About Chiang Mai
The central hub of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is the nation’s second-largest city and is well-known for its beautiful surrounding landscape and lush natural attractions. In addition to its natural beauty—including a moat, tall mountains and pristine countryside—the city has a rather cosmopolitan atmosphere bolstered by its diverse population. Chiang Mai includes a walled city, which is its main historic and cultural centre. The Chiang Mai city centre is located close to Chiang Mai Airport, making the city easily reachable for travellers. Visitors may rent a car, arrange for limo service or ride a tuk-tuk to the city. Many Chiang Mai hotels offer free transfers as well. Cheap Chiang Mai hotels are incredibly common in the city, making it an excellent choice of destination no matter your budget. Even the best Chiang Mai hotels cost what you can expect from midrange options in Europe or other destinations.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Despite being Thailand’s largest city after Bangkok, Chiang Mai remains a supremely affordable city for travellers across any budget. Many hotels in Chiang Mai Thailand offer rooms for the same cost as hostel beds elsewhere; 5 star hotels in Chiang Mai are priced similarly to midrange hotels in other countries. Cheap hotels in Chiang Mai Thailand are available all over the city and close to its main attractions. Expect cheap hotels in Chiang Mai to cost just €5-16 per night, and the best hotels in Chiang Mai to cost anywhere from €70-160 per night.
One of the best cheap hotels in Chiang Mai Thailand is Amora Tapae Chiang Mai. This upscale accommodation is one of the best hotels near Chiang Mai Airport at a very low rate; offering a beer garden, day spa and delicious cuisine, it makes for a strong choice of hotels in Chiang Mai city centre. Baan Pastel Boutique Hotel is another excellent choice of hotels near Chiang Mai Airport, offering cheap (yet attractively decorated) pastel-painted and kid-friendly rooms. Rustic River Boutique is another of the best hotels in Chiang Mai Thailand that offers posh rooms at a good rate.
Among the best hotels in Chiang Mai city centre is Anantara Chiang Mai Resort. This elegant choice of 5 star hotels in Chiang Mai features bamboo-walled rooms, a warm colour palette and is just a short walk from the Chiang Mai Zoo. Akyra Manor Chiang Mai is a similarly refined choice of best hotels in Chiang Mai Thailand, offering an Italian flavour to hotels in Chiang Mai city centre. Finally, RarinJinda Wellness Spa Resort is one of the best hotels in Chiang Mai Thailand for those looking for a truly relaxing experience, offering posh suites, a spa and pools. Located right on the river, it’s one of the more romantic hotels in Chiang Mai city.
Things to Do in Chiang Mai
Some of the biggest draws to the city are Chiang Mai’s many temples and historic sites. One of the top Chiang Mai points of interest is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a gilded temple that’s tied to the local legend of the white elephant. In addition to its stunning architecture and artefacts, the temple provides dramatic views of the surrounding city, making the Doi Suthep tour among the best things to see in Chiang Mai. Wat Chedi Luang is another famous temple, originally built from three separate ones. Wat Phra Singh, found on the western end of the old city, is home to the iconic and sacred Phra Buddha Sihing statue. The Chiang Mai Night Safari is a favourite choice of what to do in Chiang Mai, putting visitors in touch with hundreds of nocturnal species.
There are plenty of things to see in Chiang Mai during its many annual festivals and events. One of the most popular is Songkran, the New Year Festival that takes place in April. During the festival, locals and tourists alike take part in a large-scale water fight. November features the Loy Krathong, or Festival of Lights, is an awe-inspiring event in which the city’s people come together holding lanterns to light up the night of the full moon. Those who enjoy natural beauty should visit during the Chaing Mai Flower Festival, arguably one of the most beautiful choices for what to do in Chiang Mai each year. The festival takes place at the end of February, the perfect winter antidote for those travelling from colder climates.
Chiang Mai Dining
In between choosing what to do in Chiang Mai, you’ll need to stop at some of the city’s best eateries for a good, energizing meal. David’s Kitchen is one of the best fine dining spots for Chiang Mai cuisine, offering a fusion of European and Asian favourites. But for truly local flavour, book a table at The Service 1921, a posh riverside restaurant offering delicious drinks and exquisite Thai cuisine. Looking for a relaxing yet casual spot to enjoy local Thai cuisine? Kick back at Tikky Café, a favourite for locals that offers a lush atmosphere. Khao Soi Khun Yai is among one of the best places to enjoy the traditional Thai dish Khao Soi, offering the delicious dish at a bargain.
Chiang Mai Shopping
Some of the best things to see in Chiang Mai are its many markets, shopping malls and bazaars. Walking Street is one of the top Chiang Mai points of interest, offering an eclectic mix of handicrafts, music and food. In addition to finding unique souvenirs, Walking Street is an excellent way to experience local culture. The Night Bazaar is another brilliant place for finding unique goods, and is a wonderful and family-friendly choice of things to do in Chiang Mai Thailand. Central Airport Plaza is a good place for last-minute gifts or shopping from international brands, offering five floors of shops that offer both local bargains and luxury, upscale items. If you prefer a shopping mall experience, stop by Central Festival shopping mall for indoor and upscale shopping.
Nightlife in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai nightlife is a bit more tame than other Thai cities, but it still has much to offer to tourists. From drinking to dancing, there are plenty of things to do in Chiang Mai Thailand after dark. One of the hippest areas for Chiang Mai nightlife is the Nimman Road, which is home to the popular Monkey Club, where visitors can enjoy live music. Another great venue for music and drinks is Boy Blues Bar, close to the food court at Kalare Night Bazaar. Myst is a popular Chiang Mai nightlife venue thanks to its rooftop views of the surrounding city and overall posh atmosphere.