Northern Thailand’s mountains constitute the lowest crags of the Himalayan foothills. Its Salawin River flirts with Myanmar before flooding into the Bay of Bengal, and its northeastern border is formed by none other than the mighty Mekong River. The former Lanna kingdom attracts adventurous travelers eager to trek through hills and visit Karen, Hmong, Yao, Lahu, Lisu, and Akha hill-tribe villages. A home of Burmese refugees, Chinese immigrants, and nine hill tribes, and subject to ongoing influence from Laos and Myanmar, northern Thailand is perhaps the most culturally diverse region in the country. Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second largest city, forms the central hub of the region and introduces foreigners to Lanna culture, cuisine, meditation, and massage. Northeast of the bustling metropolis, calmer brother Chiang Rai sits on the scenic Kok River, dotted with elephant camps and hill tribes. To the east of Chiang Mai is the Mae Hong Son Loop, renowned for its treks, though many travelers never make it past the charming riverside village of Pai. The north is an great escape from the beach crowds of the south; a haven of mountain villages where you can enjoy the famed hospitality of the Lanna people.
The monthly magazines Welcome to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and Guidelines Chiang Mai, available at travel agencies, guesthouses, and hotels throughout the city, have comprehensive transportation schedules ...more
Chiang Mai is 720km north of Bangkok. Most of the action centers in the beautiful old city, roughly 1.5km across and surrounded by a square-shaped moat. Many of the tree-lined streets within the moat are ...more
Local Buses: Buses (approx. every 15min. 6am-10pm, 10-15฿) run along 5 routes in greater Chiang Mai. More information on the routes available at TAT. Songthaew, Tuk-tuk, and Samlor: Songthaew ...more
Tourist Office: TAT, 105/1 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd. (☎ 053 248 604 or 053 258 607), 500m south of Nawarat Bridge. On the 2nd fl. of a traditional house. Full of maps, transportation schedules, and brochures ...more
Guesthouse signs sprout from almost every soi entrance within a 1km radius of Tha Pae Gate. Be sure to make a reservation during festival periods (see Holidays and Festivals), the largest of which are ...more
Chiang Mai has exceptional culinary diversity, with everything from quick markets to elaborate eateries. Thanks to the large number of expats in the city, you can find Western dishes around Tha Pae Gate ...more
Wat Chedi Luang. The gigantic pyramidal remains of Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai’s largest chedi, tower over its neighboring buildings. Built by King Saen Suang Ma in 1401, it once spiraled 86m ...more
Chiang Mai has over 200 companies itching to fulfill the trekking desires of eager farang. The TAT provides a 50-page booklet with all registered offices in Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, and Lampang ...more
Chiang Mai has plenty of opportunities to watch or participate in sports, such as Muay Thai (Thai Boxing), bowling, ice skating, jogging, cycling, and tennis. As Thailand’s national sport, Muay Thai ...more
Chiang Mai offers several popular courses to tourists, specifically Thai cooking, massage, meditation, and language. (See Beyond Tourism.)
Avid shoppers and casual browsers alike will find plenty to enjoy in Chiang Mai. Many will have heard of the famed Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Rd., which showcases a variety of antiques, silver jewelry ...more
There are three big festivals in Chiang Mai. The Flower Festival is held during the first weekend in February, when flower-covered boats float down the Ping River. The weekend features flower exhibitions ...more
Chiang Mai’s nightlife scene is constantly changing. Nimmanhemin Rd., near Chiang Mai University, is home to the classiest, newest bars and discos. Several popular bars lie on the Ping’s east bank ...more
To get from Chiang Mai to the summit of Doi Inthanon using public transportation, 1st go to Chom Thong, then to Mae Klang Waterfall, and then to the summit. Chom Thong is 58km from Chiang Mai and the ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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