Chiang Mai is the entrance to the northern highlands of Thailand. Only a few choose to head north when in Thailand. It is the go-to destination in Thailand in the winter months and during Loi Krathong.

It was after a year of living in Thailand that I chose to visit Chiang Mai myself. It is now the most significant cosmopolitan in north Thailand.

What's So Good About Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai was always popular with the residents. Thai natives like to check out Chiang Mai for the chance to spend time in the mountainous regions up north. It is the option of location for a break from the heat and an opportunity to enjoy cooler weather condition, which in Thailand is unusual.

It has actually particularly been popular with digital nomads in current years. Chiang Mai is far cheaper than Bangkok in the cost of living. And it has all the glamour and glamour for an enjoyable night out. As the expat community grew, there came much better cafes and shared work areas. It became a backpacker's paradise. However in a twist of events, expats unexpectedly disappeared and tourism fell. The reason for that is a matter of long conversation.

As I stated previously, the weather is very essential to your check out to Chiang Mai Good timing will give you sweet memories; a bad one might suffocate you.

Best time (December-- January): The best, the absolute finest time is the peak winter season. FYI, there are no winter seasons in Thailand. It can drop further to 4 ⁰ C or less in the hills around Chiang Mai.

October, November, and February: These are the next best months after the peak ones. The days are not that damp and rainfalls are occasional.

Hard time (March and April): Contrary to what's on the internet, these are the worst months to go to Chiang Mai. March and April are dry and hottest in Thailand. Plus a new season of harvest leads to raving forest fires nearly every year around Chiang Mai. This produces chiang mai must see a suffocating cloud of smoke over the entire city and air quality drops to dangerous levels. The majority of flights are cancelled. Avoid taking a trip throughout this time.

May-- September: This is not a bad time to check out but the heat can be frustrating. Rainfall begins in mid-May that brings periodic reprieve. But it likewise pushes up the humidity. If rainfall does not dampen your outside strategies, the humidity may do. You can select to spend time inside throughout mid-day and come out only morning and late afternoon. Limited tourist crowd leads to fantastic offers by hotels and trip operators.

Joyful time in Chiang Mai: While Songkran is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm; believe it through considering that it falls in the middle of April. Loi Krathong is another festival celebrated with a lot of glamour in Chiang Mai.

If you wish to witness this, it depends on the recently of October or the very first week of November. Examine beforehand since the dates shift. Read our total guide on celebrating Loy Krathong in Thailand.

Yi Peng celebration commemorated in Chiang Mai.

How To Reach Chiang Mai.

You can use the following to reach Chiang Mai:

Flights: Chiang Mai has a convenient and functional International airport. If you are taking a trip from inside Thailand, the flight tickets are incredibly cost effective if you book ahead of time. The airport also connects a few international destinations in Singapore, China, Taiwan, Myanmar, and Laos. The airport is just 5 km outside the city centre and you can take a taxi (USD 5), an airport bus, a songthaew or a tuk-tuk to reach the city.

Bus: I find over night buses the best choice if you are taking a trip inside Thailand. You can also take a cross-border bus to and from Myanmar and Laos. You can reserve a bus in Thailand through busonlineticket, 12goasia or Bookaway.com

Train: Nevertheless limited, there is still connection from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train. It is a comfy way to travel. You can book a sleeper berth all on your own or perhaps an entire compartment for your family. The downside is that the travel time is somewhat longer and costs almost double of what you would pay for the bus. There are 5 direct trains from Bangkok including an overnight train. You can examine the schedule on seat61.com and book tickets on thairailwayticket.com (main website).

How To Go Around In Chiang Mai.

To walk around in Chiang Mai pick on or combination of these choices:.

Personal cab: Most hassle-free and cost effective option in Thailand, cabs are terrific. You can simply wave at one on the street or book one on Grab app (like Uber). Cabs are really safe in Thailand however do not get into unnecessary arguments, even if you are.

Motorcycle cabs: These do terrific inside the city for single riders with light baggage. They are cheap and you can get one right throughout any street in the city.

Motorbike taxis in Bangkok at a taxi stand.

Two-wheeler leasing: If you are comfortable driving on Asian roads and have solid travel and unintentional insurance coverage, this can be for you. Leasing a two-wheeler gives you flexibility and is enough for 2 people. You can ask for one at your hotel or a bike rental store.

A day lease is around 250 THB depending upon the vehicle omitting fuel. You do not necessarily require a motorist's license.

Scooter leasing in Thailand.

Songthaew: Songthaew are like minibus in Thailand. They go around in numerous paths choosing up passengers and dropping them off on a single route. The only thing is that you require to keep a track of your destination and press a button intimating chauffeur that you require to get off.

Tuk-tuk: Loud and fancy, you haven't been to Thailand if you did not ride a tuk-tuk. These are excellent if you have a lot of luggage or if you simply desire an enjoyable and hassle-free flight.

Day tour or Day Taxi: If you do not want to go through all the browsing and navigation, just take a tour. I find it excellent as anything else. Plus you get to chit chat with a regional guide. The only disadvantage is that you might not get a business of your choice. We used them for a day tours to locations situated far outside the city like Doi Inthanon. You can also employ an individual cab for an entire day for more convenience and versatility.

Reserve a day cab: Chiang Mai and Surrounding Areas One Day or Several Days Cars And Truck Charter.

There is also a bus network inside the city however seldom utilized by tourists. Read more about the Chiang Mai RTC City Bus.

Google Maps are typically undependable in Chiang Mai. Download local maps through maps.me that will direct you even when detached from the internet.

1. Check Out Chiang Mai Forehead.

Chiang Mai has lovely temples. Many of the popular ones lie in the city center, likewise called as 'old city'. If you have had your share of temples prior to coming to Chiang Mai, you can maybe go to one or 2 and leave the rest.

An incredibly special experience is the chance to talk to a monk about their lives. There are 'monk chat' programs across 5 temples in the city. The most popular is Wat Chedi Luang where you can catch a monk in between 9 am and 6 pm on the north side of the temple grounds seated around a table. Just present yourself and reveal your dream to talk.

If you want to check out a few of these temples in-depth, describe this post on 15 Jaw-dropping temples of Chiang Mai.

2. Take A Day Tour Of Doi Inthanon.

Doi Inthanon is the highest peak in Thailand. It is located at an hour's drive from Chiang Mai city. It is not just the peak that you go to see. There is a total national park around it and has a great deal of traveler destinations. There are waterfalls, temples, sanctuaries, Karen native hill tribe villages, gardens, and even a royal project that the late king set up for the advantage of the residents. It will take an entire day to see all of this, so prepare your itinerary appropriately.

When it comes to me, this is a must-visit location. The day we went was the coldest day of the year and the temperature level dropped to -1 ⁰ C early morning. By mid-day, it was pleasant again with sunlight. If you enjoy outdoors, think about camping here. The park provides a camping tent with mats and has stores to consume in. We took a day tour with a regional tourist guide and it was very practical. Make sure you take warm clothing with you when you go visiting.

Doi Inthanon timings: 6 am to 4.30 pm.

Doi Inthanon ticket prices: It costs 300THB for foreign travelers and is free for Thai nationals to enter. If you are taking an individual vehicle, it costs an extra 30THB per automobile.

How to reach Doi Inthanon: If you are doing only an outing, the best way is to travel with a group day tour. They understand the way, they pay all the charges, there is a basic meal consisted of and a regional Thai guide to talk with who informs you numerous stories. You can get in touch with a regional travel bureau mychiangmaitour for customized tours.

You can also take a private taxi if there are more people in a group but is costlier. A day tour in a personal taxi will cost you a bit less than 3000THB without the tickets.

If you want more flexibility, you can also rent a two-wheeler or a cars and truck from the city. If you desire something more comfy, you can shell out a little more money with 3-star facilities or Glamping.

When it comes to public transport, there are songthaews readily available from the city center (yellow colored) but travelers typically don't utilize them. You will need to change them for another one at a junction. Also, since the park is so big that you will require a car inside the park. There is no public transport that runs inside the park. So unless you have a strategy, don't