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| Aerial view of Chiang Mai by plane |
The first thing you notice when you step off the plane is the expanse of rolling mountains visible as soon as you get off the plane and the slower, laid back vibe that contrasts with Bangkok's fast paced, city feel. Chiang Mai is one of the most culturally rich and diverse regions of Thailand. The climate is a little cooler and the rainy season much more evident.
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| Mango and sticky rice, 80baht From outside the Wat Rong Khun Temple |
My most memorable food experience during our trip to Chiang Mai was the first time I tried mango and sticky rice. We brought some home from the markets to share for dessert one night and from that moment on all I wanted in life was mango and sticky rice. It became a daily craving and I even ate it for breakfast once. Or twice.
Markets
The markets in Chiang Mai were, in my opinion, the best markets in Thailand and it seemed like they could be found on just about every corner. The majority of market stalls in this area are filled with fresh produce thanks to the abundance of farmland in Thailand's north. Selling everything from food, flowers, clothing and souvenirs to produce. The fruit and veg was fresh and plentiful. It's easy to get carried away with buying fruit but it doesn't keep well in the heat and humidity so I was buying fruit every day or two. Aside from the mango and sticky rice I also tried Rambutans, Mangosteen and Longons for the first time. Rambutans were a favourite and I was buying them by the bagful at the markets.
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| Dinner at The Night Bazaar |
The markets in Chiang Mai were, in my opinion, the best markets in Thailand and it seemed like they could be found on just about every corner. The majority of market stalls in this area are filled with fresh produce thanks to the abundance of farmland in Thailand's north. Selling everything from food, flowers, clothing and souvenirs to produce. The fruit and veg was fresh and plentiful. It's easy to get carried away with buying fruit but it doesn't keep well in the heat and humidity so I was buying fruit every day or two. Aside from the mango and sticky rice I also tried Rambutans, Mangosteen and Longons for the first time. Rambutans were a favourite and I was buying them by the bagful at the markets.
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| The Night Bazaar food stalls |
Street Food
Street food in Chiang Mai is similar to street food throughout Thailand however I found it to be much fresher, probably due to the abundance of fresh produce from the local farms. On road trips, street-side stalls had tasty fresh corn on the cob and the area's famous tiny pineapples could be found lining the freeways.
Chinatown Marketplace
It's easy to get lost in the numerous levels and aisles of the Chinatown markets. We visited the markets on a mission and tackled the enormous marketplace by going straight to the clothing section (where we got the clothes for the orphanage). There's also a food, cosmetic and electronics section among others. Otherwise you could easily spend an entire day at the markets.
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| Pad See Ew at The Night Bazaar, 40baht |
Night Bazaar
The famous Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Road is a must-do. Score some cheap handmade souvenirs, scarves, clothing, bags, DVDs and more. Then grab a bite to eat for only a few dollars. My favourite food stand in the whole of Chiang Mai (big call, I know) was at the Night Bazaar - after attempts to order in Thai then finding someone to interpret I was served the best vegan Pad See Ew of my life for only 40baht ($2ish)! I visited this stand each time we went by the Night Bazaar and had to get a photo with my favourite Chiang Mai chef on our last night in Chiang Mai (below). Thanks again for the noms! Mango and sticky rice is easy to find at the Night Bazaar too (although double the price).
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| The Best chef at The Night Bazaar |
Coupon-paid Food Courts
A popular quick lunch for locals was the coupon-paid food courts in most shopping centres. Coupons can be bought from the service desk then used at any stand within the food court. These stands were less flexible than my favourite market stalls and most places wouldn't make changes to the menu. The food seemed less fresh too. They're super cheap though so it's always an option if you need something fast and cheap.
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| Post-show fireworks at the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre |
A (touristy) must-do activity in Chiang Mai is the Chiang Mai Cultural Centre. Book a table for a night of traditional Thai feasting and cultural dance. They're very accommodating with dietary requirements and kept bringing dish after dish of vegan options to our table.
The art of haggling
Haggling your way through a sale really is an art. Usually reserved for the marketplace, haggling is also acceptable when booking local tours, taxis and other private services.
SIGHTS
We found the best way to visit the sights was by car. For day tours or long stays I'd recommend hiring a bike/car/van or for short, one way trips jump on a tuk tuk, bike, taxi, bus or train.
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| Art in Paradise - 3D Art Museum |
Art in Paradise - 3D Art Museum
For only 300 baht (AUD$12), visit the World's largest 3D art museum. Make sure your camera is fully charged to take advantage of the hilarious photo ops. Tip: The floor is marked with footprints where you can get the best camera angle.
For only 300 baht (AUD$12), visit the World's largest 3D art museum. Make sure your camera is fully charged to take advantage of the hilarious photo ops. Tip: The floor is marked with footprints where you can get the best camera angle.
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| Doi Inthanon |
Of course temples can be found all throughout Thailand however Chiang Mai has some lovely temples that have been around for decades - with less tourists than you might see at a temple in Bangkok. Be sure to be respectful within the temples - keep shoulders and legs covered, be mindful of noise levels and check if they allow photography before taking snaps.
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| Cultural dance at the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre |
A little touristy, yet worth a visit, the Chiang Mai Cultural Centre puts on a great show. Book a table and enjoy a traditional Thai banquet while watching shows such as The Fingernail Dance or The Sword Dance. Once dinner is finished local hill tribes display traditional dances and music. If you like to dance, join the Thai dancers up on stage at the end of the show!
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| San Kamphaeng Hot Springs |
There are various locations around Chiang Mai to see the natural phenomenon of the hot springs. About a 1 hour drive from the Old City of Chiang Mai is the natural hot springs of San Kamphaeng. Gardens, pathways and pergolas are built around the natural springs and visitors sit along the pergolas and streams dangling their feet in the water. Some choose to boil baskets of eggs (bought at the entryway) in the naturally boiling pool. I recommend going in the low season as come high season it becomes hard to find space to relax and enjoy the warm springs.
Hill Tribes
Manop from Bandekdee Orphanage (see orphanage info below) was nice enough to let us tag along for a visit to a hill tribe 1.5 hours drive from Chiang Mai where he was visiting 2 children who were soon to join the orphanage. The surrounding hills were filled with crops of corn, rice, fruit trees and more. The middle picture above is of one of the kitchens where little coal stoves are used for cooking. Chickens ran around the houses and hogs were kept in enclosures waiting for the next village celebration.
Mae Ya Waterfall, Doi Inthanon National Park
I've seen many waterfalls in my life but nothing compares to Mae Ya Waterfall. The waterfall is a 10-15 minute walk from the Mae Ya car park and food stalls on Doi Inthanon mountain. Supposedly one of the biggest waterfalls in Thailand, the view is breathtaking and I could have easily spent the day sitting on the rocks here.
San Kamphaeng Road
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| A hill tribe village in Chiang Mai |
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| The top of Doi Inthanon Mountain, the highest spot in Thailand |
The Mountains
Doi is a word we heard quite often in Chiang Mai. Doi is Thai for mountain and there are endless mountains to be explored in Chiang Mai. If you're going to visit one mountain while you're there why not make it the highest mountain in Thailand? Doi Inthanon rises above the rest and is easy to travel to by car. You can drive almost to the top then climb the stairs to the very highest point.
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| Mae Ya Waterfall |
I've seen many waterfalls in my life but nothing compares to Mae Ya Waterfall. The waterfall is a 10-15 minute walk from the Mae Ya car park and food stalls on Doi Inthanon mountain. Supposedly one of the biggest waterfalls in Thailand, the view is breathtaking and I could have easily spent the day sitting on the rocks here.
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| Mae Ya Waterfall |
San Kamphaeng Road, also known as Handicraft Highway, is a tourist hub in Chiang Mai. Van-loads of tourists scour this stretch of road, visiting the various outlets to watch how the goods are made and to take home a handmade souvenir. Here you will find gems, woodwork, silk, lacquerware, parasols, pottery, stoneware, silverware, sculptures, paperwork and antique reproductions.
The Old City
The original wall of the Old City of Chiang Mai is still visible on the edges of the city. Visit the Old City for a lesson in Thai history or just to visit the shops and restaurants.
VOLUNTEER
BanDekDee Orphanage
BanDekDee Orphanage
Manop grew up in a World Vision orphanage and always dreamt of opening his own orphanage to give other children a better future. After years of hard work that dream came true and BanDekDee Orphanage now cares for over 20 children. I couldn't possibly fit into one paragraph the difference Manop and his family have made for so many children by opening the orphanage in San Sai so stay tuned for a post on BanDekDee.
Elephant Nature Park
In the North of Thailand there is one Elephant Sanctuary that I wanted to visit - Elephant Nature Park. Since the 90's, this sanctuary was founded and run by Lek (Sangduen Chailert - Asian Hero of The Year 2005) and rescues ex-riding and show elephants from camps all over Thailand. Riding is forbidden however visitors can interact with the elephants by washing, feeding and walking them. Visit for a day trip, stay overnight or volunteer for a week. Transportation and meals are included and one package even includes water rafting. See park information at the bottom of this page for more information.
Help wash, feed and exercise elephants or join one of the dog rescue volunteer programs.
Be sure to pre-book though! When I called to book 3 days ahead I was told the sanctuary was booked out for the next month! I was disappointed I didn't get to visit the elephants but happy to know that so many other people are caring for them. Help wash, feed and exercise elephants or join one of the dog rescue volunteer programs.
Featured sights details
Art in Paradise - 3D Art Museum
Address | 199/9 Changklan Road, Changklan, Chiang Mai
Opening Hours | 9.00am - 9.00pm
Website | English version
BanDekDee Orphanage
Address | San Sui Luang, San Sai District, Chiang Mai
Website | http://bandekdee.org
Elephant Nature Park
Address | 209/2 Sridom Chai Road, Chiang Mai
Opening Hours | Opens at 9.00am
Website | www.elephantnaturepark.org
Night Bazaar
Address | Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai
Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre
Address | 185/3 Waulai Road, TMuang District Chiang Mai, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
Website | www.oldchiangmai.com
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
Address | Moo 7, Baan Pong Hom, Ban Sahakorn, Mae On
Have you travelled to Chiang Mai? If you were to volunteer, where would you choose?
More Thailand posts:
Travel Guide: Bangkok, Thailand
Oooh! This is so thorough! Thailand is very high on my husband's list of places to visit and we'll probably get there in the next couple of years. Thanks for putting this together, I'm off to go read the one about Bangkok.
ReplyDeleteWow, Chelsey! What an exciting trip you've had :) I love mango and sticky rice and wish I had some now :) Happy to read about the orphanage and the elephant sanctuary! I've been to Bangkok and enjoyed the markets there. I still own a custom made silk suit from there. However, I've never been to Chiang Mai. Lovely post and great photos!
ReplyDeleteThe 3-D Museum looks like a lot of fun! And the waterfalls are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat and incredible trip! I'm sorry you missed a chance to serve the elephants, but it just makes my heart glow to know the Elephant Nature Park was booked out for a month. <3 <3 <3
ReplyDeleteThis is just fascinating! I am in love with all of your pictures and details... thank you for sharing! That mango and sticky rice (and all the other food!) sounds so delicious!!!! That orphanage melted my heart... I've always dreamed about doing something like that too.
ReplyDeleteLove the pics in the 3D museum!! The food in Chiang Mai is the best really. We totally loved it.
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