Chiang Mai is the go-to destination in northern Thailand for travelers looking for culture, adventure, great food, and comfortable city life all at an affordable price.
Once the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, it oozes historical charm and is more laid-back than Bangkok’s frenetic rhythms, but with plenty to explore and enjoy.
The Old City is where the magic really happens, especially for first-time visitors to Chiang Mai. Surrounded by a moat and the remains of the ancient city walls, guests can easily spend a day discovering leafy alleyways, temples, cafés and craft producers like those in the town of Kalm. It was here that I picked up some beautifully woven, colorful pieces and hand-pounded silver finger bowls for the table.
One of Chiang Mai’s claims to fame is its more than 300 temples. Wat Chedi Luang stands out for its typical Lanna architecture, while Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located 30 minutes away on the mountain, boasts a golden pagoda and great views of the city.
In Bosang Village, artisans create colorful, hand-painted parasols from bamboo and paper. Photo credit: Thailand Tourism
Coffee, thrills and handicrafts
Chiang Mai’s newest coffee scene is found in small cafes that source their beans from hill tribe farmers and roast them in-house, giving coffee lovers the chance to try unique beers you won’t find anywhere else. Akha Ama, whose coffee has won several awards, offers pour-over, Aeropress and drip coffees in light, medium and dark roasts to suit every taste.
At dusk, the lively market fills with stalls selling local handicrafts, clothing, jewellery, art and silverware. Sunday Walking Street is famous for its street vendors selling local specialties such as khao soi, a creamy coconut curry noodle soup topped with crispy fried noodles. sai ua, a flavorful northern Thai sausage; There are also sweet snacks like mango glutinous rice.
Thrill seekers won’t want to miss the Jungle Flight adventure park. Experience 1,000 meters of pure adrenaline on the world’s longest zipline roller coaster.
In Bosang Village, just outside the city, artisans create colorful parasols from bamboo and paper, which they then skillfully hand-paint. For wildlife lovers, the ethical Elephant Nature Park allows visitors to interact with rescued elephants and learn their stories of survival. Tours of mountain tribe villages allow you to discover how ancient lifestyles and traditions are still alive, and there are hikes through Doi Inthanon National Park to explore waterfalls and cloud forests.
Getting around this small university town is simple and affordable thanks to affordable three-wheeled motor tuk-tuks and songthaews, shared red trucks with bench seats. Scooter rentals are also available for those who want to explore at their own pace (drivers must be 18 years or older).
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort’s riverboat Dibba Yana Chitta is part of the resort’s Thai JAO Ping River Cruise. Photo credit: Thailand Tourism
When it comes to accommodation, Chiang Mai offers something for every pocket, with top-end accommodations such as Four Seasons, Four Pillars House, Shangri-La, and Melia.
The place I chose was the 5-star Anantara Chiang Mai Resort. The riverside scenery and blend of heritage and modernity gave me an instant sense of calm on the busy city streets. The 52-room and 32-suite hotel features a swimming pool surrounded by lily ponds, a superb spa with an IV drip bar providing energy-level boosting vitamin B12, and an elegant steakhouse in a historic building that was the British Consulate in the 1920s.
I took a dinner cruise on Anantara’s Dibba Yana Chitta, a cruise ship built by the Thai artist who designed the White Temple, one of Chiang Rai’s top attractions (about three hours north of Chiang Mai).
Dining on board was like immersing yourself in a living work of art – a golden royal barge of hand-carved mythological figures. We meandered along Mae Ping, and the menu created by Bangkok’s Michelin-starred chef consisted of a perfectly executed seven-course dinner paired with great wines, featuring gorgeous flaming plates and swirling fog, creating a truly unique cuisine.
