#2 Destination Thailand :Stay and Travel at Chiangmai , Thailand

Hi, everyone. I will guide you to travel to Chiangmai City. It's also a popular city for leisure tourist. The peak season in Chiangmai City is 10 to 18 april because the best place to enjoy Songkran's festival is right here.

 

Understand Chingmai

Chaingmai city founded in 1296 CE, Chiang Mai is a culturally and historically interesting city, at one time the capital of the ancient Lanna kingdom. Located among the rolling foothills of the Himalayan Mountains 700 km north of Bangkok, it could only be reached by an arduous river journey or an elephant trek until the 1920s. This isolation helped keep Chiang Mai's distinctive charm intact.

Chiang Mai's historical centre is the walled city (city is chiang in the northern Thai dialect while mai is new, hence Chiang Mai or New City. Sections of the wall dating to their restoration a few decades ago remain at the gates and corners, but of the rest only the moat remains.
Inside Chiang Mai's remaining city walls are more than 30 temples dating back to the founding of the principality, in a combination of Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna Thai styles, decorated with beautiful wood carvings, Naga staircases, leonine and angelic guardians, gilded umbrellas and pagodas laced with gold filigree. The most famous is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, which overlooks the city from a mountainside 13 km away.
Modern-day Chiang Mai has expanded in all directions, but particularly to the east towards the Ping River (Mae Nam Ping), where Chang Klan Rd, the famous Night Bazaar and the bulk of Chiang Mai's hotels and guest houses are located. Loi Kroh Rd is the centre of the city's night life. The locals say you've not experienced Chiang Mai until you've seen the view from Doi Suthep, eaten a bowl of kao soi, and purchased an umbrella from Bo Sang. Of course this is touristic nonsense, but the Kao Soi, Bo Sang umbrellas, and Doi Suthep are important cultural icons for Chiang Mai residents. Ratchadamneon Rd hosts the main Sunday night walking street market from Tha Phae Gate to the popular Wat Phra Singh.

Climate in Chaingmai city

Chiang Mai's northern location and moderate elevation results in the city having a more temperate climate than that of the south.
As with the rest of Thailand there are three seasons.

• A cool season from November to February.
• A hot season from March to June
• A wet season from July to October

By plane

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) handles both domestic and regional international flights. The route from Bangkok is one of the busiest in the country (Thai Airways flies daily almost every hour, with additional flights in the peak tourist season). Other airlines operating direct services from/to Chiang Mai include: Bangkok airway, Thai airway,Kan air, Nok air, Nok mini, and so on

By bus from Bangkok
A variety of daily buses leave frequently from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Moh Chit), offering varying choices of price, comfort and speed.

• Rattling government buses make frequent stops at every minor township. The journey takes around 12 hrs and costs 200 baht.

• Non-stop 24/32-seaters and 1st class buses such as Nokhonchai Air provide larger seats and snacks; making the long trip more comfortable. They manage the trip around 9 hours and cost around 550 baht. Be cautious about the so-called "VIP" buses touted on Khao San Rd. They may be cheaper, but you may end up crammed into a 2nd class bus or worse.

By train
Services from Bangkok's Hualamphong Train Station leave on a regular daily schedule and take 12-15 hours to reach Chiang Mai.
Daytime services leave at 08:30, and 14:30 with second-class (281 baht) and third-class (121 baht) carriages. The seats in each class differ in softness and width and can become uncomfortable after 10+ hours.

 

How to get around there ?

 



By Songthaew

In lieu of a local bus service, locals get around the city on songthaew (สองแถว). These covered pick-up trucks have two long bench seats in the back (songthaew means "two rows" in Thai), ply fixed routes or to any destination, picking up passengers en route who are going the same way.

By tuk-tuk or samlor
Tuk-tuks are a quick, though noisy way to get around. Fares are usually 30-40 baht for a short hop (as of July 2012 it seems that the minimum has gone up to 40 baht for pre-arranged locations) and 50-100 baht for longer distances, depending on the proficiency of your bargaining. As a guide, expect to pay 40 baht from the old city to the riverside and Night Bazaar, 40-50 baht to the railway station, and 80-100 baht to the bus station or airport. Tuk-tuks parked near .


See

The quintessential image of Chiang Mai with its large gold-plated chedi, visible from the city on a clear day, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep (วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ, Huai Kaeo Rd, 30 baht, is 18 km from town, sitting at a 1,073 m elevation on the slopes of Doi (Mount) Suthep. Built in 1383 during the Lanna Thai period, legend has it that the temples site was selected by an elephant sent to roam the mountain side, where upon reaching a suitable spot, it trumpeted, circled three times, knelt down and promptly died, which was interpreted as a sign indicating an auspicious site. The temple offers grand views over the city, but no reward is without effort as you must accent the 300-plus steps of the Naga-lined stairs. The climb may be a strain in the high altitude's thin air for the less fit, so you may opt to take the cable car for 20 baht. For the Visaka Bucha holiday in June or July each year, it is traditional for people to walk from the zoo to the temple and vast numbers make the pilgrimage to the top, which takes around 4-5 hours.


Inside the old city walls

• Wat Phra Singh, Corner of Singharaj Rd and Rajdamnern Rd. Probably Chiang Mai's best-known temple, housing the Phra Singh image, completed between 1385 and 1400. Of most historical interest is the Wihan Lai Kham in the back, featuring Lanna-style temple murals and intricate gold patterns on red lacquer behind the altar. The large chedi was built in 1345 by King Pha Yu to house the remains of his father King Kam Fu. A typical scripture repository is located at this temple as well. These repositories were designed to keep and protect the delicate sa or mulberry paper sheets used by monks and scribes to keep records and write down folklore. The high stucco-covered stone base of the repository protected the delicate scriptures from the rain, floods and pests. The walls of the chapel are covered with murals illustrating Lanna customs, dress, and scenes from daily life. The lovely Lai Kam chapel houses the revered Phra Singh Buddha image. Sadly, the head was stolen in 1922, and a reproduction is now seen. To enter the temple is free for Thais, and 20 baht for foreigners. The ticket is in a leaflet form containing useful information and map of Wat Phra Singh complex. 

• Wat Chiang Man, Rajpakinai Rd. The oldest royal temple in the city. Presumed to date from the year Chiang Mai was founded (1296), it is famed for two Buddha images, which according to legend are 1,800 and 2,500 years old. King Mengrai allegedly lived here while the city of Chiang Mai was being constructed. Enshrined in Wat Chiang Man is a tiny crystal Buddha called Pra Seh-Taang Kamaneeee, which is thought to have the power to bring rain. Another image, called Phra Sila Khoa, reflects the fine workmanship of Indian craftsmen from thousands of years ago. 

 

• Wat Chedi Luang, Prapokklao Rd. Almost in the centre of Chiang Mai are the remains of a massive chedi that toppled in in the great earthquake of 1545. The temple was originally constructed in 1401 on the orders of King Saeng Muang Ma. In 1454, reigning King Tilo-Garaj enlarged the chedi (pronounced jedee) to a height of 86 m. After the earthquake, the chedi lay in ruins until 1991-92, when it was reconstructed at a cost of several million baht. A magnificent testament to Lanna (northern Thai) architecture and art, restored sections hint at its former glory. Wat Chedi Luang is also home to the "Pillar of the City", a totem used in ancient Thai fertility rites.

• Wat Phrachao Mengrai, Ratchamanka 6, Phra Sing (near Heuan Phen Restaurant), ☎ +66 53 278 788 ‎. An atmospheric temple with two Wihan buildings, off the beaten track, quiet and gently crumbling. One of the Wihan buildings houses an important Buddha image: Phra Buddha Rupa Phra Chao Mengrai. 

Gay bars
Chiang Mai is a popular destination for gay tourists and many gay people have retired here. Highlights of the vibrant gay scene include:

• Garden Bar & Restaurant, 2/25 Soi Viangbua, Chotana Rd (across the street from Adams Apple), ☎ +66 53 215376. Outdoor garden bar and restaurant serving Lebanese, Western and Thai food. Popular meeting place for gay expats and tourists. 

• Glass Onion, Room 1 project, 61, Nimmanhaemin Rd, ☎ +66 53 218 479. Sophisticated wine bar popular with the gay community. 

• Golden Ball (Bon Tong), corner of Tewan Rd and Santitham Rd, ☎ +66 53 406 043, . Northern Thai-style outdoor bar and restaurant. Packed with very friendly staff and fun atmosphere. Drinks start at 45 baht for a large Chang beer.

• Soho Bar & Guesthouse, 20/3 Huay Kaew Rd (about 100 m from the Kad Suan Kaew shopping mall, opposite the Chiang Mai Orchid Hotel), ☎ +66 53 404 175, +66 85 029 8485, +66 82 695 9930 (sohocm@hotmail.com), . Expats, tourists, and Thai men. 

Guesthouses and Boutique Hotels

Budget

• 7 Century Guest House, 270 Ratchaphakinai Rd, Sripoom, ☎ +66 53 287 541 and +66 81 43 88 175 (le7century.guesthouse@hotmail.com). checkout: 12:00. Newly renovated guest house, but somehow already a bit worn. 2 single (150 baht), 4 double (180-220 baht) and 1 triple rooms (250 baht). Singles can be a bit mouldy due to poor drainage and ventilation. Good hot shower (private for single rooms, shared for double and triple). Terrace. Free Wi-Fi. If they have a laptop free you can borrow it to take to your room. Fan in rooms. Kitchen free to use. Soft beds. Service also available in good German. Help with booking trips, treks, motorbikes and other things. Friendly staff. 150-250 baht. 

• B.R. Hotel, Morakot Rd (northwest corner of the moat, from where Huay Kaew Rd turns to the left, drive straight (north) 700 m, turn left on Morakot Rd and you'll see the sign on the right side), ☎ +66 53 220 061. checkout: 12:00. Simple, but cozy Thai hotel. Fan rooms are often sold out, however 299 baht for an A/C room with TV and small balcony is an excellent value during hot or wet season. No Wi-Fi (but Truemove 850 MHz 3G works perfectly). While the hotel is not far from the centre, the closest place where you can catch a public songthaew (near Kad Suan Kaew Mall) is almost 1 km away, so the place is better suited for those who rent a motorbike. Free parking. On the nearby intersection with Hasadhisawee Rd, there are numerous and cheap food stalls in the evening. Hotel staff generally doesn't speak any English. If no vacancy, there's Inthanon Hotel next on the same road, priced ~50 baht more. 199 baht fan, from 299 baht A/C. (18.8021,98.9804)

• Bed and Terrace Chiang Mai Guesthouse, 10 Kotchasarn Rd, Soi 5, ☎ +66 53 449 708 and +66 83 828 5599 (service@bedandterrace.com), . Thai modern-style guest house with terrace, comfortable rooms with double windows to see the panoramic mountain view. 500 baht. 

• FWD House Hostel (Box dorm with 10 single beds), 78 Ratmakka Rd, Pha Sing, Oly City, Chiang Mai (4.3 km from Chiang Mai International Airport, 4.5 km from the Chiang Mai train station, 5 km from the bus station), ☎ +66 82 623 3349 (forwardhouse.th@gmail.com). checkin: 12:00; checkout: 11:00. Located on Ratmanka Rd, just a 10-minute walk to the temples and the main strip of bars in Chiang Mai, and a minute walk to the Sunday night market. Owner and staff are welcoming, friendly, can cater to your personal needs, and also make you feel at home. 180 baht. 

• Giant Guest House 1 & 2, Giant 1, 24/1 Moon Muang Rd, Sriphum. Giant 24 Rachamanka Rd, Prasingha., ☎ +66 87 182 1611 (giantguesthouse@gmail.com), . checkout: 12:00. Cheap basic rooms, hot showers, free Wi-Fi, free shared computer, free bicycles, free water, Reggae bar attached (Freedom Bar 16:00-24:00). Can book everything here and sightsee by bicycle. Kitchen with cooking lessons available and massage school 200 m away. Keep an eye out for only the 300 baht room left after they pick you up in the airport, they will give you this price in front of the guest house. 100 baht dorms, 180 baht single fan room (shared bath), 250 baht queen bed with fan (private bathroom). Monthly rates 3,500 baht, single room with fan and shared bathroom (1 person). 

• Green Tulip Guest House, 18 Samlan Rd, ☎ +66 53 278 367, . Guest house with a roof-top garden, Internet café and large screen TV in the lobby. Beautifully decorated and designed with elegant wood floors throughout the building. Choice of fan and air-con rooms with shared or private bathrooms. 250-650 baht. 

• Hollanda Montri Guest House, 365 Charoen Rat Rd, ☎ +66 53 242 450, Family style guest house fan or air-con rooms and with a tropical garden on the banks of the Mae Ping River. 500 baht.

• Julie Guest House, 7/1 Prapokklao Rd, Soi 5, ☎ +66 53 274 355,  Popular guest house located in a quiet part of the old city near Tha Phae Gate. This guest house is notorious for filling quickly (quite often by 09:00) as it is listed in some guide books. The lounge area is often full of travellers. Food and drinks are served. The in-house travel agency can do all sorts of bookings for you. Free Wi-Fi, but it doesn't always work. from 100-180 baht (fan room without/with en suite). 

• Lek Guesthouse, 22 Chaiyaphum Rd, ☎ +66 53 252 686 (lek@chiangmai-online.com), . checkout: 12:00. All rooms have fan and private bathroom with hot water. Hidden in a quiet alley. Free Wi-Fi. single, 250 baht; double, 300 baht. 

• Linda Guesthouse, 456/67 Soi Banditpatana (close to the railway station, follow the sign at Charoen Muang Rd), ☎ +66 53 246 915 (lindaguesthouse@hotmail.com, fax: +66 53 246 915). East of Tha Phae Gate, easy accessible by songthaew routes. Very clean rooms. The guest house also offers many trekking tours. The staff speaks German, English, and Thai. Family-like atmosphere. Cheap and very good food around the clock, freshly made. 100-300 baht, reduced cost for longer stays possible. 

• A Little Bird Guesthouse, 17 Soi 1 Ratvithi Rd, ☎ +66 53 289 577 (alittlebird_cm@hotmail.com), . checkout: 12:00. Cheap basic dorms with hot shower and free Wi-Fi. An easy place to meet other travellers in a good location. 100 baht mixed dorm; 120 baht female dorm. 

• Mint House, 80-82 Prapokklao (Soi 5). Near Chiang Mai Gate., ☎ +66 86 253 1743. Really friendly and helpful staff. Centrally located, clean and good prices for dorms and rooms. Rooms have dedicated bathrooms that, strangely, are not en suite, but all across the hallway. Keep an eye out for room rates changing after you've already checked-in (e.g., +100 baht). Don't be a wimp when this happens. Single 200 baht, double 300 baht, dorm 120 baht. 

• Parami Guesthouse, ☎ +66 53 266 139, . A small cozy family-run guest house. 300-550 baht. 

• Ping River Inn, ☎ +66 81 993 5187 (ping.river.inn@hotmail.com). checkin: 15:00; checkout: 12:00. A basic but clean inn along the Ping River near Nakorn Ping Bridge and the yellow songthaew route. Hot showers, two bottles of free drinking water, towels, roof access, cable, and free Wi-Fi. If the foot bridge over the river ever gets fixed, the Ping River Inn will be within five minutes walking distance of Warorot Market. 390-540 baht. (N 18° 47.36',E 99° 0.4')

• Riders Corner (Rider's Corner Bar & Restaurant), 357, Moon Muang Rd, ☎ +66 87 048 1787 (riders.corner.cnx@gmail.com), . Rooms are newly renovated, clean and comfortable. Hotel room rates are 350–600 baht. Full breakfast is available. Locked parking for motorcycles is provided. 350-600 baht. (N 18° 47.692′,E 98° 59.606′)

• Siri Guesthouse, 31/3 Moon Mueang, Soi 5, ☎ +66 53 326 550. A family-run guest house on a popular, but quiet lane. Fan and air-con rooms, all with bathrooms and hot water. Free Wi-Fi. 700 baht. 

• Spicy House, (walk into the old city down Rachadamnern from Tha Phae Gate; turn left at Soi 4; walk almost all the way down to Ratchamanka), ☎ +66 84 613 4776 (Mim). (spicyhouse@hotmail.com). Perhaps the friendliest little guest house in Chiang Mai. Beloved by backpackers everywhere for its low cost and friendly atmosphere. Mim, the owner, gives a free meal for guests every night. She is also an expert chef, and Spicy House serves as a cooking school sometimes. Spicy House is in the dead centre of the Chiang Mai action, but down a quiet soi where you can withdraw from it when needed. 

• Tha Phae Inn, 164-166 Tha Phae Rd (about 400 m east of Tha Phae Gate on the north side), ☎ +66 53 234 640 (fax: +66 53 252 790). Family-run guest house. Friendly. Excellent value/location combination. Basic double rooms with bathrooms, hot water & small TV. Free Wi-Fi. Common area with tables so you can bring food and eat. Refreshments for sale on-premises. 200-300 baht. 

Thank you an infor mation from http://wikitravel.org/en/Chiang_Mai