Chiang Mai is the gateway to the northern highlands of Thailand. Obviously, you can not compare the surroundings of the snow-covered mountains of Himalayas. However the hill tribes and pagodas built on top of the mountains generate a different sort of appeal. Just a few choose to head north when in Thailand. Especially if you are on a short journey. It is the go-to location in Thailand in the winter season months and throughout Loi Krathong.

It was after a year of living in Thailand that I chose to check out Chiang Mai myself. It is now the biggest metropolitan in north Thailand.

What's So Excellent About Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai was always popular with the residents. Thai locals like to go to Chiang Mai for the chance to hang around in the mountainous areas up north. It is the option of destination for a break from the heat and a possibility to delight in cooler weather condition, which in Thailand is unusual.

It has actually specifically been popular with digital nomads in recent years. Chiang Mai is far more affordable than Bangkok in the expense of living. As the expat community grew, there came better cafes and shared offices.

As I stated earlier, the weather is very vital to your visit to Chiang Mai Good timing will give you sweet memories; a bad one might suffocate you.

Best time (December-- January): The best, the absolute best time is the peak winter season. FYI, there are no winter seasons in Thailand. The last 2 weeks of December and the very first 2 in January are the coolest. The temperature level drops to around 18 ⁰ C in other parts of Thailand and 14 ⁰ C in Chiang Mai It can drop even more to 4 ⁰ C or less in the hills around Chiang Mai. Keep that in mind if you plan to camp outdoors.

October, November, and February: These are the next finest months after the peak ones. The days are not that humid and rains are periodic.

Bad time (March and April): Contrary to what's on the web, these are the worst months to check out Chiang Mai. March and April are dry and most popular in Thailand. Plus a new season of harvest results in raging forest fires practically every year around Chiang Mai.

May-- September: This is not a bad time to check out but the heat can be frustrating. Rainfall starts in mid-May that brings periodic break. But it likewise rises the humidity. If rains doesn't moisten your outside strategies, the humidity might do. You can choose to hang around inside your home during mid-day and come out just morning and late afternoon. Minimal traveler crowd results in fantastic deals by hotels and trip operators.

Joyful time in Chiang Mai: While Songkran is celebrated with a great deal of enthusiasm; think it through considering that it falls in the middle of April. Nevertheless, Loi Krathong is another festival commemorated with a lot of glamour in Chiang Mai. Loi Krathong accompanies the local Lanna festival of Yi Peng. This is the one with numerous lanterns drifting in the sky.

If you want to witness this, it lies in the recently of October or the very first week of November. Check beforehand given that the dates shift. Likewise read our total guide on commemorating Loy Krathong in Thailand.

Yi Peng celebration celebrated in Chiang Mai.

How To Reach Chiang Mai.

You can use the following to reach Chiang Mai:

Flights: Chiang Mai has a hassle-free and functional Worldwide airport. If you are travelling from inside Thailand, the flight tickets are very inexpensive if you book ahead of time. The airport likewise links a couple of worldwide locations 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 very best choice if you are taking a trip inside Thailand. In reality, you can likewise take a cross-border bus to and from Myanmar and Laos. Most contemporary buses are equipped with comfortable reclining seats, a blanket, and a pillow. A number of them also have a built-in toilet. If you taking a trip long distances, they supply treats on board and have actually a simple paid meal at a stop. You can schedule a bus in Thailand via busonlineticket, 12goasia or Bookaway.com

Train: Nevertheless limited, there is still connection from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train. It is a comfy method to take a trip. The drawback is that the travel time is a little longer and costs practically double of what you would pay for the bus.

How To Go Around In Chiang Mai.

To go around in Chiang Mai pick on or combination of these alternatives:.

Personal cab: The majority of practical and budget friendly alternative in Thailand, cabs are terrific. You can simply wave at one on the street or book one on Grab app (like Uber). Taxis are extremely safe in Thailand however don't get into unneeded arguments, even if you are.

Motorbike taxis: These do terrific inside the city for single riders with light baggage. They are low-cost and you can get one right throughout any street in the city.

Motorbike taxis cab in Bangkok at a taxi stand.

Two-wheeler rental: If you are comfortable driving on Asian roads and have strong travel and unexpected insurance, this can be for you. Renting a two-wheeler offers you versatility and is enough for 2 individuals. You can request for one at your hotel chiang mai points of interest or a motorbike rental shop.

They might ask to keep your passport or down payment. A day rent is around 250 THB relying on the vehicle omitting fuel. You don't necessarily require a chauffeur's license. Helmets are offered however are basically useless in terms of security.

Scooter rental 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 need to keep a track of your location and press a button intimating driver that you require to get off.

Tuk-tuk: Loud and fancy, you have not been to Thailand if you did not ride a tuk-tuk. These are good if you have a lot of travel luggage or if you just want an enjoyable and practical ride.

Day trip or Day Cab: If you don't want to go through all the searching and navigation, just take a trip. I discover it good as anything else. Plus you get to chit chat with a regional guide. The only downside is that you might not get a company of your choice. We utilized them for a day tours to locations located far outside the city like Doi Inthanon. You can likewise work with an individual taxi for a whole day for more benefit and flexibility.

Schedule a day taxi: Chiang Mai and Surrounding Areas One Day or Multiple Days Cars And Truck Charter.

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

Google Maps are typically undependable in Chiang Mai. Download regional maps by means of maps.me that will direct you even when disconnected from the web.

1. Check Out Chiang Mai Forehead.

Chiang Mai has lovely temples. Most of the popular ones lie in the city center, likewise called as 'old city'. If you have actually had your share of temples before coming to Chiang Mai, you can perhaps go to one or two and leave the rest.

A very special experience is the opportunity to speak with a monk about their lives. There are 'monk chat' programs throughout five temples in the city. The most popular is Wat Chedi Luang where you can capture a monk between 9 am and 6 pm on the north side of the temple premises seated around a table. Just introduce yourself and express your desire to talk.

If you wish to check out a few of these temples in-depth, refer to this article on 15 Jaw-dropping temples of Chiang Mai.

2. Take A Day Trip Of Doi Inthanon.

Doi Inthanon is the greatest peak in Thailand. It is located at an hour's drive from Chiang Mai city. However it is not just the peak that you go to see. There is a complete national park around it and has a great deal of tourist destinations. There are waterfalls, temples, sanctuaries, Karen native hill people villages, gardens, and even a royal job that the late king established for the advantage of the locals. It will take a whole day to see all of this, so prepare your travel plan appropriately.

The day we went was the coldest day of the year and the temperature dropped to -1 ⁰ C early morning. We took a day trip with a local tour guide and it was very convenient. Make sure you take warm clothes with you when you go checking out.

Doi Inthanon timings: 6 am to 4.30 pm.

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

How to reach Doi Inthanon: If you are doing only an outing, the best method is to take a trip with a group day tour. They know the method, they pay all the charges, there is a basic meal included and a regional Thai guide to speak with who tells you numerous stories. You can connect with a local travel agency mychiangmaitour for tailored trips.

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

If you desire more versatility, you can also rent a two-wheeler or a car from the city. If you desire something more comfy, you can shell out a bit more money with 3-star centers or Glamping.

As for public transportation, there are songthaews offered from the city center (yellow colored) but tourists normally don't utilize them. You will need to change them for another one at a junction. Given that the park is so