Neil Aronson Here are 12 of my top reasons why I love Chiang Mai Thailand. And perhaps answer some of your questions you may have about traveling there. I was fortunate to marry a local Thai from nearby Chom Thong in 2011. So because of this I have been blessed with a great Thai family, a house near Doi Inthanon National Park, and many days exploring the city and surrounding region. I fell in love with the area on my first visit in 2010, and love it even more today.
Many people I see writing on Facebook and other social media platforms are always asking questions Chiang Mai when they are thinking about traveling there. Mostly people ask about what there is to do, the language barriers, culture, food, and safety and cost. Once you have been there enough, these questions become easy to answer.
However one of the big questions regarding a visit to Chiang Mai is for how long you should stay. I can tell you from lots of experience, the short answer is for as long a possible. There is so much to see and do, not to mention it is one of the most budget friendly places you can find.
Below are reasons you should visit, and will help decide for how long. Of course a lot depends on if this is your only destination, or part of a bigger trip, which seems to be for a lot of people. I haven’t met many people who didn’t love their travel experience to Chiang Mai.
Read our updated guide to Chiang Mai for 2024.
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving and jungle trekking,
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
Why I Love Chiang Mai
Amazing People And Culture
Of Course Thailand has the reputation as the ‘land of smiles’, and as one of the friendliest places to visit. It is true that the people for the most part are very friendly and helpful. The are welcoming to visitors, especially in the cities at hotels and restaurants. Most people, especially young people speak English these days. And if they don’t speak very well, they try to communicate with you. Be respectful and non-aggressive, smile, and they will smile back.
Without a doubt the culture is one of the main reasons for people to visit Chiang Mai and Thailand. Chiang Mai is know, even by citizens, as one of the more friendlier and easy going parts of Thailand. Much more than Bangkok. The pace of live is slower, so if you are looking for more of a laid back vibe, this is a good place.
Chiang Mai is also famous for its ancient and historic temples. Best of all, you can walk to dozens of the most famous ones right there in the old city. The art scene is great as well, and Chiang Mai has some amazing museums and botanical gardens such as the Royal Park Ratchaphruek.
Food And Fun
Thai food is legendary. And Chiang Mai food scene is legendary in Thailand. From amazing street food, to Michelin Star restaurants, to trendy spots in the Nimman area. The Sunday walking street by the Tha Phae gate has some great food stands, and for only about 80 baht.
Local Thai food is so great, with so may choices, and at local prices. Most Thai dishes and noodles shops are about 80 baht. Alternatively, Chiang Mai has become an international destination for cuisine. There are great Japanese, Korean, Italian, German, Vietnamese, and many other choices, including lots of vegetarian and vegan options. Some of my favorite pizza places are in Chiang Mai. For more on where to go for pizza, read here.
Budget Friendly
Chiang Mai is perfect if you are traveling on a budget. Even during high season times and holidays you can find amazing deals on hotels. The area also offers hundreds of great options for everything from hostels to the Four Seasons.
November through January has the best weather, and is generally the most crowded. However I have never had an issue finding a very nice hotel at any time of the year. Agoda is one of the best sources for booking. I have always found excellent hotels for under 1,600 baht.
Eat out for just a few dollars, and grocery stores are all over if you want to go that route. Eating out is generally so cheap, it is cheaper than cooking at home. If you like to enjoy the night life at clubs, then alcohol can get costly with tourist prices.
Going to museums and National Parks is usually around 150 baht for tourists, which is cheap compared to almost anywhere else. My favorite thing to do is walk around the city, stop at temples, and enjoy the street sights. This is free. Golf, river rafting, cooking classes, and other activities are inexpensive. Booking with Viator is easy and lots of options.
Amazing Nature And Activities
Because Chiang Mai is in the northern mountainous region of Thailand, you will be have perfect access to some incredible National Parks, nature, hiking, wildlife, mountain biking, and camping.
Head north of the city and ride the rapids on the Mae Taeng river. Booking with Viator is easy.
Within an hours drive you have Doi Inthanon, Doi Suthep-Pui, Ob Khan, Mae Wang, and lots of other areas to explore. The most crowded and heavily visited is Doi Inthanon, about an hour to the southeast near our home in Chom Thong.
Just a short ride away is Doi Suthep, with it’s famous temple overlooking the city. However Wat Pha Lat is even better, and you will enjoy Montha Than Waterfall, just minutes for Chiang Mai University.
Safety And Convenience
One of the top questions for travelers to Chiang Mai is how safe is it? Like most of Thailand, it is very safe. In fact crime is rare, but like anywhere, it does happen. But I feel safer in Chiang Mai then I do in California. However you still need to be vigilant. Tourist will be targeted, especially for theft and scams.
Being scammed is probably the biggest thing to look out for. Make sure you use reputable tour companies, car rentals, etc. Ask your hotel if you need options. Recently I read of some tourists that were ‘fined’ for taking pictures with the birds by the famous Tha Phae Gate. Locals that hang out there will try to charge tourists. Don’t fall for these types of scams.
Police presence is rather large in Chiang Mai. In fact sometimes there are too many, and they will pull tourists over for not having helmets on scooters, and not having a Thai license. Police stations are conveniently located in the city and open for tourists. Always get a police report if something happens.
Should you need medical care, you have a lot of options. For minor issues, pharmacies can take care of you, and sell you drugs that you need prescriptions for in America, like antibiotics. Urgent care at several hospitals is great. Chiangmai Ram private hospital has a wing just for tourists.
Getting in and out of Chiang Mai is very convenient. The airport is basically in the city, and you can be at your hotel in 15 minutes. Many major airlines fly direct to Chiang Mai including Korean, Eva Air, China Airlines. Hourly flights through Air Asia can take you all over Thailand.
Getting to Chiang Mai by train or bus is also easy, and can be booked on 12Go. Getting to and from the airport is easy with many taxis waiting, or better yet take a Tuk Tuk for a more exciting experience.
Near Great Cities
Another thing to love about Chiang Mai is that it is a short drive from several other of the great cities in Thailand to visit. These include Chiang Rai, Pai, Lamphun, Lampang, Chom Thong, and others.
To the northeast is the second most popular destination in Northern Thailand, Chiang Rai. This city was originally the capital on the Lanna Kingdom in 1262, until Chiang Mai became the capital in 1296. Chiang Rai is a three hour drive from Chiang Mai, and is pretty similar but smaller. There are newer elaborate temples to see. Another big attraction is to visit the different hilltribe villages.
Shopping
Beside Bangkok, this city offers the best shopping in Thailand. There is pretty much nothing you can’t find, and for all budgets. One Nimman and Maya Shopping malls offer more high end trendy options. However for the most fun hit up the Sunday Walking Street by the Tha Phae Gate. Here you can shop for local hand made items, and enjoy some great street food.
If you forget to bring something, don’t worry, you can find it in Chiang Mai. From any type of clothing, to electronics, to medicine. There is local food markets and several western type supermarkets if you are needing something from back home. Of course anything imported will cost a lot more.
Have a drink at the rooftop bar, Tha Phae Grill seen below, and enjoy the views of the city and the walking street below.
Festivals and Events
If possible try to visit Chiang Mai durring one of the main holidays or festivals. In April is the water festival Songkran. We finally visited for the first time last year at the end of November for Loy Krathong and lantern festival. This lunar new year festival lasts several days, and in Chiang Mai there are fun activities and parties all day and night. Head over the river at night for the Lanterns.
Plan accordingly if you go during a holiday or festival, as hotels book up. On some occasions the roads around the old city get shut down as well.
For a list of more events visit our Event Calendar.
I hope this helps you plan your visit to Chiang Mai. Remember, to get Travel Insurance for your trip as well.
For more on hotels and one of the best areas outside the city for nature, things to do like zipline and waterfalls, read our post on Mae Rim. Just 30 minutes north of the city center, there are things to do for everyone, and some amazing hotels.
