Thailand Answers

Chiang Mai FAQ

Certain travel brochures refer to Chiang Mai as the "Rose of the North". While this is no longer an accurate description Chiang Mai does still retain a certain charm.

• Affable locals and a laid back atmosphere
• Completely surrounded by forested mountains, some a mere 15-minute drive from the city center
• Plenty of activities for young and old alike
• A number of reasonably priced adventure pursuits
• Numerous handicraft centers and villages
• Plenty of places to pamper yourself with organic potions
• Excellent Thai and western food

If you have free time in April then you can join the fun during Songkran water festival (great atmosphere and good fun for the young at heart). Visitors to Chiang Mai have a great deal to choose from.

Many visitors "do" Chiang Mai in as little as two days. Such a short duration would probably mean

• A trip to a couple of handicraft villages
• Take in a few temples
• A traditional Khantoke dinner
• Maybe round it off with a stroll through the night bazaar

Okay enough .. but it certainly doesn't do Chiang Mai justice. As a general guide, five or six days would be sufficient to take in a broader scope.

• Perhaps study some authentic Thai cooking
• Look around the old town
• Enjoy a health spa
• Find some bargains
• Maybe a two to three day trek in the mountains

For people wishing to meet some locals and get under the skin of Chiang Mai, which is well worth doing, consider sticking around for a couple of weeks.

Some people come and never leave!

Thailand F. A. Q.