The Best Place to Travel in Thailand: Chiang Mai

When it comes to the best place to travel in Thailand, Chiang Mai tops the list. Nestled in the mountains of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai offers a unique blend of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and modern amenities.

It’s the kind of place where you can spend your mornings exploring ancient temples and your afternoons sipping coffee in trendy cafes. I wasn’t expecting all of this when I lived in Chiang Mai for six months!

Chiang Mai is a city that has it all. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a culture enthusiast, or someone looking to relax, this city caters to every type of traveler. The welcoming atmosphere and friendly locals make it even more special.

Here is my guide on the best place to travel in Thailand right now, why you should visit, and what to do while visiting!

Where is the Chiang Mai located?

Chiang Mai is located in Northern Thailand, surrounded by mountains and lush countryside. It is about 700 kilometers (435 miles) north of Bangkok.

I have taken both airplanes and trains to get to Chiang Mai. An airplane is by far the fastest and you can find flights for under $50 USD most times of the year, from neighboring countries.

How can I get to Chiang Mai?

By Air

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) receives numerous domestic and international flights daily. Major airlines like Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and AirAsia offer frequent flights from Bangkok, which take about 1 hour.

By Train

You can travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on both day and night trains. The journey takes about 11-14 hours, depending on the train service.

The overnight sleeper trains are popular, providing a unique travel experience and saving you a night’s accommodation. This is how to buy a ticket for the train.

By Bus

Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are an affordable option. The journey takes around 9-11 hours. You can choose from various bus types, including VIP and first-class services, which offer more comfort.

By Car

The drive from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes about 8-10 hours, covering a distance of approximately 700 kilometers (435 miles). However, unless you are comfortable with driving on the left side of the road and MANY scooters surrounding the car, then I would avoid driving a car.

Why is Chiang Mai the Best Place to Travel in Thailand?

Chiang Mai’s allure lies in its diversity. One moment, you can be trekking through lush jungles; the next, you’re indulging in delicious street food at a bustling night market.

Even though my friends and I were working remotely during the week, we spent the weekends exploring the Chiang Mai mountains. From long drives on our rented scooters to food tours exploring Northern Thai cuisine, it truly was the best experience of my life.

5 reasons why Chiang Mai is the best place to travel in Thailand!

1. Rich Cultural Heritage

Chiang Mai is home to over 300 temples. It would be impossible to see them all if you were just visiting for a short amount of time.

The most famous one, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, offers breathtaking views of the city. The intricate designs and serene ambiance of these temples provide a glimpse into Thailand’s spiritual heart.

My guide to visiting 13 of the 300 temples will show you which five temples not to miss on your next visit.

2. Vibrant Night Markets

The city’s night markets are a shopper’s paradise. From handmade crafts to local delicacies, markets like the Sunday Walking Street, which starts at the Tha Phae Gate, and the Night Bazaar offer endless discoveries. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

This is where you can try a sample of the local food for under $1 USD each. My guide on the Sunday Night Market shows you how to get there and what to bring.

3. Adventure and Nature Activities

If you’re an adventure junkie, Chiang Mai won’t disappoint. You can hike the nearby mountains, visit the Elephant Nature Park, or take a zipline tour.

One of the best things to do is rent a scooter and drive the Mae Hong Son Loop. On the route, you will see elephants, waterfalls, a strawberry field, and miles of lush greenery. Check out my guide on how to rent a scooter, which includes several places to visit while on the bike.

4. Digital Nomad Hub

You may not be working remotely on your visit to the best place in Thailand, however, the digital nomad population modernizes the city.

The city is no longer stuck in the past. Chiang Mai has a modern side that perfectly complements its traditional charm. You will find both older-style accommodations and modern hotels.

The shopping malls offer international stores, as well as movie theaters (which do play some movies in English). Check out Maya Mall while you are in town to pick up any necessities.

Chiang Mai’s cafe culture is also booming. You’ll find an array of stylish cafes serving everything from locally brewed coffee to international cuisine. Check out my guide on the Nimman Area of Chiang Mai to experience restaurants and cafes.

4. Locals are Friendly

One of the best aspects of Chiang Mai is the opportunity to engage with the local culture. The people of Thailand are known for their hospitality and warmth.

Even if you do not speak Thai, locals will find a way to communicate and help you. They are really that nice! I find that playing Thai words on Google Translate (so they can hear the word), works much better than asking them to read the app. If they still don’t understand, they will go find someone to help you.

Take a food tour and a cooking class. It’s the easiest way to meet some locals and learn about Thai food so you are not as awkward when you go to a night market and have no idea what food you are looking at!

How Do I Travel Around Chiang Mai?

On Foot | Tuk Tuk | Grab | Scooter | Songthaew

Walk. If you plan to explore one area each day, the city is very walkable, especially in the Old City and Nimman areas.

Hail a tuk-tuk. This is a must-do at least once when visiting Thailand. They are very noisy, and sometimes the driver’s pricing can vary. It all depends on the driver’s mood and how busy the area is. I have never paid more than $5 USD for a ride.

Call a Ride Share. Use the Grab App to call a car (like Lyft or Uber), it will be no more than $5 USD to get to the further points of the main city.

Rent a Scooter. There are many places to rent scooters in Chiang Mai, and they will rent them to you for one day to one month.

Take a songthaew (the little red bus). It will cost around 30 baht ($1 USD). Just raise your hand on the street to hail it. It is best to write down your destination on a piece of paper in Thai (ask someone at your hotel to help you) and then show that to the driver as many times it is too difficult to read Google Maps.

What must-have items should I bring to visit Chiang Mai?

• Tissues – You will need tissues for two reasons. The food vendors do not provide napkins or only provide one thin sheet of tissue. In addition, you need to bring your own toilet paper to some public bathrooms.

• Cash – Many of the food stalls throughout the city only take cash. I use the Charles Schwab Debit Card when I travel as they reimburse you for all ATM fees. Indoor restaurants however take credit cards.

• Water bottle – I never leave home without my Hydro Flask water bottle. I’ve been traveling with the same one for almost a decade now. It’s really hot in Thailand so you want to stay hydrated!

Annual Thailand Festivals:

Thailand is known for its festivals however they can get very crowded so make sure you plan your trip in advance!

• Chiang Mai Flower Festival – February
• Songkran (Thai New Year) – April
• Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai) – May
• Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival) – June/July
• Vegetarian Festival (Tesagan Gin Je) – October
• Mekong Naga Fireballs – October
• Loy Krathong – November
• Yi Peng (Lantern Festival) – November
• Elephant Festival – November
• Surin Elephant Round-Up – November

Final Thoughts

Chiang Mai stands out as one of the best places to travel in Thailand for its perfect blend of culture, adventure, and modern comforts. It’s a city that welcomes you with open arms and leaves you with unforgettable memories.

I plan to live there again in the near future as I felt the most comfortable there out of all of the countries that I have visited. it spoke to me in a way nowhere in the world has yet.

Whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer stay, Chiang Mai promises an amazing visit!

Tips for Thailand Travel

Is it safe to travel in Thailand alone?

Yes! I have never felt unsafe in Thailand. You can follow the same rules in many countries, don’t walk alone at night and keep your belongings close to you but overall I have never had an issue.

How many days in Chiang Mai is enough?

This all depends on what you want to see. I would say no shorter then five days if you want to go on a few excursions outside of the Old City.

What should I pack for Thailand?

Some essentials for traveling Thailand include light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes for walking (you know I love my on-cloud sneakers), sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.

What should I wear when visiting Temples?

Comfortable sneakers, long pants or a skirt for women, a scarf to cover your shoulders, and a water bottle are some of the necessary items to pack.

Is there a Beach in Chiang Mai?

No! Chiang Mai is landlocked. There are lakes and waterfalls to visit, however. You can take a quick, 3-hour flight to most of the islands from Chiang Mai Airport to Krabi.

Are there any cultural etiquette tips I should know?

Dress modestly at temples, remove shoes before entering homes or sacred places, and show respect.

Should I tip in Chiang Mai?

Yes and no. Tipping is not customary. If you are at a nice place however and the server is amazing, then 10% is reasonable.

Where can I buy groceries in Chiang Mai?

There are grocery stores (most located outside the city walls) that sell local and international items. Big C is a popular one. Use this guide to read a nutrition label in Thailand.

Is it safe to explore Thailand at night?

While it’s generally safe, stay in well-lit areas, avoid dark alleys, and be mindful of your belongings.

Can I drink the tap water in Thailand?

No, bring your reusable water bottle to keep the water cold, and stop at 7-11 to get bottled water. You can buy large bottles for under $1 USD each.

How much money do I need for Thailand?

That all depends on how much you want to spend. You can easily spend less than $50 a day with accommodations and food if you stay in hostels and eat at food stalls. Or you can splurge on a fancy hotel, go to the spa, and dine at fancy restaurants.

Can I take a train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok?

Yes! There are three ways to buy tickets for the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

*This post may contain some affiliate links. If you purchase through that link, I may receive a commission. You will never pay extra for using these links, it will be purely to support the blog. I will only suggest items that I use myself, to enhance your travel experience. Thank you in advance for any support you may give me!

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