Chiang Mai City Guide

Three to four days covers the Old City temples, a cooking class, a day trip to Doi Suthep, and at least one good evening at the Sunday or Saturday Walking Street. Budget an extra day or two if you want to trek or visit an elephant sanctuary.

They serve different purposes. Bangkok is cosmopolitan, frenetic, and endlessly stimulating. Chiang Mai is slower, greener, culturally richer in Thai traditions, and considerably cheaper. Most travellers visit both — they complement each other perfectly.

Khao soi (coconut curry noodle soup) is the city's signature dish — try it at Khao Soi Khun Yai or Khao Soi Islam. Sai oua (Northern Thai sausage), nam prik noom (green chilli dip), and kanom jeen (fermented rice noodles) are other Northern Thai staples you won't find as good anywhere else.

Yi Peng coincides with Loy Krathong (November full moon) and sees thousands of paper lanterns released into the night sky simultaneously. The main mass release near the Three Kings Monument and Nawarat Bridge is one of Thailand's most iconic travel moments. Book accommodation three to four months in advance if you want to be in Chiang Mai that week.

Excellent. Doi Inthanon National Park (Thailand's highest peak) is 2 hours south. Chiang Rai and the White Temple are a comfortable day trip north. Pai is 3 hours by minivan through mountain roads. Lamphun (ancient Hariphunchai kingdom) is only 30 minutes away.