Wander through colorful Chiang Mai

Posted on January 2, 2023

Chiang Mai was our second destination and a relief after the hustle and bustle of Bangkok! Although Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand, it feels very cozy. There are countless coffee shops and restaurants and much to see and do in the area. In our opinion, this is definitely a city not to be missed during your trip to Thailand. Read on for our tips and wander through colorful Chiang Mai!

How do you get there?

Chiang Mai is easily accessible by train, bus or plane. We chose to take the night train from Bangkok. Pay attention to which train you take, because there seems to be quite a difference. We bought tickets for second class on train 9 and paid €36 per person. The train will take you to Chiang Mai in 12 hours. We didn't sleep well because the lights stayed on and they were very bright but it's a nice way to travel. It is best to look at 12go.asia for tickets.

In Chiang Mai itself you can get around by taking a special type of taxi. They are called Songthaew and there are two benches in the back. These will take you to your destination for not too many baht.

Where and how long will you stay in Chiang Mai ?
There is a lot to do in and around Chiang Mai, so you can enjoy yourself here for a few days. We would recommend three or four nights, depending on how many excursions you want to do. We stayed at My Chiangmai Boutique Lodge and thought it was highly recommended! The staff is happy to help you plan excursions and if you have to leave early, they will ensure that breakfast is ready on time. The hotel is located slightly outside the center, but everything is within walking distance.

What can you do in Chiang Mai?

Whether you like to visit temples, look for adventure or learn how to cook Thai food, it’s all possible in Chiang Mai! Below you will find a list of our tips.

Visit one of the beautiful temples. There are many temples in and around Chiang Mai that are worth a visit! For example, visit Wat Phra Singh, Wat Pha Lat or Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Wat Phra Singh is located in the center of Chiang Mai and Wat Pha Lat and Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep are a little further out. You can combine the latter two, because a winding road first leads you past Wat Pha Lat on the way to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep!
Cycle through Chiang Mai with the Co van Kessel bike tour. It is not only possible to do this bike tour in Bangkok, but also in Chiang Mai!
Climb the Sticky waterfall (Bua Thong). An hour’s drive from the center of Chiang Mai is a special natural phenomenon. A waterfall that you can walk up to! You can go here yourself with a taxi or book a tour.
Find the most beautiful spots in Doi Inthanon National Park. This park is an hour and a half drive from the center of Chiang Mai. In the park you will encounter beautiful waterfalls and you can walk to the top where you will pass a beautiful temple.
Hike through Phachor. Phachor is a beautiful canyon in another park that is less well known. The canyon is an hour’s drive from the center of Chiang Mai.
Learn to cook Thai. We have booked a cooking class at Smile Organic Farm Cooking School, highly recommended! It is possible to book a half day or full day course. We opted for a full day and first went to a local market to see where the ingredients come from. When we arrived at the place of the cooking class, we were given a tour of the garden where all the herbs grow. Then we all started cooking together! We made six dishes and ate them all. It was delicious and luckily we got a recipe book with all the recipes we made, so we could recreate it at home!
Stroll through the Saturday and Sunday night market! Every Sunday in the center there is a huge market with food and handmade souvenirs. There is also a market on Saturday, but it is slightly smaller and is located on the Wua Lai Walking street.
A very popular excursion in Chiang Mai is visiting an elephant park. We have not done this, because there is a lot of difference between the parks and it is difficult to determine which ones really take good care of the animals. So pay close attention to which park you choose if you want to do this.

Where can you get a good meal?

Khuankae’s juice bar

Do you want a smoothie or smoothie bowl? Then you have to come here! All ingredients are on the menu, including which milk they use. If you have any allergies, please let the staff know.

Goodsoul’s Kitchen

The best restaurant to eat with allergies! It is a restaurant with plant-based food and the menu lists all the ingredients. It is also included which dishes are gluten-free. In addition, they also have gluten-free pizza and pasta!

Kat’s kitchen

Do you fancy Thai food? Then definitely go here! They have delicious curries, pad thai and fried rice. You can also indicate how spicy you want your food. And if you have any allergies, let the staff know!

Kati Breakfast and Brunch

A very nice place for breakfast and lunch! The menu lists the ingredients, but if you have any allergies please let the staff know.

Dash

If you can’t decide between Thai or Western food, go here! They have an extensive menu with Thai and Western dishes. The pad thai is very tasty. Let the staff know if you have any allergies.

Gravity Cafe & Bistro

A restaurant with a huge menu! If you have made a choice, you can place your order at the checkout and they will bring it. We can recommend the smoothie bowls!

Airniversary

This restaurant is built around a tree and a very nice place for drinks!

Bonus tip

Carp cafe

Carp cafe is located slightly outside the center of Chiang Mai. You can sit among the carp and feed them. You can eat sushi or have a drink here. A really nice restaurant to go to.