After a hectic week in Bangkok, we decided to take things slower in northern Thailand, specifically in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai can be described as a smaller version of Bangkok, but without the mass tourism. Everything here is within walking distance, and the prices are significantly cheaper than in Bangkok.
Train Journey:
There are several ways to get to Chiang Mai, such as by plane, car, or train. We chose the budget-friendly option: a night train journey. Since the ride takes 13 hours, I strongly recommend bringing enough water and food. Although street vendors pass through the train regularly, it’s always better to be prepared. During the journey, you can witness a truly beautiful sunset and enjoy views of Thailand’s rural landscapes. Downsides include the fact that it can get quite warm in the train, even with fans, and, well, the toilets are not great. However, you can meet some really nice people and travel at a very low cost. I highly recommend taking a long-distance train at least once, as the feeling you get when you stick your head out of the window, feel the warm air on your face, and watch the sun go down is indescribable.
Accommodation:
Mali’s Room – If you’re looking for something cozy, this is the perfect place for you. A small guesthouse in the Old Town area, it offers great value for money. The price includes a lovely room with a private bathroom, and the highlight for me was the lobby – an open space with comfortable seating and very friendly staff. We paid just €66 for 4 nights, which was a fantastic deal.
Sights and Activities:
Old Town
The Old Town is the historical heart of Chiang Mai, surrounded by a moat and remnants of ancient city walls. It invites visitors to stroll through its narrow lanes, lined with temples, cafés, and small shops. On every corner, you’ll also find delicious street food stalls.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Chiang Mai is very diverse. From jazz bars to hip-hop clubs, the city has something for everyone. Here’s a little insight into what Chiang Mai offers:
• Rooftop Bars
The Rise Rooftop Bar or Oasis Rooftop Garden Bar offer a relaxed atmosphere with a view over the city. Perfect for unwinding at the end of the day.
• Nightclubs
At Zoe in Yellow and Spicy Club, you can enjoy classic club vibes with dance music until the early morning hours. Zoe in Yellow comes highly recommended.
• Jazz and Live Music
The North Gate Jazz Co-Op is a must for jazz fans. Talented musicians play live here every night in a cozy setting. We gave it a try and were pleasantly surprised by the great atmosphere. In this four-story bar, you can enjoy unique cocktails and unusual beers. The cocktails are slightly cheaper than in Austria, costing around €9, while a beer costs about €2.80 – significantly less than back home.
Street Food Markets
Chiang Mai is a paradise for street food lovers, and its markets are among the best in Thailand. Here are my top three:
• Sunday Walking Street Market
This market is one of Chiang Mai’s biggest attractions. In addition to street food, you’ll find local handicrafts and live music. The atmosphere is magical! It was a unique experience for us and the best market we’ve visited so far. It stretches across half of the Old Town, and you can find anything your heart desires. We indulged in delicious Thai specialties here.
• Pratu Market
For those traveling on a budget, this market is perfect. It’s where we ate for the cheapest prices. With a variety of street food stalls and seating areas, it offers everything your stomach could wish for. We paid around €2.30 for a smoothie, corn, and meat skewers.
• Flower Market
Whether for a proposal, a birthday bouquet, or just to admire the flowers, the Flower Market is sure to have what you’re looking for. With a wide selection of flower arrangements and cut flowers in all shapes and colors, you can definitely put together a unique bouquet here.
Cooking Class
A true culinary delight – we took a cooking class at the Thai Farm Cooking School. This class included transportation, a market visit, an introduction to the ingredients, and cooking. What makes this cooking class special is that the farm grows its own fruits and vegetables, giving you a sense of appreciation for the food. In the 7-hour class, you learn how to prepare typical Thai dishes from scratch and even receive an e-recipe book to take home. Bonus: You get to meet many new people and might even make a few friends.
Ziplining
Fun for all ages! Ziplining in a treetop adventure park is an activity everyone can enjoy. The park was about an hour away from the Old Town. Here’s a tip: If you have a car, you can combine multiple activities in one trip, as we passed by an elephant park, a go-kart track, and several hiking trails on the way. At the adventure park, you can choose between larger and smaller courses. We opted for the shorter one. Unfortunately, the tour was a bit rushed, leaving little time to enjoy the beautiful tropical forest surroundings. At the end of the ziplining experience, there was a restaurant with a large playground and, my personal highlight, a small herd of sheep. The baby lambs were especially adorable.
You could say we didn’t do the typical tourist temple-hopping, but instead focused more on outdoor activities. However, we did pass by many temples and could still admire them from the outside.
Atmosphere:
Chiang Mai is a very peaceful, refreshing city. The people here welcome you with open arms. A short story: At our hotel, we were invited to dinner by a local couple. They shared their food with us in the hotel lobby and gave us amazing tips for the rest of our trip. They even taught us some Thai phrases!
My Opinion:
Chiang Mai is a gem in northern Thailand that offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural richness. It’s an ideal destination for both backpackers and travelers looking for more comfort. The variety of activities – from street food tours to cooking classes and outdoor adventures – makes Chiang Mai an essential stop. It’s especially great for young people seeking a mix of nightlife and nature experiences.
Compared to Bangkok, Chiang Mai feels quieter, more authentic, and less hectic. At the same time, you don’t miss out on vibrant nightlife or modern amenities. Anyone traveling to Thailand should make sure to visit this charming northern city.
Next Stop: Koh Samui
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