Chiang Mai Travel Guide

Chiang Mai is the 3rd Largest City in Thailand with a population of about 1 million and the Largest in Northern Thailand, the former walled capital of the Lanna Culture, who ruled Northern Thailand for over 500 years.

Chiang Mai immediately felt like a breath of fresh air compared to the cramped and smoggy streets and alleyways of Bangkok. The city is also beautiful, the ancient city wall, while mostly ruins, in some parts still maintains a near-perfectly preserved wall.

Anything about a walled city to me already adds an aura of charm which represents a preserved and historic city ready to be explored. Chiang Mai was no different, outside of the gates you have a bustling city with familiar markets, shops, and hustle and bustle that you grow to love in Southeast Asia, here, in the old city, the energy shifts into a quaint old town with cafes and restaurants alongside ancient temples and stupas.

While Chiang Mai is used at the hub of travel around the Northern Thailand region to smaller cities like Chiang Rai and Pai, the town itself shut not be missed as it is many traveler’s favorite cities in the region.

You must also be warned that Chiang Mai is not off the beaten path or underdeveloped as it once was if that’s your thing, tourism is huge here, especially on the West Side of the walled city, the expat community is large and felt a little like downtown LA to me with so many dispensaries and mini restaurants and cafes.

Chiang Mai has undergone gentrification within the past 20 years that has drawn mass tourism in, and this without a doubt was one of my favorite cities in the country, having spent 3 weeks here. Do not miss this place and here is a detailed travel guide to aide you.

Chiang Mai is a city of Wats, and I would be lying if I knew most of the ones I was visiting, I totally briefly visiting as many as you can while in the city, as each one is beautiful and unique in its own right.

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang remains one of the most beautiful places I have visited on my 3-month long trip around Southeast Asia, while it does not contain the grand architecture or colorful facade of the lavish temples of Bangkok or Chiang Rai, it still holds an authoritative presence

Straight up out of an Indiana Jones movie, the partially destroyed top of Chedi Laung still remains one of the top attractions on the city. Built in the 14th century during the Lanna Kingdom, by then King Saen Muang Ma to bury the ashes of his father.

While the main stupa pictured here is the most famous building, the whole complex is impressive with ordination halls and many other buildings with gorgeous architecture to admire. The Wat also hosts daily monk chats which I highly recommend. It’s a great tradeoff for English practice and to learn a little about Buddhism and the daily lives of monks.

Here are some of other Wats I loved

Wat Phan On, Wat Sisa Ket, Wat Si Phum, and Wat Uppacoot

Chiang Mai spoiled me with how many quality markets there is in the city. For me, markets are always my favorite place to go to when entering a new place, you can always sense the vibe of the place through the smells and sights you will indulge in.

My first time entering a local market abroad was almost a religious experience for me, Mercado Central in Hauraz, Peru was located in a warehouse in downtown and it was a vibrant and beautiful attack on the senses, every corner was a new, exotic, animal part for consumption and a new local spice or beverage for sale. This is the amazon for the developing world. It was beautiful and almost psychedelic and I search for it in every market I visit.

Kalare Night Bazaar will always be a favorite for me, I had my first and last meal in Chiang Mai here, and I often came here due to its proximity to my hotel.

This place has most of the Thai classics you have probably pictured, Pad Thai, Khao Soi, Curry, Mango Sticky Rice, insects they are all here and are all delicious and cheap. There are also a wide assortment of Indian and Halal Food as well as some western food. Prices: 50-250 Baht

The atmosphere here is what makes this place so special, yes, it caters to the tourist but most of Chiang Mai does! It works! There are 2 rooftop bars with live music every night, this place rocks past 8pm.

Every Sunday, Chiang Mai’s vendors will converge into a beautiful array of goods for sale and delicious food to eat. This is the undisputed king of the many markets of Chiang Mai.

This market is unlike any market I have encountered in this region, it’s a total attack of the senses. Artists are painting new works, musicians will play local Thai music and the aroma of Thai food will fill the air

Located along the city wall from Thapae Gate to Wat Phra Sing, this market is easy to find but easy to lose your way in, its huge!. But do not worry, the market does not go past the city gate and you can always use Maps.Me

As the market is only once a week, you can expect large amounts of crowds of both locals and tourists, the market is open from 4pm to midnight but expect crowds to peak around 7 or 8 and to continue until closing.

Hmong and Karen tribeswomen from surrounding villages often come down to the market to sell traditional handicrafts and clothes, but you will see all sorts of beautiful items here for sale.

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While this market is not technically in Chiang Mai, about 45 minutes by Songthaew (Local transport by truck) or grab will land you into the most authentic market I have visited in all of Southeast Asia

I visited the Buffalo Market as a volunteer through Kad Sala, a local organization that offers English camps, Woodcarving and other activities to this underdeveloped region in Northern Thailand. Kad Sala comes here weekly to sell clothes in the flea market to help fund the organization.

I roamed the market for a few hours, and it was one of the most memorable experiences I had in this region. San Pa Tong and the surrounding villages are far from most stores so the Saturday market is the closest thing they have here for everyday items. The market is split into two, the “old” and the “new” market.

The New market sells clothes, plants, and perhaps more visually appealing goods compared to the old market. The old market is the wild west, all sorts of produce, meats, household appliances, and hence the name, buffalos and even chickens for cock fighting.

While it’s certainly a hike from Chiang Mai city, using a Songthaew is a cheap and authentic way to reach one of Thailand’s last true remaining local markets. Chiang Mai, while a great city, has certainly been gentrified and if you crave a picture of authentic Thailand, look no further than the Buffalo Market.

Go hiking on the Monk’s Trail to Wat Doi Suthep

The Monks Trail is one of the most famous hikes in Chiang Mai, starting from the Monks Trail Headpoint to Wat Doi Suthep. This hike, given the name, is often used by Monk’s returning from their morning almsgiving back to their homes at the monasteries

The first Wat you will reach on this hike is Wat Pha Lat, and it was my favorite even though Wat Doi Suthep is much more famous.

The Wat itself is nothing unique in Thailand, with an assortment of Stupas and Temples alongside monk dormitories, but being in the middle of the jungle on a mountainside, the views and ambiance are immaculate.

After Wat Pha Lat, you can continue to Wat Doi Suthep, one of Chiang Mai’s most famous temples or return. During my visit in May, the weather was extremely hot and I felt it during my trek up at over 100 degrees. It’s about another 3 miles of vertical climbing to Doi Suthep, stay hydrated and follow the chanting of the monks!

You will notice the large road that leads to Doi Suthep, and you can always take a Songthaew there for about ~60-100 baht as it’s quite the journey. Upon arrival, be ready for a seemingly never-ending staircase to the entrance of Wat Doi Suthep.

Expect to pay for an entrance fee of 30 Baht for the temple, as most of the famous ones require a small fee. It’s absolutely worth it though, this temple is impressive, its huge, opulent, and the view overlooking Chiang Mai is beautiful.

After Wat Doi Suthep, you can continue on by car to Doi Thoi Hmong Village, about a 15-minute drive from the wat. Do not attempt to walk. This truly was a unique and beautiful village but do not expect an off-the-beaten-path feel, and be expect people to try to sell you various goods, but it’s still worth a visit.

Watching Mauy Thai in Chiang Mai was something I had looked forward too for a long time, Thailand is obsessed with Muay Thai or Thai Kickboxing. It’s the national sport and the proof is obvious, even the first billboard you see leaving Suvarnabhumi Airport is for Mauy Thai at Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium.

Mauy Thai is not a cheap activity for the budget traveller and certainly not here, tickets at this enormous stadium start 50 dollars for basic seating and go up to $300. That’s a lot in Thailand, but you get what you pay for, it’s a seriously impressive stadium resembling many UFC stadiums with everything from announcers to showgirls.

For me, the better option was to go to a fight in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai has 3 stadiums that cater to tourists and you can visit with fights happening every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. For me, Kalare Stadium was the most convenient due to that it is in the night market, so some delicious food and cold beer are always close by.

Mapping Hostel -68 Chiangmai-Lumphun Rd., Watked, Maung, Wat Ket, 50000 Chiang Mai, Thailand 

This hostel was honestly not my favorite. I booked a budget single room and was greeted by little more than a closet with a dingy twin bed and a sliding door with holes in it, but at this point I just needed a private room for my 3 night stay and it did the trick.

I paid $8.25 a night for this private room with a shared bathroom or about 274 Baht

While lacking in luxury, what made this hostel remarkable was the location. The hostel is located on the Ping river, away from the tourist zone which lead to beautiful evenings and sunsets but only a short walk away from the old city which made it quite serene.

Chiang Mai was by far one of my favorite cities in all of my journey throughout Southeast Asia. If you are looking for an “off the beaten path” or “undiscovered” hideaway, it will certainly be not be here. In contrast, what you will find is an easy going and beautiful mountain city with lots of things to do and places to explore.

Chiang Mai and San Pan Tong were the two places where I stayed the longest out of any place in the region, for good reason. There is a perfect balance of Western creature comforts and authentic Thai culture that has made tourists flock to his region. Chiang Mai is a must do for any authentic adventurer in Thailand.