In addition to popular locations such as the Maldives, Tulum or Mykonos, there are many new cities to experience. Meet real people, taste authentic food, and spend less than you would in a tourist destination. At Travel Noire, we take you to places you’ve never known. You’ll find destinations that are easy to reach, with all the same accessibility as your more touristy counterparts. We love giving our readers and future world travelers more sites to explore and be inspired by.
Now let’s head to Chiang Mai, one of Southeast Asia’s hidden gems.
Where is Chiang Mai and why should we go?
If you’re planning a visit to Thailand anytime soon, add Chiang Mai to your itinerary. When people ask us how they should spend their time in Thailand, we say they have to give the country a full month.
Bangkok is the most popular city in Southeast Asia. Similar to New York, the city attracts tourists from all over the world. The streets are packed with tourists and locals, there are shopping centers on all the main streets and one of the busiest street food areas you will ever see.
Another popular destination in Thailand is Phuket. Pronounced “Poo-ket,” they’re the Miami Beaches of Southeast Asia, with five-star hotels along the coast for $40 a night. Nightclubs and bars open until 5am. You will meet many young European and Australian backpackers enjoying life.
On the other hand, Chiang Mai is a peaceful place in Thailand. Located in the mountainous northern region, Chiang Mai offers all the vibes of food and relaxation.
Chiang Mai received nearly 11 million tourists in 2019. Chiang Mai is a much calmer version of the Thailand experience. The people are friendly, their cuisine has a lot of flavor, and there’s a bit of quirkiness to the city that you’ll fall in love with.
Chiang Mai is a must-visit city if you’re looking for relaxation and lots of walking time.
Things to See in Chiang Mai
The Old Town of Chiang Mai has some of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. The most famous Buddhist temple is Wat Doi Suthep. It was founded in 1383, and since then it has been enhanced with each passing century to look more luxurious. The temple is located 15 miles from the city and offers great views of downtown Chiang Mai.
Another famous temple is Wat Chedi Luang. The building was built in the 14th century and was not completed until the middle of the 15th century. The former king, Seang Mua Ma, planned to have his father’s ashes buried in the temple. Ten years later, however, his widow continued to develop. After King Tilokaraj’s reign began, the temple was finally completed.
Temples in Thailand are of great help to the communities they belong to. Not only does it continue to spread Buddhist knowledge and culture to tourists, but it also helps the city’s economy. Each temple has its own story, but the identity of Thai Buddhist culture remains the same.
If you are a frugal person, then Chiang Mai is your Disneyland. It is highly recommended to travel light when traveling to Chiang Mai as the city has some of the best thrift shops in Thailand. From denim jackets to ’70s-inspired jeans, baggy furs and gorgeous vests, you can shop for clothes for very little money.
places to eat in chiang mai
The best Khao Soi in the world is produced in Chiang Mai. Khao Soi is a creamy coconut curry soup topped with crunchy hand-cut rice noodles and minced pork or chicken. There are many kinds of Khao Soi, but the best place to try Chiang Mai’s signature dish is Khao Soi Loong Prakid Kad Gom.
What’s unique about this location is that it’s easy to miss. You will most likely walk past it the first time you go. They open daily at 9:30am and close at 4:30pm. Arrive early; Thais don’t play with their timing.
Another famous restaurant in northern Thailand is Midnight Chicken. They’ve been serving up some of the most unbelievably spicy Thai food for decades. The name says it all, and you’d better arrive a little before midnight as the place fills up quickly in the middle of the night. If you’re looking for authentic Thai street food, look no further than Midnight Chicken.
Best time of year and ways to get there
April is the hottest month to visit Chiang Mai, however, because it is in the mountains, it may feel like the sun is on your shoulders. The best time to travel is from October to March. You’ll be able to experience mild temperatures and beautiful sunny days in all the walkable parts of town you need to visit.
The best way to get to Chiang Mai is by plane while visiting Bangkok or Phuket. Local airlines offer short-haul flights worth between $25 and $75.
If you plan ahead, consider the following airlines: Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, and Thai VietJet.
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