Essential Tips for Independent Travelers to Chiang Mai

Situated in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai boasts a cool, pleasant climate akin to Dalat and entices visitors with its adventurous activities.

Essential Tips for Independent Travelers to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, locally translated as 'new city,' is approximately 700 km north of the capital, Bangkok.

It serves as the capital of a province of the same name, spanning an area of 20,000 km². Surrounding the city are hills and gentle mountains, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, couples, or families seeking a serene retreat.

Travel Duration and Transportation

Time: With its mild and pleasant climate, visitors can explore Chiang Mai during any season of the year. During the summer, the city is significantly cooler than other regions in Thailand, making it a preferred destination for locals and international travelers seeking relaxation. From late November to early February, the area blooms with beautiful flowers, and the weather becomes cooler.

Traveling to Chiang Mai: Previously, reaching the 'new city' required travelers from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to take two flights: one to Bangkok and then another to Chiang Mai. In addition to domestic airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and Jetstar operating these routes, travelers can also choose international airlines such as AirAsia or Bangkok Airways.

Currently, Bangkok Airways offers direct flights from Hanoi, with a duration of approximately 2 hours and round-trip fares starting from $200 (over 4 million VND).

Getting Around Chiang Mai: The primary modes of transportation in Thailand, including Chiang Mai, are taxis, BTS skytrains, buses, and tuk-tuks.

For an economical and culturally immersive independent travel experience in Chiang Mai, travelers can opt for tuk-tuks. Additionally, renting a motorbike for 100 - 150 baht (approximately 72,000 - 110,000 VND) per day is also an option. Note that Thailand follows left-hand traffic, so ensure your driving skills are proficient for safety.

Accommodation

This area offers a variety of accommodation options at different price points to suit every budget. Resorts are typically situated on the outskirts; homestays, hotels, and hostels are mainly concentrated in the Nimman and Old Town areas. In terms of style, Nimman is more youthful, while Old Town has a more traditional charm.

In the city center, travelers can easily find budget-friendly homestays and hostels starting from 100 baht (around 70,000 dong). You can stay at Lek Guesthouse, A Little Bird Guesthouse, Mint House, 7 Century Guest House, and more.

If you prefer to indulge in luxury accommodation, you can consider U Nimman Chiang Mai, 137 Pillars House, or Four Seasons Resort with prices starting from 500 USD per night. These establishments offer a variety of rooms, notably garden-facing villas priced at around 750 USD per night.

Highlight Destination

Doi Suthep

This is a renowned pilgrimage site for Thai locals and a popular tourist attraction due to the Doi Suthep temple and the panoramic city views from its vantage point.

Chùa Doi Suthep, also known as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, was established in 1383, situated at an elevation of 1,073 meters and approximately 15 km away from the residential area. To reach the temple complex, visitors must ascend 290 steep steps. For those unable to climb, there's the option of using the cable car service.

Inside the main pagoda of the temple is where the relics of Buddha are enshrined. After touring the temple, one must head to the rear where a panoramic view of Chiang Mai and the surrounding countryside unfolds.

Wat Suan Dok

This is an ancient temple, dating back to the 14th century, situated along Suthep Road. It once served as a royal flower garden and the site of white Chedi stupas, containing the ashes of former Chiang Mai royalty. Here, visitors can witness a 500-year-old bronze Buddha statue, one of the largest metal statues in Thailand.

Wat Phra Sing

Located in the city center, Wat Phra Sing is an ancient temple renowned for housing the Phra Phutthasihing Buddha statue.

Every year during the Songkran Festival, locals around the area will request this sacred statue and parade it around the town, performing traditional Buddha bathing rituals.

Bhubing Palace

Bhubing Palace is a magnificent royal residence surrounded by landscaped gardens, notably featuring a rose garden with various species of temperate plants rarely found in Thailand. Situated in the Doi Buak Ha area, Muang district, approximately 32 km northwest of downtown Chiang Mai.

The palace area does not accommodate tourists for reception but allows photography and exploration of the surrounding landscape. Visitors must remember to dress modestly and cover their shoulders when visiting this site.

Elephant Training Center

To delve into the natural life of Thailand's iconic animals for centuries, you can visit the elephant training center located near the Ping River or the Mae Taeng Valley. Most of the area here is covered by hills and mountains.

Here, elephants are released into the forests in the afternoon and evening to ensure the animals' connection with nature.

Watch Traditional Dance or Muay Thai Matches

A self-guided Chiang Mai tour wouldn't be complete without catching a Muay Thai match – the ancient martial art and national sport of Thailand. If you're tired of tourist-centric matches, ask locals for recommendations to witness an authentic bout.

Don't miss out on traditional artistic performances such as dance, singing, musical instrument playing... The melodious sounds and graceful movements from the Lakhon dance will captivate you.

Pongyang Jungle Coaster Adventure Park

If you're an adventure enthusiast, allocate half a day or even a full day for this experience. A typical tour lasts around 4 – 5 hours depending on the number of activities. Prices vary accordingly, ranging from 1,600 – 2,400 baht (approximately 1-1.6 million dong). Photography services are also available during the activities, priced at 100 baht (around 70,000 dong) per framed photo.

Bo Sang Handicraft Village

Visitors to Bo Sang will have the opportunity to admire a variety of colorful umbrellas, ranging in size from tiny to enormous. Bo Sang is a village renowned for umbrella-making for at least 200 years. Local materials such as silk, cotton, Sa paper (a special paper made from mulberry bark), and bamboo are all used in production.

Baan Kang Wat Artisan Village

Located approximately 10 km west of downtown Chiang Mai, Baan Kang Wat is one of the complexes that attracts many young people with its charming shops displaying traditional Thai handicrafts.

Every nook and cranny of this artistic and creative village will provide you with numerous picturesque 'instagrammable' spots.

Night Market

In the evening, if you want to experience the vibrant local life, you can visit the night market at Think Park. The market is located at the intersection of Nimmanhaemin and Huay Kaew roads. It's popular among the young crowd for its lively and youthful atmosphere created by creative handicraft stalls and many stylish photo spots.

After exploring the market, you can visit the Maya Lifestyle shopping center nearby for some shopping.

Coffee Shops

'In Chiang Mai, there are more coffee shops than convenience stores' is a joke often heard among tourists when visiting. You can spend your mornings strolling around the city center, popping into a coffee shop of your choice, and indulging in various delicious drinks or pastries.

Almost every coffee shop in Chiang Mai has its own unique, impressive decor style. Some recommended spots include Woo Cafe, Graph Cafe, Baristro,...

Dining

Most eateries in Chiang Mai close by 10 p.m.; bars and pubs tend to open later, around midnight. Each establishment has its own operating hours. Therefore, to avoid going to places that are closed or not yet open, it's advisable to have a SIM card with internet access to look up information before heading out.

Unlike Bangkok or southern provinces, Chiang Mai cuisine is somewhat influenced by Laos and Myanmar. However, the distinctive spicy flavor of Thai dishes remains unchanged.

Here, sticky rice is a common alternative to regular rice. Must-try dishes like Khao Soy, Sai Ua, Naem, Kanom Jeen Nam Ngeow can be found at street food stalls.

During self-guided tours in Chiang Mai, tourists should also indulge in traditional dishes at places like Saiyut and Doctor Sai kitchen or opt for organic vegetable-based meals at Oh ka Jhu restaurant. These are two of the eateries highly praised by travelers on travel review websites.

Note

Currency Exchange: The exchange rate will be slightly higher if you exchange Thai baht or US dollars in Vietnam. 100 baht is equivalent to around 70,000 dong.

For convenience in searching for information or checking in, it's advisable to purchase a SIM card at the airport. A SIM card with a 3-day internet package costs around 100 baht.

Prepare sunscreen, clothing, and sports shoes if you're interested in trying out adventure activities.

4 days and 3 nights is a suitable duration for first-time visitors to Chiang Mai. If you have extra time, you can combine your visit with a trip to Chiang Rai – a province adjacent to Chiang Mai known for its pristine nature, pleasant weather, and famous historical landmarks.

Source: Phong Vinh/Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour