Joanna James
Second only to Bangkok in terms of its popularity, Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for all tourists heading to Thailand. Renowned for its mountains and cool climate, Chiang Mai offers visitors a different side of the country away from its stunning beaches and bustling capital. From exploring Chiang Mai's natural wonders to getting around without hassle, here's everything first-time visitors need to know about travelling in and discovering Chiang Mai.
While there is no such thing as a bad time of year to vacation in Chiang Mai, those who wish to make the most of their time in the hill station should time their visit. Northern Thailand enjoys rather different climatic conditions to that of Bangkok and the beach capitals of the country, so the best period to travel to Chiang Mai is between November and February. This is when the conditions are dry but cool enough to make outdoor excursions pleasant rather than uncomfortable due to the heat. November is also when the Loy Krathong Festival and the Yee Peng Festival take place in Chiang Mai, and it is a good enough reason to time your holiday to coincide with this red letter day in the local calendar. March to May is a shoulder season when the weather is warm, but the Thai New Year is in full swing, while June to October is when heavy monsoon rains can dampen all holiday plans.
Deciding where to stay in Chiang Mai depends on your own preferences as well as the types of activities and recreational pursuits you wish to indulge in during the holiday. Some of the best areas for history buffs are inside the Old City, while Nimmanhaemin and the Night Bazaar areas are more suitable for those who love to wine, dine and shop. The riverside is another region of Chiang Mai that is a big hit with travellers in search of a quiet base. The Anantara Chiang Mai Resort and other riverside Chiang Mai hotel properties are found in this area.
Tourists who are staying within the Old City of Chiang Mai will find that it is best navigated on foot, while most visitors will need to rely on a Songthaew to engage in sightseeing tours. These converted pick-up trucks with benches at the back are widely available in Chiang Mai's main tourist areas and near major landmarks. Offering visitors a quick and affordable way to travel between short distances, Songthaews must be used for shorter trips rather than day-long excursions. Grab, and other taxi booking apps also work in Chiang Mai.
Some of the best things to do during a getaway in Chiang Mai include taking part in local festivities such as the Loy Krathong Festival and the Yee Peng Festival, which are key cultural events in the city. Signing up for a Khantoke Dinner and a show is another rite of passage for first-timers, as these entertainment and dining events held at the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center have been a fixture since the 70s. Food tours and culinary classes are another great way to acquaint oneself with local delicacies and the best restaurants in town, while bike tours of the city and zip-lining adventures are also popular with tourists.
A vacation in the hill capital would not be complete without a temple tour. Some of the architectural marvels that should be on everyone's travel itinerary include Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Shopping at a Chiang Mai night market is also bound to be an unforgettable experience, while those who prefer to wind down at a local spa will find that the city's best healing centres offer an array of soothing massages.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
