Chang Mai, Chiang Mai or Chiang Mai (Thailand) is a city in the north-west of the country, almost 700 km from Bangkok. Among the largest cities in Thailand, Chiang Mai occupies the 5th place, it is inhabited by about 170,000 people.
There is a lot of information on the Internet that Chiang Mai is very developed and convenient to live in. Indeed, it is considered the cultural capital of Thailand, where various exhibitions, festivals, concerts, and competitions are regularly held. But still, Chang Mai is more like an ordinary provincial Thai town, where there is no sea and sea beaches, no skyscrapers and not so many shopping centers.
And many tourists note that Chiang Mai has changed a lot in just the last decade. Most of the current population is Chinese, there are inscriptions in Chinese all over the city, and many of them are not even duplicated in Thai or English.
So why do a huge number of tourists visiting Thailand go to Chang Mai and even live there for a long time? It is a city with an airport and is a very convenient starting point for trips to the attractions of Chiang Mai province.
Temples – main attractions of Chang Mai
There are a lot of temples in Chiang Mai, and almost all of them are concentrated in the Old City square. To visit, you need to choose the most interesting and unique sights of Chiang Mai – those that are better to see on their own, and not as part of tour groups. After all, it is in unhurried walks that all the amazing beauty of the shrines of Thailand opens up.
When visiting local temples, remember: you can not enter them with bare shoulders and knees, shoes must be removed before entering.
Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang is considered the most impressive temple complex in the Old City. From the four corners of the world, majestic steps lead up to it, guarded by stone naga snakes.
The main stupa was built in the XV century, its height was 90 m, and the diameter at its widest point was 54 m. Over time, the building partially collapsed and it was never restored. But even now this pagoda remains the largest in Chiang Mai: in height, it rises to 60 m, and the base has a width of 44 m.
A special attraction of Wat Chedi Luang are 3 figures of monks – 2 wax, and 1 is said to be the living body of the monk Acharn Mun Bhuridarto. More than 40 years ago, during meditation, he entered a state of enlightenment, and his soul went on a journey to other worlds, and his body is waiting for her to return.
Near this stupa in the early twentieth century, new viharnas were built, in which ancient statues of the Buddha were placed.
On the territory of the temple complex there is a Conversation club: under the awnings there are special places where you can calmly talk with the monks about religion and life.
- Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai is located at 103 Phra Pok Klao Road | Phra Singh.
- The attraction is open to the public daily from 6: 00 to 18: 30
- The entrance fee is 40 baht.
Wat Pan Tao
On the same street, next to Wat Chedi Luang, there is a shrine of architecture that is not quite typical for Chang Mai and Thailand.
Viharn Wat Pan Tao (XIV century) is built of darkened teak wood, and its three-tiered roof rests on huge wooden columns. Stylized naga snakes are placed on the roof, and lions guard the entrance.
“Wat Pan Tao “means” Temple of a Thousand Furnaces”. The name is simply explained: there used to be furnaces designed for making metal Buddha statues.
Admission is free.
Wat Chiang Man
In the Old Town there is another interesting religious attraction – the ancient temple of Wat Chiang Man.
This shrine, according to tourists, is a real place of power. You should not come here as an ordinary object for photos in Chiang Mai-the temple is alive, you can communicate with it and ask for anything. You always want to linger here, although there are usually more visitors than in other similar attractions in Chang Mai.
To the right of the entrance is a viharn, which has 2 very important ancient shrines for Buddhists: a bas-relief marble Buddha and a Crystal Buddha statue. Thais give the latter the magical ability to bring the rainy season closer.
Behind the viharna is an original pagoda mounted on the backs of elephants.
- Where to find: Ratchaphakhinai Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
- You can visit this attraction any day from 6: 00 to 17: 00
- Admission is free.
Wat Phra Singh
What else to see in Chiang Mai is recommended by experienced travelers, so this is the Wat Phra Singh temple. This landmark is located at the end of Phra Singh Street, you can say that the street just turns into a large temple site. Address: Singharat Road / Phra Sing Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Numerous ancient Buddha statues, a 14th-century library in a red-and-gold wooden building with a high white plinth, and 2 huge golden stupas, as if carved from giant gold bars – these are the main attractions of Wat Phra Singh.
All rooms are open daily from 6: 00 to 17: 00. And on the territory it is allowed to walk at any time of the day. Moreover, an evening walk will bring even more pleasure from what you see: the gold of temples looks especially impressive in night light.
Admission to Wat Phra Singh is free, and to enter the temple, you need to pay 20 baht. Although you can try to enter not from the main entrance, but from the side entrance – usually no one requires a fee there.
Wat Umong Suan Phuthatham
Chang Mai has 2 temples that are known as Wat Umong. The first one, Wat Umong Maha Thera Chan, is located in the Old Town and is not particularly remarkable. The second one, Wat Umong Suan Phuthatham, is very unusual-it is a tunnel.
If you want to explore the sights of nearby Chiang Mai, you should definitely see this temple-monastery. He settled in a forest near Doi Suthep Mountain, about 1 km south of Chang Mai University. It is inconvenient to get there on foot, and it is too far, so you can rent a bike or bicycle, or take a taxi.
Wat Umong Suan Phuthatham is a large area of 13 acres of land in the forest, and the part where the monks live is “fenced” with orange ribbons on the trees.
The temple itself consists of several underground tunnels, at the end of each one there is a niche with a statue of the Buddha. The niches are semi-dark and quiet, which encourages prayers and meditation. And although the tunnels are small – you can see them in 15 minutes – you usually want to stay in the niches and sit for a while.
You can pass through the tunnels and exit from the opposite side of the entrance. Therefore, after taking off your shoes at the entrance, it is better to take your shoes with you so that you do not have to return.
At the entrance to the tunnels there is a kind of “cemetery”, where old Buddha statues stand in disarray, slowly crumble and sink into the ground.
Above the tunnels rises a large chedi covered with a piece of orange cloth. It is reached by a beautiful staircase with a railing in the form of two futuristic kites.
A meditation center is available on site at Wat Umong. It is in demand – there are regular retreats (in English), which are visited by many Europeans.
There is also a picturesque pond with an island in the center. You can go there on a special bridge, from which it is very convenient to feed ducks, catfish, turtles. Feed can be purchased here, a bag costs 10 baht.
- The attraction is open to the public daily from 6: 00 to 18: 00.
- Admission is free.
Wat Phratat Doi Kam
Tourists do not know Wat Phrathat Doi Kham very well, but the residents of Chang Mai are extremely revered by this shrine.
Wat Phratat Doi Kham is located 10 km southwest of the center of Chang Mai, on Mount Doi Kham, (location: Mae Hia Subdistrict). Public transport doesn’t go there, so you need to get there by taxi or rented bike. You can go to the parking lot at the very top of the mountain, or you can drive to its base and climb up a long staircase.
The most unique attraction here is the 687-year-old chedi, whose entrance is guarded by mythical golden snakes. On the territory of the complex there is an outdoor gallery with various statues of Buddha, a collection of gongs and bells. The central figure of Wat Phrathat Doi Kham is a 17 m high snow-white Buddha statue standing on a natural elevation.
Wat Phratat Doi Kham has a spacious outdoor terrace with benches and a canopy swing. There are also many places where you can take beautiful panoramic photos of Chiang Mai and the natural scenery of Thailand.
- Visiting the attraction is possible daily from 8: 00 to 17: 00, but it is better on weekdays when there are few people.
- Admission for foreigners is 30 baht.
Chiang Mai Zoo
Chang Mai Zoo is considered one of the best in Thailand and Southeast Asia, and is one of the ten most interesting zoos in the world.
The Chiang Mai Zoo area is huge – up to 200 acres. You can move around the territory on foot, by monorail or open bus. You need to pay for travel, it is more profitable to take an unlimited ticket, which allows you to use any transport as much as you want throughout the day.
Chiang Mai Zoo is home to about 7,000 animals. They mostly live in enclosures surrounded by ditches with water, and only some predators are kept behind bars.
The pride and attraction of this nature reserve are pandas, which come to see from the farthest provinces of Thailand. Pandas are passive animals, but they always go out to feed (approximately at 15:15), and it is at this time that it is better to visit their pavilion.
Chiang Mai Zoo has the largest aquarium in Asia. It has the appearance of a 133-meter-long tunnel, which is home to 20,000 fish and other inhabitants of the deep sea.
- The zoo is located at 100 Huay Kaew Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand. You can get there by minibus for 40 baht or by taxi for 100, or you can use a rented car, bike or bicycle.
- Chiang Mai Zoo is open daily from 8: 00 to 17: 00.
- Official website: www.chiangmai.zoothailand.org .
Entrance fees for adults and children over 5 years old, respectively (indicated in baht):
- to the zoo-150 and 70;
- to the pavilion with pandas-100 and 50;
- to the aquarium – 520 and 390;
- snorkeling in the aquarium-1000 and 500;
- travel by domestic bus – 20 and 10.
When going to the zoo, stock up on nuts and fruits – you will need them to treat the animals.
Chang Mai Markets
Attractions in Chiang Mai and Thailand include colorful markets. There are several of them in Chang Mae, and most of them are designed for tourists. Each of the markets listed below is worth visiting at least once – even if you don’t do any shopping, just take a walk and see it will be interesting.
When making purchases, be sure to bargain – the price can be reduced by 30 %. And buy precious jewelry only in large stores.
Night Bazaar
The colorful Chang Mai Night Market is located at the intersection of Tha Pae and Chang Klan Streets.
They offer various consumer goods: factory bags, clothing, watches, and mobile devices (fakes of popular brands). In the central shopping building you can find interesting handmade souvenirs, paintings by local masters, carvings. Prices are higher here than in daytime street shops.
There is a food area, many cafes and bars. The choice of dishes is huge. The food court is clean, everything is very tasty.
- Night Bazaar is open from 18: 00-19: 00 until midnight.
- It is better to come by 19: 00, then there is simply not crowded.
Ploen Ruedee Night Market
Ploen Ruedee Market is located near the center of Chang Mai.
Here you can buy interesting clothes, souvenirs, costume jewelry.
The market offers “street food”, international and national Thai dishes, beer, smoothies made from various fruits. All establishments are located around the central recreation area.
The recreation area includes a place for dancing, a stage with live music.
- Address: Chang Klan Road / Opposite Mosque.
- Ploen Ruedee is open all days of the week, except Sundays, from 18: 00 to 23: 45.
Saturday Market Walking Street
On Saturdays, merchants set up stalls with a wide variety of goods at the southern gate of the Old City.
Of all the city markets, this one most fits the definition of “Chang Mai attraction”, since it is here that you can find a lot of really worthwhile handmade items: figurines, paintings, bright painted umbrellas, scarves, national clothing of Thai residents, toys, bags, rice paper lamps, wood crafts. If you really liked something, you need to buy it right away: good things don’t last long.
Food here, of course, is also available. The choice is huge, everything is very tasty, clean and at a reasonable price.
- Where to find: Wua Lai Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
- Night Market Walking Street is open on Saturdays from 16: 00 to 23: 00.
- It is advisable to arrive no later than 20: 00, because then there may not be any free tables.
Warorot Market (Kad Luang)
Kad Luang, which means “Big Market”, is located in Chinatown, near the Ping River, between Thapae Road and Chang Moi Road. It is a traditional market in Thailand, designed for local residents.
Warorot Market is an extensive three-story structure that sells a variety of items, and a basement with stalls selling food items. You can find almost everything here: gold, household appliances, shoes, fabrics, clothing, fashion accessories, Thai cosmetics, personal hygiene items, souvenirs, costume jewelry, Buddhist paraphernalia, fresh flowers in a huge assortment, seasonal and imported fresh fruits, dried fruits, spices, spices. Here you can have a delicious meal or just try any Thai food.
Prices at Warorot Market are lower than at other markets in Chang Mai, but you still need to bargain.
- The market is open daily and around the clock.
- Retail outlets located in the building are open from 05: 00 to 18: 00. Later, at nightfall, a food trade unfolds next to the building.
How much does it cost to live in Chiang Mai?
If you plan to stay in Chang Mai only for a few days, then the best solution is to check in at the hotel. Just like in any other city in Thailand, it is best to book a hotel room in Chiang Mai in advance. The most convenient area for short – term settlement is the Old Town square. A few examples to find out the cost of a double room in a 3* hotel (the price is per night):
- S17 Nimman Hotel-from $70;
- Royal Peninsula Hotel Chiangmai-luxury room from $ 55, deluxe room from $ 33, superior room from $25;
- Nordwind Hotel-from $40.
If you intend to stay in Chang Mai for a long time, then it is more profitable to rent an apartment or apartments in a condominium (condo). In Thailand, this is the name of any apartment building with a common area (garden, swimming pool, gym, laundry) or without it. Apartments with a kitchen can be divided into a studio (a room and a kitchen are combined) and a full-fledged apartment.
The price of an apartment depends not only on its features, but also on the area in which it is located. In addition, such housing is cheaper, the longer the rental period: in Chang Mai, few people rent apartments for a month, at least from 3 months. As elsewhere in Thailand, the cost of housing depends on the season: in December-January prices are higher and it is more difficult to find an apartment, and in April-June prices fall and the choice of housing is greater. During high season and for short periods of time, the condo can be rented at this price per month (indicated in baht):
- condo without kitchen for 6000-8000, but at the same time for water, electricity, sometimes Internet you need to pay separately;
- studio apartment for 9000-14000;
- a full-fledged studio apartment in the center for an average of 13,000, in remote areas for 10,000;
- 3-bedroom apartments in the center for an average of 23,000, in remote areas for 16,000.
Food features in Chang Mai
If you like Thai cuisine, then you can safely buy them from makashnits. In the tourist-friendly cafes and restaurants of Chang Mai, prices are approximately at the same level as in other popular cities in Thailand. In a mid-level restaurant, a 3-course meal for two people will cost around 550 baht. You can order Thai and European cuisine at these prices (in baht):
- padtay-from 50;
- pasta-from 100;
- salads-from 90;
- tom yam soup-from 80;
- pancakes with filling – 50-75;
- steak-from 90;
- pizza – 180-250;
- fruit dessert – 75;
- cappuccino – 55;
- ice cream – 80.
Getting around Chiang Mai
Transportation here is only necessary for those who want not only to get acquainted with the main attractions of Chiang Mai, but also to explore the surrounding area.
Songteo (covered pickups) drive all over the city, each car has a written route, the fare starts from 40 baht. Red and burgundy pickup trucks drive through the city streets, while cars of other colors go to the suburbs of Chang Mai.
Tuk-tuks are three-wheeled vehicles that can accommodate at most 3 people. They drive through the city streets, stand at popular attractions, bus stations, railway station, airport. The average price of a trip is 80-100 baht, more expensive in the evening. You need to pay for the entire tuk-tuk, not for the passenger, so such a trip is quite justified if you are 2-3 people.
Taxi-Meter parking is available near the bus station and airport.
When renting a taxi, make sure that the meter is turned on: without it, you will be charged not for mileage, but for time, even if it is the time of standing in a traffic jam!
It is much more convenient to get around Chiang Mai on a motorbike. There are many car rental offices in the Old Town, especially in its eastern part. In high season, the average price is 250 baht per day, but you can bargain for 200. If you rent for a month, then it is quite realistic to negotiate for 3000 baht. A copy of the passport and a deposit in the amount of 2000 – 3000 baht or only the original passport are required for renting. When riding a motorbike, wear a helmet, as the police regularly organize real raids on motorcyclists without a helmet.
Climate in Chang Mae
Chiang Mai is located at the bottom of a valley surrounded by mountains – this factor has contributed a lot to the formation of local climatic conditions. In this territory of Thailand, it is customary to distinguish between such seasons:
- Moderate period (from November to the end of February). The nights are warm, there is no extreme heat during the day – about +27C.
- Hot period (from March to the end of June). During the day, the temperature is about +38 +40C, at night it is kept at +23C. In this heat, fires often occur in the jungle, and then Chang Mai periodically plunges into a smog and smoke pall. The air is so polluted that it is literally dangerous for them to breathe.
- Rainy season (from July to the end of October). Cold monsoons bring coolness and frequent showers. In September, the highest amount of precipitation falls – about 260 mm.
How to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok
There are several ways to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: you can take a bus, train, plane.
There is a very popular and convenient Internet service – 12Go.asia -allows you to purchase tickets for all the listed modes of transport online. You can pay using a bank card or Paypal. Read how to book tickets on this service here: v-thailand.com/onlayn-bronirovanie-biletov/.
Plane
You can fly to Chang Mai from Bangkok from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Flights with Thai and Bangkok Airways will cost 2500-3000 baht.
You can use the services of low-cost airlines, which will reduce costs by about half. For example, the airline Air Asia tickets cost 1200-1300 baht, and during sales and 790. Flights with Lion Air and Nok Air will be slightly more expensive. Please note that low-cost airlines depart from another Bangkok airport – Don Muang. From Suvarnabhumi there are special free buses, you can also take a taxi (go 1-1. 5 hours).
At each airport and on the official websites of all named carrier companies, there is a summary schedule of flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Train
Trains to Chang Mai depart from the Thai capital from Hua Lamphong Railway Station.
It is better to buy tickets in advance, since there can only be seats on a day-to-day basis. When buying a ticket through the website 12Go.asia it is absolutely necessary to take a printout of the original at the office of the selected travel agency (they can send it by mail), since the Railways of Thailand do not support the electronic ticket system. You can also buy a ticket in the traditional way: there are ticket offices at the railway station.
Estimated price in Batakh:
- reserved seat – 800-900;
- coupe – about 1500;
- seating capacity-200-500.
Travel by train “Bangkok-Chiang Mai” lasts 10-14 hours.
Bus
In Chang Mai, buses depart from the capital of Thailand from the MoChit Bus Station. Transportation is handled by different car companies (Sombat, Nakhon Chai (NCA) , the cheapest Govermentbus), each offering different locations in terms of convenience. At the same time, absolutely all buses are equipped with air conditioning.
Departures occur almost every half hour, both day and night. The journey takes 8-10 hours.
There are usually no problems with tickets, but if you need them for a specific date and time, it is advisable to buy them in advance. On the portal 12Go.asia there are most companies-carriers, the ticket is electronic.
Travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (Thailand) will cost 400-880 baht – the final figure depends on the class (VIP, 1, 2).