital of the Lan Na kingdom is replete with numerous important Thai temples, known as Wats, and is situated among the highest mountains in the country.
Known as the ‘Rose of the North’, Chiang Mai is rich in history and surrounded by exquisite architecture. Established over seven centuries ago, Chiang Mai served as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom and is home to more than 300 temples. Its northern location results in cooler temperatures compared to Bangkok or other southern regions, allowing for longer sightseeing activities without excessive fatigue.
Chiang Mai is replete with attractions that captivate visitors for days. However, the city’s allure as a travel destination is significantly augmented by its scenic location. Known as the “Rose of the North,” it is surrounded by lush jungles and expansive rice fields, where cottage craft industries thrive and breathtaking temples beckon. This is a region eagerly awaiting exploration.
If your initial encounter with travel in Thailand involved navigating the traffic in Bangkok, you will be pleasantly surprised by the charm of Chiang Mai. As Thailand’s northern capital, it provides a more serene experience, which becomes evident as you explore this captivating city filled with stupas, monasteries, and vibrant markets.
My initial visit to Chiang Mai occurred in May of 1992. I came to see a high school friend who had married a local individual – a professor at Chiang Mai University. They introduced me to the regional cuisine and their network of friends and family who welcomed me warmly.
Generations of backpackers will tell you that Thailand is a fantastic destination for travelers on a budget. This is especially true for the northern city of Chiang Mai, known for its fusion of modern and traditional cultures. With plenty of affordable options, it’s easy to make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.
Often hailed as Thailand’s “Capital in the North,” the mountainous city of Chiang Mai is an idyllic destination with a plethora of experiences across its rich and varied neighborhoods.
Often packed with as many visitors as there are roadside hawkers, Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most-loved destinations, offering a cool respite from the beaches and busy cities further south.
Chiang Mai’s relaxed atmosphere, affordable lifestyle, and unmatched versatility make it an outstanding vacation spot for families seeking fun, ease, education, and unforgettable moments. Moreover, the city presents numerous opportunities for engaging activities suitable for all ages.
There’s so much more to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s Rose of the North, than first meets the eye. Though firmly on the Thai travel circuit, Chiang Mai often comes in third for visitors determined to see Bangkok before heading south to the tropical islands. Those who trek north, however, are significantly rewarded. Here, countless historic temples, street stalls, jungle-covered hills, artisan workshops, street markets, and more coffee shops than you ever thought were possible are packed into a relatively small area – the Old City is just one square mile.
Nestled into the mountains of northern Thailand, the laid-back city of Chiang Mai has charm to spare. Known for breathtaking landscapes, colorful art and handicrafts, and historic landmarks that befit the ancient capital of the Lanna kingdom, this city is among the most visited destinations in the country.
If your first experience of traveling in Thailand was battling through the traffic in Bangkok, prepare to be pleasantly surprised by Chiang Mai. Thailand’s northern capital offers a calmer experience, as you’ll discover once you start exploring this charming city filled with stupas, monasteries, and vibrant markets.
Many experiences in Chiang Mai are ideal for the budget traveler – grazing on street food, enjoying relaxing traditional Thai massages, sipping red iced tea, and renting a scooter to buzz out to waterfalls and hot springs. However, everyone knows that the best things in life are free. Consequently, Chiang Mai offers a plethora of experiences that cost absolutely nothing at all.
Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Northern Thailand, enchants visitors with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique experiences. Nestled among lush mountains, this city offers both tranquility and adventure, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.
Known for its walled historic centre, buzzy university district, and green countryside dotted with lush waterfalls, serene wát (temples), and peaceful villages, the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai is a popular place to kick back and recharge the batteries. With more than 10 million travellers now descending upon the city every year, making a conscious effort to tread lightly is essential for protecting its charms. From elephant interactions to temple etiquette, here’s how you can support sustainable tourism when you’re in the province of Chiang Mai.
Creamy green curry, fragrantđôm kàhcoconut soup, sizzlingpàt tai, and spicy papaya salad – whatever you prefer, Thai cuisine offers a feast for the stomach and senses. Most Thai dishes incorporate a mélange of vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and spices, along with meat, egg, fish sauce, and oyster sauce. Thus, those following a plant-based diet may need to make special requests or order carefully; fortunately, plenty of places across Thailand cater to vegetarians and vegans. This is especially true in Chiang Mai, where you can find everything from superfood-packed smoothies to meat-free fast food.
Though vastly smaller than Bangkok, a weekend is still nowhere near enough time to discover the full delights of Chiang Mai’s myriad cultural, arty and foodie attractions, especially when trying to soak up the town’s refreshingly laid-back pace of life; but if you have to cram in as much of Thailand’s Rose of the North as possible into just two and a half days, we can help.
Forty-eight hours filled with monks, markets, massages and meals on repeat, here’s our guide for how to spend a perfect weekend in Chiang Mai.
Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kundalini, Yin, restorative, tantric, aerial – you can find all types of yoga in Chiang Mai. (Although there aren’t goat yoga classes…yet.)
You’ve seen the photos: hundreds of floating fire lanterns lighting up the sky as small banana leaf boats with flowers, incense, and candles drift down the rivers. This is Loi Krathong. If Songkran is Thailand’s wildest holiday, Loi Krathong is undoubtedly its most beautiful. Discover where to celebrate Loi Krathong in Chiang Mai and immerse yourself in its charming ambiance.
You’ve spent the perfect day in Chiang Mai discovering glittering wats, savoring your fill ofkôw soy(famous noodle soup) and fitting in a foot massage. As the sun sets, it’s time to figure out what to do for the evening – some live music, perhaps?