Chiang Mai Travel Blog by James Cutajar
I created this Chiang Mai travel blog to cover everything related to this amazing city in Thailand and the rest of North Thailand including Chiang Rai, Pai and more. I’m a travel blogger originally from the tiny island Malta. I first visited Thailand back in 2019 and since have been been back numerous times often living there for months traveling around the Kingdom while writing detailed travel blogs that cover various topics.
Chiang Mai in North Thailand is an amazing city. I like it up there because it isn’t quite as crowded as the capital city Bangkok. The Northern regions hold a strong cultural presence which unfortunately isn’t the case with the more popular islands in the south. In this Chiang Mai blog you’ll find everything you need to know to put together a solid travel plan and have the most amazing adventures in Chiang Mai and beyond.
Overview
If you came to this page you’re probably looking for a quick overview that covers Chiang Mai information. Having this information will give you a sense of orientation which will make it easier to plan your vacation. On this page you’ll find all the basics about Chiang Mai including weather information, how to find things to do in Chiang Mai, how to get to Chiang Mai and where to stay in Chiang Mai.
Chiang-Mai Weather
The best time to visit Chiang-Mai is from December to February. You can expect dry sunny days with enjoyable temperatures.
ATTENTION!! – Between mid February and mid May farmers burn their fields to make way for the next plantation. The smog often coats the Northern regions creating bad air quality which can result in health issues especially for anyone suffering from respiratory issues. If possible avoid these months in North Thailand.
Things to Do in Chiang-Mai
WAIT!! Did you know you can use Tour Platforms like →Viator for travel inspiration? While the platform is to book tours and activities, it’s really convenient to get an idea about the most popular activities and things to do.
Wether you book activities as a tour or plan everything independently is up to you. But at least you’ll have an idea of what are the most popular activities without going through loads of travel blogs.
How to book Hotels
Finding your dream hotel in Chiang-Mai is easy with →Agoda. Thanks to its user friendly platform offering a wide range of accommodation from budget to luxury options, you’re sure to find something that meets all your requirements.
You may also want to know where in Chiang-Mai you should base yourself. In that case, scroll down for an overview for the areas to stay in Chiang-Mai.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a big city with various neighborhoods and areas catering to different tastes and travel styles. Choosing the right place is an important decision for your trip. So below I have covered the popular areas. This way you’ll have an idea what to expect and can confidently book your hotel in Chiang Mai.
Chiang-Mai Old City
The Old City is where most tourists stay when visiting Chiang Mai. It’s a gorgeous part of the city with charming streets and old buildings and the majority of cultural sites are within walking distance. Everything is well balanced when it comes to amenities so you’ll find a wide range of restaurants both local eateries and western restaurants.
Nimmanhemin
Nimmanhemin or just Nimman is the modern part of Chiang Mai. Tall building complexes, luxury hotels, malls and various other amenities are all nearby. Along with some of the best nightlife in Chiang Mai. If you’re after all the amenities and fancy stuff and also plan going shopping, this is probably the best place.
Chiang-Mai Riverside
The riverside properties in Chiang Mai offer a unique experience of tranquility combined with gorgeous views. Most properties here are luxury and in the higher entry range. It’s a nice are to stay and especially favored among couples and families.
Getting to Chiang-Mai
Getting to Chiang Mai is easy and affordable. There’s various options to get to Chiang Mai including flights, trains and buses. Bangkok is the main hub linking to Chiang Mai. Therefore if you’re anywhere in south Thailand, the best option is to first go to Bangkok and then continue your journey to Chiang Mai.
Below are your options ⤵
Trains
Wether it’s the cheapest option you’re after or an exciting and authentic experience, that would be by train. There are various train carriages from cheap carriages with fans to the more sought out sleeper carriages with A/C, comfortable beds and clean sheets. Train travel is a unique experience. For sleeper trains book well in advance because they are often sold old.
Buses
The long distance buses traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are big and comfortable, have air condition and luggage storage. Personally I would only use a bus for this journey as last resort because trains are much more comfortable and also cheaper.
Flights
There is regular direct flights from both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports in Bangkok. Travel time is just over 1 hour and flight tickets usually cost around €50 to €70. Prices typically increase as travel date approaches so it’s best to book a few days ahead.
Where to eat in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai offers a unique culinary experience. There’s a good mix of western restaurants like bakeries, pizzerias and steakhouses. But it’s the local culinary scene that stands out with its spicy dishes typical of northern Thailand.
Krua Phech Doi Ngam: A gorgeous local restaurant serving northern cuisine and specializing in locally caught fish.
Huen Muan Jai: Another well loved favorite in Chiang Mai. This local restaurant serves authentic north Thailand cuisine.
Chada Vegetarian Restaurant: I’m not a vegetarian but this place really manages to put together delicious dishes without using any meat.
Tomahawk BBQ & Giant Steak & Butcher Shop: This place is the answer if you’re craving a juicy slab of meat. Dine in or take a prime cut and grill at home.
Panini&Co: Craving a crunchy baguette or ciabatta stuffed with Italian ham, mozzarella, tomatoes and rucola? Come here, you won’t be disappointed.
Why Not? Italian Restaurant & Wine bar: The name of the place is questionable, but their pizzas, pastas and cold cut platters along with a selection of wines no doubt make up for it.
Chiang Mai Gate Market: For a wide selection of local cuisines, from soups, fried noodles, grills, sweets, markets are always an option. And this place has it all.
How to get around Chiang Mai
The way you get around Chiang Mai will depend on many including your budget and how adventurous you are. For budget travelers, scooters are an affordable option. Or if you’re a family or a group of friends, maybe renting a car would make more sense since the cost can be shared and will allow you to visit the nearby attractions in Chiang Rai and Pai.
However if you’re visiting Chiang Mai for a relaxing vacation with your partner or family, I would suggest booking a tour. This would allow you remove the inconvenience of having to plan routes and activities and leave everything to local that knows the place.
Reserve car rentals in advance to get the best deals and find the best car options. This can be done online via →Rentalcars.com.
There’s a number of reputable scooter rental shops in Chiang Mai. It’s common for owners to ask for passport as a deposit. I suggest avoiding this and insist on leaving cash deposit instead. Click here to view scooter rentals in Chiang Mai. Once you find a place message the shop and ask if they reserve a scooter for your dates.
And finally
Check out my other website Bangkok on my list and The Travel Deck for Asian destination guides.
Quick Resources ⤵
Book your dream hotel and find the best deals in Thailand. Wether it’s the beach or the city, Agoda offers a wide range of hotels at the best prices all on an easy to use booking platform.
Plan transport with ease on the 12Go platform. Just enter origin and destination. Bus+ferry combo tickets are also an available hassle free option to reach the famous islands.
Explore more of Thailand and be inspired with Viator. Book unique experiences and create lasting memories. Just enter the destination in the search and find the best tours either join in or private.
HEY, just so you know…
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