Best time to visit Chiang Mai
The ideal time to visit Chiang Mai is November to February. It is the coolest and driest time of the year. It is also a popular event that attracts thousands of tourists every year, making it one of the most vibrant times to be in the region.
November to February: the most comfortable time to visit Chiang Mai, the temperatures are around 25°C with a few rainy days.
March to May: it is the hottest time of the year with the temperatures may up to 40°C.
June to October: This is the monsoon season in Northern Thailand and probably not the best time to visit the region.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
Most of the people choose the Old City for their rest. The Old City is the historical part of town and the heart of Chiang Mai. Measuring about 1.5 sq km and surrounded on all sides by a moat, it’s a former walled city that’s home to many temples, hotels, and restaurants.
Sherloft Home & Hostel
Sherloft is located in the heart of the Old City, tucked away in an alley far removed from the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai’s busier neighborhoods. It feels very peaceful here like you’re in a secluded residential environment. Sherloft is a hostel with dorms, but they do have several private rooms as well.
1 Nimman Gallery Hotel
Nimmanhaemin, or Nimman for short, is a trendy area northwest of the Old City. It’s a lively area with plenty of modern bars and restaurants. If you’d prefer to stay in a more contemporary part of town, then this is probably where you’ll want to be.
1 Nimman Gallery is a boutique hotel just off Nimmanhaemin Road, close to the Maya Lifestyle Shopping Centre. It’s a Lanna-style hotel characterized by dark wood furnishings and ethnic accents.
Things to do in Chiang Mai
There are so many activities when you visit Chiang Mai in Fall, especially The Yee Peng Festival is celebrated around November every year.
Celebrate the Yee Peng & Loy Krathong Festivals
If you’re planning on visiting Chiang Mai in November, then chances are you’re looking to be a part of this. The Yee Peng Festival is celebrated around November every year and is characterized by the simultaneous release of thousands of sky lanterns. The Loy Krathong Festival happens around the same time as Yee Peng and involves the release of buoyant leaf containers floated down a river.
Go Temple Hopping in Chiang Mai Old City
The Old City is an attraction on its own. Small but big enough to keep you interested, it’s one of those places that begs to be explored on foot. Within the ancient city’s walls are several temples you can visit, the most beautiful of which is Wat Phra Singh. There you’ll find a stunning golden chedi that’s one of the city’s biggest and most beautiful.
Take a Day Trip to Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is synonymous with Chiang Mai. Many tourists who travel to the region often visit both. Chiang Rai isn’t as big as Chiang Mai but it’s home to one of Thailand’s most interesting and unique temples, Wat Rong Khun or the White Temple.
What to eat in Chiang Mai
Thai food usually surprises people because of its taste and unique itself. Chiang Mai food has forged a place in our hearts with its deep flavors and liberal use of chili peppers. Go beyond the typical Chiang Mai restaurants and you will fall in love with the food too.
Khao Soi Khun Yai
Every trip to Northern Thailand should begin with a bowl of khao soi. It’s the quintessential Northern Thai dish of crispy and soft egg noodles in a creamy, curry-like sauce made with coconut milk.
Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak (Cowboy Hat Lady)
If khao soi is Chiang Mai’s most famous dish, then this food stall is arguably its most popular. Manning the stall is a lady badass wearing a 10 gallon cowboy hat. Known as the Cowboy Hat Lady, she’s been described as a Chiang Mai institution with a reputation for serving some of the best khao kha moo in town. Khao kha moo is braised pork leg cooked in Chinese five spice and served over rice with a medium-boiled egg. Cowboy Hat Lady’s khao kha moo is fall-off-the-bone tender and absolutely delicious.
Suki Koka
Served wet or dry, Suki Koka’s Thai suki consists of vegetables cooked with mung bean noodles and a mix of seafood or your choice of meat. Suki Koka makes their Thai suki with heaps of cabbage cooked briefly in a wok at high heat, keeping it crunchy whilst giving it that wonderful smokey wok hei flavor. Like Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak, it’s one of the most popular eateries in this cluster of North Gate food stalls.
Cherng Doi Roast Chicken
If you’re in the mood for kai yang or roast chicken, then Cherng Doi should be at the top of your list. Kai yang is an Isaan dish that’s now popular throughout Thailand. A whole chicken is often halved and pounded flat before being marinated then slowly grilled over a low charcoal flame. Together with SP Chicken, Cherng Doi Roast Chicken is often cited for serving some of the best kai yang in Chiang Mai.
Wish you have a nice trip in Chiang Mai!