Chiang Mai travel guide. Travelfish.org

Photo: Khao soi in Chiang Mai.

Introduction

Chiang Mai—New City—in Thai is actually more than 700 years old but was new when King Mengrai moved his capital down to the banks of the Ping River from Chiang Rai during the late 13th century.

Down to onward travel

There were probably Mon settlements in the area before this, such as the nearby 11th century site of Wiang Khum Kham, but Chiang Mai city as it appears today started to take shape with Mengrai at the end of the 13th century. The city is located in the north/south orientated Ping Valley (initially being established close to the west bank), with the Doi Suthep/Pui mountains to the immediate west and the Doi Saket hills a few kilometres off to the east: an excellent location with good transport routes and fertile surrounding farmland.

Today Chiang Mai’s downtown area is relatively small, with an estimated 150,000 people, the urban area and suburbs nowadays probably account for at least a million. The population is traditionally northern Thai with scatterings of minorities such as Shan, but being a relatively wealthy city it’s now attracting workers from across the kingdom, and being an attractive place to live means it also sees a steady flow of more affluent Thais from Bangkok and elsewhere.

Chiang Mai is also very popular with expats and increasingly Thai tourists as much as foreign visitors—and it is not difficult to see why.

If Thai temples are your thing, then Chiang Mai has a lot to offer—the hill-top Wat Doi Suthep is the crown jewels, but the old city is packed with a vivid collection of traditional Thai temples, with Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Chiang Man being three of the true standouts.

The city is also home to some excellent museums, with the relatively new Chiang Mai Historical Centre and Lanna Folklife Museum adding to the attraction of the long-running Chiang Mai National Museum. Chiang Mai is also as much a living museum with sleepy back lanes lined with attractive traditional houses and plenty of markets to explore.

Home to the prestigious Chiang Mai University, the city has quite a cosmopolitan feel when compared to other northern Thai provinces and it has a lively entertainment scene accompanied by some of the best eating in northern Thailand—this is not a town you'll go hungry in.

Most famous for its khao soi, Chiang Mai also delivers solid Northern Thai cuisine both at a street and market level and in its burgeoning selection of more upmarket restaurants. Thanks to its proximity to both Burma and Laos there are even more cuisines to sample.

Accommodation-wise, Chiang Mai has an outstanding selection of options, from friendly budget guesthouses through to luxurious hotels and resorts. In the Old City area along you can barely throw a plate of somtam without hitting a guesthouse.

By northern Thai standards, Chiang Mai has a pretty comprehensive light-life scene, with everything from trendy riverside bars with live music through to grungy student bars and expat pubs. There's also a lively scene primarily aimed at helping backpackers meet more backpackers—not quite mini Khao San Road, but not far off either.

But most foreign holiday-makers find themselves in Chiang Mai not for the temples nor the food, nor even the entertainment scene, but rather for the hill-tribe trekking. For decades Chiang Mai has formed the trekking base of northern Thailand—and while there are some excellent tour companies in the city, there remain a number of shoddy operators—be sure to do your research before wandering into the woods.

Many travellers are now opting to commence their treks further afield in Mae Hong Son, Pai or Soppong (amongst others) where the tourist numbers are lower and the perceived experience more "authentic".

For those who choose to stay in the city, other popular activities include taking a Thai cooking course, a river cruise, learning a bit of Thai or maybe flying through the jungle.

Orientation
For a large city, the layout of Chiang Mai is relatively simple mainly thanks to the square, moat-lined and partially still walled, old town in the centre. Each approximately two kilometre side of the square has an old, brick, city gate orientated according to the cardinal points. The gates, (prathu in Thai), are; Suan Dok to the west, Chang Puak north, Tha Pae east and Chiang Mai on the south side. Within the old walls is a labyrinth of narrow lanes, (sois), and this is where you’ll find most of the city’s older temples as well as many of its present day hotels, guesthouses and cafes. The latter are widely scattered throughout the old town though there is a clear concentration in the northeast quadrant around Somphet Market and Tha Pae Gate.

The principal east-west axis is Ratchadamnoen Road, running between Tha Pae and Wat Phra Singh, which is also home to a walking street market on Sunday evenings. Main north-south streets are, from east to west, Ratchaphakhinai, Prapokklao and Samlarn Roads. The old town’s central police station is on Ratchadamnoen, just down from Wat Phra Singh, while the central post office is on Samlarn south of Phra Singh. Wat Phra Singh, if you haven’t already guessed, along with Wat Chedi Luang, are downtown’s two largest and most important Buddhist temples.

The often narrow lanes in the centre are frequently one-way, though it may not always be obvious, so take care if cycling or motorbiking around but traffic is generally light. The opposite applies to the outer roads skirting the city wall—these are mainly three lane and very busy with the inner road, (between moat and old city), running in an anti-clockwise sense and the outer route, beyond the moat, clock-wise. Again, motorcyclists in particular, take care as these roads are favourite spots for Chiang Mai’s finest to hang out and their favourite targets—particularly towards the end of each month when salaries are running low—are tourists.

Another older section of town, though outside the moated square, is the congested district lying between the east side of the old town and the River Ping. This area holds many of the 19th century European constructions, when Chiang Mai was an important commercial and trading centre, particularly for the teak, as well as the bustling and congested Chinese quarter around Worawot Market, the city’s largest. The windy narrow sois also spread into this section of town and there are several more prestigious old temples as well as another concentration of tourist accommodation and cafes. The main north south roads here are Chang Klan, home to Chiang Mai’s famous night bazaar and Charoen Prathet, paralleling the river. Running east west is Tha Pae Road between Narawat Bridge and Tha Pae Gate, where you’ll find a good selection of 19th century merchant’s houses plus Loi Kroh Road—a busy nightlife area—leading from the moat to the river and crossing the night bazaar.

Further east, between the Ping and the ring road, (aka Super Highway), are the railway station and the Arcade Bus Station (Chiang Mai’s largest). To the south Chiang Mai heads off to the suburbs of Sankhampaeng and Hang Dong, with its famous handicraft market and eventually Lamphun. The international airport is a short distance out of town to the southwest.

The west side is restricted by Doi Suthep National Park but contain the city zoo and university as well as the chic boutiques and trendy cafes of Nimmanhemin Road. The two most important, centrally located hospitals, Suan Dok and Chiang Mai Ram, as well as the most conveniently located Mall, Central Huay Kaew, are just to the west of the old town.

The northern area of town has Chang Puak local bus station, while beyond the ring road highway 107 heads off past Mae Rim towards Chiang Dao.

Weather in Chiang Mai
Being some distance from the sea, Chiang Mai has more of a continental climate than for instance Bangkok so summer month are hotter and winter months cooler. Though there are of course variations—seemingly increasingly so in recent years—seasons pan out more or less as follows.

The hot dry season lasts from mid to late February through to late April. Temperatures can reach the low 40s and precipitation is rare though the main problem at this time of year is smoke and dust in the air from burning fields.

The rainy season generally kick in late April and last through to late October or even early November on certain years. Rainy season does not necessarily mean it rains all day and precipitation is often of a quick, short blast nature. Temperatures are slightly lower than in preceding months but it is seriously humid.

The cool and dry season starts in November running through until early February. Rain is rare and temperatures are usually mild in the day time and cool at night. In the city the mercury may descend under 20 though in mountainous areas zero centigrade is not unheard of.

When to go to Chiang Mai
In light of our weather run down you’ll see November to February is clearly the best bet weather-wise but do bear in mind that it also corresponds to busy season so prices will be higher and everywhere more crowded.

The only period really worth considering avoiding is the late February to late April period due to the bad air quality at this time of year. Arguments rage as to the causes and though increasing vehicle pollution and natural forest fires contribute, the prime culprit seems to be farmers burning off stubble from rice and corn fields. This burning off is illegal but not always strictly enforced despite air quality through March and April often being well below recommended safety norms. Indeed there have even been days when Chiang Mai International Airport has been forced to close as visibility drops below international air safety minimums.

Things can get pretty unpleasant at this time of the year, though you can be lucky since a good storm will clear the air for a day or two. Mid-April could be worth a punt, despite a chance of smoke, since it does corresponds to the Thai, (Theravada Buddhist), New Year, Songkran celebrations around the 13th which is a fun time to visit and it often signals the first rains. Chiang Mai is very a popular destination for local tourists for New Year though so again prices go up and availability goes down.

As long as you don’t mind the odd shower, (often a good excuse to nip into a bar or coffee shop for 30 minutes), then don’t dismiss the rainy season. This is certainly the best time of year for photographers with dramatic skies and a fine day in the rainy season affords clear and vivid blue skies you won’t see at any other time of year. This is perfect for mountain scenery but just remember to take a plastic poncho or umbrella. An added bonus will be fewer fellow tourists around so you may be in luck with low season accommodation rates and attractions will be far less crowded.

Safety
Firstly, with a bit of common sense, Chiang Mai is a safe city. While locals may complain, traffic is negligible compared to Bangkok, scams, though not unheard of, are insignificant against Bangkok or even those of Phuket and Samui and street crime is rare. The worst hassles the vast majority of tourists will encounter are overcharging tuk tuk drivers and trying to cross the moat road during rush hour. Don’t tempt fate by waving expensive cameras around down narrow alleys after dark but we’ll guarantee Chiang Mai is safer than most, if not all, Western cities of a similar size.

The few touts and greediest tuk tuk or songthaew drivers you’ll encounter are, in the former’s case, around the popular temples such as Wat Phra Singh or Chedi Luang, and in the latter’s case parked up along busy tourist streets such as Loi Kroh, Tha Pae and Ratchadamnoen. Politely ignore any over friendly locals offering to take you here or there and don’t even bother arguing with tuk tuks—just flag down another one.

So far so good, but here’s the bad news; motorbikes. Rental bikes are widely and cheaply available and a very tempting option for getting around but bike accidents are by far the number one cause of minor, serious and fatal accidents among foreign visitors to Chiang Mai. The 100 and 125 cc small scooters and bikes—especially the fully automatic ones—are deceptively easy to ride and even experienced riders must avoid getting over confident or casual. The road rules are different—or at least applied differently—in Thailand. Downtown can get congested with many narrow streets and deceptive one way systems while rural roads will have their share of suicidal dogs, drunk farmers, pot holes and Red Bull crazed minivan drivers. Expect the unexpected.

Give it some thought and if you’re not confident it may not be the easiest place to learn. Always wear a helmet. If you do hire one; check the tyres, breaks, lights and horn carefully and read the small print on insurance and damage liability. Above all do not even consider it if you don’t have adequate insurance of your own. If you’re planning on riding without a license, we ask you to read this page on the travel insurance implications of riding a motorbike unlicensed..

Police and immigration
The Old City’s main police station is located on Ratchadamnoen Road, just down from Wat Phra Singh. Bike riders may well encounter one of their random check points while driving around though and even with a helmet they will come up with some reason to fine you. (Note international driving licenses are not accepted unless they're valid for riding.) Wat Lok Malee and Somphet Market were police faves at the time of writing.

Chiang Mai’s main immigration office dealing with overstays and visa extensions, (30 days for 1,900 baht), is now located on the ground floor of Promenada Shopping Mall. It can get very crowded so get there early.

Chiang Mai Immigration Office Promenada Shopping Mall, Superhighway, 192-193 Moo 2, Tha Sala. T: (053) 107 888 Open Mo–Fr 08:30–16:30
Police Station Ratchadamnoen Rd, Phra Singh. T: (053) 327 191
Tourist Police No. 608 Rimping Plaza Building, Charoen Rat Rd, Faham, T: (053) 247 318 Emergency call: 1155

Hospitals
If you have overestimated your motorbiking abilities or have any other complaint then the two private hospitals, Suan Dok and Chiang Mai Ram are the most convenient and popular with foreigners. Good levels of health care is available with English speaking staff and prices are very reasonable compared to those of private hospitals in most Western countries. However for serious or long term injuries and illnesses tabs can mount up so again—make sure you’re insured. In the event you are hospitalised, it is important that you advise your travel insurance company immediately.

Chiang Mai Ram Hospital 8 Bunreuang Rit Rd, Sri Phum, (northwest corner of the moat) T: (053) 920 300 Open 24 hours
Suan Dok Hospital 110 Suthep Rd, Suthep T: (053) 936 150 Open 24 hours

Post Office
Three downtown post offices are probably the ones that will concern you most with locations at Phra Singh, Sri Phum and the Ping riverbank near Worarot.

Central Post Office: Samlarn Rd, Phra Singh (just south of Wat Phra Singh). Open Mo-Fr 08:00-16:30, Sa 09:00-12:00
Mae Ping Post Office: 24 Praisanee Rd, Chiang Moi. Open Mo-Fr 08:30-16:00, Sa 09:00-16:00
Sri Phum Post Office: 153-155 Phrapokklao Rd, Sri Phum. Open Mo-Fr 09:00-16:00, Sa 09:00-12:00

Consulates
Below is a list of foreign consulates in Chiang Mai as of mid-2017. For most countries it is necessary to visit the respective embassy in Bangkok to get a visa.

Australia: 195/262 Moo Baan Sansaran 2, Soi 2/7 Banwaen, Hang Dong T: (091) 857 6996 Open Mo–Fr 09:00-12:00 by appointment only
Austria: 810/1 Moo 1, Rimtai, Mae Rim T: (053) 863 144 Open Mo–Fr 09:00-12:00
Bangladesh: 95 Huay Kaew Rd, Suthep. T: (053) 212 373-4. Open Mo–Fr 13:00-16:00
Canada: c/o Raming Tea, 151 Moo 3, Superhighway, Tha Sala. T: (053) 850 147. Open Mo–Fr 09:00-15:00
China: 111 Changlor Rd, Hai Ya. T: (053) 280 380. Open Mo–Fr 09:00-11:30
Finland: 3 Rattanakosin Road, Sri Phum T: (053) 231 133
France: 138 Charoen Prathet Rd, T: (053) 281 466, 275 277. Open Mo–Fr 10:00-12:00.
Germany: 199/163 Moo 3, Baan Nai Fun 2,Kan Klong Chonpratan Rd, T: (053) 838 735
India: 33/1, Thung Hotel Road, Wat Ket, T: (053) 243 066
Italy: 19 Sirimangka Rd Soi 9, Suthep, T: (053) 212 925. Open Mo–Fr09:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00
Japan: 104/7 Airport Business Centre, Mahidol Rd, Hai Ya
Korea: V Group Building 3rd Floor, 50 Huay Kaew Rd, Chang Puak, T: (053) 223 120
Myanmar: 9/4 Manee Nopparat Soi 3, Chang Puak, T: (052) 004 211
Philippines: 176, M. 3, San Phranet, San Sai, T: (053) 351 278 Open Mo–Fr 10:00-14:30
South Africa: 32 Huay Kaew Rd, Chang Puak. T: (053) 711 800. Open Mo–Fr 09:00-12:00
Switzerland: Frangipani Serviced Residences, 11/1 Soi 13/1 Phrapokklao Rd, Sri Phum T: (053) 225 000
United Kingdom: 198 Bumrungrad Rd, T: (053) 263 015. Open Mo–Fr 09:00-11:30.
United States: 387 Wichayanon Rd, T: (053) 107 700