Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai (est Metrpolitan area pop. 700,000) is Thailand’s second largest city, and the principal economic and tourist centre of northern Thailand. It is located, 700 km north of Bangkok. Chiang Mai was once home to the Lannathai Kingdom, with the fortress walls of the old city still intact in several areas, and the moat that surrounded the fortress a central feature if the inner city.
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second most populous city, and the main economic, and cultural centre for northern Thailand. It doesn’t have that modern big city feel of Bangkok, and that suits many tourists and long time residents just fine. The city has all the modern conveniences available elsewhere, they’re just kept behind a small town facade that retains much of the charm from the past that can get buried underfoot by development elsewhere.
Getting to Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has numerous transportation links, both domestic and international. Chiang Mai International Airport welcomes daily flights from Singapore, Laos, Myanmar, China, and Hong Kong, as well as domestic flights from Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Rai, and several regional centres.
Coach service from Bangkok and most major provincial centres in the north and Isaan is also abundant and available in all classes. Buses to Chiang Mai leave Bangkok’s Moh Chit bus terminal almost hourly. The hot buses take about 12-14 hours. VIP buses make the trip in 9 to 10 hours. There is also direct service to Pattaya and Rayong eastern seaboard.
For buses to and from points within Chiang Mai province, Chungpuek terminal near the inner city is used. If you are departing to or arriving from outside the province you will be using the Chiang Mai Arcade bus terminal just off Thanon Kaeo Nwarat, just before it meets the Superhighway.
The northern terminus of Thailand’s rail system is in Chiang Mai with several services per day with all classes available.
Things to do in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai’s reputation as a cultural centre is well earned. There are over three hundred Buddhist temples in the surrounding area, including Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, the most famous of the local temples which overlooks the city from atop Doi Suthep, a mountain to the west, and the lesser known Wat Phra Doi Saket, about nine kilometres north which hosts a giant Buddha statue, (pictured above) and has a panoramic view of the entire valley.
Chiang Mai’s famous Night Bazaar is a good place for shopping, eating and people watching. During the high season it is quite busy but the shouder seasons are much less crowded and the weather is still nice for wandering through the area or eating and drinking at it’s many tasty food outlets. Nearby is Loy Kroh road, and Thape Gate with another substantial concentration of pubs, restaurants, guesthouses, and for good measure, a few girlie bars near the corner of Loy Kroh.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Around the central area of the city is virtually wall to wall guesthouses and hotels. Many of these are packed during the peak December to February tourist season, but you will have more luck and better prices outside of that. Like most places in Thailand, the period of May to October is the most inexpensive for accommodation.
- Pamper Yourself
Sofitel Chiang Mai Riverside - You can’t go wrong with a Sofitel as their standards are among the top of Thai hotel chains. Centrally located enough to walk to Thape Gate in ten minutes, but away from the noise with stunning views of the Ping River. (Rates from 6500 THB to 18,000 THB)
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai - Unparallelled luxury located on the outskirts of the city. The hotel complex is done to modern standards but in the traditional Lanna style of building. This is not a destination for the casual tourist unfortunately as it is one of the most expensive places to stay in the entire north, although if you have the money to spend or it’s a special occasion, your investment will be rewarded with a stay at a truly remarkable hotel. (Rates from $476 - $670 USD)
Hilltribe Girls in Chaing Mai
Affordable Comfort
Tamarind Village - Of all Chiang Mai hotels, this one probably gets the most consistently good reviews sent back to our reservation centre and forum. A beautiful traditionally inspired hotel with outstanding service. Close to everything, but away from the noise. (3100 - 4200 THB)
Royal Lanna Hotel - Modern, clean, comfortable hi rise hotel overlooking the Night Bazaar. If you want to be right in the moddle of things without breaking the bank this is where to be. If you want sleep it may be the wrong place as the lower floors get the noise of the markets and traffic until after midnite. Very clean and well maintained with decent food service. (1150 - 2450 THB)
Bargains to be had
Airport Resident Hotel - Older hotel, but clean, efficient and right near the airport. A good deal and fairly quiet as the Airport does not have late night flights coming in. (530 - 1150 THB)
Royal Guesthouse - Almost more of an upscale backpackers than a hotel, Royal Guesthouse is a low cost, yet comfortable and clean place to stay with a friendly staff and a bar. Caters more to a younger crowd. (350 - 800 THB)
Full listing of Chiang Mai Hotels with reviews and secure booking links.
Chiang Mai just happens to be the best place to shop for English language books in Thailand. Drop in on our friends at Gecko Books.
