Chiang Mai

Overview

Chiang Mai's old city, still ringed by a moat and fragments of its original wall, packs over 30 temples into a compact, walkable grid - but the real draw for most travelers is the pace. Cooler mountain air, a strong cafe culture, and easy access to jungle and hill tribes make it a natural place to slow down mid-trip.

Getting There

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) connects to Bangkok in about an hour and to several other Southeast Asian hubs directly. The old city is a short tuk-tuk ride from the airport.

Top Experiences

• Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the mountaintop temple overlooking the city, ideally at sunrise or late afternoon
• Wander the Sunday Walking Street market, which turns the entire old city into a food and craft market
• Take a half-day cooking class - most include a local market visit and send you home with real technique, not just recipes
• Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary outside the city that focuses on observation and bathing rather than riding

Local tip: Choose an elephant sanctuary carefully - look for ones that explicitly don't offer rides and focus on rescued, retired elephants.

Food to Try

Northern Thai food differs meaningfully from Bangkok's - try khao soi (curry noodle soup with crispy noodles on top), sai oua (herb-packed grilled sausage), and the wide range of vegetarian options around the old city's guesthouses.

Practical Info

• Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
• Getting around: Songthaews (shared red trucks) cover most routes cheaply; rent a scooter with caution
• Air quality: Burning season (Feb-Apr) can bring heavy smoke haze - check air quality before booking that window
• Temples: Dress modestly - shoulders and knees covered