Фотогалерея ‒ Chiang Mai, Thailand

Guide to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Island Virtual Tour

Chiang Mai, located in the northern province of Thailand, offers a serene contrast to the bustling beach scenes and vibrant nightlife found elsewhere. Instead of surf and beach parties, you'll discover glistening Buddhist temple rooftops, cozy coffee houses serving locally grown coffee, and numerous festivals, including the enchanting Flower Festival. The heart of Chiang Mai is its Old Town, a historical quarter where well-preserved fortress walls once defended against Burmese invasions. Consider taking a taxi or motorcycle ride to the Royal Flower Park, a hidden gem often omitted from standard tours. It's a tranquil and stunning spot. A must-visit in Chiang Mai is Doi Suthep, the primary pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The temple is particularly enchanting at night, seeming to float in the air thanks to its illumination and hillside location. For aficionados of traditional Thai temple architecture, the Silver Temple and the Temple of the Lion Buddha are also worth exploring. One of the city's highlights is the Long-Necked Women's Village. Besides this unique attraction, many tourists also enjoy visiting the local zoo, exploring the night market, and indulging in the soothing hot springs. Chiang Mai offers a diverse and enriching experience for travelers.

Photos of Chiang Mai

Tips for tourists

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is April and May. During this time, the pleasant weather is complemented by many festivals.
An ingenious way to save money on accommodation is to sign up for a meditation course at Wat Umong temple and spend the night there!
To save money on flights, you should book tickets 2 months in advance. Thus, the price of a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai will be equal to the price of a bus ticket.
Population
131000
Time zone
GMT+7
Language
Thai
Currency
Thai Baht (THB)

Tours to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has risen to become one of today's most popular tourist destinations, even though it's a landlocked city in northern Thailand.

A standard package tour typically covers medical insurance, flights to Bangkok, transfers to Chiang Mai, accommodation, and meals. Prices for such a package range from $1,200 to $1,600 USD for a week-long vacation (8 days, 7 nights) per person, depending on the season.

Chiang Mai is a hub for pilgrimage and religious tours, including opportunities for yoga, meditation, and immersion in Buddhist culture. These tours typically cost between $1,100 to $1,500 USD for a 10-day experience.

However, exploring Chiang Mai independently often proves more rewarding, as the city boasts numerous attractions, such as authentic coffee shops, unique temples, and the enchanting Royal Floral Park, which may not be part of standard tour programs. The city offers a wealth of experiences beyond what organized tours typically cover.

Interesting places in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai rightfully holds the prestigious title of Thailand's cultural capital. The city boasts a wealth of architectural, religious, and natural attractions. Exploring local parks and visiting places of worship offers a harmonious blend of experiences. For those who seek modern pleasures, indulging in live music or savoring locally produced coffee at charming establishments is also a delightful way to spend time in this culturally rich city.

Sights

Travel budget

Flight ticket prices

Chiang Mai has an international airport that receives flights from neighboring countries such as Laos and Myanmar. There are no direct flights from European cities to Chiang Mai. Most tourists first land in Paris, Barcelona, or other major European cities, and then get to the cultural capital of the country.

Flight from Paris to Bangkok and back by Air France, Thai Airways, Oman Air, Turkish Airlines will cost from 500 USD.

For a direct and return flight from Barcelona by Turkish Airlines, Iberia, Qatar Airways, Air Astana starts from 835 USD.

The best hotels in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is ideal for travelers of all income levels. There are plenty of low-cost accommodations as well as luxurious luxury apartments.

A budget double room per night (OYO 338 V-Twin Donjan Service Apartment, Chiangmun Hotel) will cost from USD 9.

Three-star hotels (Chada Mantra Hotel, Hotel Rosy, MD House, Hug Hostel Rooftop) offer similar accommodation from USD 20.

Four-star hotels (The Wing Boutique Hotel, At 8 Nidhra Thapae Take Me To Old City, Maninarakorn Hotel) have a double room starting at 33 USD.

Five-star luxury hotels (Wintree City Resort, Le Meridien Chiang Mai, Smile Lanna Hotel) offer a similar room starting at 67 USD per night.

Five-star hotels (Wintree City Resort, Le Meridien Chiang Mai, Smile Lanna Hotel) offer a similar room starting at 67 USD per night.

The Wing Boutique Hotel, At 8 Nidhra Thapae Take Me To Old City, Maninarakorn Hotel) have a double room starting at 67 USD per night.

The cost of vacation

Chiang Mai is indeed known for its affordability, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. To provide a rough estimate for a four-day, three-night vacation, here are the typical expenses you might encounter:

1. Flight to Bangkok airport: Flight costs can vary widely depending on your location and booking timing.

2. 3-star hotel accommodation including breakfast: Chiang Mai offers budget-friendly options for accommodations.

3. Lunch and dinner in a restaurant: Dining expenses are generally reasonable in the city.

4. City Songteo transportation: Local transportation costs are typically affordable.

5. Cultural program (temple and zoo visit): Entry fees for cultural attractions may vary.

Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on your preferences and travel dates. Planning in advance and making thoughtful choices can help you enjoy a cost-effective vacation in Chiang Mai.

The budget for a trip to Chiang Mai
Flight from 835 USD Accommodation from 20 USD
Average check in a restaurant from 3.3 USD Excursion from 2.8 USD
Transportation fare from 1.7 USD
Total: From 963,8 USD for 1 person for 4 days of vacation.

Chiang Mai: tips for tourists

How to prepare for a vacation in Chiang Mai? First of all, learn the tips and flyhacks from tripmydream!

Visa to Chiang Mai

Thailand implements a Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme that typically allows eligible travelers to stay in the country for up to 30 days without requiring a visa. This privilege is extended to tourists holding passports from specific countries.

Airport

Chiang Mai has an airport that receives domestic flights within Thailand and international flights from nearby countries. Most tourists land first at Bangkok airports, located 665 kilometers away from Chiang Mai, and then travel directly to the resort.

Bangkok's airports are located at a distance of 665 kilometers from Chiang Mai.

Transfer

To get from Bangkok airport to Chiang Mai, you can take a bus (from 400 to 900 THB), a pre-booked transfer minivan (from 900 THB), or an airplane (from 1000 to 5000 THB, depending on when the ticket was purchased). The journey by road will take from 8 hours, by air - 1 hour.

Car rental

To rent a car in Chiang Mai, it is important to have an international driver's license, know at least a little English or Thai, and be over 21 years old. Driving experience of more than a year is required. The price of renting a car starts from 25 USD per day of use.

Transport

Chiang Mai's main public transportation options are buses and songteos (from 50 THB). Alternatives include more expensive but maneuverable tuk-tuks, motorcycle cabs and traditional cabs (from 100 THB).

Safety

Chiang Mai's title as Thailand's cultural capital emphasizes the inherent safety of the area. But don't abuse it, so it's advisable to leave valuables in the hotel safe.

tripmydream - travel service, that helps to find compare and buy best flights and rooms worldwide with the given budget . All necessary information for travelers - is right here!