The Easy-to-Follow Itinerary for Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai (Northern Thailand Travel Guide)

The Easy-to-Follow Itinerary for Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai (Northern Thailand Travel Guide)

They say you haven’t actually performed Thailand till you’ve checked out the highland surroundings and distinctive Lanna tradition of the north. With its laidback life-style, spectacular (and distinctive) structure and cooler climes (in December and January), the cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have lengthy delighted native vacationers seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. In phrases of worldwide vacationers, the area has additionally attracted a major quantity though nonetheless means beneath the likes of Phuket or Krabi. That is beginning to change. With growing worldwide flights to Chiang Mai International Airport, the gateway of the north, loads of worldwide vacationers who’ve already performed Bangkok up to now enterprise to the cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai for one thing completely different.

This itinerary goals to point out how you are able to do Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, the primary cities of Northern Thailand, in as little as 3 or 4 days – primarily the weekend plus 1 or 2 additional weekdays. 

Day 1 – Walled City of Chiang Mai & Doi Suthep

Wat Phra Singh

In Chiang Mai, there are three essential areas which are of curiosity to vacationers. If that is your first time in Chiang Mai, selecting the Walled City as a base is an efficient possibility as most of the sights are situated within the neighborhood. For people who’re concerned about Northern Thai “Lanna” structure, the walled metropolis gives loads of temples to take a look at with the Wat Phra Singh being the spotlight. This might be the most well-liked temple within the metropolis and is thought for the Phra Buddha Singh statue and intricately drawn murals of the constructing housing it, the Wihan Lai Kham. 

Wat Chedi Luang

Another temple to take a look at in Chiang Mai is the Wat Chedi Luang. This temple has a big stupa fabricated from stone within the center and is kind of evocative of the traditional temple ruins discovered elsewhere in Southeast Asia attributable to its unfinished nature. Wat Chedi Luang dates again from the 14th century however stays in its incomplete state even to this present day.

Wat Phantao

Just beside Wat Chedi Luang is Wat Phantao. It is completely different from the earlier two temples within the sense that its picket assemble is made way more obvious, with much less of the gold and murals seen in different temples. It’s additionally only a brief stroll from the earlier temple so that you would possibly as nicely take a look particularly in case you are within the space in the course of the Sunday Walking Street. The golden stupa on the again is particularly picturesque at night time. 

Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center

For a peek into the tradition of Northern Thailand, the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center (every day besides Sunday, 9AM to 8PM, admission: 90 Baht) gives a cooler respite from the punishing warmth exterior with its nicely curated exhibitions detailing the historical past and tradition of the area. 

Doi Suthep

Afternoon is an efficient time to go as much as Doi Suthep. There are a number of methods to stand up there however the best is to be a part of a half-day tour inclusive of pickup out of your lodge. Alternatively, a extra time-consuming however cheaper means is to take a taxi (or Grab) to Chiang Mai Zoo and hail a songthaew from there. Mine waited for a number of passengers to board earlier than commencing the experience up though it’s totally attainable to pay 600 Baht and have the automotive all to your self in case you are feeling extravagant.

It’s a zig zag experience as much as Doi Suthep and on the increased reaches, you may get good views of town. Save for a number of buildings right here and there, Chiang Mai continues to be comparatively low-rise. 

At roughly 1,073 meters above sea degree, you can see the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Another temple you could ask? Don’t make the error of skipping this just because you will have been to the temples within the inside metropolis. The spotlight right here is the golden chedi surrounded by golden statues and murals. The really useful route right here is to go across the chedi by strolling clockwise. In between, you may additionally see newly wed {couples} coming right here for blessings, pilgrims praying fervently and others making an attempt to make advantage by sticking gold foils within the environment. The chedi is accessed after climbing greater than 300+ steps from the car parking zone, the place the songthaew drops passengers off.

After coming again to Chiang Mai, I’d suggest visiting the identical websites prompt for the morning. Many of the buildings – akin to Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang tackle a unique temper when floodlit within the night. 

Chiang Mai Night Safari

If you’re visiting Chiang Mai with household and are on the lookout for one thing to do within the night, take a look at the Chiang Mai Night Safari (open every day 1 to 8PM). The park hosts over 1,400 animals and though it was impressed by the Singapore Night Safari, the one in Chiang Mai surpasses it in space, protecting over 132 hectares. You can e-book your ticket inclusive of transfers, which is extra handy because the zoo is situated within the metropolis outskirts. You should purchase discounted tickets right here. 

Day 2 – Nimmanhaemin, Chiang Mai Outskirts & Sunday Walking Street

Cafe Hopping

One of my favourite areas in Chiang Mai is undoubtedly Nimmanhaemin. Originally thought-about a college space, this neighborhood has since attracted expatriates in addition to digital nomads who name Chiang Mai dwelling for extended durations of time. You can discover loads of hipster cafes right here – prime in that listing is Ristr8to (every day besides Wed, 7AM to 5PM), an award profitable cafe that’s as a lot in regards to the espresso as it’s in regards to the aesthetics. Check out their espresso which is served of their iconic cranium caps!

For meals, Kao Soy Nimman (every day 11AM to 8PM) is in style for its extremely customizable bowls of the Northern Thai staple. Instead of simply rooster, I had mine topped with rooster AND seafood.

Wat Suan Dok

At the southern finish of the neighborhood is one other temple – Wat Suan Dok – trying picturesque within the day with its whitewashed mausoleums with the highlands of Northern Thailand in view.

Baan Kang Wat

Baan Kang Wat (open every day besides Monday, 11AM to five:30PM) is a lot greater than a market. It’s a functioning artist village the place expert craftsmen get to observe their craft. There’s no laborious promoting right here because the studios are largely manned by the artists themselves and if you happen to’re fortunate, you’ll be able to likelihood upon them doing certainly one of their creations as you stroll in. The crafts discovered right here vary from ceramics to work, wooden work, sculptures and clothes. Workshops are additionally supplied to the general public and you may spend an hour or two studying the likes of pottery in case you have time to spare.

Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham  

Located alongside roughly the identical stretch as Baan Kang Wat is certainly one of Chiang Mai’s most atmospheric temples. While the primary construction right here doesn’t boast of elaborate carvings or gilded exteriors, Wat Umong intrigues with its fortress-like assemble in addition to elaborate tunnels that evoke an explorer form of really feel whereas being surrounded with nature. This temple is well-worth the brief experience out of town heart. 

Wiang Kum Kam

Check out the traditional metropolis of Wiang Kum Kam (every day 8AM to 5PM). Once the traditional capital of the Lanna Kingdom, the ruins of an space a few kilometers south of Chiang Mai’s walled metropolis have been renovated and over 40 buildings now stand for guests to see. The spotlight right here is the five-tiered chedi known as Wat Chedi Liam which dates again from the 1200s.

Royal Park Rajapruek

Late afternoon is the very best time to go to Royal Park Rajapruek particularly in case you are in Chiang Mai in the course of the hotter months (morning is greatest in case you are on the town from the months of December to early February). The park has a various assortment of flora and even these with a mere passing curiosity in crops might discover one thing attention-grabbing with its worldwide gardens part that includes landscaped depictions of nations akin to Malaysia, India, China, Vietnam and even African international locations like Kenya. It’s a sprawling advanced however fortunately the admission charges include complimentary shuttle rides. Do take a look at the imposing Grand Pavilion (Hor Kham Luang), constructed in the course of the sixtieth 12 months of the earlier King’s reign. It is much more elaborate than any of the Lanna structure yow will discover on the town. 

Thai Massage

Escape the afternoon warmth with a session of Thailand’s well-known therapeutic massage. Let’s Relax Spa is among the extra in style therapeutic massage locations and has been really useful as nicely by Lonely Planet. They have three branches in Chiang Mai. You can e-book a reduced therapeutic massage session right here.

Sunday Walking Street

If you will have time to go to just one night time market in Chiang Mai and occur to be there on a Sunday, let that go to be to the Sunday Walking Street. Running from Tha Phae Gate to the sting of Rachadamnoen Road and the small alleys in between, that is in all probability probably the most in depth night time market I’ve seen in Thailand that runs within the streets. This can be not your run-of-the-mill night time market, as I’ve seen loads of distinctive items on the market together with knick knacks and attire made by native designers and all kinds of meals. There are even some stalls promoting fried larvae and bugs or for one thing extra appetizing – sushi. There’s after all, loads of native meals to go by as nicely. If you’ll be able to’t make it on a Sunday night, you’ll be able to take a look at the Saturday Walking Street as a substitute. The Saturday night time market is situated south of the walled metropolis alongside Wua Lai Road. It is of a barely smaller scale than the Sunday one however make no mistake about it, you’ll discover most of the identical stalls right here as nicely.

Day 3 – Doi Inthanon National Park

One of the highlights of a visit to Northern Thailand is a go to to the nation’s tallest peak – Doi Inthanon. The nationwide park is among the area’s most visited locations partly because of the year-long cool climate in addition to the myriad of sights on the best way to the summit. A go to to the nationwide park normally entails a group tour or a personal tour.

Waterfalls

You will largely doubtless move by a variety of waterfalls whereas making your means round Doi Inthanon. The most spectacular one right here for my part is the Wachirathan Waterfall which has a picturesque rainbow impact when seen towards the daylight. 

Local Villages

Various tribes reside alongside the slopes of Doi Inthanon and one of the vital usually visited is the Karen tribe. A typical tour features a brief stroll alongside one of many villages and a cease for espresso tasting. The one I visited, a restaurant known as Pati non (every day 8AM to 5PM) is regionally run they usually develop their espresso from the fields simply subsequent to the cafe itself. 

Doi Inthanon Summit & Cloud Forests

If the concept of scaling a rustic’s tallest peak with minimal climbing sounds engaging to you, you then’re in luck. Doi Inthanon (2,565 meters above sea degree) requires solely a brief stroll from the car parking zone to achieve the summit. You gained’t miss it. A big signal that claims “highest point of Thailand” is normally stuffed with guests taking selfies however the true summit is situated a brief stroll behind it close to an altar. There are additionally brief strolling trails close by such because the Angka Nature Trail that wind guests round cloud forests and bushes stuffed with moss.

Twin Pagodas

For some individuals, the Twin Pagodas are the spotlight of the journey to Doi Inthanon merely due to the visually putting panorama. As in comparison with the Doi Inthanon summit which is generally lined by forest, the realm across the Twin Pagodas permit guests to survey the view and the encompassing mountains whereas strolling alongside gorgeous flower gardens. 

A typical tour lasts roughly 10 hours, beginning round 8:30AM and ending at 6:30PM with pick-up and drop-off close to the outdated partitions. You can e-book a join-in tour protecting these locations right here or a personal tour right here.

Day 4 – Chiang Rai

How to Go From Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Thailand’s northernmost metropolis, Chiang Rai, is situated some 190 kilometers from Chiang Rai and entails a 3.5 hour automotive experience. Folks who don’t have sufficient time normally flip Chiang Rai right into a day journey and there are a number of day excursions to Chiang Rai you’ll be able to be a part of that may deliver you there, present you the primary sights and are available again to Chiang Mai in supper time however if you happen to can spare yet another day, an in a single day keep is certainly much less hectic. Alternatively, it’s also possible to take a bus experience to Chiang Rai.

Wat Rong Khun

Assuming you will have an additional day to spare, you can see that Chiang Rai is an attention-grabbing sufficient vacation spot in its personal proper. Although there are similarities in sights within the sense that many are Lanna-style temples, Chiang Rai additionally gives one thing barely completely different. Top in that listing is Wat Rong Khun or the attractive White Temple. Probably the one certainly one of its form in Thailand, this construction has in all probability come to outline the whole lot of the north. The temple was constructed by artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat and regardless of over 20 years of development, it stays to be a piece in progress. Aside from its absolutely white coloration scheme, different noteworthy features of the temple embrace sculptures of palms reaching out from the bottom. This provides a reasonably weird side to the temple. If attainable, attempt to go to Wat Rong Khun very first thing within the morning because the queues can get fairly lengthy particularly within the late morning/afternoon.

Baan Dam

Another attention-grabbing place to go to in Chiang Rai is the Baan Dam Museum (Black House). This is a big advanced constructed by artist Thawan Duchanee and encompass dozens of homes incorporating native kinds in addition to the fashion of neighboring international locations. 

Mae Fah Luang

For a comparatively chill time, the Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park (every day besides Monday 8:30AM to 5PM) is simply the proper place with its greenery, lakes and huts from the place one can simply watch the world go by. While right here, it’s also possible to take a look at the Haw Kam, a pavilion housing Lanna artifacts.

Try Some Khao Soi

A visit to Chiang Rai or Northern Thailand for that matter, isn’t full till you strive the native specialty – Khao Soi – or Crispy Noodles bathed in Chicken Curry. One really useful place to strive it’s Por Jai (every day 8AM to 4PM) within the coronary heart of city.

If you’re in Chiang Rai as a day journey from Chiang Mai, you’d in all probability want to finish right here to make it again to Chiang Mai by supper time. However, in case you are staying an evening, it’s also possible to take a look at sights farther afield such because the Golden Triangle – the border between the three international locations of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. Alternatively, it’s also possible to head to Mae Salong for a little bit of alpine surroundings, nature trails and wonderful espresso or Doi Tung for the Mae Fah Luang Flower Garden.

Travel Tips for Northern Thailand

• Travel Insurance: In this age of uncertainty, it’s advisable to get journey insurance coverage with Covid-19 protection when coming into the nation. If you reside in Singapore, take a look at Starr Travelead, one of many most cost-effective journey insurance coverage. They have a promotion that comes with S$5 money rebate that helps to cowl the insurance coverage price. If you’re based mostly elsewhere, you’ll be able to take a look at Worldnomads as they’ve fairly an intensive protection, even together with private accidents into their listing of advantages.
• Weather: Best time to go to Chiang Mai is in the course of the cooler and dry months of December to early-February. November can be a superb time though it’d nonetheless be the tail-end of the wet season. I’d personally keep away from heading there from late February to April. During these months, haze is frequent in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and it might probably typically attain hazardous ranges.
• Connectivity: For your browsing and social media wants, it’s attainable to buy native sim playing cards upon arrival at Chiang Mai Airport however buying upfront will prevent the queues and it’s also possible to stand up to 50% off. You should buy native sim playing cards right here.
• Traveling between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai: If you’re coming as a pair, as a gaggle of associates or with household, it might be extra wise to rent personal transport for a cushty 3.5 hour journey between these two cities. It can be attainable to journey by public bus however do attempt to choose a direct bus if you happen to can to keep away from a number of stops alongside the best way. You can e-book personal Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai transfers right here or examine for direct buses right here.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

Lee Chiang Hotel – Located proper within the walled metropolis of Chiang Mai, Lee Chiang Hotel is conveniently located and low-cost. You are primarily getting a lodge room for what’s barely greater than guesthouse/hostel costs, with breakfast included as nicely.

Raya Heritage Chiang Mai – A cross between the modern Muji-style and native Lanna interiors, Raya Heritage is a 33-suite property decked with native crafts – handwoven textiles, artifacts and wooden carvings permeate the guestrooms and public areas. The location within the metropolis outskirts additionally make it extra stress-free/tranquil in comparison with most metropolis inns.

Mora Boutique Hotel – A very good all-around possibility in Chiang Rai particularly if you happen to want to keep someplace central. Rooms are trendy and up-to-date with creature comforts at an affordable value.

Le Meridien Chiang Rai – Probably probably the most luxurious among the many inns discovered alongside town heart of Chiang Rai. Expect constant chain lodge service befitting the Le Meridien model.

Packing Tips for Northern Thailand

While there may be in all probability that sense of journey in bringing nothing however a backpack for a visit to Northern Thailand, I’ve discovered that it’s not actually a sensible possibility in the long run. I used to do it in my youthful days but it surely led to again pains, to not point out the added perspiration caused by one thing heavy brushing towards you particularly when touring to heat locations. 

In my more moderen journeys, I’ve resorted to one thing simpler to hold. A baggage with 4 wheels is personally preferable as I can simply let the entire thing slide after I have to stroll from level to level – for example from the prepare station to the lodge. There are loads of four-wheel baggage choices available in the market however I discovered Rawrow’s R Trunk 63L which is being retailed by Sift & Pick to have these little extras that make the journey expertise simpler. 

The baggage comes with a built-in weighing scale so I don’t should maintain guessing whether or not I’ve surpassed the airline’s baggage allowance. The Rawrow R Trunk collection additionally comes with a smaller 37″ model and the weighing scale tells you precisely whether or not the burden’s ok for aircraft cabin storage or not.

I additionally just like the distinctive T-shaped handles which I hardly ever encounter for such a baggage. The form permit for simple hanging of garments or a supplementary laptop computer case or backpack if want be.

The most spectacular characteristic nonetheless has acquired to be the pocket discovered simply beneath the handles which can be utilized to retailer valuables rapidly or as a holder for cell phones. Combine it with the Pack Slim Case, a water repellent passport and credit score cardholder which inserts completely within the pocket, so that you simply gained’t should scramble to discover a place to empty your pockets to the following time you’re subjected to the airport safety scanners.