Activities
- The #chiangmainightmarket is a great place to stroll around, get some delicious and authentic Thai street food (try out Khao Soi - it's a Chiang Mai specialty!), and grab a few souveneirs for your friends and family back home. There are so many night markets, you could spend weeks exploring each and every one.
- Visit the #stickywaterfalls and #doisuthepnationalpark if you're into nature and hiking. Both have some unique experiences, beautiful views, and excellent photo opportunities. If you manage to find a good tour guide, you'll have the chance to speak with locals and really get a peak into their culture.
- One of the most unique experiences you can find in Thailand is the #elephantnaturepark. They're one of the few ethical elephant (and dog!) sanctuaries in Chiang Mai. Riding the elephants is not allowed as it is harmful to them, but you're allowed to observe, feed, pet, and take photos with them in their natural habitat. It's also home to hundreds of stray dogs who are allowed to roam the sanctuary freely. Many of the dogs are very friendly and appreciate a good belly rub! You can even look into adopting some of the dogs.
- Visit #arayanaspa for a luxurious, but still affordable massage experience. $30 (USD) will get you a relaxing 1-hour massage that you can do individually or as a couple that is finished with a complimentary tea and dessert. The staff is so welcoming, polite, and professional.
- #artinparadise is an entertaining illusion museum where you get to be part of the art. It's a good place for visiting with family or your friends and they have a small cafe inside with complimentary wifi and tasty drinks and desserts!
Getting Around
- Download #grab which is essentially most of Asia's version of Uber - it's a cheap and convenient way to travel to most places in Chiang Mai by car if you're a group or motorcycle if you're solo.
- The only place Grab is banned is the Chiang Mai Airport to prevent traffic jams. You'll have to take a van which you can either hail on your own or ask services at the airport to do so for you. If you end up liking your van driver and have a large group, you can get their contact information and rent them out during your stay for an agreed upon price.
- #tuktuk are another cheap and pretty unique form of travel, just be sure your driver actually knows how to get where you're going! Lesser known places can be harder to get to if your driver isn't too fluent in English.
- Another popular mode of transportation is a moped. You can usually rent them out by the day from your hotel, airbnb, or a separate company. Driving in Chiang Mai can be a little hectic, but as long as you stay alert, a moped is a great way to get around!
Been to Chiang Mai and Loved it! I too really enjoyed going to the elephant nature park