is chiang mai worth visiting

If you love being close to nature, then Chiang Mai is the place to be. Check out more Chiang Mai cooking classes! The mountain houses one of the most ancient temples in Chiang Mai Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Its so worth it. Each city brings something exciting to the table, so how are visitors to decide Its one of the top spots for those backpacking the country with a boho-casual vibe and stunning scenery. We don't leave for 9 more months. Aside from the historical side of Chiang Mai, the surrounding countryside is stunning and a must-visit with opportunities to visit hot springs, waterfalls and breathtaking panoramic views. With a massage center seemingly on every block, there are enough places in Chiang Mai that you could spend a year here and still probably try a new one every week. Located in the heart of Chiang Mai, the temple is famous for its distinctive Lanna-style architecture, which features ornate wooden carvings and intricate details. They are surely a sight to behold! Its a scenic route that takes you through the picturesque mountains of northern Thailand. This will allow a few days to explore the city and another few days to explore outside of the city. On the other hand, Phuket is a large island-like region in southern Thailand full of tropical vibes and party-goers. Food is cheap here, and we estimated that its cheaper to eat out every meal than to buy groceries and cook dinner. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The city is well equipped for hosting such individuals and is known worldwide as one of the best locations for digital nomads, topping the list for years. Even a number of pet-friendly hotels in Chiang Mai if youre travelling with a furry friend! Even so, youre looking at about 600 Bhat per person one-way. One of the most unique features of Wat Lok Moli is its large, ancient chedi (stupa) that houses the ashes of several kings! There's not much to see in Chiang Rai aside from the Golden Triangle and the White Temple. Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. This dynasty reigned for nearly 500 years and it left behind dozens of beautiful temples in its wake. We visited the Womens Massage Center by Ex-Prisoners. The Yee Peng Lantern Festival occurs every mid-November in Chiang Mai. Although, if this is the case then ensure you book a hotel with a swimming pool, it will at least help soothe the reality as much as possible. I think we would have struggled to resolve the problem by ourselves. If you are catching the train then I would definitely recommend the sleeper trains. While tourism as a whole has been great for Chiang Mai, it can also have some downsides. Its so important to Chiang Mai that theres a very famous Thai saying that if you havent seen the view from Doi Suthep, you havent been to Chiang Mai.. Take your time as there are plenty of scenic spots to stop along the way. 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World | Privacy Policy | Affiliate Disclosure| Terms & Conditions | Disclaimers. I believe there are quite a few underlying messages of good and evil, but Ill leave it up to you to make up your own minds. We have planned the perfect 9 day itinerary to Thailand. WebYes - Chiang Mai is Worth Visiting if you get the chance!. I had previously been to Chiang Mai back in 2010 and from memory, knew it was somewhere Jack was going to love. Where Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Wonders: The Top Reasons Why Chiang Mai is Worth Visiting! Its so important to make sure you are covered even if youre on a short trip. Just check out Amed and Pemuteran. Conclusion: Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? Ideally don't travel in the northeast during this time of the year. Nightlife in Chiang Mai is as diverse as the city. There are plenty of bars and pubs at which to grab a drink to end your day, not to mention a plethora of live-music venues and dance clubs for continuing the fun. If you continue browsing, you agree to The goal is to provide women with professional skills, so they can reintegrate into society successfully and reduce the risk of reoffending. But, apart from these facts, there are numerous events and fun activities that can only be enjoyed in Chiang Mai. So, if youre looking for somewhere to throw your arms up and dance through the night, Chiang Mai isnt worth visiting. Ultimate Travel Guide to Chiang Mai Opposite the Three King Monument, youll find the Lanna Folklife Museum. Thailand is generally considered a cheap country to visit. I felt comfortable and safe with all our reps. She did an excellent job and I highly recommend her booking your next trip. So, if youre a hippie at heart who loves wandering around temples and historic sites, and finding breathtaking vistas, Chiang Mai is worth visiting. In fact, it was in Chiang Mai that Jack and I got most drunk on our whole year of travels! The Yee Peng Lantern Festival is a good one to experience. No other city in Thailand offers as many fun activities as Chiang Mai. The park is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and camping. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Try Booking for a huge variety, Agoda for great deals and Hostelworld for budget accommodation! Wua Lai Walking Street is another popular market in Chiang Mai that is famous for its vibrant street scene and cultural atmosphere. These massage centers train and employ women who have been imprisoned at the Chiang Mai Womens Prison. The average temperature in Bangkok rises to 32 degrees in some months. During a visit to Chiang Mai youll be able to interact with elephants, take a famous Thai cooking class and enjoy scenic views of the stunning landscape. Therefore, 3 days do not give you enough time to visit these other attractions outside the city. These circle the city regularly and generally run between the bus stop and the city. The cost to fly was very cheap, our tickets with AirAsia was AUD$40 per person. They offer peaceful retreats from Bangkok (which is where Im assuming youre flying into) and although neither has that bohemian vibe Chiang Mai is so famous for, they do offer a great alternative if youre short on time. Well, imagine if red curry and noodle soup had a love child. Chiang Mai is absolutely overflowing Another advantage that Chiang Mai has over Bangkok is its temperature. Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? (And 10 Excellent Reasons to Visit) The market is spread over several floors, with a wide range of products. We started our trip in Bangkok, where Mr. Prassert our tour guide, met us. Take a charging station, bug spray, and sunscreen with you. Chiang Mai is an intriguing fusion of new and old, making it an incredible place to explore. Understand the destinations by practicing the local It is the attention to detail and what we specifically wanted to see that made the reservation experience so exciting. Check out our tours below, for inspiration: 15-Day Myanmar, Thailand and Bali Honeymoon. As I said, Chiang Mai is a city to explore and this includes the nearby village of Pai. We picked up a Grab from the airport which was 215 baht (very expensive but it was a busy time) and would have been better off to hire an airport taxi because they were offering 180-200 baht instead. This doesnt include travel time! If youve come to Phukets international airport youll have to fly if you want to go direct to Chiang Mai as its not economical to do it any other way. Admission fees, or donations, are required and range from 20-40 baht per person depending on the temple you are visiting. Chiang Mai was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. What Are The Negatives Of Chiang Mai Tourism? Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. Another thrill of visiting the religious complexes is the opportunity to converse with monks. Back then, it used to be more for the views, but now its very much a go-with-your-friends and splash-around kind of tourist attraction. Yes, it's the biggest city in Northern Thailand and home to wonderful architecture. There was more activity at night than during the day, with families going out to the night markets to enjoy dinner. The vibe in Chiang Mai is a more modest affair, there are clubs and bars and markets but things rarely get out of hand. Khao soi is a traditional northern Thailand curry made with rich coconut milk and local herbs and spices. We use a variety of companies to find the best deals, and you should too. Something you will need to consider when making a booking is whether the hands-on or hands-off approach sits better within your moral grounds. Chiang Mai is the type of place you can spend weeks, if not months in, but we understand that not everyone has that type of time. If you want to mix with the locals, you can dine out in the open on plastic stools, and you can also enjoy your meal in the air-conditioned Kao Soy Nimman. They aim to help travellers from around the world get from point A to point B trouble-free and with a high-quality service guarantee! Are you expecting a city with a lively/night atmosphere? The location is excellent, within walking distance of shops, temples, and museums, yet still tranquil and remote feeling. The monument features life-size bronze statues of the three kings who were instrumental in the founding and development of the city of Chiang Mai. If the skies are clear, youll also be rewarded with great views over the city. For the sleeper train, we spent 1,800 Bhat per person for the second class. Dont Forget! Days would reach up to 30 degrees Celsius with nights cooling off only slightly. That said, the city was missing its normal nightly buzz, but it was still enjoyable. In comparison, Chiang Mai is a relatively small city. The loop begins and ends in Chiang Mai and covers a distance of about 600 kilometres, passing through the provinces of Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai Many people prefer Pai over Chiang Mai as its much more mellow and so laidback it might fall off the cliff! Thats just one example of how far out of her way she went to make our trip easier and more enjoyable. 60-60/1 Srimongkol Rd, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300. As I said, there are some negatives to visiting Chiang Mai, so lets find out if its worthwhile or not. They are famous for their long-necked women, who wear brass rings around their necks from a young age as a symbol of beauty and status. Chiang Mai has much to offer any visitor: ancient history, incredible food, nature at your doorstep, and all the comforts you could ask for. WebPoints of Interest & Landmarks Culinary Tour Dining Experiences Nature & Wildlife Areas Coffee & Tea Tours Full-day Tours Sacred & Religious Sites Bus Tours Motorcycle Tours Shopping Malls City Tours Night Tours Specialty Museums Photography Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Sports Camps & Clinics Airport & Hotel Transfers Top Picks Art Galleries Its an experience we both enjoyed, although they never turned off the light so pack an eye mask. The temples were designed to represent the dominating kingdoms throughout the centuries. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. This temple is made of silver metals and alloys. 7 Days in Hanoi: Spend an Adventurous Week in Northern Vietnam, When I travel internationally, Ill book through. When traveling domestically, you can get to Chiang Mai via plane, train, and bus. Some of our favorite restaurants include: Its not just the restaurants that make Chiang Mai worth visiting. Chiang Mai is a special place because of its ability to mix the past and present into a much-loved modern-day metropolis. If youre not, you might want to reconsider visiting Chiang Mai! Chiang Mai serves the best coffee in the whole of Thailand. Its steeped in history and has a fascinating culture, the architecture is stunning and the Thai people are some of the most friendly and heart-warming people we have ever met. You get youre own bunk (with a curtain) pillow and blanket. Feeding, bathing, and hanging around these giant beasts is more fun for both you and the animals. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. One of the most iconic and impressive temples, it dates back to the 14th century and is known for its massive chedi, which was once one of the tallest structures in ancient Chiang Mai before an earthquake destroyed much of the chedi! Although we were able to get some sleep, I would always suggest an overnight journey to save on accommodation costs, it was nowhere near as easy as it used to be. The most prominent feature of the temple complex is the enormous chapel that features both wood carvings and northern-style murals. The ride is a full day with chances to stop by hot springs and waterfalls before reaching Pai in time for sunset. You should too! Although Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have some similarities, such as they are both in northern Thailand, are full of beautiful temples, and have similar-sounding names, North and south Thailand are very different places. They are lovely places to while away the day. While Bangkok has skyscrapers and big-city energy, Chiang Mai has all the conveniences of a city, but in a more laid-back, manageable form. Ive started using theWayAway Flight Aggregatorto book as they actuallygive 5% cashback on bookingswhen you joinWayAway Plus. Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai Surroundings & Day Trips Chiang Rai Surroundings & Day Trips. We actually stayed in a wonderful hostel, which Ill recommend below but it didnt have a pool. Top Tip: If youre in the USA Kayak is best, for Europe, Skyscanner is king (usually)! We packed hats and sunscreen with us whenever we went out, which were helpful for some of our temple visits. Chiang Mai Apart from elephants, Chiang Mai is home to many other species of animals. For that reason, its the most popular area with expats. No matter where youre coming from, Chiang Mai is pretty easy to get to. There are multiple ways to get there. We did not have to give up our passports, which we heard some places require, however, we did send them photos of our passports for reference. Visit the White Temple, Chiang Rai (Wat Rong Khun) For most visitors though, the "temple" that tops the Chiang Rai must-see list is Wat Rong Khun (with some visitors even making the journey to see it as a long day trip from Chiang Mai ). Depending on your budget and travel preferences you have a few options to reach Chiang Mai. If you book your flight tickets in advance you should be able to get great deals! The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . He was helpful, kind, and willing to accommodate our pee and coffee breaks. Remember I said Chiang Mai could get boring Bali is far from boring! The monks teach about the principles of Buddhism, give insights into their monastic life, and tell other monastery tales. the use of cookies. Waterfalls and river activities such as white water rafting are better during the wet season when the rivers fill and the waterfalls become more powerful. Chiang Mai Itinerary In my honest opinion, 3 nights in Chiang Mai is not enough. Think cute boutique guesthouses, rooftop pools, and fun hostels, all for an absolute bargain. Chiang Mai boasts a diverse range of fascinating markets, in all shapes and sizes. There are cooking classes if you would like to re-create your favorite meals. Pixabay Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Adding Chiang Mai would make it very hectic and not do justice to the various This can be a problem for beach lovers. Set on a quiet back street, Pao Come has a super tranquil vibe, which is enhanced by its Lanna-style of architecture. Foreign cuisine, such as pizza, zucchini fries, chocolate mousse, and other Asian dishes, is not hard to find. Popular activities include cooking classes, visiting elephant sanctuaries, and a day trip to Chiang Rai and the national parks. The two could not be more different which makes it hard to determine which is better.If youre a sun-worshipping, beach-loving social butterfly then its more likely youll enjoy Phuket most, however, if you prefer a slower pace of life and nature activities then Chiang Mai is for you. Pro tip: It can also get very busy, so time your visit: during the day, mid-week is best. Below are the top seven reasons you should visit Chiang Mai in 2019. When were not hanging out in fun cities like Chiang Mai or Istanbul, we love seeking out lesser-known places in the world. For international flights, you most likely will be flying into Bangkok. Based on the reviews, it sounds like POR Thapae Gate is a great location, with friendly and helpful staff, and delicious food which would make a great stay. Ms. Albee Ning has been doing a great job accommodating my requests and itinerary changes. So yes. When choosing a class, be sure to check how many dishes youll be making, whether or not youll visit a market, and how many people will be in the class. I worked with Alisa and she is fantastic! Thanks so much! WebChiang Mai is definitely worth a visit but you are already embarking on a fairly hectic schedule. Transport was always ready for us at the agreed time and the drivers were excellent.There were so many highlights enjoyed by all the age groups. (Expert Advice), How to Plan a 3-Week Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Couples/Family Tour, How to Plan a Thailand and Vietnam Trip (2023/2024), How to Plan a Trip to Southeast Asia 2023/2024. Would definitely use them again when we come back to Asia, Asia Highlights is very reliable agency and Albee is an amazing representative of the company. It is celebrated on April 13th every year. Whats particularly great about Chiang Mais massage scene is the increasingly popular, social justice-oriented massages done by ex-prisoners. I booked tickets to the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Nov 2022. Thank you Alisa and Asia Highlights! Go beyond the sightseeing. Another stunning temple located in the heart of Chiang Mai dates back to the 14th century and is home to some of the most beautiful and intricate Lanna-style architecture in the region. But Chiang Mai, due to its northern latitude and higher altitude, is a cooler place for tourists to relax. Is Chiang Mai worth visiting? The route is also dotted with numerous charming villages and towns, each with its own unique culture and attractions. By the sounds of the reviews, it seems like POR is another great place to stay with great amenities and friendly, helpful staff. The Answer Might Surprise You! A long skirt, scarf, and a T-shirt should suffice for ladies. Chiang Mai is located near the subtropical forest biome, making the city cooler than Bangkok. WebIs Chiang Mai worth visiting? However, its pretty far away from Bangkok and can be expensive and tiring to reach. Chiang Mai is also etched in history and has many ancient temples and historic sites to explore. Located in the heart of the city, the bazaar comes alive every evening with a colourful array of vendors, shops, and street performers. The 5 days do not include travel to or from Chiang Mai, if youre catching a train or bus youll need to allow an additional day on either side. However, these days, I would say Bali is more popular. Theres just so much to love about Chiang Mai: its accessible, easy to walk around, laid-back, has a great climate (outside of the smokey season) and again, it has that vibe! The rest of your time in Chiang Mai will be moving around on daily excursions or possibly multi-day trips. We stayed in an apartment just on the fringe of the city near Nimmanhaemin,heres more on where we stayed. If you can do activities independently this will save you some money, however, its still a more affordable destination than say, Singapore. Wat Phra Sing is the most popular temple in the city because it holds Chiang Mais most important Buddha image, the Lion Buddha. During the trip she was again flexible to add new activities/transfers and this went on the smoothest possible way. Are you thinking of chilling out in Chiang Mai? Web25 reviews 9 helpful votes Chiang Mai worth visiting? This period is also the peak season which means higher tour and accommodation rates plus more crowds. This trendy neighborhood is filled with tons of great restaurants and bars. There are no two ways about it: Chiang Mai is a foodies paradise. A friend who travels to Pai frequently suggested that we take a shuttle or city bus. In recent years, the cost of visiting Thailand has increased but not by much. Avoid the weekends! Women are not allowed inside. It would have been nice on those hot days to have a pool! On one hand, it is a city that is flooded with culture and Youll likely get a sore bum and if the roads are not smooth it will be a bumpy journey too.
Unc-chapel Hill Graduate Tuition, Lizbeth Executive Chair, Label Company Near Amsterdam, Minolta Maxxum 400si Battery, Articles I