Chiang Mai apparently is the largest and mountainous city in the northern of Thailand.
The first time when I arrived at Chiang Mai, I fell in love with the place at the first sight. It is a city but the city not as crowded as Bangkok. It is energetic yet it can be quiet too. These are some of the reasons why I like here.
It is not surprised why many expats and retirees chose to move and settle down here, because of the low-cost living yet you still could remain the good quality of life in Chiang Mai.
What to see and do in Chiang Mai?
Songthaew/ Red Pick Up Truck Taxi
In the total of 5 hours bus journey from Golden Triangle to Chiang Mai, the first transport I used was the local Songthaew where this is a pickup and shared taxi/truck that commonly used in both Thailand and Laos.
Especially in Chiang Mai, Red Pick Up truck taxi is the shared taxi for the passengers who will travel roughly in the same direction. And of course, the price is cheaper.
*You may read more about Songthaew on another blogger’s post, they explained it in details.
Me U2 Hostel
The Red taxi stopped me outside of my hostel and this is the place that I have stayed for two nights:
The hostel location is good where is accessible and convenient to many tourist spots within walking distance.
Chang Phuek market
Recommended by the owner of the hostel, the famous Sukiya at chang phuek market:
the food stall is just right in front of the Ford showroom. The business working hours starts from 6pm onwards.
Address: ฟอร์ด อเมริกัน มอเตอร์ส (เชียงใหม่) 234/19 ถ. มณีนพรัตน์ ต. ศรีภูมิ อ. เมือง, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Morning Market
Visiting the morning market (next to the Ford showroom) where you can find a lot of nice and fresh food there
Warorot Market/Kad Luang
You can shop clothing, grocery items, foods & home goods etc. here.
Daily opening hours: 5am-11pm
Visiting Wat(s)/ Temples
There are many temples in Chiang Mai. Some of the temples are located in the city centre within walking distance.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
One of the most sacred temples where it is located on top of the mountain.
Entrance fee for the foreigner: 30 Baht per person
You could enjoy the peak view/ whole Chiang Mai view at the top of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Meet Up with friends
Food Hunting
The locals know the best! My local friends brought me to try out the famous Anchan noodles aka blue noodles:
Anchan which means Butterfly-pea flower, the color of the noodles and drinks were made by anchan. That’s why it is in blue color.
Guu Fusion Roti & Tea
Many varieties of Roti here. We were greedy enough to order four plates for 3 persons. 😛
SUGOI BBQ
Dinner: Guess how much it costs?
It’s only 180 Baht for all- you- can- eat buffet!
Chiang Mai University
Do you know Chiang Mai University is also a tourist attraction?
At Chiang Mai University lake -Ang Kaew reservoir
Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center
You can walk around and window shop at Maya shopping center area. The Think Park Chiang Mai is also nice to check out.
Chiang Mai Brazilian Jutjitsu
If you want to practice BJJ while travel, there are many BJJ class in Chiang Mai.I went to Chiang Mai BJJ this time. Awesome people here 🙂
Local Night Pub in Chiang Mai
Tried out the new Thailand beer and exotic (crunchy) food here:
I was in Chiang Mai only for 3 days 2 nights. I should have extended the stay longer.There are other many nice places in Chiang Mai such as the National Park, a trip to Pai and etc. etc. which I haven’t got a chance to visit.
In a nutshell, I like Chiang Mai very much.I will definitely be back in one day soon.
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Chiang Mai, Thailand is always one of my fav place to visit. The city is so vibrant city, so much night market and yummy street foods.
I’ve always wanted to visit Thailand, I really hope to be able to this year. I love the markets and your photos are really pretty.
I loved your photos! I wouldn’t mind going one day. I would love to try out the food and check out the market.
The markets and the food are the places that I would love to see. Looks like a great place to visit.
What great information for anyone traveling to Thailand! I have never been, it looks amazing!
Thailand sounds like such an amazing place to go and visit – it amazes me all the things there are to do there!
I have been wanting to visit Thailand. My brother went a few years ago and it just looks like such a stunning place.
I really want to visit Thailand. From the looks of the pictures and the description, Chiang Mai is a good place to start!
thailand is on my bucket list and on the top. i am intrigued by their culture soooo much. i really want to visit. i feel like there is so much to do which is great.
Thailand is such a beautiful country. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
That looks like a really interesting place place to be. Great job on the photos. They perfectly capture your story!
So jealous! I love Thai food and would love to go there one day so I can try the real authentic dishes. Looks like you had fab time
I have always wanted to visit Thailand! It looks like such a beautiful place to visit!
Thailand is on my travel bucket list. Chiang-Mai looks like an exciting place to visit. Will surely include it.
Looks like such a fun trip. I really want to go to Thailand sometime. Chiang Mai seems like a great city to visit.
i am so mesmerised by the beauty of the country and its food. Thailand is on my travel bucket list. looks like you had an amazing experience 🙂 thank you for sharing those lovely pictures
The architecture and history are so amazing. I have never stayed in a hostel before so that is different
I would love to visit chiang mai! i have seen so many photos are heard so much about it! beautiful photos!
Thailand is on my travel list and Chiang Mai seems like a very interesting destination. The food looks delicious!