Chiang Mai, a vibrant mix of ancient heritage and modern charm, left an unforgettable impression on me during my time in Thailand. Nestled in the northern mountains, Chiang Mai offers stunning temples, rich historical sites, and the best of northern Thai cuisine, along with a café culture that rivals any global coffee hotspot.
In this post, I’ll dive into how I got there, where I stayed, and the incredible experiences that make Chiang Mai a must-visit for any traveler.
How I Got There
To get from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai, I took a six-hour bus ride that my hotel arranged for me. Although it’s a bit of a long journey, the direct route made it the cheapest and most efficient way to travel between these two cities. The train option would have involved a transfer to Phitsanulok, which adds time, and there are no direct flights from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai.
For flights, you must transfer in Bangkok, which makes the time almost equivalent to a direct bus ride. The journey gave me plenty of time to enjoy the passing scenery, catching glimpses of rural Thai life and scenic countryside views along the way.
Once I arrived at the bus station in Chiang Mai, I quickly hopped in a Grab (similar to Uber) and headed to my hotel. Chiang Mai’s affordable and convenient Grab services make it simple to navigate the city, no matter where you choose to stay.
Where I Stayed
Chiang Mai has a few popular neighborhoods that cater to different traveler preferences, each with its own unique character. Here’s a breakdown:
- Old City: Encircled by remnants of the ancient wall, this area is home to Chiang Mai’s most famous temples and historical landmarks. It’s the top choice for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the city’s rich heritage.
- Nimman (Nimmanhaemin Road): A trendy, modern neighborhood with a lively café and shopping scene. Nimman is perfect if you want a hip, artsy vibe with excellent restaurants and boutique stores.
- Riverside: Situated along the Ping River, Riverside offers a relaxed atmosphere and scenic river views, with many high-end hotels, cozy eateries, and live music venues.
- Santitham: A quieter, more local neighborhood close to Nimman but less touristy. Santitham is ideal for those seeking a more laid-back experience while staying within reach of major attractions.
- Chang Moi: Known for its traditional markets, Chang Moi is close to Old City and Chinatown and offers a unique blend of local life and commercial areas.
I opted to stay in Nimman for its relaxed yet upbeat feel and easy access to fantastic cafés, shops, and restaurants. My hotel, the Art Mai? Gallery Hotel, was a memorable choice, featuring beautifully curated art pieces in every room and a sleek, stylish ambiance. Located in the heart of Nimman, it was the perfect base to explore both local hotspots and Chiang Mai’s historical treasures.
There is no metro transit in Chiang Mai, so I used Grab to get around my entire stay. If you’re comfortable with motorbikes, that’s the easiest way to navigate as traffic can get a little crowded, especially around the Old City. However, the city is compact enough that it won’t take long to get anywhere you’d plan on going regardless of what type of transport you choose.
Discovering Chiang Mai’s History and Culture
Chiang Mai’s history as the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom gives it a distinct character from southern Thailand. Founded in 1296, it served as a cultural and political center for the region until it was integrated into the Kingdom of Thailand. The influence of the Lanna Kingdom is still palpable, from the unique northern dialect to the architecture and traditions seen across the city. Compared to Bangkok, Chiang Mai’s slower pace and northern heritage lend it a different, eclectic feel.
In contrast to the tropical, seafood-heavy cuisine of southern Thailand, northern Thai food is influenced by cooler mountain climates and neighboring Myanmar. Chiang Mai’s cultural distinctions make it an incredible destination for experiencing diverse aspects of Thai identity, from language and art to architecture and flavors.
Travel Tip: If you’re planning a trip to Chiang Mai, or anywhere in Northern Thailand really, avoid visiting from February to April when the burning season causes smoky air quality—November to January offers much clearer skies and cooler weather. I visited at the end of January and it was still clear weather, thankfully.
Northern Thai Food Tour
One of my favorite experiences in Chiang Mai was an evening food tour, which began at the beautiful Wat Lok Moli. This ancient temple, adorned with intricate wooden carvings, was the perfect introduction to the city’s cultural depth and set the tone for a night of culinary discovery.
The tour itself was an immersive journey into northern Thai cuisine, sampling dishes from local food stalls and restaurants, each with its own unique twist. We traveled by truck, piling into the back for a fun and authentic ride around Chiang Mai, stopping at hidden gems known mostly to locals. One highlight was a stall serving chicken cooked in clay pots—a smoky, flavorful experience unlike anything else.
No visit to Chiang Mai is complete without trying Khao Soi, a coconut-based curry noodle dish that’s rich, spicy, and incredibly satisfying. Our guide explained that Khao Soi is a specialty of northern Thailand, characterized by crispy fried noodles on top and soft noodles in the curry, creating a delightful texture contrast. We also had the chance to enjoy some dishes at a Burmese restaurant and learned about the growing diaspora in the city.
Food tours are one of the best ways to experience a new city and culture. I booked mine through Viator, and you can book this exact tour here.
Chiang Mai’s Coffee Culture
Chiang Mai is a coffee lover’s paradise, with an established café culture and locally sourced beans grown in the nearby mountains. Many cafés here embrace a farm-to-cup approach, highlighting the region’s high-quality Arabica beans grown by hill tribes like the Akha and Hmong. Unlike the typical Thai coffee served with condensed milk, Chiang Mai’s coffee shops offer pour-over brews and other specialty coffee experiences.
Two standout cafés I frequented were All Black Coffee and Thor-Phan. All Black Coffee had a relaxed vibe, with baristas who were passionate about their craft, while Thor-Phan offered strong, expertly brewed pour-overs. Each café felt like a peaceful escape, reflecting Chiang Mai’s slower pace and appreciation for artisanal food and drink.
LGBTQ+ Scene and Nightlife
Chiang Mai has a vibrant, welcoming LGBTQ+ scene, even if it’s quieter than Bangkok’s. One of the highlights was visiting 6ixcret, a lively drag show that was both a celebration and a performance art showcase. The queens put on a fantastic, engaging show featuring dazzling costumes, high-energy numbers, and even a fire act that had the audience cheering!
I also spent a night at Deaf Shop, a small hole in the wall bar in the Old City that offers live record selection and DJ’ing. They’ve got a ton of album options, and you can make requests by bringing a vinyl up to the DJ table. The drinks and vibe were incredible here, and I highly recommend visiting for a fun night after exploring the city.
Exploring Chiang Mai’s Temples
Chiang Mai is home to countless temples, each with a unique history and significance. “Temple hopping” is a common activity in Thailand, and I loved exploring the different locations through all the cities I visited. Thai temples are an explosion of color and decoration, each unique in their own way. At the same time, they offer a place of peace and contemplation for all, regardless of your own beliefs. Among the highlights in Chiang Mai were:
- Wat Umong Suan Putthatham: Located in a forested area, this ancient temple is known for its network of tunnels and serene atmosphere, providing a peaceful retreat from the city.
- Wat Lok Moli: A striking wooden temple near the north gate, known for its elaborate carvings and ancient chedi (stupa).
- Wat Chedi Luang: One of Chiang Mai’s largest temples, featuring a massive, partially restored chedi and a historic structure dating back to the 14th century.
- Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan: This temple houses a revered Buddha image and showcases classic Lanna architecture.
- Wat Suan Dok: A temple with beautiful white chedis containing the ashes of Chiang Mai’s former royal family, it’s a site of historical reverence and beauty.
Each temple shows a distinct glimpse into Chiang Mai’s past, and visiting them feels like stepping back in time.
A Day Trip to Doi Inthanon
I also took a full-day tour of Doi Inthanon National Park, a must for anyone visiting Chiang Mai. The Wachirathan Falls were breathtaking, cascading down the rocks with incredible force. In addition to its stunning waterfalls, Doi Inthanon is home to misty cloud forests, diverse wildlife, and cool, refreshing temperatures—a perfect escape from the heat of the city.
At the summit, we explored the twin Royal Projects Pagodas, built to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand. The King’s pagoda, completed in 1987 for his 60th birthday, represents his dedication to Thailand’s development, while the Queen’s, built in 1992, celebrates her work in preserving Thai culture and the environment. These pagodas are surrounded by lush gardens with panoramic views, making them a peaceful spot for reflection amidst stunning landscapes.
The tour also included a visit to a Hmong village, where we learned about their traditional farming methods, including coffee cultivation. Tasting locally grown coffee from the village added a personal touch, as we saw firsthand how the Hmong people have adapted to the region’s mountainous terrain.
This tour offered a great opportunity to get out of the city for the day. I’d highly recommend for anyone interested in exploring the surrounding nature. Check out this link for availability!
Final Thoughts on Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai truly has it all—a unique mix of history, nature, and culture that makes it one of Thailand’s most versatile destinations. I loved the balance between its rich past and modern amenities, from ancient temples to trendy coffee shops. I spent a week here, but even a few days would be enough to capture its essence.
If Chiang Mai sounds like the ideal destination for you, I’d love to help make your trip a reality. Reach out to book a custom trip proposal, and let’s craft an itinerary that brings together the best of Chiang Mai’s historical and modern experiences! Book a free consultation today to get stated.
