Chiang Mai Travel

 

Town/City	:	Chiang Mai (清迈)
Country	:	Thailand
Other names	:	Chiangmai, Chieng Mai
Province	:	Chiang Mai
Nearest local airport	:	Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
Nearest international airport	:	Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
Airport tax	:	Included in airfare
Geographical orientation	:	Northern Thailand, Southeast Asia
Currency for payment	:	Baht
Currency for exchange	:	All major currencies, including MYR & SGD
		(higher exchange rate in MY & SG)
Entry Permit / Visa	:	Not required for MY & SG passport holders
Electricity	:	220 volts / 2-prong plugs

  

 

SEASONS

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Peak

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High

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Low

X

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Cool

X

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Hot

X

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Wet

X

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Cool ~ low of between 10 & 15 °C / high of between 20 & 30 °C

Hot ~ low of between 21 & 25 °C / high of between 30 & 35 °C

 

TRANSPORTATION

Type	Rental Cost (Baht)	Duration (hour)
Bicycle	50	24
Mountain Bike	150	24
Scooter (auto)	200 - 250	24
Sedan Car (auto)	1,000 – 1,300	24

 

Chiang Mai City	From Airport (Baht)	To Airport (baht)
Songtaew
Tuk-Tuk	120	80
Taxi

 

View Chiang Mai Old City in a larger map

 

THINGS TO DO

• Bicycle tour

• Mountain bike tour

• Homestay

• Jungle trekking

• White water rafting

• Bamboo rafting

• Bird watching

• Elephant ride

• Thai cooking class

• Thai massage

• Bungee jump

• Go Kart

• Flying Fox or Zip Line

 

PLACES TO VISIT

(City attractions)

• Night Bazaar – an area with two buildings and many open stalls full of \handicrafts, antiques, furniture, etc.

• Wat Phra Sing – dates from 1345 with striking bas-reliefs, a magnificent bell-shaped stupa, exquisite woodcarvings & murals.

• Wat Suan Dok – dates from 14^th century with white Chedi and a 500-year old bronze Buddha.

• Wat Chiang Man – the oldest wat in Chiang Mai which dates from 1296.

• Wat Chedi Luang – the largest Chedi in Chiang Mai with an emerald Buddha which dates from 1481.

• Wat Ku Tao – known for its unusual bulbous Chedi.

• Wat Chet Yot – known for its square Chedi with seven spires, inspired by the temple in Bodhgaya, India, which is the site of the Lord Buddha's Enlightenment.

• Wat U-mong – a meditation temple with a large Chedi .

• Wat Saen Fang – known for its Burmese-style architecture.

• Chiang Mai National Museum – Wed to Sun, 9am to 4pm.

(Out-of-city attractions)

• Chiang Mai Zoo – an extremely well-managed zoo on the slopes of Doi Suthep mountain with more than 200 species of mammals & birds, including pandas. Daily, 8am to 7pm.

• Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep – most famous and recognized landmark in Chiang Mai which dates from 1383. A golden Chedi which contains holy Buddha relics at 3,520 above sea level.

• Phu Bing Palace – the winter residence of the royal family with lavishly landscaped gardens and grounds. Daily, 8:30am to 4:30pm.

• Tham Borichinda – A large cave of stalactite and stalagmite formations with Buddha images.

• Orchid Farms – There are several such farms with a variety of orchid species where some have butterfly enclosures.

• Baan Tawai – a village of handicrafts and furniture factories and outlets.

• Snake Farm – There are several such farms with daily 30-minute snake shows.

• Elephant Camp – There are several such camps with daily 30-minute elephant show. Elephant rides for up to 2 adults are usually available.

• Fang Hot Springs – there are 50 hot springs in a 10-acre forest setting. 90 to 100 degrees Celsius.

• Tiger Kingdom – a professionally managed tiger zoo where you can take photos with the big cats. Price based on sizes of the cats.

 

ITEMS TO BUY

• Umbrellas / parasols

• Cotton / silk

• Wood and rattan furniture

• Silverware

• Silver jewelery

• Lacquerware

• Pottery

 

FOOD TO EAT

• Khao Soi – curry with coconut milk topped with shallots, preserved cabbage, etc.

• Yen Ta Four – noodle with fermented beancurd sauce.

• Beef noodle – choose yellow noodle, meehoon, kuey teow, etc. with beef brisket, balls, or other 'spare parts' in a clear, dark broth. Similar to Teochew style broth.