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Chiang Mai: The Hidden Gem of Northern Thailand
Nestled in the heart of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a city that offers visitors a unique blend of traditional Thai culture and modern amenities. As a National Geographic journalist, I was eager to explore this hidden gem and discover all it has to offer.
The scenery throughout Chiang Mai is visually stunning, with majestic mountains and lush greenery surrounding the city. The old town area boasts ancient temples and historic architecture, while the modern district features shopping centers and an abundance of delicious restaurants.
One of my favorite parts of the city is the Night Bazaar, which spans several city blocks and offers a wide variety of handmade crafts, jewelry, and traditional Thai goods. However, the city’s rampant tourism has led to some negative consequences, such as the overcrowding of many popular attractions.
The average cost of living in Chiang Mai is quite affordable, with tourists being able to live comfortably on a budget of just $30 a day. This includes meals, accommodations, and transportation.
Here are 20 must-see attractions in Chiang Mai:
1. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – 9 KM from city center www.ptt-dom.com/doisuthep
2. Elephant Nature Park – 60 KM from city center www.elephantnaturepark.org
3. Doi Inthanon National Park – 88 KM from city center nationalparks.or.th/th/item/doi-inthanon-national-park
4. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar – Chang Khlan Rd, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand yelp.com
5. Wat Chedi Luang – 103 Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand watedu.com
6. Sunday Walking Street – Ratchadamnoen Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand yelp.com
7. Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls – 65 KM from city center awanderingfeast.com
8. Wat Umong – 135 Moo 10 Suthep Road, Tambon Suthep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand yelp.com
9. Wat Suan Dok – 139 Suthep Rd, Tambon Suthep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand yelp.com
10. Tha Pae Gate – 150 Chang Moi Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand yelp.com
11. Warorot Market – 90 Wichayanon Rd., Chang Moi, Muang, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand travel4foodfun.com
12. The Grand Canyon Chiang Mai – 122 Moo 3, Nam Phrae, Hang Dong, Thailand 50300 tripadvisor.com
13. Wat Phra Singh – Sam Lan Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand yelp.com
14. Mae Sa Elephant Camp – 32 Km, Mae Rim-Samoeng Rd, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand mayasarivercamp.com
15. Chiang Mai Zoo – Huay Kaew Road, T. Suthep , Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand sealionreview.com
16. Wat Chiang Man – Ratchaphakhinai Rd., Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand yelp.com
17. Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) – Pa O Don Chai Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand renegade-travels.com
18. Night Safari – 33 Moo 12, Tambon Nong Kwai, Amphoe Hang Dong, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand tripadvisor.com
19. Huay Tung Tao Lake – Moo 9 Mae Hia, Chiang Mai, Thailand tripadvisor.com
20. The Nimmanhaemin Art and Cultural Promenade – Nimmanhaemin Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand yelp.com
As for street food, Chiang Mai offers an endless array of delicious and affordable eats, like Pad Thai (approximately $1.50 USD), Khao Soi (approximately $2.50 USD), and Sai Oua (Northern Thai sausage). My recommended street food destinations include:
1. Warorot Market – 90 Wichayanon Rd., Chang Moi, Muang, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand travel4foodfun.com
2. Night Bazaar Food Court – Chang Khlan Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100 yelp.com
3. Kad Luang – 70/1-5 Wichayanon Rd., Chang Moi, Muang, Chiang Mai 50300 tripadvisor.com
4. Sunday Walking Street – Ratchadamnoen Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand yelp.com
5. Jok Sompet – Chang Khlan Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand tripadvisor.com
If you’re planning on staying in Chiang Mai, there are numerous affordable accommodations to choose from. Here are the top ten most reasonable hotels and ten most reasonable Airbnbs in Chiang Mai, with detailed information and prices quoted in US dollars:
Hotels:
1. P21 Chiang Mai Hotel – $21 USD/night, 7.4 rating, booking.com
2. Hyde Park Chiangmai Hotel – $26 USD/night, 7.4 rating, booking.com
3. MANATHAI Tha Phae Chiang Mai – $36 USD/night, 8.1 rating, booking.com
4. Lanna Tree Boutique Hotel – $40 USD/night, 8.4 rating, booking.com
5. Tamarind Village – $103 USD/night, 9.0 rating, booking.com
6. Le Méridien Chiang Mai – $150 USD/night, 8.8 rating, booking.com
7. 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai – $288 USD/night, 9.3 rating, booking.com
8. Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai – $825 USD/night, 9.3 rating, booking.com
9. Anantara Chiang Mai Resort – $2,200 USD/night, 9.0 rating, booking.com
10. Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai – $2,800 USD/night, 9.0 rating, booking.com
Airbnbs:
1. Condo in the City with Mountain View – $21 USD/night, 4.8 stars, airbnb.com
2. Cozy Home – $22 USD/night, 4.7 stars, airbnb.com
3. Modern Studio near Night Bazaar – $31 USD/night, 4.8 stars, airbnb.com
4. Peaceful Room with Balcony – $33 USD/night, 4.9 stars, airbnb.com
5. Studio in the Heart of Chiang Mai – $43 USD/night, 4.8 stars, airbnb.com
6. Stylish 1BR in Nimman – $55 USD/night, 4.9 stars, airbnb.com
7. Luxurious 1BR in Old Town – $75 USD/night, 4.9 stars, airbnb.com
8. Luxury 2BR near Night Market – $125 USD/night, 4.8 stars, airbnb.com
9. Modern 3BR Villa with Private Pool – $330 USD/night, 4.7 stars, airbnb.com
10. Dusit D2 Serviced Apartments – $550 USD/night, 5.0 stars, airbnb.com
In conclusion, Chiang Mai is an incredible destination that offers visitors an enchanting blend of ancient culture and modern amenities. Though the city has suffered from the effects of overtourism, exploring its stunning scenery, myriad of cultural sites, and gastronomical experiences make Chiang Mai a city that is well worth visiting. Based on my experience, I would rate Chiang Mai an 8 out of 10.
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