CHIANG MAI
Chiang Mai is a land of misty mountains and colorful hill tribes. The temple complex of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of Thailand’s most famous pilgrimage sites. Its Old City area still retains vestiges of walls and moats from its history as a cultural and religious center. It’s also home to hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples. The city is renowned as a centre of Thai handicrafts. Small villages nearby specialize in crafts such as silverwork, wood carving, and making pottery, umbrellas, and lacquerware
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS:
- Wat Phantao
- Doi Suthep
- Wat Phra Lat
- Wat Suan Dok
- Wat Si Suphan
- Wat Lok Moli
- Tha Phae Gate
- Bhubing Palace
- Chiang Mai Zoo
- Wiang Kum Kam
- Wat Chiang Man
- Royal Park Rajapruek
- Lanna Folklife Centre
- Buak Hard Public Park
- Hmong Doi Pui Village
- Chiang Mai Night Safari
- Tha Phae Walking Street
- Wat Phra That Doi Kham
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
- Watchediluang Varaviharn
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Warorot Market (Kad Luang)
- Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
- Wat Umong Suan Putthatham
- Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan
- Wua Lai Walking Street Saturday Market
POPULAR MARKETS:
- Sunday Walking Street (Tha Phae Walking Street): A major event located on Ratchadamnoen Road within the old city, selling a vast array of goods and food.
- Saturday Walking Street (Wua Lai Road): Located on Wua Lai Road, this market specializes in silver handicrafts.
- Jing Jai Market (JJ Market): Known for its vintage, artistic, and sustainable products from local artisans.
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: A classic Thai market on Chang Klan Road offering a mix of souvenirs, clothing, and street food.
- Warorot Market (Kad Luang): A large, traditional market in the Chinatown area known for local produce, spices, textiles, and traditional foods.
- Chamcha Market: A slightly more spacious and relaxed market located outside the city center, offering vintage items, a cafe, and local food.
- Bo Sang Umbrella Village: A village outside of Chiang Mai known for handmade umbrellas and crafts.
- Baan Tawai: A center for woodcarving and other unique handmade wood goods.
- Flower Market: Chiang Mai’s largest flower market, a vibrant place to find local blossoms
CULTURAL & CULINARY EXPERIENCES:
- Temples: Visit historic temples within the Old City like Wat Phra Singh, Wat Lok Moli, and Chedi Luang. Head to the mountaintop Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for spiritual significance and panoramic views.
- Markets: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Sunday Night Market at Tha Phae Walking Street or the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, where you can find handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
- Festivals: Witness the beautiful Yi Peng Lantern Festival, where thousands of sky lanterns are released into the night sky in remembrance of Lord Buddha.
- Lanna Culture: Attend a Khum Khantoke dinner to enjoy traditional northern Thai cuisine, watch traditional dancers perform, and learn about local handicraft-making.
- Cooking Classes: Learn to cook authentic Thai dishes by taking a Thai cooking class from one of the many schools in the city, such as Mama noi Thai Cookery School or Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School.
- Food Tours: Take a Michelin Guide Gastronomic Tour to explore the city’s best restaurants or a food walking tour to discover local street food and delights.
- Coffee Farm Tours: Visit a local coffee farm to learn about the coffee-making process, from picking coffee cherries to making your own souvenirs.
- Local Cuisine: Savor traditional northern Thai dishes at restaurants that offer authentic Lanna-style experiences and cuisine. You can also find excellent vegetarian and vegan options at places like
- Vegetarian Dining: Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant is a popular choice for vegetarian meals, offering a variety of delicious dishes
WHY VISIT:
Chiang Mai for its unique blend of ancient culture and nature, offering stunning temples, vibrant markets, a delicious and diverse food scene, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. As the historical “Capital of North Thailand,” it provides a different experience from the big cities, featuring beautiful mountain landscapes, the opportunity for outdoor adventures, and a rich history rooted in the Lanna Kingdom
HOW TO GET THERE:
Bangkok to Chiang Mai you can take a Bus or Flight.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai you can take a Car/ Van/ Bus.
Phuket to Chiang Mai you can take a Flight.
Krabi to Chiang Mai you can take a Flight
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
November to February (Dry Season): Pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and low humidity make this season perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and visiting temples.
March to May (Hot Season): Still a good time to visit for fewer crowds than the dry season.
June to October (Wet Season): Fewer tourists and lower prices are major advantages.