Chiang Mai is the gateway to the northern highlands of Thailand. Obviously, you can not compare the landscapes of the snow-covered mountains of Mountain range. But the hill people and pagodas developed on top of the mountains generate a different type of charm. Only a few decide to head north when in Thailand. Specifically if you are on a short trip. However it is the go-to destination in Thailand in the winter season 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 greatest cosmopolitan in north Thailand.

What's So Great About Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai was constantly popular with the locals. Thai natives love to check out Chiang Mai for the opportunity to hang out in the mountainous areas up north. It is the option of location for a reprieve from the heat and an opportunity to enjoy cooler weather condition, which in Thailand is uncommon.

It has especially been popular with digital nomads in current years. Chiang Mai is far more affordable than Bangkok in the cost of living. As the expat neighborhood grew, there came better cafes and shared work spaces.

As I stated earlier, the weather condition is really crucial to your visit to Chiang Mai Good timing will provide you sweet memories; a bad one may suffocate you.

Finest time (December-- January): The finest, 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 finest months after the peak ones. The days are not that damp and rains are occasional.

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

May-- September: This is not a bad time to check out but the heat can be overwhelming. It also pushes up the humidity. Minimal traveler crowd results in excellent deals by hotels and tour operators.

Joyful time in Chiang Mai: While Songkran is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm; believe it through since 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 last week of October or the first week of November. Check ahead of time given that the dates shift. Read our total guide on commemorating Loy Krathong in Thailand.

Yi Peng celebration celebrated in Chiang Mai.

How To Reach Chiang Mai.

You can utilize the following to reach Chiang Mai:

Flights: Chiang Mai has a convenient and operational Worldwide airport. If you are taking a trip from inside Thailand, the flight tickets are extremely budget-friendly if you book in advance.

Bus: I discover overnight buses the very best alternative if you are travelling inside Thailand. You can also take a cross-border bus to and from Myanmar and Laos. Many modern buses are equipped with comfortable reclining seats, a blanket, and a pillow. Much of them also have an integrated toilet. If you taking a trip fars away, they provide snacks on board and have a basic paid meal at a stop. You can reserve a bus in Thailand by means of 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 almost double of what you would pay for the bus.

How To Walk around In Chiang Mai.

To walk around in Chiang Mai pick on or mix of these options:.

Private cab: Many hassle-free and economical choice in Thailand, cabs are great. You can just wave at one on the street or book one on Grab app (like Uber). Taxis are really safe in Thailand however don't get into unnecessary arguments, even if you are.

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

Motorcycle taxis in Bangkok at a taxi stand.

Two-wheeler leasing: If you are comfortable driving on Asian roads and have solid travel and unexpected insurance, this can be for you. Leasing a two-wheeler provides you versatility and suffices for 2 people. You can ask for one at your hotel or a motorbike rental shop.

They might ask to keep your passport or down payment. A day lease is around 250 THB depending upon the vehicle excluding fuel. You don't necessarily need a driver's license. Helmets are offered but are pretty much worthless in terms of security.

Scooter leasing in Thailand.

Songthaew: Songthaew are like minibus in Thailand. They go around in lots of routes selecting up travelers and dropping them off on a single path. The only thing is that you require to keep a track of your location and press a button intimating chauffeur that you require to get off.

Tuk-tuk: Loud and expensive, you haven't 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 simply want an enjoyable and hassle-free ride.

Day trip or Day Taxi: If you do not desire to go through all the browsing and navigation, just take a tour. We used them for a day tours to locations located far outside the city like Doi Inthanon. You can also work with a personal taxi for a whole day for more benefit and versatility.

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

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

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

1. Check Out Chiang Mai Temples.

Chiang Mai has charming temples. Most of the popular ones lie in the city center, also called as 'old city'. If you have had your share of temples prior to coming to Chiang Mai, you can perhaps visit one or two and leave the rest.

An extremely distinct experience is the opportunity to talk with a monk about their lives. There are 'monk chat' programs throughout five chiang mai must see 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 grounds seated around a table. Just introduce yourself and express your desire to talk.

If you want to check out some of these temples thorough, refer to this post on 15 Jaw-dropping temples of Chiang Mai.

2. Take A Day Tour Of Doi Inthanon.

Doi Inthanon is the greatest peak in Thailand. It is located at an hour's drive from Chiang Mai city. It is not simply the peak that you go to see. There is a total national forest around it and has a great deal of tourist attractions. There are waterfalls, temples, sanctuaries, Karen native hill people towns, gardens, and even a royal job 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 travel plan accordingly.

The day we went was the coldest day of the year and the temperature level dropped to -1 ⁰ C early morning. We took a day tour with a regional tour guide and it was very hassle-free. 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 prices: It costs 300THB for foreign tourists and is free for Thai nationals to go into. If you are taking an individual automobile, it costs an extra 30THB per vehicle.

How to reach Doi Inthanon: If you are doing only an outing, the best way is to travel with a group day trip. They understand the method, they pay all the charges, there is an easy meal included and a local Thai guide to talk with who tells you lots of stories. You can get in touch with a regional travel bureau mychiangmaitour for personalized tours.

You can likewise take a private taxi if there are more people in a group but is pricier. A day trip in a private taxi will cost you a little less than 3000THB without the tickets.

If you desire more versatility, you can also lease a two-wheeler or a cars and truck from the city. This lets you drive at your own speed. If you are seeking to camp, this is a great alternative. Tents and sleeping beds are readily available in the park itself. If you want something more comfortable, you can shell out a little bit more money with 3-star centers or Glamping.

When it comes to public transportation, there are songthaews readily available from the city center (yellow colored) however tourists generally do not use them. You will need to alter them for another one at a junction. Also, considering that the park is so huge that you will need an automobile inside the park. There is no public transportation that runs inside the park. So unless you have a strategy, do not take a one-way transport.

3. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is among the most important shrines of Theravada Buddhism. Pilgrims not just come far to check out from other parts of Thailand, but also from Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, China, and India. 'Wat Phra That' directly translates to 'Temple of the Buddha Antique'. People believe that the temple is the home to the relic of a shoulder bone of Gautama Buddha himself. The first construction of the temple dates back to 1368.

In a summary of the legend, a monk by the name of Sumanathera dreamt of discovering the bone in Pang Cha. He experienced the bone with wonderful residential or commercial properties as it glowed, vanished and duplicated itself.