Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai reviews

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• The Rose of The North

  Chiang Mai is the most well rounded vacation destination in Thailand, boasting everything and anything a traveler could ask for (except for a beach… when is Full Moon this month?..).
  
  The city is full to bursting with convenient travel resources – some might say to a fault – that make seeing the region and its surrounds incredibly simple, even for the novice backpacker. This sometimes oppressively travel-friendly environment will most likely be a general source of annoyance for more experienced travelers and long-term visitors. However, even the slightest effort to remove oneself from the touristic fray of the Old City will yield untold treasures and new experiences. A casual afternoon walk can land you in areas of the city untouched by tourism, where you will feel like the only foreigner for miles (even though there may be a gaggle of noisy British Gap Year kids just a few blocks away). A little initiative can go a long way.
  
  Because of the relative scale of the Chiang Mai, a great deal of commerce and transportation flow in and out of the city every day. These vast transportation resources make Chiang Mai your portal to Northern Thailand. Head northeast to Chiang Rai Province and former opium hotbed of The Golden Triangle; drive west to the spectacular, untamed wilderness of Mae Hong Son; go south towards the central plains and Sukhothai to witness remnants of ancient, storied civilizations. There are a shocking number of marvelous things to see and places to go, and the infrastructure to get you there.
  
  The city itself also offers a fascinating look into the newly developed, more cosmopolitan, urban Thailand. The nightlife is fantastic for those looking for an eventful evening out, there is a wide variety of beautiful artistic creation and innovation, and the culinary selection and diversity is astounding. There are enough fabulous Thai food options to make even the most experienced foodie’s head spin, along with authentic western options for those picky backpackers or haggard journeymen, grown weary of their steady diet of rice and looking for a greasy piece of pizza or cheeseburger.
  
  For the last 6 months, I have called The Rose of The North my home, and they’ve been some of the best months of my life. Chiang Mai is the most livable city in The Kingdom, and her people are friendly and welcoming; they want visitors to love the city just as much as they do.
  
  There’s no place so accessible, so beautiful, so affordable as Chiang Mai. Come see for yourself.
  

  • Sights & activities
  • History & culture
  • Scenery & environment
  • Eat & drink
  • Traveller's scene
  • Romance
  • Value for money
  • I'll be back (or not)

  By KhowNeow11 (dabbler)
  Written on 11th September, 2011 after a visit to Chiang Mai in March, 2011

  Also reviewed by KhowNeow11: Mae Hong Son, Mae Salong, Mae Sariang, Pai,

• Throw Away Your Guidebook!

  Farang Mai has long been one of my favorite places to visit. It barely has anything to do with Thailand anymore, but that doesn't matter, because it is such a fun-packed travel spot.
  
  The best part of this city is getting out and discovering it on your own. I've been here at least a dozen times, and each time it is different. Ignore what your guidebook tells you and instead wander around in the neighborhood near your guesthouse and discover the restaurants and bars and architecture and temples yourself. There is so much to do and see, you'll never get to it all. Fortunately, there is still a wide range of food and accommodation options for every budget too.
  
  One thing to remember is that between and the vehicle exhaust and the burning off fields this time of year, the air is pretty dirty. After a week we're keen to get back to Bangkok for a breath of fresh air. :-)

  • Sights & activities
  • History & culture
  • Scenery & environment
  • Eat & drink
  • Traveller's scene
  • Romance
  • Value for money
  • I'll be back (or not)

  By exacto (dabbler)
  Written on 19th December, 2009 after a visit to Chiang Mai in December, 2009

  Also reviewed by exacto: Champasak, Kamphaeng Phet, Ko Maak, Lopburi, Mukdahan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Khai, Pakse, Phitsanulok, Savannakhet,

• First taste of travel

  In my first trip overseas I headed to Thailand with my partner last year. After a crazy 48hrs in Bangkok - we headed north. The sights, the sounds, the smells, the tastes - its all a little overwhelming at first but I felt at home in no time. I could go on for hours about our adventures but I’ll keep it short.
  
  We stayed just outside of the old city square and it was easy to get around at any time of the day. There a more markets than anyone can ever wish for and if you get a bit tired – just stop for a foot massage (30 mins for a few dollars). The food – THE FOOD! It was incredible, we found ourselves stopping for small meals about 5 times a day. I highly recommend the local Khao Soi noodles, similar to a laksa – I could eat it all day every day.
  
  The Thai people are so incredibly friendly. Even when you know they are trying to rip you off, they are so friendly about it; it’s hard to be annoyed. My highlight was buying a painting from a Thai bohemian-ish guy set up at a temple. He totally ripped us off and we saw the same painting for 90% less many times during the rest of the trip….but realising what idiots we must have looked like - asking him to sign it for us, (not realising the hundreds of copies around) was great for a laugh at our own expense.
  
  And finally – Our adventures on the scooters. They are so cheap to rent we hired one each and after two minutes in the carpark learning to ride we were off. It’s a bit daunting at first as you ride into the traffic , but there is no better way to see Thailand. One day we headed north, next day we headed south. We had no destination in mind, but it ended up being the highlight of the trip. Once you are out of the bigger areas even simple tasks like trying to order lunch at a tiny local place in the middle of nowhere with no English, became a big adventure.
  
  Chang Mai is incredible and I highly recommend making the effort to tear yourself away from the beaches down south to visit. Bring your appetite and have fun exploring!
  

  • Sights & activities
  • History & culture
  • Scenery & environment
  • Eat & drink
  • Traveller's scene
  • Romance
  • Value for money
  • I'll be back (or not)

  By jasinorbit (dabbler)
  Written on 4th December, 2009 after a visit to Chiang Mai in October, 2008

  
  

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