Chiang Mai Hotels

To the west lies the Doi Suthep Mountain, a lush eruption of life that is often referred to as ‘Chiang Mai’s lungs’. In the bowels of the region you’ll discover the Chiang Dao Caves, both ancient and spiritual. It has to be said, however, that if the caves are Chiang Mai’s bowels and Doi Suthep is its lungs, development and modernisation is a nasty smoking habit that could put both organs in danger. While the increased development has brought many positive changes and an updated identity to the city, it has also increased pollution and traffic to an alarming extent.

If conservation is your thing (or if you ever watched Dumbo as a child), the Patara Elephant Farm is a must-see. With a focus on replenishing the fading Thai elephant population and establishing a sustainable tourist model, this is where you can bathe, feed and play with baby elephants. You won’t want to leave.

Chiang Mai offers a similar buzz to Bangkok but with a much more authentic feel (and far fewer lady-boys), so it’s no surprise that it is shooting to the top of the itinerary for many travellers heading to Thailand.

Chiang Mai Top 10:

CHIANG MAI LOCAL

Tha Phae Gate

Also known as the Old City, this is often touted as one of the most interesting areas of Chiang Mai because of its history. The narrow, temple-strewn walkways are juxtaposed with high-end boutiques, restaurants and bars taking pride of place along the main streets. Close by, you’ll find the famous Night Bazaar, a night market filled with everything from souvenirs to clothing. Put your haggling hat on and resist the temptation to buy a taser. Trust us, it always ends in tears.

Doi Inthanon National Park

With mountains, parks, waterfalls and spectacular views just outside the city, it’s hardly surprising this is a popular attraction. Doi Inthanon National Park is home to the highest mountain in Thailand (Doi Inthanon – 2565 metres), as well as gorgeous flora, waterfalls and native wildlife. Here’s the place to get your adrenaline pumping with elephant treks, rafting and free weekly hikes organised by the Chiang Mai Hiking Group. A gaggle of great restaurants and luxe resorts inhabit the area as well, so when you’re ready to hang up the hiking shoes and wash the nature off your face, relaxation awaits.

Bo Sang & San Kamphaeng

Get ready to stock up on souvenirs in Chiang Mai’s satellite villages. You’ll find hand-painted silk and cotton umbrellas, silverware, ceramics, embroidery and a bunch of other crafty bits and bobs at next to nothing at the various markets and stores in the area. The San Kamphaeng Road (also known as ‘handicrafts highway’) is lined with vendors selling hand-woven treasures and Thai antiques. The Cotton and Silk Weaving Village is the place for handmade shawls and scarves made from the finest silks at cheap-as-chips prices. After you’ve bought up big, hit the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs for some natural relaxation.

CHIANG MAI EAT & DRINK

CHIANG MAI EVENTS

Exotic flora and lush greenery are the highlights of the Chiang Mai Flower Festival every February. A lengthy procession showcases the incredible talents of Thailand’s big flower-biz names. Expect floats made from masses of flowers as well as other growing art. This festival is sure to please the eyes and the nose.

Early April welcomes Chiang Mai Fest, a fiesta of culture and entertainment. Enjoy the dance and music performances, art exhibits and talent shows scattered at different venues around the city.

Songkran is a water festival lasting four days during the month of April, and marks the official start of the Thai New Year. Expect costumes, music, beauty contests, dancing, markets and, of course, plenty of water. If you’re in the city, expect to be doused by hoses, water guns and water balloons. Seriously, total strangers will have no qualms about attacking you with water, so leave your fancy pants at home and join in the fun!

The Loi Krathong Festival in November sees thousands of people gather by the water’s edge to release handmade floats made from banana leaves and flowers that carry candles and incense. Fireworks follow this beautiful tradition honouring the Goddess of Water.

WHEN TO GO

· It’s pretty hot and humid all year round but to bypass the extreme heat, avoid visiting from March to May, when temps rise to nearly 40°C (104°F).

· If you’re not a fan of rain, skip out on visiting during August and September, when the city sees a helluva lot of water.

· Late November to January is very warm but pleasant, averaging around 27°C (81°F).

WHAT TO MISS

· Tap water should be avoided unless you’re into bacterial viruses. Keep to the bottled variety unless you want to include giardia in your list of carry-on items on the way home.

· While a lot of tuk-tuk drivers are wonderful ambassadors for Chiang Mai, others can be a real pain in the… tuk. The shifty ones will try to scam you and may offer to take you for a ‘sightseeing tour’ for a certain amount of baht that will almost certainly come to a close at a shop his brother owns. It’s a good idea to refuse their offers as they can become pushy if you don’t then buy something from their brother/cousin/uncle. If they make you really uncomfortable, simply get off.

GETTING AROUND

· Hire a scooter or bike to explore on your own, but remember that you may not be as good as you think you are. Remember those battered and bruised Aussies you saw at the airport? Ten to one has it their scars are the result of an over-inflated estimation of their scooter-riding abilities. Be careful!

· Jump on one of the many songthaews and tuk-tuks zooming up and down the streets and marvel at their ability to weave in and out of traffic without batting an eyelid.

General Information

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Chiang Mai - General information