Chiang Mai Travel Guide
Set amongst lush tropical forests and surrounded by a mountainous landscape, Chiang Mai is the ultimate escape from the pace of city life. This is a city that is rich in traditional Thai culture from the local food offerings to the talent of its craftsmen.
Eat
Some of the best fruit shakes are to be found on the street – super cheap and the freshest of fruits! The night bazaar market also has a delicious selection of the best street food including fresh coconut ice cream, dumplings, and fruit wines.
Giva Organic Vegan Raw Food & Drink (Tapae Soi 1, Loi Khor Road, across from D2 Hotel) is a café that only provides authentic raw organic food, great for a Saturday morning feel-good brekkie.
If you’re craving a slice of home, Paris Bar and Restaurant (26 Soi 2 Moon Muang Rd, Phrasing, Chiang Mai 50200) provides a fusion of French and Thai cuisine. With very few French restaurants in Thailand, we loved the food and the atmosphere here.
Paak Dang (46/1, Wang Singh Kham Road, Chiang Mai 50000) is great riverside dining with an authentic Thai menu – remember the bug repellent! For all coconut and mango lovers, some of the best mango sticky rice is to be found here!
Shop
Chiang Mai has a strong creative community, which has resulted in some of the best shopping available in Thailand, especially those who are addicted to buying for the home! The city offers many hidden shopping gems that stock work from local designers/artists, in most cases demonstrating a traditional Thai aesthetic. From beautiful jewellery, art, textiles and fashion at market prices, make sure you have adequate room in your bag to fill!
Chock-a-block full of gorgeous hand crafted objects from art, jewellery, and clothing, Things Called Art is great for one-off pieces and lots of vibrant colours – you won’t walk out empty-handed.
Great if you’re specifically looking for art or cards to send home but also worth a look regardless – Watercolour de Lanna Gallery is a studio and gallery which showcases local artists based in Chiang Mai. The quality of the work is astounding and a great crash course on the history surrounding the area.
With the current trends favouring tribal art and objects, Tha Pae Road is a stretch that offers an eclectic selection of both local and Tibetan pieces. Best time to visit is in the afternoon/early evening.
The night markets are a must here; most of the goods in stores can be found at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Sprawling through a web of three main streets, an array of silks, jewels, and the to be expected knick-knacks provide hours of entertainment and the best selection of goods in Chiang Mai.
If you have time on your hands, grab a ticket from any local travel agency to the factory stores. These take half a day to travel out of Chiang Mai and offer dirt cheap shopping where you can pick up local pottery, silver, and silk.
Sleep
The Chedi Chiang Mai provides the ultimate in 5 star accommodation. Designed by local firm Kerry Hill, the resort is set along the banks of the Mae Ping river with a combination of historical and contemporary buildings that speak of the history of Chiang Mai. Impeccable facilities and service.
The Villa Duang Champa is set in the heart of old town Chiang Mai, adorned with charming colonial details and furniture. Topped off with a quaint café on the ground level.
Baan Lansa Guest House offers traditional bungalow style accommodation. Set within beautifully manicured gardens and water features, the guest house is tucked away from main roads in central old town. Perfect for the luxury backpacker!
Rachamankha provides the best of the best in terms of boutique living. Adorned with local antiques and furnishings, the enchanting architecture speaks of old world Thailand. Centrally located in old town Chiang Mai.
Puripunn – “A Baby Grand Boutique Hotel” – prides itself on an intimate experience with limited rooms for the traveller craving some quiet ‘me’ time.
Do
For cat lovers, a visit to tiger kingdom is a must – with a choice in the age of cat you want to pat and cuddle till your heart’s content!
Elephant Nature Park will provide a memorable experience where you can volunteer to help with the rehabilitation of elephants from the region – a great alternative to the tourist attractions.
Chiang Mai is a hub of handicrafts and a visit to the many umbrella, silk, and pottery factories to see the talents of the local artists is guaranteed to provide inspiration.
Tips
With no direct flights from Singapore, allow adequate time for travelling so you can enjoy the most of Chiang Mai. Or take a night’s stay in Bangkok on the way.
You will want to bring everything you see home! Make sure you have enough baggage allowance to pack your finds, otherwise there make sure to supersize your baggage before you check in.
The surrounding area is beautiful and it is well worth taking the time to explore.
The airport is very central to town, and taxis and tuk tuks are the best form of transportation.
Check out AirAsia’s guide to Chiang Mai here.
This travel guide was brought to you by our friends at AirAsia.