Chiang Mai, Thailand
Bangkok gets the international attention. Chiang Mai — Thailand's second-largest city, 700km north — has the temples Ban…
Best Time: November–February (cool, dry)
Daily Budget: $20–35 (accommodation $8–15, food $5–10, activities $3–8, scooter $4)
Getting There: Fly to Chiang Mai or overnight train from Bangkok (12 hours, $15–30)
Visa: Thailand e-visa or visa on-arrival (30 days)
Currency: Thai baht (1 USD ≈ 35 THB)
Language: Thai; English less common than Bangkok
Points & loyalty
Alliances: Star Alliance
Points: Chase UR, Amex
Hotels: Marriott, Hilton
Why Go
Bangkok gets the international attention. Chiang Mai — Thailand's second-largest city, 700km north — has the temples Bangkok tries to preserve, the food scene Bangkok aspires to, and a pace that's actually livable.
Chiang Mai's old city is surrounded by a moat and ramparts. 300+ temples are scattered throughout. The Sunday night walking street market is legendary. Night bazaars sell everything. Cooking classes run $8–15 for a full day including market visit and meal. Massages cost $4–6 for an hour.
The reason people stay in Chiang Mai longer than planned is that daily life has absorbed them. You wake, take a scooter to a temple, get lost, eat lunch at a place where you're the only foreigner, take a massage, eat dinner at a night market. Days feel complete on their own terms.
Top Experiences
Temple hopping: Wat Chedi Luang (massive ruined chedi), Wat Phra Singh (ornate temple in old city center), Wat Suan Dok (large active temple). Free entry. Robes required inside active temples (available at entrance). 2–3 hours covering multiple temples.
Sunday Walking Street (Ton Payom Market): Miles of street transformed into a night market selling food, crafts, clothing. Open Sundays 4 PM–10 PM. No entry fee. $15–20 for dinner and browsing.
Cooking class: Half-day or full-day classes. Market visit, hands-on cooking, meal. $8–15. Malee Cooking School or Pantawan's are well-regarded.
Doi Suthep temple and sunset: Mountaintop temple with views over the city. Accessible via red songtheaw (shared truck) $0.50 or scooter. $2 entry. Best at 5–6 PM for sunset light.
Where to Stay
Budget:: Hostels and guesthouses in old city. $8–12/night. Dorm or private.
Mid-Range:: Boutique hotels or upgraded guesthouses. $25–40/night.
Splurge:: Luxury resort or heritage hotel. $80–150/night.
What to Eat
Khao Soi: Curry noodle soup unique to northern Thailand. Eggy noodles, chicken or beef, pickled vegetables. $2–4.
Sai Oua: Northern sausage with herbs and spices. Grilled and served with sticky rice and dipping sauce. $1–2.
Mango sticky rice: Sticky rice with fresh mango and coconut cream. Dessert. $1–2.
Coffee: Chiang Mai has a coffee culture. Café culture similar to Vietnam. Coffee $1–2.
Night market food: Rotating stalls. Grilled fish, papaya salad, pad thai, crepes. $1–3 per item.
Plan & budget
Getting there
Fly to Chiang Mai or overnight train from Bangkok (12 hours, $15–30)
Daily budget
$20–35 (accommodation $8–15, food $5–10, activities $3–8, scooter $4)
Best time
November–February (cool, dry)
Insider Tip
Get a scooter and explore beyond central areas. Temple-hop in early morning when monks are chanting (spiritual energy is high). Cooking classes include instruction and a meal; worth the $8–15 investment. The Sunday market is touristy but lively; arrive early or late to avoid peak crowds. Chiang Mai is a city where you can stay 2 weeks and run out of ideas by week 10, but the first week is complete. Learn basic Thai phrases; English outside central areas is limited.
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