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Chiang Mai – Explore this Hidden Gem with its Misty Mountains

Aerial view of Chiang Mai city at dusk, with ancient temples and modern buildings.

The land of the misty mountains, under the clear sky, and the colorful hill tribes, Chiang Mai Thailand is mesmerizing. With this article, let us try to explore more about the breathtaking city.

With the mountains covering the city, the serene beauty of the sunset and the sunrise, creates an alluring effect throughout the land. A paradise for shoppers and nature lovers, Chiang Mai is a destination to impress everyone that visits here.

From the best things to do, best places to stay, and when to visit Chiang Mai, we have included everything in this article for your convenience, keep reading to find more.

The beautiful temples of Chiang Mai, the historical capital of the old Lanna Kingdom, and the verdant valley on the bank of Ping River, the blissful city of are ready to fill with love and amazement.

Where is Chiang Mai?

The misty land of mountains and the city of old historical sites, the land of Chiang Mai in Thailand, is located 700 km north of Bangkok, near the highest mountains including, Doi Inthanon.

Because of its beautiful location surrounded by mountains, the city is also lovingly called “Rose of the North” by Thai people. It is the center of the old Lanna kingdom, which is also known for its handicraft. A fascinating old town with numerous cultural sights and breathtaking nature in all directions.

The cultural beauty and the beauty of nature, the hues of red-orange spread by the sun on the land make this place a paradise.

Lush rice terraces and rural landscapes in the countryside surrounding Chiang Mai.
Explore the picturesque countryside around Chiang Mai, where lush rice terraces paint a serene rural landscape.

How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

To ensure that you arrive safely and safely, you will find our recommendations here. You can choose between a plane, train, and bus. All details and advantages you can read in the following:

Arrival by plane
The city of Chiang Mai is approached several times daily by the airlines Thai-Airways, Bangkok-Airways, Air-Asia and Nok-Air. The flight duration takes one hour from Bangkok and costs about 1,800 to 3,600 Baht (60-120 USD). There are not yet direct flights from the south of Thailand. Here always a stopover in Bangkok is necessary.

Arrival by train
From Hua Lamphong Central Station in Bangkok, there are daily trains to Chiang Mai station. At night, 1st and 2nd class travel are possible with a sleeping berth and air conditioning and fan. During the day only 2nd class with fan and air conditioner. The 800 km journey takes about 9 to 11 hours and delays are to be expected regularly. The prices are about 800 Baht (25 USD). Night trains should be booked early because sleeping places are very popular.

Arrival by bus
From Bangkok, several buses also leave daily for Chiang Mai. There are scheduled buses and VIP buses available from Bangkok’s northern bus terminal Mo Chid. The journey time is approximately 12 hours including stops for getting off and eating. The prices are about 350 to 500 Baht (12-15 USD) and are definitely the cheapest way to travel but not the best because it is uncomfortable and takes so long.

Recommendation: Flying is by far the most expensive way to travel to Chiang Mai city but also the best and therefore our recommendation. For backpackers, we recommend the train because it is cheap and comfortable.

Magnificent Buddha statue at Wat Phra Singh, a revered temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Admire the serene Buddha statue at Wat Phra Singh, reflecting the spiritual essence of Chiang Mai.

What to see in Chiang Mai?

The sparkling beauty of the clear sky bestowed upon the mountains, and the alluring colorful hills are just splendid. With so much to explore, this place is flabbergasting.

Things to put on your itinerary:

  • Visit the Doi Suthep, the regal mountain
  • Explore the Old City
  • Go for the Night Safari
  • Explore the Elephant Sanctuary
  • Visit Wiang Kum Kam, the underground ancient city
  • Visit Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand
  • Get mesmerized by Karen Long Neck Tribe & Chiang Dao Cave
  • Visit the Bo Sang Handicraft Village
  • Visit the Lanna Folklife Museum
The ancient Wat Chedi Luang temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with its magnificent chedi and intricate carvings.
Explore the historical Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai, a testament to the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.

When to visit Chiang Mai?

The stunning and sparkling weather between October and April, with the soothing cool and pleasant temperature and with a light breeze, is the perfect time to book your travel to Chiang Mai Thailand.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai?

The land of amazement and the stunning mountains offers the best in class stay and luxury at the same time.

Some of the best places to stay are:

Le Meridien: 5 km from the airport, the hotel is a blend of Le Meridien’s European heritage and local Lanna style.

Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort: The charming hideaway at 5 minutes away from the Night Bazaar and 15 minutes by car to the Chiang Mai International Airport, is the best in the class luxurious stay.

Art Mai Gallery Hotel: Art Mai Gallery Nimman Hotel, is decorated with paintings and intrinsic art to mesmerize the guests. The 4-star hotel is budget-friendly too.

De Lanna Hotel: This hotel is full of modernism blended with tradition. With an outdoor pool and pleasantly furnished suites, this hotel is bliss to stay.

Eastin Tan Hotel: Located at Huay Kaew and a few minutes away from Nimanhemin Road Shopping, this hotel is the most relaxing and friendly in terms of budget.

Aerial view of Chiang Mai city at dusk, with ancient temples and modern buildings.
Behold the beauty of Chiang Mai from above at dusk, where ancient temples blend seamlessly with modern urban life.

The beautiful city of mountains blended with the splendid hues of sunrays, the sunrise, and the sunset is just flabbergasting.  With the beauty of the city and the charismatic aura, traveling to Chiang Mai in Thailand will be remarkable. So book your travel to this amazing place to experience some fantastic beauty and adventure.

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