Your Guide To Visiting Chiang Mai In 2022

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Your Guide To Visiting Chiang Mai In 2022

          It’s easy to see why Chiang Mai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand. As the capital of the 13th-century Lanna Kingdom which was independent until the 19th century, it offers a rich history unique from the rest of the country. Nature, culture, gastronomy, and the arts combine in the rolling landscape of Chiang Mai, from the mountaintop Buddhist temples to lush rainforests to unforgettable elephant encounters. Not to mention, the food is top-notch, while local Thai handicrafts are thriving in this region.

          Despite drawing flocks of backpackers all year round, Chiang Mai is a laidback place that remains relaxed, authentic, and unspoiled. Easy access to nearby tourist spots like Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son make it an excellent base for northern Thailand adventures. Planning a trip to this well-loved Thai destination? Read on for the KKday guide on traveling to Chiang Mai.


Fast Facts
-  Language :  Thai language or Siamese is the official language in Thailand, but some people in Chiang Mai also speak Lanna. There are English-speaking locals in tourist towns, but there are fewer in rural areas.
-  Currency :  The Baht (THB/฿) is the official currency.
-  Airport :  Chiang Mai International Airport.
-  Public Transportation :  Travelers can hop on a songthaew, tuk-tuk, or the city bus to get around Chiang Mai.
-  Extra Tips :  Be mindful of wearing appropriate clothing when visiting temples. Travelers are advised to cover their shoulders and legs when entering these sacred spaces; if you’re planning on wearing shorts, bring a sarong as a cover-up.

Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai

          Thailand is hailed as a year-round travel destination, and it’s the same in Chiang Mai. Even better, its mountainous location keeps northern Thailand pleasantly cooler than the rest of the country. Many of the tourist spots in Chiang Mai are accessible all year round, but it may be best to skip the rainiest months between June and October. Instead, visit the mountain town from November to February, when Chiang Mai weather is cool and relatively rain-free.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

          As a bustling tourist hub, Chiang Mai has plenty of accommodation options for backpackers, whether it’s your first time or a returning traveler. If you don’t know where to start, check out our picks of resorts in Chiang Mai.

137 Pillars House Chiang Mai

Via 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai Facebook page

          Located in the Wat Gate district, the award-winning 137 Pillars House is a beautiful 19th-century manor combining classic architecture, colonial touches, and modern luxury. With only 30 suites in the sprawling garden property, this boutique hotel is made for serene holidays. On-site amenities include a swimming pool, spa, gym, and restaurant.
Address :  2 Sol 1, Nawatgate Road, Tambon Watgate, Chiang Mai.
Website :  https://137pillarshotels.com/en/chiangmai, Facebook.

Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort

via Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort Facebook page

          Set on the banks of the Mee Ping River, Na Nirand is a luxury boutique property that’s conveniently located near the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Inside, this top resort features stylish suites with bespoke furnishings, private balconies, and sitting areas. There’s a fine-dining restaurant overlooking the river, along with an outdoor pool, spa, and gym.
Address :  1/1 Soi 9, Charoenprathet Road, Tambon Changklan, Amphoe Muang, Chiang Mai.
Website :  https://www.nanirand.com, Facebook

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

via Anantara Chiang Mai Resort Facebook page

          Another luxury resort on the Mae Ping River is Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, an ultra-stylish haven tucked away behind a bamboo wall for an atmosphere of privacy and exclusivity. Chic rooms and suites are large and tastefully appointed, while top-notch amenities include the pool, spa, and gym. Travelers are drawn to The Service 1921 Restaurant and Bar for a fine dining experience in a space that was once the office of the British Consulate.
Address :  123-123/1 Charoen Prathet Road, Changklan, Muang, Chiang Mai.
Website :  https://www.anantara.com/en/chiang-mai, Facebook

Where to Eat in Chiang Mai

          Food is a crucial part of the full Chiang Mai experience, with its Lanna heritage giving unique flavors to local cuisine. You won’t run out of dining spots here — and if you don’t know where to start, check a few of our favorite Chiang Mai foodie haunts below.

Huen Phen

          Take a break from sightseeing with a plate of authentic northern Thai food at Huen Phen, one of Chiang Mai’s most popular restaurants that’s been around for four decades. Located in the old city, Huen Phen serves delicious Lanna dishes, including the famous khao soi. Each order is affordable, so travelers can sample a wide array of local specialties.
Address :  117/1 Rachamunka Road, Phrasing, Muang, Chiang Mai.
Service Hours :  Daily, 8:30 AM to 4 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM

Khao Soi Mae Manee

via KhaoSoi Mae Manee Facebook page

          Visit Khao Soi Mae Manee, a charming café renowned for its namesake dish: khao soi, a coconut curry noodle soup made with either chicken or beef. Many say that Khao Soi Mae Manee’s take on this northern Thai specialty dish is the best in the region, so make sure you try a bowl of the extra-flavorful beef khao soi.
Address :  18 Soi 24 Chotana Road, Chang Phuk, Muang Chieng Mai, Chiang Mai.
Service Hours :  Daily, 9 AM to 3:30 PM
Website :  KhaoSoi Mae Manee Facebook

Ginger Farm Kitchen

via Ginger Farm Kitchen Facebook page

          Get a taste of fresh local ingredients and organic Thai dishes at Ginger Farm Kitchen, a beautifully designed restaurant that sources organic vegetables, free-range eggs and meats from its own farm and locals. The farm-to-table restaurant is hailed for its delicious salads and other northern Thai fare. Travelers are advised to make a booking in advance.
Address :  Nimmanhaemin Road, Suthep, Chiang Mai.
Service Hours :  Daily, 11 AM to 10 PM
Website :  https://www.gingerfarmkitchen.com, Facebook

Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Go Temple Hopping

          The dazzling temples of Chiang Mai are some of its greatest draws; make sure you see a couple when you’re in town. At the top of the list is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the stunning gold-plated mountaintop temple with the famed sitting Buddha image overlooking the city. Travelers can get to the top by hiking or taking a tram. Other notable stops of a Chiang Mai temple tour are the ancient Wat Chiang Man, the revered Wat Phra Singh, and the striking white pagodas of Wat Suan Dok.

Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

          Chiang Mai is one of the few places in the world where explorers can enjoy close ethical encounters with elephants. Get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feed and bathe these gentle giants at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Chiang Mai.

Shop at the Night Bazaar Market

via Abdul Rahman on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

          The bustling markets in Chiang Mai are a must-visit — and the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is so well-known that it’s among the main attractions of this Thai destination. Browse the stalls at the buzzy Night Bazaar for all sorts of souvenirs, from clothes and furniture to handcrafted goods and antiques. The Saturday and Sunday Markets are also worth exploring for local handicrafts.

Take a Lanna Cooking Class

via KKday Supplier

          Interested in whipping up tasty Lanna dishes at home? Enroll in a cooking class to hone your skills in the kitchen and bring home the flavors of Lanna cuisine that make eating in northern Thailand so unique.


Head to KKday for more Chiang Mai tourist deals, including tours to the Art in Paradise 3D Museum, Sticky Waterfalls, Don Inthanon National Park, and more.



CELIA NACHURA  
Celia Nachura is a freelance writer from the Philippines who’s constantly collecting new hobbies—it used to be reading and painting, then crocheting and running, and traveling is always somewhere near the top of the list. Tomorrow it’ll probably something new, but luckily, being a free-range writer means never having to choose just one!