Everything you need to know before you visit Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is the hub of northern Thailand and a world-class destination in its own right. It’s known for its laid-back vibe, authentic Thai culture, and natural beauty but it also boasts some of the most delicious food in Asia!

Chiang Mai is one of the most culturally rich cities in Thailand, and it’s a great place to spend a relaxing holiday. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, Chiang Mai, a jewel of northern Thailand, offers attractions for every taste: temples, waterfalls and national parks as well as an active nightlife scene.

Need a break from the heat of Thailand? Head to Chiang Mai and enjoy some of its best sites. Here are some things you can do in the northern city.

When To Visit Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has four seasons: hot, rainy, cool and cold. The best time to visit depends on what type of activities you have planned. If you’re looking for adventure and outdoor activities, the rainy season (May through October) is likely your best bet.

For cultural and historical exploration, the cool season (November through March) will allow you more time outside without being too hot or too cold. And if you’re looking for relaxation and spa treatments, the hot season (April through May) will be ideal for soaking up some rays while enjoying a massage or facial at one of Chiang Mai’s many spas.

Getting Around Chiang Mai

Public transportation can be found all over Chiang Mai; however, some areas are better served than others. You’ll find buses running throughout the city from early morning until late at night; however, these buses do not run very frequently during peak hours ( 7:00 am through 10:00 am and 4:00 pm through 7:00 pm).

Taxis are also easy to find around town; however, they’re not always cheap. If you don’t mind walking or riding a bike, Chiang Mai has plenty of pedestrian-friendly areas where you can enjoy strolling along the river or shopping in one of the many open-air markets.

Where to stay

There are plenty of options when it comes to finding hotels in Chiang Mai, but we recommend staying in The 3 Sis so you can experience everything this city has to offer without having to travel far each day. The 3 Sis is located near many landmarks like Wat Phra Singh or even just walking distance away from other attractions like night markets or temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple which offers impressive views from atop Doi Suthep mountain overlooking Chiang Mai.

If you’re looking for something more luxurious, then we recommend staying at Meliá Chiang Mai which has stunning views of the city and is located near many popular attractions like Wat Phra Singh or night markets. Where to eat Chiang Mai has a wealth of delicious restaurants serving up traditional Thai cuisine as well as international cuisine from around the world. The best part is that most places are affordable and won’t break your budget! Some of our top picks include Mai.

The best hotels in Chiang Mai can be found for a variety of budgets and price points. If you’re looking to splurge on your trip, we recommend staying at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai Resort.

Popular food in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand, and it’s a popular destination for travelers to experience Thai culture. It’s also known for its incredible food—and if you’re going to be visiting Chiang Mai, you should definitely try some of these local dishes.

1. Khao Soi: This dish is made from thick yellow curry and egg noodles, which are served together in a bowl. You can choose between chicken or pork as your protein source, but vegetarians can also opt for tofu instead.

2. Moo Ping: This dish is made from marinated grilled pork that’s been deep-fried until crispy on the outside but still tender on the inside, with slices of raw ginger and garlic on top for extra flavor! If you’re not into pork then there’s always chicken wings… because everything is better with chicken wings! Just kidding—the crispy skin on these things will make them one of your favorite things ever!

3. Pad Thai: This dish has become so popular that most people don’t even realize it originated in Thailand! It’s made up of rice noodles stir-fried with eggs, tamarind pulp, dried shrimp paste (or fish sauce), peanuts and bean sprouts – all topped off with fresh lime juice, chili peppers and cilantro. If you’ve never had it before then you’re in for a real treat: The combination of sweet, salty and spicy flavors will blow your mind!

4. Tom Kha Gai (Chicken Coconut Soup): This soup is made with chicken broth, lemongrass stalks and galangal root, kaffir lime leaves. Then you add Thai chilies, coconut milk and mushrooms to create a rich and flavorful soup that is so good it will make your taste buds dance!

5. Pad See Ew (Wide Rice Noodles with Beef): This dish is made up of wide rice noodles stir-fried with Chinese broccoli, bean sprouts, garlic and eggs in a soy sauce-based sauce. It’s a delicious fusion of Chinese and Thai cuisine that can be served as a main course or as an appetizer.

6. Green Curry with Tofu: This dish is made from green curry paste, coconut milk, bamboo shoots and lime leaves simmered with chunks of tofu until the sauce thickens. It’s delicious served over rice!

7. Pho with Beef: This dish is a traditional Vietnamese soup made from beef stock, spices and fresh herbs. The soup can be served with rice noodles, thinly sliced beef or chicken and a variety of fresh herbs. The dish is usually served with hoisin sauce, fresh lime wedges and hot chili peppers on the side.

If you’re planning a trip to Chiang Mai in Thailand, we hope this guide has been helpful! Thailand is a wonderful place to visit, and we think you’ll find that it’s worth your time.

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