Chiang Mai, Thailand: Mini-Guide

Chiang Mai is the most visited city in Northern Thailand, and for good reason. It’s historic, full of ornate temples, walkable, and has some of the best food in the country. There’s a major airport in Chiang Mai, so you can either arrive in Thailand via Chiang Mai, or fly here domestically to/from Bangkok or the islands.

I’d plan to spend at least 3 nights in Chiang Mai, more if you want to do day trips!

QUICK THAILAND INFO:

PASSPORT/VISA

US and EU passports need to be valid for 6 months after you enter, no visa required for stays less than 60 days but you need to fill out the TDAC form within 3 days prior to arrival (it’s free & quick to complete).

CURRENCY

Currency is Thai Baht (THB), 1 USD is roughly 33 THB

LANGUAGE

Dominant language is Thai, but most Thai’s speak English. If not, Google Translate works wonders!ncluding English.

AIRPORTS

You’ll likely want to fly into either Bangkok (BKK), Chiang Mai (CNX), or Phuket (HXT) for the islands.

GETTING AROUND

Grab (like Uber) is the easiest way to get around locally, domestic flights are affordable, and the train is actually so fun and really affordable! In Bangkok, take the Metro when you can.

CULTURE NOTES

Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country. You can wear what you want but I’d recommend clothing past your knees when not in the islands out of respect.

WHAT TO-DO

Chiang Mai has something to do for anymore, but no matter what, get as many massages as humanly possible! If you do nothing else in Chiang Mai, go to the Blind Massage school. Getting around Chiang Mai is easiest by either calling Grab’s (like Uber) or hopping in the red taxi trucks – songthaews. You just tell them where you’re going and the price and hop in the back, its a fun experience on it’s own!

You’ll visit at least a few wats, so I’d recommend you wear long pants, have something to put on to cover your shoulders, and shoes that are easy to split off and on.

Please note: there are very few actual ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, so if you want to spend time with the elephants this is where I’d recommend: Elephant Nature Park. If you pick another, note that anywhere that lets you ride or bath the elephants is not truly ethical.

PS: click on the tour names to go directly to the tour page – I make a small commission on any tours booked though my links at no cost to you so I truly appreciate anytime you use my links!

WHERE TO STAY

My number one piece of advice on where to stay in Chiang Mai is to stay within the Old Walled City (when you look at a map, stay within the square). I’ve stayed at 2 places within the Old City, and one outside of the walls, all are great but inside the walls is much more walkable!

PS: links go to the booking page, I make a small commission when you book though my links at no cost to you so I truly appreciate anytime you use them!

WHERE TO EAT

  • Roti Stall in front of Chediluang
  • Roast8ry Coffee Flagship Store
  • Akha Ama Coffee
  • Mana’s Best Mango Sticky Rice
  • MARS.cnx
  • Nam Ngiaw Loong Pong
  • Chada Vegetarian
  • order Khao Soi anywhere
  • Coco Mango the Garden

I hope you have the best time!!

Amanda Monique

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