Chiang Mai Travel Tips

Chiang Mai's location in the mountainous region of northern Thailand gives it a sufficient advantage as a tourist destination. Apart from extremely alluring sights, it also offers unique experiences that tourists would appreciate. Not to mention, it's also one of the cheapest places to travel in Southeast Asia!

As the capital city of Chiang Mai province, Chiang Mai features top-rated attractions, which start with old city temples and quaint villages. You cannot leave the city without visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a mountaintop temple with a revered seated Buddha as the centerpiece. There are over a hundred more temples inside Chiang Mai walled city if you want to go on a crazy temple run, including Wat Chedi Luang. For gorgeous views of nature, head to Doi Inthanon National Park, home to the highest mountain in Thailand and the massive Mae Ya Waterfall. Doi Pui Village is another sight worth exploring, exhibiting the vibe of a traditional tribal village, as it played host to various groups through the years.

The best way to enjoy Thai culture is by indulging in delicious Thai food. Tourists coming to Chiang Mai also enjoy having a gastronomic adventure at the Gate Market, where vendors serve affordable, tasty delicacies—from khao soi, pad kra pow to mango sticky rice.  Chiang Mai is undoubtedly the best foodie destination north of Bangkok.

Chiang Mai is well worth a visit if you want to experience authentic Thai culture minus the madness—and high price—of the country's capital, Bangkok. It may be 700 kilometers from the city center but having its own Chiang Mai International Airport is an edge that helps draw tourists from neighboring Asian cities, like Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Singapore, and others.