Northern Thailand Orientation

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 limited to pedestrians and motorbikes only. The northeast corner of the old city, with inexpensive guesthouses and restaurants, is a hub of backpacker activity. The southeastern corner has a similar, slightly less touristy vibe. The western edge of the old city, only a few blocks west of the central Phra Pokklao Road, exudes a more local feel, as many tourists never make it there. The highest concentration of foreigner activity occurs around the Tha Pae Gate area, in the middle of the old city’s eastern edge. Guesthouses here aren’t quite as nice as they are in other parts of the city, but there is no shortage of restaurants. The busy Moon Muang Road runs north-south on the inside edge of the moat and intersects Ratchadamnoen Road at the Tha Pae Gate. The area east of the Tha Pae Gate, between the moat and the Ping River, is a popular dining and drinking area. The famous Night Bazaar along Chang Klan Road is a sight in and of itself and is always packed. Past the Night Bazaar and across the Nawarat Bridge, to the east the Ping River, is another lively area, with restaurants, bars, and guesthouses. To the west of the old city lies trendy Nimmanhemin Road and the Chiang Mai University district, home to a large expat community. Chiang Mai’s main tourist attraction, Wat Doi Suthep, is 16km northwest of the city, past the university.

Guesthouses, the TAT, and other tourist-geared establishments stock free copies of Guidelines Chiang Mai and What’s on Chiang Mai, which offer useful and often amusing practical info. Keep an eye out for City Life Chiang Mai, the local expat monthly, with announcements, classifieds, and expatriate horror stories. For more information see www.chiangmainews.com.

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