Chiang Mai Holidays and my experiences

Known as ‘The Rose of the North’ and surrounded by lush mountains, wild jungles and sprawling countryside, Chiang Mai is as beautiful as it is diverse. Spend your time visiting sacred temples, exploring the urban city streets, taking Thai cooking classes or setting out on wildlife adventures. With friendly locals, a tropical climate all year round, and some of Thailand’s best regional cuisine, Chiang Mai is fast becoming a hot spot for tourists the world over. 

What to do on your first day in Chiang Mai?
After a restful night’s sleep and a surprisingly smooth transition to the five hours ahead time difference I am ready to explore Chiang Mai.
Hidden in the mountainous North of Thailand, Chiang Mai is home to countless Buddhist temples. Each one more dazzling, intricately designed and breath-taking than the one before. I spend my days breathing in the unique smell of Thailand, a mix of street food, slight sewage and tropical humidity; as I wandered through the streets of the Old Quarter.

After a full morning of temple exploration i had worked up quite an appetite. Darting through the rain at times I escaped the downpour, stepping into a family run coffee shop. I had read about a traditional Chiang Mai meal called Khao Soi which is egg noodles in a coconut curry broth with chicken, lime, onions and crispy noodles but instead I ordered a mango shake The english was minimal but the shake was INCREDIBLE. Wow!

I eased my tired muscles with a relaxing and invigorating Thai massage. This ancient form of massage doesn’t use any oils but rather employs passive stretching and a gentle pressure technique where the Thais massage your whole body using their whole body. It’s quite an experience!

I ended off the day with a trip to the night bazaar, an outdoor area filled with stalls selling the most delicious and crazy affordable Thai food and coconut water

Start your day in Chiang Mai with a breakfast of pad thai if you love Food I start my day with coffee at Star Bucks followed by a walking tour of the walled city. Explore some of the city’s most famous Buddhist wats and temples, markets, and lively streets

Tuk-tuks are a common way of getting around Chiang Mai. These colorful, 3-wheeled vehicles are an unofficial symbol of Thailand.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai: best areas guide

• Which place is the best to stay in Chiang Mai?
• Old City: best area for first-time visitors.
• Nimmanhaemin: where to stay in Chiang Mai for nightlife.
• Night Bazaar: best place for shopping & street food.
• Riverside: where to stay in Chiang Mai for families & luxury.

Top Attractions 

Begin your Southeast Asia venture with a trip to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Whether you get there by taxi, motorbike or tuk-tuk, this sacred temple that commands the mountaintop is not to be missed. If you’re moderately fit, climb the 309 paved steps to the top. The less ambitious may prefer to board the tram to the summit. Upon arrival you’ll be rewarded with glorious panoramic views over Chiang Mai.

Want more? The Buddhist temple Wat Chedi Luang in the historic centre is also a must-see. To escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a delightful respite, head to the beautiful Suan Buak Haad Park nestled in the southwest corner of the city. Set out for a morning jog, wander over the pond via the footbridge, or simply pack up a picnic, claim a grassy spot and enjoy a lazy afternoon.

For a touch of modern culture, the Art in Paradise museum won’t disappoint. Chiang Mai’s first 3D art museum will provide hours of mind-bending fun for . The museum is made up of expertly painted flat walls with scenes that seem to spill over into real life, allowing visitors to jump in and become part of the action. You’ve got to see it to believe it. 

Eat and Drink 

For coffee houses, restaurants with a young and creative vibe, Nimmanhaemin Road is popular with trendy locals and tourists alike. But if you want to really immerse yourself in Chiang Mai’s food culture, get amongst the street food stalls and food markets sprinkled throughout the city. The most famous local dish to try is khao soi, a bowl of fragrant coconut curry broth packed with deep-fried and boiled egg noodles, shallots, lime, pickled cabbage, ground chillies and your meat of choice. For nightlife visit Loi Kroh Road, the main tourist strip.

Where to Stay

For your own little piece of paradise in this bustling city, opt for a Thai-style boutique resort near the old city centre. If you prefer to stay in the heart of the action the old town district is for you. Set within the remains of the old city walls, this popular precinct is close to temples, historic sites, markets, restaurants and more. Hotels with excellent facilities can be found in abundance here. Given Chiang Mai’s popularity as a tourist destination, it’s wise to book your accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Shopping 

Venture to the east side of the old city where the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar sets up shop on the main strip after dark. Stretching for around 1 kilometre, this outdoor market is the place to buy clothing, souvenirs and other tourist wares. Inside the Night Bazaar Building you’ll find antiques and handicrafts, while across the street the Galare Night Bazaar entices customers with high-end clothing and homewares. Nimmanhaemin Road is the city’s daytime shopping destination of choice for hip locals and tourists who want to browse the boutiques and hang out in the super cool coffee houses.

Yes – Chiang Mai is Worth Visiting if you get the chance!. Chiang Mai is an ancient city with a modern twist and all the amenities and activities you’d expect to find in any travel destination. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, chances are, Bangkok is at the top of your list for cities to visit.

Ideally four nights and five days will give you enough time to explore and get a true sense of Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 and is located in an area of majestic mountains. This city was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom and remains a religious and cultural centre.

What is special about Chiang Mai?

The historical capital of the old Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is rich in culture. The Old City – an attraction in itself – hosts most of the best temples, museums and other interesting sites, with many more just outside the ancient city walls

Chiang Mai is flat and walkable — although, like much of Asia, the sidewalks usually leave something to be desired.