CHIANG MAI THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE+TOURIST SPOTS

Chiang Mai, Thailand Travel Guide | Tourist Spots

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE | TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, BUDGET HOTELS

Contents

Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Touch of India

Like many accounts of landlocked nations whose borders appear only as a line, the history of Thailand is that of a tumultuous past rife with conflict around its neighbors. But even before the country which is now known as either Siam or Thailand becomes what it is today, this inland country was a story of wins and losses which shaped its overall landscape.

But what better to describe the difference between the former Ayutthaya kingdom and present-day Thailand than pinpointing to the few provinces which were otherwise removed from the country, including Chiang Mai.

At a time when the Lan Na Kingdom was still existent and the Ayutthaya was still the prevailing name of Thailand, Chiang Mai was the seat of power of its neighboring kingdom—Lan Na or Lannathai—to the north as was established in 1296.

Yet, before Chiang Mai held its symbolic status, the seat of power of the Lan Na Kingdom was set at Chiang Mai’s now-considered sister city, Chiang Rai. Based on the year of their establishment as cities, Chiang Rai is essentially Chiang Mai’s elder sister.

a portion of the Walking Street Market…The place is loaded with handicrafts, events, food stalls and much more… ( Chiang Mai, Thailand Travel Guide | Tourist Spots )

People might easily confuse names as interchangeable but, in reality, these two cities are actually different as they are located in two distinct regions: Chiang Rai being at further north while Chiang Mai, on the other hand, being at the tail-end in the south.

For those who are not aware of the rich goings-on around this area of the world in ancient times, the Lan Na Kingdom was an Indianized state—or part of the greater India—which depicted the extent of the Indian subcontinent’s reach and cultural influence in the region.

The La Na Kingdom is said to have enjoyed its existence from the early 13th century until the 18th century when the kingdom that once was is soon absorbed by Siam which effectively made it a tributary state starting from the year 1774 until 1889.

For a while, until 1939, the place was a seat for a prince whose only relevance is restricted only to ceremonial purposes.

Nowadays, this province is regarded as a territory of Thailand that borders on the north. Knowing the country’s northern region, Chiang Mai is perched atop the region’s tallest mountains and is 700 kilometers north of Bangkok, the capital city of present-day Thailand.

While you can define the province of Chiang Mai as the countryside region of the country for its lush scenery, the laid-back and blissful vibe that both the province and its town exude easily makes it a hallmark for a healthful retreat. That is, particularly, if you are coming from the country’s ever-hustling and bustling south, especially at the heart of the country’s commerce, Bangkok.

As such, it hardly comes as a surprise that the province is considered as a hub by visiting tourists or locals who wanted to temporarily break away from the toxic life in the metro. Sleepy the town may be but there is definitely something good for your well-being that can be found in this place.

CHIANG MAI THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Chiang Mai, Thailand is loaded with attractions that any tourist can enjoy. Listed below are just a few of the popular points of interests in the Rose of the North:

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

One of the recommended temples which you should visit when in Chiang Mai, Thailand is the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Commonly this place is called by many as “Doi Suthep”. However, Doi Suthep is actually the name of the mountain where the temple is placed.

Book Doi Suthep and Bhubing Palace Half Day Tour here

Must read: Doi Suthep

Address: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Road Tambon Su Thep,
Phone: +66 53 295 002
Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show

The Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show showcase the oldest customs and traditions of the places. You will also get to taste traditional Thai dishes while watching a spectacular show.

Book Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show here

Must Read: Kantoke Traditional Dinner Show

Wat Chiang Man

Inside the old city of the province is another temple which you can visit easily, the Wat Chiang Man. The place is known as the first Buddhist temple constructed in Chiang Mai in 1297.

Book Chiang Mai City & Temples Half-Day Tour by Tour East here

at the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden ( Chiang Mai, Thailand Travel Guide | Tourist Spots )

Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden

If you are a plant lover then this place must be on your list. The place is loaded with flowering and other ornamental plants and tropical trees.

Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden is near the Maesa elephant camp and you can even do a segway to see also the Tiger Kingdom, Butterfly farm, Snake farm and Monkey farm.

Address: 10019 Mae Raem, Mae Rim District
Phone: +66 53 841 234

Must read: Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden

Wat Chedi Luang

The Wat Chedi Luang was constructed in the 14th century. Three temples can be found in Wat Chedi Luang Complex as follows: Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Ho Tham, and Wat Sukmin.

Address: 103 Road King Prajadhipok Phra Singh, Muang District

Wat Pra Singh ( Chiang Mai, Thailand Travel Guide | Tourist Spots )

Wat Phra Singh

Just located within the city walls and Moat is the beautiful Wat Phra Singh.

When you visit the Sunday Walking Market, this temple is just located at the end of the main street – Rachadamnoen Road where the walking street market is being held.

Address: Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Night Bazaar

Another must-visit place if you are hunting for Thai souvenirs is the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. The place started to operate from 3 PM to 12 AM. Handicrafts, Thai silks, paintings and much more can be found in the place.

Address: Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Hours: Open today · 3 PM–12 AM
Phone: +66 98 553 1083

Must Read: Night Market

Chiang Mai, Thailand Kerchor Elephant Eco Park Tour

The place offers an amazing show featuring elephants painting and doing some stunts.

Book Chiang Mai Kerchor Elephant Eco Park Tour here

Doi Inthanon ( Chiang Mai, Thailand Travel Guide | Tourist Spots )

INTERNET CONNECTION

Stay connected on your visit to Chiang Mai, Thailand. You can purchase in advance a tourist sim card in for pick up at Thailand airport.

Buy 4G SIM Card (Thailand Pick Up) for Thailand here

( Chiang Mai, Thailand Travel Guide | Tourist Spots )

LIST OF BUDGET HOTELS IN CHIANG MAI, THAILAND

You can book your hotel by clicking on the links provided below. The clickable links will bring you to the booking site.

B House Chiangmai Hotel
29/7-8, SamLarn Road, Soi 1, Phrasing, Muang
BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE

Baan Din Ki
4th Floor of Kad Suan Keaw Shopping Center (Theater floor) Huay Keaw Road, Suthep, Nimmanhemin (Siri Mangkalajarn Soi 7), Nimmanhemin, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 50200

Chiangmai Gate Hotel
11/10 Suriyawong Road, Wua Lai, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 50100

Duangtawan Hotel
Night Bazaar Area, 132 Loy Kroh Road, Chang-klan, Night Bazaar

Fanli Resort Chiangmai Recently Renovated
399/13 Moo 2, Mae Rim-San Sai Road, Tambon Rim Tai, A. Mae Rim, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 50180
BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE

Get Zleep Premium Budget Hotel
128, Moo 1, Huay Kaew Road, Tamboon Chang Phuak, Amphoe Muang, Huay Kaew

Hmong Hilltribe Lodge
111 Moo4, T.Maeram A.Maerim, Mae Rim

H Hotel Phrasing Recently Renovated
51 Samlarn Road, Old City, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 50000

Maninarakorn Hotel
99 Sridonchai Road T.Changklan A.Muang, Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai, Thailand
BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE

Mayflower Grande Hotel
9 Soi 9 Nimamhaemin Road, Suthep, Nimmanhemin

Panviman Chiangmai Spa Resort
197/2 A. Muang, Mae Rim

Pornping Tower Hotel
46-48 Charoenprathet Road, Night Bazaar

Rainforest Boutique Hotel
23/1 Charoenmuang Rd., Soi 5 T.Tasala A.Muang, Charoenmueng, Thailand, 50000
BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE

Rompo Boutique Hotel
16 Soi3 Thapae Rd., T.Changklan, A.Muang, Night Bazaar

Roseate Hotel
24/1,88 Sriphum Rd. T.Sriphum A.Muang, Old City

Sasima House Recently Renovated
169/3 Sridonchai Rd. T.Chang Klan, A.Muang, Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 50100

Sri Chiang Yeun House
138/456 Manee Nopparat Road, Sripoom, Muang, Old City

BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE

Tapae Place Hotel
2 Tapae Rd. Soi 3 Changklan, Tha Phae

Tri Yaan Na Ros Colonial House Hotel
156 Wualai Road, Haiya Muang , Wua Lai

V Residence Chiang Mai
10/10 Moo.2 Kanklong Road, Changphuk, Muang

Werun Boutique Hometel Recently Renovated
7/1 Singharat Road Lane 3 Tambon Sri Phum, Amphoe Muang, Old City, Thailand, 50200
BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE

( Chiang Mai, Thailand Travel Guide | Tourist Spots )

HOW TO GET TO CHIANG MAI, THAILAND

The province has its own airport, check your airlines if they have a direct flight to this place. Other guests are flying from Bangkok.

Actually, there are many ways to go to this province when you are from Bangkok.

By Car

From Bangkok, drive to Nakhon Sawan using Highway 32, then Highway 1 through Kamphaeng Phet and Tak to Lampang. From there, take Highway 11 to Chiang Mai. Total distance: 695km.

By Bus

Many bus companies run the route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The total journey time is about 10 hours. Both air-conditioned coaches and non-air-conditioned buses depart from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2). The local Chiang Mai people recommend Nakornchai Air (www.nca.co.th). Their website is only available in Thai.

You should arrive at Chiang Mai’s Arcade Bus Station. To get to your hotel or guesthouse, you can either follow the locals and share a red songtaew (pick up) that will be around 20 baht per person. Or you can take a tuk-tuk for anything between 60-80 baht.

By Train

The State Railways of Thailand operates daily services from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station. Overnight sleepers are available too and they are quite popular. Trains leave for Chiang Mai 6 times a day between 08.30 to 22.00. Air-conditioned seats/sleepers range from 500 to 1300 baht. Check train schedules and prices at www.railway.co.th

Train journey time: 12-14 hours.

On arrival, from Chiang Mai train station on Charoen Muang Road, again you can take either a tuk-tuk or songtaew to get to your hotel. From here into town will take approximately 10 minutes.

By Air

There is a good choice of many domestic and international flights to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). These airlines include:

Air Asia – from/to Bangkok; also Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
Air Mandalay – from/to Myanmar
Bangkok Airways – to Ko Samui (flights from Ko Samui are indirect) and from/to Sukhothai; also Jinghong (China)
China Airlines – from/to Taipei, Taiwan
Lao Aviation – from/to Laos
Nok Air – from/to Bangkok, Mae Hong Son & Udon Thani
One-Two-Go (part of Orient Thai Airlines ) from/to Bangkok
SGA – from/to Chiang Rai (once daily) and Pai (once daily)
Silk Air – from/to Singapore
Thai Airways – from/to Bangkok and Mae Hong Son; also Kunming (China); in addition, flights from and/or to Phuket & possibly Nan may also be available seasonally.
You can do your currency exchange at the Thai bank counters in the airport. The rates are quite reasonable. If you exchange in town, you may get slightly better rates, but usually not more than 1% better.

To get into town, there is a taxi/limousine counter where you exit the baggage area. The fare anywhere in town is about120 baht. The Airport Authority does not allow tuk-tuks or songtaews to wait in the airport. But you can hop onto one that has just dropped a passenger off. There is also a public bus but the fixed-route may not be suitable to get you to your guesthouse.

( Chiang Mai, Thailand Travel Guide | Tourist Spots )