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Overview of Thailand-Chaing Mai

Thailand's northern capital is an escape from the whirlwind pace of life of its southern rival. Despite the constant arrival of planes and trains full of sightseers, the former seat of the Lanna kingdom is still blissfully calm and laid-back. This is a place to relax after the chaos of Bangkok and recharge your batteries with fabulous food and leisurely wandering.

View of Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Overlooking the city from its mountain throne, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples, and its founding legend is learned by every schoolkid in Chiang Mai. The wát itself is a beautiful example of northern Thai architecture, reached via a strenuous, 306-step staircase flanked by mosaic naga (serpents); the climb is intended to help devotees accrue Buddhist merit, but less energetic pilgrims can take a funicular-style lift for 20B.


Saturday Walking Street

Saturday Walking Street

The Saturday Walking Street takes over Th Wualai, running southwest from Pratu Chiang Mai at the southern entrance to the old city. There is barely space to move as locals and tourists from across the world haggle vigorously for carved soaps, novelty dog collars, woodcarvings, Buddha paintings, hill-tribe trinkets, Thai musical instruments, T-shirts, paper lanterns and umbrellas, silver jewellery and herbal remedies.

Saturday Walking Street

TWat Phra Singh

TWat Phra Singh

Chiang Mai's most revered temple, Wat Phra Singh is dominated by an enormous, mosaic-inlaid wí·hăhn (sanctuary). Its prosperity is plain to see from the lavish monastic buildings and immaculately trimmed grounds, dotted with coffee stands and massage pavilions. Pilgrims flock here to venerate the famous Buddha image known as Phra Singh (Lion Buddha), housed in Wihan Lai Kham, a small chapel immediately south of the chedi to the rear of the temple grounds.

THE PIER-2 ART CENTER

This elegant idol is said to have come to Thailand from Sri Lanka and was enshrined in 1367, and the chapel is similarly striking, with gilded naga (serpent) gables and sumptuous lai·krahm (gold-pattern stencilling) inside.

THE PIER-2 ART CENTER

Travel Guide of Thailand-Chiang Mai

Hostel prices – Hostels start at about 100 THB range for a large 10-person dorm room. Smaller dorm rooms (6 people) start at around 120 THB. The more popular, centrally located hostels (most of which include free breakfast and with air-conditioning) are around 300 THB for a 4-6 bed dorm room. Private rooms at these same type of hostels start at 800 THB, but can be found throughout the city for as low as 350 THB for a double room with an ensuite throughout the city. Guesthouses are also an option and start around 200 THB per night. My favorite guesthouse in the city is Julie’s. The SoHostel, while more expensive, is a nice European-style hostels with large kitchen, laundry services, and nicer beds.

Budget hotel prices – Centrally-located two-star hotels start at 400 THB per night, and go upward from there for a room with free WiFi, hot water, a comfy bed, and air conditioning. On Airbnb, you can find a good number of shared rooms in apartments for 350 THB. There’s also a wide selection of entire apartments or homes ranging from 1,000-1,750 THB per night.

Average cost of food – Chiang Mai has some of the best street food in Thailand, and dishes cost 25-50 THB. Most restaurant meals cost around 80 THB for a main dish and a drink. Western food begins at 170 THB as well and goes up from there. When it comes to drinking, going to bars can become pricey with the cheapest beers costing about 60 THB each and cocktails sometimes cost double or triple that. Whereas actually buying beers from 7-Eleven to drink on the street can be 30 THB per can. Dada Kafe, Sushi Ichiban, Dash, the Chaing Mai Gate Market and Sunday Market are all foodie spots you shouldn’t miss!

Transportation costs – The most common way to get around Chiang Mai is by songthaew (covered pick-up trucks that are shared taxis). The regular fare should be around 20 THB (30 THB at night) for trips around town. Don’t let them overcharge you! Tuk-tuks are also an option and rides should range around 50-100 THB. There is also a local bus service that goes to the main places in town. Trips start at 15 THB.


The History of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

The Kingdom of Lanna, which covers much of northern Thailand, was a thriving state long before the rise of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. Chiang Mai can trace its history back more than 700 years, making it one of the most historic cities in Thailand. Much of this legacy remains and wandering around the old town will reveal ancient city walls and gates, as well as temples that have stood for half a millennium or more.

Chiang Mai
The Location of Thailand-Chiang Mai