Chiang Mai

Getting There

Fly into Chiang Mai (CNX). Direct connections from Bangkok take 1.5 hours; overland by overnight sleeper train (13 hours) is romantic and comfortable. Within the city, songthaew (red shared pickup trucks) and tuk-tuks cover most areas for very little money.

The Old City

Chiang Mai's old city is enclosed within a moat and retains its medieval grid. Over 300 temples (wats) are within or immediately around the moat — the most important are Wat Doi Suthep (on the mountain above the city, reached by 309 steps or a cable car, with panoramic views over Chiang Mai), Wat Chedi Luang (a partially ruined 15th-century chedi in the old city centre), and Wat Phra Singh (the most revered temple in the city, with the Phra Singh Buddha image).

The monk chat programs at several temples allow respectful conversation with monks in English — a genuinely interesting cultural exchange, not a tourist performance.

The Food

Northern Thai cuisine is distinct from what most Westerners know as Thai food — khao soi (a rich coconut curry noodle soup, the defining dish of Chiang Mai), sai oua (a spiced northern sausage), and nam prik noom (green chilli dip with pork rinds). The Warorot Market (morning) is the best food market in the city for ingredients. The Sunday Walking Street on Wualai Road is the best night market for food and craft.

Cooking Classes

Chiang Mai is the best place in Thailand to learn Thai cooking. A half-day class (market visit, cooking 4–6 dishes, eating what you make) costs around £25–35 with reputable operators. Thai Farm Cooking School and Zabb E Lee are consistently well-reviewed.

Elephant Sanctuaries

The ethical sanctuaries (where elephants are observed, not ridden) are a significant draw. Elephant Nature Park (founded by Lek Chailert) is the original and most reputable. Book online in advance.