Thinking of traveling somewhere warm for the winter? Look no further than Chiang Mai, the heart of northern Thailand.
While a trip to Thailand instantly conjures images of beautiful beaches and crystal blue coastlines, a visit to Chiang Mai, the country’s northern capital, offers more than just sun and sea – although both are still very much possible.
Tucked among the foothills of the rainforest, the colors and canopies of lush vegetation surrounding Chiang Mai seem to stretch on forever, peppered with bubbling hot springs, rushing waterfalls and numerous trails. Within the city center, remnants of its former version still stand – the old city walls surround most of the perimeter, and temples are dotted throughout its extension. The laid-back attitude of the happy-go-lucky locals is contagious, and time soon becomes irrelevant.
Despite the breezy, relaxed vibe, the city beckons to be explored. From soaring through the treetops to trekking alongside elephants, not to mention an endless array of culinary delights readily available to fuel every activity, it’s hard to run out of things to see, do and sample. To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite treks, tips, and tastes for your next Chiang Mai expedition.
1. See one of Southeast Asia's most sacred temples
“If you’ve seen one temple, you’ve seen them all,” is a phrase travelers of South East Asia travelers will be more than familiar with – perhaps sometimes with reason. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is an exception to the rule, however. One of northern Thailand’s most sacred temples, the monastery was established in 1383 by King Keu Naone to enshrine a piece of bone, said to be from the shoulder of the historical Buddha, and its founding legend is learned by every school kid in Chiang Mai. The wat itself is a beautiful example of northern Thai architecture, reached via a strenuous, 306-step staircase flanked by mosaic naga (serpents); the climb is intended to help devotees accrue Buddhist merit. Once you reach the top, a fantastic bird's eye view over the city awaits. While taxis will readily give you a lift up, it’s also possible to moped to this spot should you feel so inclined.
2. Explore Chiang Mai's markets
Thailand is known to be great for shopping, and Chiang Mai is where you’ll want to bring plenty of empty suitcases to fill. The destination is famed for its many handmade products, including cotton scarves, leather sandals and wood carvings, but also hippy offerings like undyed cotton shirts and indie designer garbs. The Saturday Night Market is an excellent place to start. Perennially bustling with food vendors, one-of-a-kind knick-knacks and handicrafts, and lots and lots of people, it’s best to head there early to enjoy the experience (unless you want to feel like you’re in the middle of People’s Square Metro station during rush hour). Bargain hunters in search of gifts and souvenirs will also love the Night Bazaar, which opens daily from 5pm. Again, arrive early and make sure to eat at the cantina-style dining hall, which offers a plethora of local specialties. If that’s not enough shopping for one trip, pencil in the Sunday Market (also called Walking Street Market). Packed with stalls selling locally hand-crafted goods made from paper, silk, wood and ceramics, the market runs from late afternoon until midnight and is located in the center of Chiang Mai’s Old City, beginning at Tha Phae Gate. The first sale of the night is sometimes followed by a small ritual or prayer, in the hope that more business will follow.
3. Visit Chiang Mai's 3D Museum
A rainy day or two is to be expected in this tropical destination. When you need an escape from the drizzle, plan a trip to Art in Paradise, Chiang Mai’s 3D art museum (random, we know). Great for kids and groups, it’s easy to spend an afternoon in this multi-layered mansion of murals. Don’t forget your camera!
> www.chiangmai-artinparadise.com
4. Hang out with elephants
Determining which place will grant a memorable pachyderm experience can be a little daunting – there are over 70 elephant camps in Chiang Mai, and not all of them share the same level of care toward the beloved cĥāng. Doing some research ahead of your trip to find an ethically appropriate center is a must, and so is avoiding any place offering ‘shows.’ To start, try Elephant Nature Park, Blue Elephant Thailand Tours and Patara Elephant Farm. We chose the latter, opting for the half-day experience (versus a full day). We had more than enough time to bathe, feed, and care for “our elephant,” and the experience was more than we could have hoped for.
5. Practice Muay Thai
Those looking to tap into Muai Thai, the country’s national sport, should make sure to book a class at one of the many schools in town. We recommend Team Quest, which also offers room and board if you’re really serious about wanting to pack in some punches.
> www.tqmmathailand.com
6. Book an outdoor adventure
Book a tour with Next Step Thailand. Our private two-day adventure consisted of a two-hour cycle through temples and the Chiang Mai countryside, bathing in waterfalls, bathing elephants in waterfalls, bamboo rafting, a Thai cooking lesson, and a half-day hike where we sang songs in a Karen village school, ate wasps, and rinsed off in a third waterfall. Accommodation, meals, and a lifetime of memories included.
> www.nextstepthailand.com
Also, go ziplining. You’ll see flyers everywhere for Flight of the Gibbon, a zipline course that allows visitors to swing through the canopies alongside monkeys. If that sounds slightly intimidating, Eagle Track is also a good option, and cheaper too. Their gold package includes 16 ziplines, three abseils, two sky bridges and 14 other platforms. Plus a certificate of completion. Winning.
> www.treetopasia.com, www.eagletrackchiangmai.com
7. Ride a Motorbike (for the Extremely Adventurous only)
If you feel comfortable cruising around the countryside, the Mae Hong Son Loop is not to be missed. You’ll need to devote at least a couple of days to the 600km-long ring, which guarantees a stunning experience of northern Thailand’s lush surroundings and breathtaking landscapes. Make sure to save an extra couple of days to stay in Pai, a ‘hippy’ town located several hours north of Chiang Mai. (It’s also possible to get to Pai via bus for 150-180 baht). For courageous cruisers, we recommend renting from Pop Rider, which has several locations around the city.
> Facebook: sompong.chiangmai.5
8. Explore Pai
Rent mopeds (Aya Service provides maps of the local area and is the only company to offer insurance). Do a loop around Pai and explore. Highlights include: Pai Canyon, the Pom Bok, Mor Paeng and Mae Yen Waterfalls, and ‘the land split’, where you’ll receive free local snacks from a friendly farmer. This is a must-do!
In Pai you'll also be able to go tubing. Don’t forget beers – dry bags are provided as cooler carrying cases.
> www.thairafting.com
9. Eat
Visit Food Street in Pai and just keep eating. We strongly suggest sampling a little bit of, well, everything, and the night markets are perfect for that. But for those looking to sit and munch for a while:
Cooking Love
A quaint spot with an extensive range of traditional Thai dishes, including a wide selection of vegetarian offerings. The coconut curry, served within the nut itself, is a must-try.
> Rachadamnoen Rd Soi 1
Khao Kha Moo from the ‘Cowboy Hat Lady’
Made famous by American chef and food writer Anthony Bourdain, this woman whips up stewed pork leg served with her own special sauce. She can be found in the food market at Chang Phueak (the north gate) in late evening.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
BB Mantra
Relax within the city walls at this well-kept and affordable hotel, which – bonus points – has a pool. They also have an in-house restaurant sharing the same menu as Cooking Love.
> www.bbmantra.com
Viva Chiang Mai
If you want to just get away from it all – or sleep in a treehouse – stay on the outskirts and relax at this lush paradise. Gym facilities and massages available. (Food not served on site, but restaurants are within walking distance).
> www.vivachiangmai.com
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