My first time in Chiang Mai was like a flipbook. Some crazy activities and some relaxed one. On my return, I settled into a more relaxed, local rhythm. NWhile most of us remain fixated with the pristine beaches of Krabi and Phuket in Southern Thailand, there lies a whole different world of fun, adventure and culture in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. It offers something for everyone. That is exactly why I decided to bring all the information under one roof and craft the ultimate Chiang Mai travel guide for a first time traveller and even a seasoned one. Save this because here’s the answer to all possible questions.

A spontaneous bunch can never ignore the “call of the wild”! And this is all you need to know for your trip to Chiang Mai.

There are direct flights to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) from several Indian cities. Or choose to fly to Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok. From there either fly to Chiang Mai Airport or take the bus from Mo Chit Bus station or a train either from Don Mueang station or Krungthep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station.

The best way to explore Chiang Mai is to rent a bike so that you have to freedom to roam freely. Having said that, there are several means of transport one can avail in Chiang Mai that includes cabs, Ubers, Bolts, local taxis, songthaews (meaning two benches or “red cars”, there is room for 8 people) and much more.

While most tourists flock the beaches of Thailand, they remain oblivious to the treasures that Northern Thailand offers which includes variety of quirky experiences along with a taste of history and local culture.

Unleash your inner Tarzan and climb this unusual waterfall known as the Sticky Waterfall or Namtok Bua Tong Waterfall. Unusual because, unlike other slippery, moss-covered waterfalls this is NOT SLIPPERY AT ALL (except for one or two places where the water is held for long)!!! Made of limestone deposits, the bulbous cream-coloured rocks contrast well against the dark green forest around. An hour and a half journey from the city, this place is an ideal half day picnic spot. Manageable washrooms are available to change into dry clothes after the climb.

How to reach

• Hire a songthaew (meaning two benches) or “red cars”, there is room for 8 people.

• Tuk-tuk

• Driving a scooter (if you have a Thai Licence or International Driving Permit)

• Book a tour

Book a taxi

Things to Remember

• Carry an extra set of clothes

• Leave your shoes in the car (you will not need it because you can climb barefoot)

• Make sure your phone is safe and inside a cover (our friend fell on his bum while climbing with his i-phone in his back pocket!!!)

• Although there are wooden steps to go down the water in case you don’t want to climb down via a rope, after a point the wooden steps give way to ankle-deep muddy way with only branches to hold for balance. We did that!!

But climbing this waterfall should be on your “MUST-DO” list this experience will blow your mind.

Nestled at the misty foothills of a limestone mountain Doi Luang Chiang Dao, lies the famous temple complex of Wat Tham Chiang Dao and the Chiang Dao Cave. Located 73kms from Chiang Mai city, that takes around 1.45 hrs to cover, this is perfect for a day trip if you like caving and exploring cave temples.

A popular local attraction, the Chiang Dao Cave network consists of five separate cave systems and each quite unique – Tham Seua Dao, Tham Phra Nawn, Tham Maa, Tham Naam and Tham Kaew

P.S. – Take a guide, there are tour guides with lanterns (eerieee!!!!)

• Remember to wear respectable clothing as you would be entering a Buddhist Temple and wearing modest clothing in temples is part of the Thai culture. Cover your shoulders, wear long pants. In case you prefer wearing shorts, carry a decent sized stole/shawl that will your legs or rent one at the entrance of the cave for THB 20

• Do not take anything from inside the cave; not even a small stone – it is forbidden as per Thai culture, and we should respect it.

• There will be extremely tight spaces where you have to crawl so be ready to slither like a dragon (sounds tacky!!))

• The floor will be slippery and wet, so you got to be careful.

Consider wearing good walking shoes because the caves are winding throughout the mountain so it will be quite a good walking exercise.

Scooter, Taxi, songthaew, cabs

Thailand is one of the 13 Asian countries that’s home to Asian elephants. But a lot of this population has been unethically domesticated and used to promote tourism or entertainment. But there are non-profits and other organizations actively working to rescue them from detrimental environments and reintroducing them to the wild. Seek Sophie has been dishing out ethically curated tours for travellers who want to experience it right. There’s a day-tour at this no-touch, no-feed, no-bathe sanctuary or those who want to spend 2D1N through hidden Doi Inthanon Trails or looking for a more immersive community-led 4D3N experience at BEES where rescued elephants are provided a safe andd natural environment, you gotta try Seek Sophie.

I have read about paper being manufactured from trees, but have you ever heard paper being manufactured from elephant poop!!! Being a student pursuing studies on elephant, I am sure of one thing – there wont be any shortfall of poop! Because the elephants consume 150 – 300 kgs of food per day to meet their daily nutrition requirement!! Having started 15 years back, the PooPoopaper Park educates the visitors on the benefits of sustainability and also explain the entire process of paper making from poop. Visitors can also participate in this quirky process!

Tour usually takes 45 minutes, but it might also take a good two hours in case visiting with kids.

Timings: 8:30am to 5:30pm (Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)

Address: 87 Moo. 10 T, Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand

Contact: +66 53 299 565

Everything erotic!! Some may smirk, some may giggle awkwardly, some may feel scandalized. But it is what it is – a place that manifests erotica in the most sensuous and aesthetic way. A teahouse, located amidst green rice paddies of Mae Rim was created by Katai Kamminga. From human-sized phalluses to breast-shaped mountains, to Katai this is a place where she welcomes artists to showcase their erotica art. Opened to public in January 2015, this place was built in just six months and is the First Erotic Garden in Southeast Asia!

Timings: 10:00am to 5pm

Address: 46/3 Soi 5, Huay Sai Maerim,, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand

Contact: +66833184855

Things to Remember:

• Respect the artistic sensibilities

This place is not for the fainthearted! Brainchild of a Buddhist monk, Pra Kru Vishanjalikon had a vision on the concept of this temple where he wanted to display the consequences of “sins” grotesquely. The intention was to create fear among the mass to prevent them from committing sin. Various torture methods are elaborately designed for sinners based on the sins they committed and some installations are equipped with sound effects for wholesome experience!!

Entry Fee: THB 10 (INR 22)

Address: 46/3 Soi 5, Huay Sai Maerim,, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand

Things to Remember:

The installations pretty graphically represent the concept of the underworld so visit at your own discretion!

You read it right!! A 15-minute drive outside the city takes you to The Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution where apparently only minors and short-term offenders are incarcerated. the Vocational Training Centre. With Thailand known to offer massages at decent price, this is not only a unique massage experience but apparently the cheapest in Chiang Mai and who wouldn’t love a nice foot massage after a long walk!!

Timings: Monday to Friday – 8:00am to 4:30pm

Saturday & Sunday – 9:00am to 4:30pm

Entry Fee: No entry fee but only for massage service.

Address: 18/2 Wiang Kaew Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Things to Remember:

• No prior appointments required. It first come first served basis. But it is usually packed. So, to avoid the long queue it is advisable to be the first when it opens or reach there within an hour of opening.

• Like most places in Thailand, you need to leave your shoes outside.

A very popular tourist destination in Chiang Mai is Tiger Kingdom, where you get to interact with the big cats. Starting from medium, big to giant tigers (the smallest and small are not currently available). Although an attraction, this place might cause you to question of ethicality of this place – big cats are not meant to be confined in cages however big that might be. On the contrary they are well-fed and well taken care and protected from being poached in the wild!! These are polarizing statements and the dilemma will never cease. And conservationists feel differently. If you feel like looking at the tigers playing like house cats (after all same family), you should definitely pay a visit!

Timings: 9:00am to 5:00pm (last admission 4:30pm)

Entry Fee: None, they charge based on what you want to see.

Address: 51/1 Rim Tai, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand

Things to Remember:

• Despite being in cages tigers are wild animals and they have certain innate instincts so always listen to the keeper.

• And respect the space of the animal, don’t try to grab or pinch, try to frighten them by sneaking from behind, or touch the head.

Try to avoid making any sudden noise, or screech or yell. You might agitate the tiger and he/she might become aggressive

Across an area of 323.81 acres, Chiang Mai Night Safari is the Third Nocturnal Zoo In The World, a Nature Park run by the Thai government. To experience the wild animals in their natural habitat up, close and personal, this facility has a 50-seater tram that takes you across the nature park to interact with the wild animals. This nature park offers a wide range of activities that you can indulge in.

Timings: 11:00am to 21:00 pm (ticket office closes at 8:pm)

Entry Fee: No entry fee. Charges based on Safari selected

Address: 33, Nong Kwai, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand

Things to Remember

• Respect the animals

• Don’t make sudden noises

• Listen to your guide on the tram

• Don’t try to pat the zebra, their jaws are hardy and the bite pretty nasty!!

A 3D art museum that houses 130 art works and offers a fun time for both adults and children. From Alladin’s flying carpet to gondola rides in Venice, to crumbling bridges over waterfalls, they even have optical illusions that make the paintings look alive!!

Timings: 9:00am to 7:00pm

Entry Fee: THB400 for adults and children between 101-135 cm in height (INR 867)

Entry free for children below 100cm in height

Address: Moo 1, Charoen Muang Road, Tha Sala, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand

Things to Remember

Respect the animals

• Don’t make sudden noises

• Listen to your guide on the tram

• Don’t try to pat the zebra, their jaws are hardy and the bite pretty nasty!!

Sak Yant that means “tattoo a geometric diagram that invokes various elements and power of protection and blessings” in Thai has its origin in India!! The tattoo is inked by using a metal rod or khem sak by a master known as Ajarn who studies sak yants and the spiritualism and mysticism surrounding it, but he may or may not be a monk

The national park is situated on top of the tallest mountain in the country – Doi Inthanon National Park. With spectacular views from the top, this place is a favourite among hikers.

The cruise on the Mae Ping River offers visitors the experience of local riverside sights and sounds. Cruises Depart from jetty behind Wat Chai Mongkhon temple at 133 Charoen Prathet road, East of the old walled city center.

There are four different cruises that are offered

• Mae Ping River Cruise

• Mae Ping River Cruise with Khao Soi

• Mae Ping Dinner Cruise

• Mae Ping Cruise to Wiang Kum Kam horse carriage.

Ziplining over the rainforest and spotting gibbons (a primate) in their natural habitat sounds adventurous.

Timings: Starts from 6:30am

 20 kms from the Old city of Chiang Mai lies its very own Grand Canyon!! Known as the “Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai”, this is an ideal place to jump into the water and take a swim – a good half day trip!

Famous for producing hand made umbrellas of bamboo, this village is located to the east of Chiang Mai. As you enter you see the artisans at work, and they display how the bamboo frames are designed and how they make the umbrellas durable and waterproof. They residents of this village are extremely proud of their heritage which reflects in their work. An ideal place to know about the blended culture of Thailand and Burma.

Timings: 8:00am to 5:00pm

Are you someone as adventurous as Indiana Jones, then you should take a trip to the ruins of what is known as the Lost City of Chiang Mai in Wiang Kum Kam! Founded in 1286 and then abandoned in the 16th century, this city was unearthed in 1984 by archeologists when a cluster of temples were found. If you are a history geek, you should plan a visit there.

Timings: 8:00am to 5:00pm

Entry Fee: Free

Address: 149 หมู่ที่ 2 Somphot Chiang Mai 700 Pi Rd, Tha Wang Tan, Saraphi District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

Located 120 kms from Chiang Mai, this place is known for its natural beauty and there are options to trek, hike, bird-watching and mountain biking.

Around 45 minutes from the city centre lies a community called Mon Jam on the mountain top in the Mae Rim County, which is home to ethnically diverse Hmong tribes. This place is amazing for a day-trip and also known for glamping due to the gorgeous mountain views!

Nothing can feel as naturally relaxing as immersing yourself in a hot spring! San Kamphaeng is located in Ban Sahakorn with two mineral baths. An ideal place to “shed your stress”

Timings: 7:00am to 6:00pm

Entry Fee: THB100 (INR 217)

Address: 1 Ban Sa Ha Khon, Mae On District, Chiang Mai 50130, Thailand-

A lot can be learned about the culture of the place from the indigenous community residing there. Similarly Chiang Mai’s culture can be learned from the hill tribes of Akha, Palong, Karen and the famous Padaungs, who reside in villages funded by the royal charity and relief organizations top keep their legacy alive.

Celebrated on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, this “festival of lights” is celebrated in honour of river and the river goddess Pra Mae Khongkha. Meaning “to float a basket” on this festival “Krathong” – a basket made from the cellulose trunk of the banana tree, bread or Styrofoam, decorated with banana leaves, flowers, incense sticks and candles is floated in the river. A lot of lights are also floated in air and in the river. This festival is usually celebrated either in October or in November.

A festival that takes places on the 13th of April and extended till 16th of April is the celebration of the New Year of Thailand! Since it is associated with water, you will find people engaging in water fights in the streets, with water guns and large buckets of water. On New Years’ families pay tribute to their elders and buy gifts for them and a common tradition is to collect sand and take to the monasteries and temples.

One activity that can set your trip apart from everyone else’s is if you watch the national sport of Thailand inside a fight arena!! Muay Thai, a kickboxing style that’s prevalent in Thailand shows a different style of martial arts. Fought by professional fights, watching this sport is sure to shoot your adrenaline and keep you on the edge.

If you don’t know yet, then here’s the truth. The world’s most expensive coffee isn’t Kopi Lewak that comes from the poop of civet, but it’s the Black Ivory, the elephant poop coffee that from Thai Arabica beans consumed and naturally digested by rescue elephants at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort where you can even sleep among these pachyderms.

An hour’s drive from Chiang Mai, Pha Chor Canyon is famous for geological formation of 30-meter-high, eroded monolithic rock pillars and dramatic cliffs that was carved by the Ping River. Biodiverse dry dipterocarp whose evolutionary roots date back million of years dot the dry, flaky river banks. The 900-metre scenic trail feels time warped into the Palaeolithic epoch.

Thailand is known for its coffee but Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is where the local Arabica are grown which literally makes Chiang Mai the coffee capital of Thailand. And to top it all there is MoR Ministry of Roastery where they conduct sessions on how to roast and brew the beans!

If you appreciate artwork and trinkets get their blood flowing then Baan Kang Wat is a place you can’t miss. Quaint, cozy corners that welcome anyone and everyone who want to surround themselves in crafty, queer items, this is a sanctuary where craft and beauty converge, alive with texture, colour, and quiet invention.

While planning, the first thing one of our friends suggested was trying out the shooting range in Chiang Mai. Although there are a not of shooting ranges, Shooting Club Chiang Mai, is by far the best. Equipped with a wide range of firearms and safety measure, under the guidance of experiences instructors, you can have a unique experience of shooting under supervision.

Timing: 8:30am to 5:30pm

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee. Charges Based on Type of Guns and bullets used

Address: 178 Chotana rd, direction Chiangmai – maerim T.Donkaew Chiangmai 50180

Temples in Thailand are known for the intricate details on them and their fascinating architecture. Since most temples are dedicated to Buddha, despite having several similarities in their construction, they are sometimes widely different from one another. Some have Indian influence, some Burmese and some even Chinese! And some are placed in unique locations – inside the forests and even on top of mountains!

Some of the must-visit temples of Chiang Mai are:

• Wat Chiang Man
• Amphoe Mueang Chiang MaiWat Jed Yot
• Phra Aram Luang
• Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai
• Wat Phra That Doi Kham
• Mae HiaWat Sri Suphan
• Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai
• Wat Pha Lat

Southeast Asia is popular for their night markets and the array of things offered to the consumer, let alone the myriad food options in these night markets!!

Some of the usual markets to visit to procure local produce, along with a quick tour of the few night markets are:

• Sunday Night Market
• Kalare Night Market
• Warorot Market
• Kat Rin Kham Night bazaar
• Chiang Mai Gate Market
• Chang Puak Gate Night Market

Be Ready To Be Woken By An Elephant!!

Located 50 kms from Chiang Mai, this is a one-of-kind-stay where you get to be woken up by elephants!! Since they are concerned about the welfare and health of the elephants, there is a No Riding policy!! The property offers a wide array of stay options with modern amenities although situated amidst wilderness. Definitely one of the most unique experiences to encounter!!

Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort

Rachamankha Hotel – Luxury heritage

Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel and Spa

Cross Chiang Mai Riverside

137 Pillars House – Ultra luxury sustainable heritage

Aksara Heritage

Tolani Southgate Villa Chiang Mai

Rarin Villas – Ultra luxury

Thai Akara – Lanna Boutique Hotel

The Bridge – An Eclectic Luxotel

Baan Boo Loo Village – Ultra luxury

Villa Mahabhirom

Hongkhao Village

Kodchasri Thani Hotel Chiang Mai

Baansuwanburi

Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts (the best deal)

Gord Nuea Boutique House

Pissamorn House

Wualai Sabaidee

Di Wiang Kum Kam

Sleep Guesthouse

Inn Oon Villa

18 In Town Homestay

Liam’s Suan Dok Mai Guesthouse – Adult only

Rimwiang

Thailand will never leave you famished when it comes to food and the variety they offer. Here’s my tried and tasted list.

• Sausages from roadside stalls
• Mango salad
• Mango sticky rice – for vegetarians and vegans
• Satay from roadside stalls
• Khao Soi

• Aui Tha Market
• Saturday Walking Street
• Sunday Night Market
• Kalare Night Market
• Warorot Market – 10 mins, near Chinatown Night Bazaar
• Kat Rin Kham Night bazaar
• Chiang Mai Gate Market
• Chang Puak Gate Night Market

Most places serve a good cuppa joe that includes Sapa Coffee 786, Gopuek Godum Chiangmai and Zohng Coffee. If you want to learn about roasting beans, acquainting yourself with flavours then MoR Ministry of Roasters​ Chiang Mai is for you.

One underrated place that sells modestly-priced good cold coffee is 7 Eleven! A big cup (imagine the Trenta of Starbucks) cost us THB 40!

• Explore Mae Ping National Park
• Wat Phra That Ha Duang
• Wat Phrathat Duang Diaw
• Ban Nong Ngueak Weaving Site
• Ban Don Luang Cotton Handicraft Centre
• Wat Pa Sang Ngam
• Luang Pha Viang cave
• Kaeng Koh Viewpoint
• Ban Huai Tom Royal Project
• Dhamma Park and Arts Chamber
• Erawan Cave
• Terracotta Gardens

• Wat Phrabat Pu Pha Daeng
• Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan
• Wat Akkho Chai Khiri, Mae Wa National Park
• Chae Son National Park, Wat Pratu Pong
• Tham Pha Thai National Park
• Kiu Lom Dam
• Wat Si Rong Mueang
• Namtok Maekae-Namtok Kaofu
• Bo Nam Rae Bo Nam Ron Hot Springs
• Lom Phu Khiew Sink Hole
• Ratsada Market
• Hug You Sheep Farm
• Pra Thu Pha Archaeological Site
• Shrine of God of Lampang
• Kad Kongta Night Market

• Wat Saen Mueang Ma
• Kaeng Luang Dinosaur Forest Park
• Doi Phu Nang National Park
• Phu Lang Ka National Park
• Phu Sang National Park
• Mae Puem National Park
• Wiang Lo Ancient Remains
• Natural Thai Peacock Forest
• The Nantaram Temple
• Kwan Phayao (Phayao Lake)
• Wat Ti Lok Aram
• Phayao Arkhet Fresh Market
• The Old Mine Of Ban Sa
• Water Hyacinth Village
• Doi Pha Mon
• Than Sawan Waterfall

There are places that cannot be covered by day tours. Spending a few nights are mandatory in those places to get an immersive feel

The bus from Chiang mai stops at Pai before it drops off the remaining passengers at Mae Hong Son. One and a half hours from Mae Hong Son is the misty Yunnanese village of Ban Rak Thai where you get to stay within a tea estate and sip on some warm brew!

If you are on a short trip but don’t wanna rush then this 3-Day Chiang Mai itinerary is for you.

[You can also check out: Offbeat & Unscripted in Chiang Mai: Nothing Better Than Revisiting A Place]

It’s time to switch to off-beat BUT responsible travel.  Are you ready to explore beyond the ordinary?

Getting around

Cash is king

Temple etiquette

How do I get there from Bangkok?

From Bangkok you can take a flight from Don Mueang International Airport to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) that hardly takes between 45 mins to an hour to reach. Or take the bus from Mo Chit Bus station or a train either from Don Mueang station or Krungthep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station. First time we flew to Chiang Mai but somehow due to a late flight reached at 9:40 pm and wasted an entire day. But second time around we boarded a bus from Mo Chit bus station and reached Chiang Mai in the wee hour of the morning (before sunrise!). That way we did not waste a day.

How many days should I stay?

72 hours is a good enough time to rejuvenate and cover the most attractive things in Chiang Mai. If you want to throw in a little adventure like climbing the sticky waterfall or hiking through Pha Chor or taking a shot at a shooting range or trekking through a national park then a week should be good.

What is the best way to get around?

Though there’s Grab, songthaews, normal rickshaw rides but the best way to explore in and around the Old City was by foot. The day we decided to explore a little further from the Old City, we rented a bike and for day-trips we rented a car. Since we carried our International Driver’s Permit, it wasn’t an issue.

Which temples are must-sees?

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Are the elephant sanctuaries ethical?

Where can I shop and eat?

Is Chiang Mai safe for solo travelers?

What should I wear to temples?

Are credit cards accepted?

How much budget do I need daily?

Is the street food safe?

Can I bargain at markets?

Do I need an International Driving permit to ride or drive in Chiang Mai?

Is wearing a helmet mandatory in Chiang Mai?