CHIANG MAI
DESTINATION GUIDE

The Ultimate Guide Before You Plan for your Next Trip

The beautiful city of Chiang Mai is also known as the "Rose of the North" and that too for good reasons. Rich in history and fascinating architecture, Chiang Mai reveals a different side of Thailand which you will not find in the coastal areas of the country. With more than 300 ancient temples spread across the city, Chiang Mai will offer you a subtle sense of tranquility and peace. The temperature here is much cooler than that of Bangkok or the southern islands of Thailand and that will give you enough time to explore the town without breaking a sweat.

Attractions in Chiang Mai

From ancient ruins to picturesque national parks, Chiang Mai offers you everything that a peaceful northern town can offer.

Wat Chalong

Like any other Thai destination Phuket has a lot of Buddhist temples and shrines. But no other wat is as beautiful or popular as the Wat Chalong. Along with Lord Buddha this temple is dedicated to the monks like Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang. Visitors to this temple can see their life-like wax figures and an exhibition hall describing their life and achievements. The Grand Pagoda of this place has some fragmants of Lord Buddha's bones and you can find murals which depicts the story of his life. There are also various golden statues of Lord Buddha placed in various corners of the temple and you can actually savor some peace and tranquility once you visit this place.

Nai Harn Beach

This is another popular beach of Phuket with many tourists visiting this place from all around the world. The beach is very beautifully maintained and unlike some other beaches you will not find it cluttered with lots of tourists. The beach is characterized by its powdery white sand and the crystal clean water as the large palm trees cast nice and cool shade on the shores. Some travelers also suggest that it is the best place in entire Phuket to get some nice Thai street-food. There are also some nice and charming souvenir shops where you can get various novelty products.

Rawai Village

The island of Phuket is home to many fishing villages and also some charming and friendly fishning tribes. Rawai is one such exotic village which is actually home to a tribe of "sea gypsies" known as Moken. This semi-nomadic tribe has actually come from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and they stick to their customs and beliefs. Barring the tribes there is also a huge fishing community in the Rawai Village and they would happily serve you with fresh seafood or take you down for a trip around the sea. Rawai is also known for its huge fishing harbor and the entire area is covered in large trees.

Karon Beach

Karon Beach might not be the largest or the popular beach of Phuket but it is certainly the most beautiful destination in the entire island. The 3.5 kilometers stretch of golden sand is lined by both coconut and palm trees. It is the most cherished relaxing location for the tourists and it would not be difficult for you to find the perfect spot for sun-bathing. Over the years, this beach has attracted many couples and family as it offers the perfect sunset viewing platform for the honeymooners. The open shorelines allows you to take a dip in the water and if the water is calm enough you can also go for a long swim. The area is pitted with many good resorts and restaurants where you can grab a bite after a crazy swim session at the sea.

Phang Nga Bay

The coastal area located in the north-eastern part of the island of Phuket decorates itself as the most heavenly island bay that you can possibly imagine. The limestone cliffs surrounding the bay is simply mesmerizing and with the dense forestation grown on them, it makes for a beautiful sight to savor. The bay is rich in various kinds of fauna whilst the two neighboring islands of James Bond Island and Koh Panyee are definitely worth visiting. The boat trips are quite charming whilst you can come up close to the natural beauty of the colossal limestone boulders. The rocky islands and the greenery will give you a kind of romantic charm which you will not find anywhere else.

Phi Phi Island

With its stunning beauty and spectacular location it is not a surprise that Phi Phi Island was once featured in a Hollywood movie featuring Oscar Winner Leonardo DiCaprio. Rising like a steep medieval fortress the Phi Phi Island is known for its fascinating limestone cliffs and beach-front thick dense jungle. Quite far from the madding crowd of Bangkok the Phi Phi Island gives you a kind of peace and calm that you can savor for a considerable amount of time. The surrounding water of the ocean is crystal clean thereby allowing you a great sight of the marine mammals and the sea turtles. Phi Phi Island also has many charming restaurants and resorts where you can relax and have a great time.

Karon Viewpoint

Also known as the 'Three Beaches Hill' this apt vantage point offers a fantastic view of the three of the most beautiful beaches of Thailand-Karon Beach, Kata Noi, and Kata Yai. If you are facing north, after reaching the viewpoint, then you can savor the most serene view of the entire island with the glimpse of almost all of the natural beauties of the place. There is a glimpse of the bit of emerald hills along with the distant view of the neighboring islands. Then you can also see the white waves crashing on the coral reefs whilst the sandy beaches will call you from a distant to have a relaxing time on the shore. The viewpoint offers a perfect opportunity to take few of the best photos of your lifetime.

Patong Beach

The largest beach of Phuket, Patong, not only offers a great view and a relaxing time but also at the same time it is the place for tremendous amount of fun and frolic. It is never dull here in Patong as you have options to enter into various water-based activities. If you are bored of sun-bathing your entire day then you can go for a jet-skiing or a surfing adventure out in the water. The happy vibe of the beach never perishes as you will find plenty of foreigners gathering here from day to night. The place is also famous for its various food stalls, an enthralling nightlife, and of course the colorful markets with noisy hawkers.

Wat Chalong

Nai Harn Beach

Rawai Village

Karon Beach

Phang Nga Bay

Phi Phi Island

Karon Viewpoint

Patong Beach

Wat Chalong

Nai Harn Beach

Rawai Village

Karon Beach

Bo Sang Handicraft Village

The hill tribes of Chiang Mai boast their art and craft prowess and the Bo Sang village is in fact one of the perfect examples of such exhibition of talent. The handmade umbrellas and the colorful parasols sold in the Bo Sang village has now gained international recognition as you will get a chance to get buy these souvenirs at a bargain. The vibrant handmade umbrellas are really a treat to see as you can observe how delicately the villagers paint them with their own hands. Starting from the tiny and cute cocktail umbrellas to huge parasols for patio gardens, you will find many sorts of items on display here in this village market.

Chiang Dao Cave

If you are looking for an authentic northern-Thai experience then you must visit these haunting caves of Chiang Dao. The caverns of these caves stretches for kilometers but the tourists can only explore a small portion of it. The two major caves are known as the Tham Phra Nawn and Tham Seua Dao. The lower cave have electric lighting systems which makes it easier for the tourists to see inside. However, the upper cave is even more appealing as you need to carry a lantern to view the pitch dark interiors. The visit to the caves will give you an eerie appeal and it is definitely a thing you should not miss out on.

Blue Thong Sticky Waterfalls

Chiang Mai might not have white sand beaches like Phuket but nonetheless the natural beauty surrounding the old is city is simply mesmerizing. This enormous waterfall is definitely one of the most beautiful natural setting near Chiang Mai and wooded area surrounding it just adds to the appeal of this place. The real fun of this place is that you can actually walk up and experience something unique in your life. The limestone, over which the water is running, is sticky in nature and hence the name of the falls. The sticky nature of the stones will allow you to move up and down the falls to your hearts content.

Padung Village

This hill village has something unique which attracts tourists from all over the world. The ethnic hill tribes of this place are called the "Long Neck Karen" and that too for good reasons. The women of this tribal village wears a series of brass rings on their necks thereby stretching their necks up longer than a normal human being. This bizarre ritual has drawn much attention to this place as people gather here to see such a wonderful natural miracle. This age-old practice is still carried out by all of the female population of this village-starting from a little girl to an elderly women. The people here also make fascinating handicrafts and if you feel like it, you can certainly buy a couple of souvenirs.

Huay Tung Tao

A popular day-trip destination for the locals is certainly a marvelous site to explore as a tourist. The beautiful lake, up on the hills, allow you to spend a leisurely afternoon watching the birds and playing games. The ideal picnic spot for the locals and the tourists alike this place has a charm of its own. The peaceful setting has many amenities for you to enjoy and there also local shacks selling cooked fish after catching them fresh from the lake. Many cab drivers can happily drop you to the lake as this place is just 10 kilometers outside the city borders of Chiang Mai.

In the Spotlight

The food scene of Chiang Mai is vividly different from the cuisines of the southern states of Thailand. But saying that, Chiang Mai is also not free from its international influence as far as restaurants and cafes are concerned. With a number of fusion cafes and continental and fine dining restaurant, Chiang Mai is surely to give you a pleasant surprise. A majority of the tourists are oblivion to the charisma and flavors of traditional Northern-Thai cuisine and a trip to the restaurants of Chiang Mai will help you have a real taste.

The House by Ginger : A combination of a restaurant and a cafe not only gives you the perfect opportunity to enjoy some traditional Northern-Thai cuisine but also at the same time it allows you to enjoy some authentic Thai decor. Read More

Words cannot describe how beautiful the interiors of the restaurant is as the hanging flower plants from the high ceilings give you a charming setting to have your lunch. Even the presentation of the foods are a delight to watch and you will be tempted to take a photo or two and put it on your Instagram account. The cocktails here are quite unique and they go well with the spicy Thai cuisine, the restaurant serves Read less

Tikky Cafe : Nestled at the very end of a quaint little street of Chiang Mai, this cafe is not short of its scenic and culinary appeal.

The cafe has nice table cloths and cushions which complement the overall decor of the hanging plants. The cafe does not even have proper walls thereby making it appear like a large greenhouse or a nursery. The menu is not very extensive as you will get traditional Northern-Thai cuisines. The steamed rice items are available from 60 Baht whilst there are various kinds of salads, noodles, and soups. Though the range of items are not much but for each of the items there are options for chicken, squid, pork, shrimp, and also vegetarian. Read less

The Gallery : Located at the banks of the Ping River, The Gallery is a kind of a restaurant which will offer you a warm and comfortable sitting arrangements and relaxed decor. Read More

The family run restaurant also sells slik and household items and there are separate patio sitting arrangements for the tourists to enjoy the riverside view. The traditional house made from solid teak-wood evokes a kind of cozy feeling as you can savor the brilliance of the garden outside. Plenty of flowering and leafy plants add to the beauty of the garden as the meny here is quite scrumptious. Traditional Northern-Thai cuisines are available here in plenty as you can ask them to make them less spicy in order to suit your palate. Read less

Cat Cafe : The Not so much for the food but very much for the unique appeal, the Cat Cafe of Chiang Mai makes into the list of top eateries of the city. Read More

After Japan and China the Cat Cafe of Chiang Mai has gathered much attention and if you have never experienced it before then you are certainly up for a treat. Strictly suitable for animal lovers (especially cat lovers) this cafe evokes a very clean and decent appeal. Whilst some of the reviews suggest that the drinks are a bit overpriced but the overall experience is something to treasure. The wooden floor makes it comfortable for sitting and taking the pictures of the cute fur babies, who are pampered there day and night. Read less

The Good View : The Good View restaurant does not only ensure a good view but also a good vibe at the same time Read More

This upbeat restaurant cum nightclub draws plenty of young and hip crowd as you will get a hint of the beach culture of Thailand here in the middle of the old town on the hills. The cocktail list in the bar is quite extensive as you can enjoy from a wide range of spicy finger food in offering. There is either live music or DJ on the stage as a group of young crowd comes every evening and dances here till night. Now if you are not looking for a wild night ahead then you can just grab a chair by the riverside and enjoy and exotic Thai cuisine whilst enjoying the beauty of the water. Read less

Chiang Mai with all its national forests and lush green hill valleys is rich in its flora and fauna. The upper slopes of the hill is often covered in mist and hence it creates the perfect atmosphere for the growth of lichen, epiphytes, and moss. There are also a huge number of orchids blooming in that area. Apart from that there are also a substantial number of hardwood timber growing in the lower slopes of the hills and dense forestation also cover the banks of the lakes and the river. The thick forestland of Chiang Mai is a home to more than 385 different species of birds. This is more than any other natural habitats of Thailand.

Special Tips

Cost of hotels and rooms range between 200 and 1200 Bhats depending on the quality of service and view and in some cases it even reaches to 3000 Bhats per night.
The cost of food also varies according to the type of establishments. Whilst the food stalls on the beach will charge you 10 to 30 Baht the a decent restaurant will charge around 200 to 300 Baht.
Transportation in Phuket is not very cheap either as a tuk tuk drive from Karon to Patong will charge you around 300 Baht. However, Songtheaws are cheaper and they can take you from Patong to Phuket Town and then to Karon beach for 80 to 90 Baht.
However, all the transactions need to be in cash as these tuk tuk drivers or restaurant owners or the vendors of the small stalls are still oblivious to the concept of digital money or card transactions.

Entertainment & Event

The city where the monitor lizards roam safely with people welcomes you with smiles and wonders.

Flora and Fauna

Flora and Fauna

Flora and Fauna

The thick rainforest cover and the wide coastal areas of Phuket together make way for a rich flora and fauna population in the island. Over the past few years the government has done a lot to preserve the ecological balance of the island and hence is promoting responsible tourism. The tropical hardwood timbers like teak and fern cover a major portion of the island whilst you can also find several exotic orchids, cacti, and bamboo plants growing in patches. In the coastal regions of the island you will also find various palm and coconut tree and they contribute a lot to the local economy. The limestone cliffs are also covered in moss and other aquatic plants as you can find several pretty flowers blooming.

The island is not shy of its animal habitat either as you will find various sorts of reptiles like salamanders and monitor lizards in different corners of the forests. Apart from that you can also see leather-back turtles in this part of the world and watching them lay their eggs and then the eventual hatching is definitely quite a treat. The trees of the forests are always filled with exotic birds along with monkeys whilst there are separate sanctuaries for larger mammals like tigers and elephants. In some parts of the island you can also find crocodiles lying in an idle manner, enjoying the warm tropical sun.
Festivals

Festivals

Festivals

The festivals of Chiang Mai have a unique tribal essence as the importance of community is well-established through their customs and practice. For instance the Loi Krathong Festival is celebrated by the people of Chiang Mai and as a tourist you can also witness its vibrant colors and rituals. Krathong is a basket like structure with a candle sitting at the middle of it. Celebrated on the 12th lunar month the people of Chiang Mai float the baskets on the water and watch them cruise through the canals. People also fly Chinese sky-lanterns and decorate the trees with lights and ribbons.

Along with Loi Krathong the people Chiang Mai also celebrates the Thai festival of Songkran when the entire town goes into a party mode. The summer festival which marks the begining of the Thai lunar calendar is celebrated for a week in Chiang Mai. You will literally drench yourself in the wild celebrations as people keep on throwing water at each other, on the streets. Unless someone has locked himself in the rooms, you are bound to get wet the happy vibes of Songkran.
culture

culture

Culture

Chiang Mai's culture is mostly untouched by the cultures of other countries like China, Singapore, or India and that is why it still maintains its unique form with age-old practices and mind-boggling rituals. Rich in history and heritage the people of Chiang Mai has a strong urge to latch on to their beliefs and practices and that has made them earn the respect of the tourists. The people of the town along with many hill tribes scattered around the borders of Chiang Mai are ver connected to the land and forestation of this place.

All the tribes of Chiang Mai show a close affinity towards forming a closely-knitted community and family structure. They focus on the simple pleasures of lives and their in-depth knowledge about their history and ecology makes them interesting to talk to. As a tourist you should not miss out on the opportunity of talking to a village tribe of Chiang Mai as you are bound to gather some unique knowledge.