Advantages: Accomodation - budget to 4 star hotel, wide transport options Disadvantages: 10-12 hour train or bus from Bangkok, dirty streets & buildings
City displays many points of historical architecture including city walls, gates & moat, amongst the several hundred large and small temples. They are some of the few attractions which are free, almost all the others having a two-tier pricing structure - pennies for locals, pounds for foreigners. That situation sums up the attitude of locals towards rich foreign visitors - everyone attempts overcharging unless you can speak some Thai to them.
There ... ...the city offering overr 17,000 bedrooms, with prices ranging from below 2 UK pounds per night to around 100 in the highest class out-of-town resorts. There are about a dozen 3 and 4 star hotels inside the city with more scheduled. The budget to mid-range accomodation is mainly clustered around the East Moat and Thapae Road which joins the old city to the river.
To find a large list of accomodation, pick up one of the several free advertising magazines ...
gazlannathai 01.03.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Chiang Mai is one of the biggest cities in the North of Thailand and I’m lucky enough to have recently returned from there. I visited Thailand for a fortnight as a break from a trip to Singapore visiting relatives, and although I’ve been to Thailand before, this was my first trip to the North and to Chiang Mai.
I had spent 2 days in Pattaya before we set off on the journey up to Chiang Mai, that took a 2 hour trip to Bangkok and then a 16 hour coach ... ...as I’d been told that Chiang Mai was a nice quiet retreat after spending time in the bustling atmosphere of Bangkok and Pattaya.
My first impression of Chiang Mai – Woooah this place is different! I’ve visited Thailand a few times and never known somewhere quite so peaceful or beautiful. The first thing to strike me was the mountains, everywhere you looked there was mountains. Ok, so that may strike some people as boring but honestly, it was absolutely ...
Celia86 07.08.2002 (10.09.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Advantages: great base for exploring from; great value Disadvantages: can get busy in season
...lucky enough to have visited Chiang Mai a number of times and always found it to be a city that is well worth a visit.
It is only a short (cheap) flight from Bangkok and, whilst it is still a city it is only a fraction of the size of the capital. The benefit of that is that it offers a different type of experience from the more commonly seen parts of Thailand, namely the beaches.
There are a few sights to see in the city but the main attraction ... ...range of other excursions from Chiang Mai including a number which will take you on elephant treks through the jungle. Most of these give you the opportunity to travel in a cart pulled by buffalo and/or go rafting (gently) down the river as well as on an elephant ride and are most definitely worth going on. Most folk do not get many chances to ride through the jungle on an elephant so just do it!
In the evening the Night Market is a must - lots ...
megget 24.09.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Advantages: Fitter, Happier, Cleaner. Disadvantages: The Overnight Train.
Chaing Mai is the capital of the Northern Thailand province of Chaing Mai. With a population of just over 160,000 people it is the perfect urban getaway from the strangling density of Bangkok. The weather is also a little cooler than the capital and its centre is beautifully contained within a square moat. There are a range of options available in getting to Chaing Mai from the capital. We took an overnight train which left Bangkok at 10 in the evening ... ...day. You can also bus it which takes around 12 hours. Many of the agencies on the Khao San road offer a VIP bus to Chaing Mai. The last alternative is to fly which would probably be best for those with limited time. Our single train journey cost us 500 Baht each (12 Euro). ACCOMMODATION We stayed in 2 guesthouses while in Chaing Mai. The first, SK house was chosen for us by our trekking agency. As part of our trek we would get the night we arrived ...
indiecater 14.10.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Advantages: The trekking is the main attraction although Doi Suthep and the shopping are both appealing Disadvantages: More relaxed and less polluted than the Bangkok but still suffers from an abundance of touts and pollution
Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand and the 'capital' of the north, it was also my destination of choice in seeking to escape the horrendous pollution of the nation's capital. Northern Thailand and Chiang Mai in particular are mostly visited by those that wish to go trekking through the jungle and mountain regions that typify the area. This is not to say that Chiang Mai does not have attractions in its own right but I should mention ... ...for visiting.
Getting to Chiang Mai
As most people who travel to Chiang Mai do so from Bangkok I thought it might be useful to briefly discuss the options. Essentially the choice is between bus, train or plane for the 700km (420 mile) trip, with each having advantages and disadvantages. In my case a 13 hour bus journey was how I reached Chiang Mai but I flew back so I have first hand experience of two of the three possibilities.
The bus, which ...
Mercury 27.07.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Advantages: Little pollution, friendly people, opportunities to explore the countryside Disadvantages: Not a big nightlife if you like that sort of thing, for some people a limited range of things to do.
...pay a quick visit to Chiang Mai coming back from Chiang Rai. The city centre is now as developed as almost every other tourist destination in Thailand and there seems to be even more souvenir shops round the night market area. All the usual suspect shops are now here including Starbucks, McDonalds, Burger King, Pizza Hut and so on. It seems the price of progress is uniformity. It has spoiled the atmosphere of the centre somewhat as it is more more ... ...is a real shame.
New Summary Even with the changes, it is still a place to go for a break from Bangkok or to see somewhere else. A few miles out of town you will start to see the real Thailand. So een for that alone, it is worth going to visit. ...
ultras67 04.08.2000 (11.07.2003)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Advantages: Vibrant capital of the North, Scenery, Choice of activities Disadvantages: none
...put off a trip to Chiang Mai if you visit Thailand.
This place is the friendliest and most vibrant place in the whole of the Kingdom.
Its situated about 8 hours from Bangkok be it by train or coach.There are also regular flights direct from most of Thailands major cities. Once here it makes a perfect base for exploring the rest of the North, or to visit other countries such as Burma and Laos.
Places to stay are plentiful, and you'll find prices ... ...have to pay to get into the country with the money going directly to the oppresive military junta that runs the country.The moral decision is yours.
Chiang Mai shouldn't be crossed off anyones list if visiting here. We ended up staying here for a whole month,and weren't bored once. ...
rj_1973 17.05.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Advantages: Cultural, busy, great shopping Disadvantages: Pollution
...for the famed ancient capital, Chiang Mai.
The first thing that greeted us when we got off the plane was the heat, although the clouds and smog give the city a hazy appearance, do not be fooled, the sun beats down hard! Dripping in sweat we headed for our hotel, the Empress in the centre of the city. Just 5 minutes walk from the fabulous Chiang Mai night bazaar, this hotel is in a prime position for exploring the city.
The hotel itself is positivly ... ...to do in and around Chiang Mai. I definitely recommend the elephant trekking. Getting close to these placid and magnificent creatures was a real treat, and it was wonderful to see them bathed and taken such good care of by their mahoots.
Another "must" is a visit to the Wat at Doi Suthep. Once you have climbed the millions of stairs to the top (OK, slight exaggeration..but it felt like it!) the reward is well worth it. You are welcomed first of ...
mrsclark 27.08.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Advantages: quiet location, good rooms, centrally located Disadvantages: might not have a pretty view
I paid 800 baht a night which included a buffet style breakfast. But I later discovered that I had made a mistake as I had booked the acomodation through the official tourist agent of thailand at Bangkok railway station. I would have got a better rate booking it myself by just turning up.
The hotel itself is nice, situated down a lane of one of the main central roads ( Loi Kroh Road ). This means it is in walking distance of the main attractions ... ...within walking distance if you have no luggage. Otherwise it is a 5 minute and 40baht tuk tuk ride away.
The rooms are quite spacious and well laid out. They are also clean and well maintained. The rooms have a mini bar with a fridge, cable tv, shower, bath etc. But depending on which room you get all the view you may have is of the main air conditioning fans and the building next door.
The restaurant on the ground floor is nice and the food is ...
ultras67 03.08.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Our visit to Chaing Mai was only for around 5 days, but we had an excellent time. There's plenty to do and see and it's fairly stress-free. Hiring a motorbike is a good way to see much of what's around Chaing Mai or a little out of town.
Most of it can be comfortably walked if you are staying in town. There are some good bars and places to eat too. Arguably the best food I had in south east Asia was at a cafe called Arun, near the main gate to the ... ...Mai cookery school was good fun. I heartily recommend the steamed banana cake and the Thai chicken in coconut soup. Generally, the place has a good atmosphere. There is quite a tradition of live music too in some of the riverside basr / restaurants.
My only gripe was the lack of decent, reasonably priced accommodation for backpackers. It wasn't nearly as good as the acommodation elsewhere in Thailand. Everyone I met seemed to agree. ...
kingbing 29.11.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Advantages: vibrant and better climate than bangkok Disadvantages: none
...frenetic city and head for Chiang Mai. It is certainly not provincial or unspoiled but it is quite different from Bangkok with its beautiful mountain setting and more comfortable climate. There is lots to do in Chiang Mai – museums and temples galore, handicraft centres, the Night Market, trips to orchid farms, elephant treks etc but our favourite trip was to the Temple of Doi Suthep, 16 km west of Chiang Mai. Although it is possible to get there ... ...a balance and hired a car and driver through the hotel. You have the choice of climbing the 300 steps up to the temple or taking the little train. However you do it, with its bells, golden umbrellas and rows of golden Buddhas, this is one of the most beautiful temples we have seen in Asia (and as my kids will groaningly testify I’m a pretty keen temple-goer!) ...
carolinecook2000 18.09.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Advantages: Very cool, nature-loving city; Night Bazaar Disadvantages: limpet-like tribeswomen
Chiang Mai is known as the Capitol of the North and is the biggest city in the north. Unlike Bangkok, Chiang Mai has trees and clean air, and the main areas are relatively uncrowded. There are many Wats (Buddhist temples) in the city, but the best one, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, is on a nearby mountain (Doi Suthep) a short songathaw ride away. You should see it just for the 300 step Naga staircase leading up to it. The view of Chiang Mai from the ... ...real action in Chiang Mai, however, is the Night Bazaar. It's shoulder to shoulder here, but you can get some of the best deals in the country here, especially on Northern crafts. The stall owners seem to start out asking at least double what the item is worth, so make sure your first offer is about half what they asked. Some items are even more overpriced...for instance, I was offered woven silk prints for 100 baht each and ended up getting them ...
JeffSumm 03.09.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Advantages: Pollution free, Less poverty, friendlier people and better food Disadvantages: Its a long old journey from Bangkok, will you have enough time
...fiend and I went to Chiang Mai in March 2002. We had spent our first 3 days in Thailand, in Bangkok. We took the overnight train to Chiang Mai arriving early morning. The train journey however is a pleasant one, comfortable, air conditioned and waiter service. The young waiters will make sure you never run out of beer! Allthough I liked Bangkok, first impressions of Chiang Mai were being able to breathe fresh air! Also how much more modern it looked ... ...the most distinct feature of Chiang Mai is its very old moat that surrounds the inner city, it was just being cleaned for the first time in years while we were there.
I think the road system in Chiang Mai is easy and efficient. Less traffic than Bangkok! Any city in the world can claim that!
The main part of inner Chiang Mai is centred around the night bazzare, a market and food hall teaming until around 1am. Here u can buy tradtional handi-crafts ...
Shanejf 03.08.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Advantages: Less hectic than Bangkok, beautiful temples Disadvantages: colder than the south
...can make a trip to Chiang Rai and the golden triangle. Costs for these excursions range from less than 10 pounds to about 35 pounds, depending on your mode of transport and level of comfort you want. The night bazzar is a sight in itself for all you bargain hunters from fake Gucci to local pottery the market has it all.
For food you have so many options, as well as your standard Thai fare you also have some specialties of these my favourite is sticky ... ...Accomodation varies greatly in Chiang Mai from simple guesthouse ( share bathrooms no hot water) to the extremely oppulent prices also vary greatly ranging from a few pounds for a simple guesthouse to 50 or 60 for a five star establishment like the Royal Princess. For those of you who love a vibrant nightlife, your places are somewhat limited, there are a few small clubs and expat pubs like the red lion, other than this unless you like being pawed ...
daleyboy 28.05.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Advantages: good food, nice nature Disadvantages: -
...am the one who like Chiang Mai, there are good food, good atmosphere, good sceneries, and good nature. I paid more for the accomodation to stay in the resort, out of the city in order to get close to the nature, I didn't feel sorry at all.
I had rent the bikecycle to go around the city and outside the city because it was so convenient. I certainly visited Pra-That-Doi-Suthep temple which is located on the top of the mountain. It was not easy for ... ...the temple to the Chiang Mai landscape.
For the night life, there are bars and shops to spend some money. A famous one is Night-Plaza. In my opinion, I liked attending the traditional dinner(Kun-Tok), there has been traditional dancing and some beautiful performances and traditonal meal to offer...... ...
Naryn 04.12.2000 (05.12.2000)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Chiang Mai (Thailand)
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