Backpacking Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai was the first place I visited in North Thailand. Previously had only ever been in the South, and Southwest, so I really did not know what to expect. I can almost kiss my younger self for making the decision to go to Chiang Mai, it is by far one of my favourite places in Thailand, and I am eager to visit again. I really did not think food could get any better in Thailand, and I was proven wrong, the food up north was by far my favourite right now. Chiang Mai is also home to some of the most amazing temples you will ever see in Thailand. And also the weather gets a little cooler in the evenings, which was unexpectedly amazing!
How to get to Chiang Mai, Thailand?
Train – £6, 10 hrs 17 min
Bus £13, 9 hrs
Flying – £15 – £40, 1hr 15 mins.
If you are on a budget I would definitely get the sleeper train or bus! Both are very comfortable, and as you can see from the list above, very affordable. A lot of people fly as well, you can grab a bargain flight at around £15, but that doesn’t always include luggage. Double check with the airline.
Where can I book my transport to Chiang Mai?
9 times out of 10, I would book my transport in Thailand through, 12goasia. The number one website used for bookings on transport. They compare all transport companies to find you the best price. If your travelling in Thailand, you will see 12Go everywhere!
Hostel recommendations for Chiang Mai, Thailand
Deejai Backpackers
Deejai backpackers comes highly recommended! It’s very popular among backpackers, due to it’s budget friendly price, but it still delivers on all the goods. Their bar and pool area is separate from the actual building where you stay, keeping the 2 separate so you can enjoy some well needed sleep! Excellent for solo travellers too, as the always have social events on – so plenty of opportunities to meet people
About a bed hostel
About a bed hostel is very stylish, modern and chic. You will no doubt have an amazing and comfortable stay here. This is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a more quiet, relaxed stay. The cube built dorms are very well built too, so you can enjoy some privacy. About a bed Hostel offer a free breakfast too!
9 Hostel, Chiang Mai
9 Hostel in Chiang Mai is perfect for the budget backpackers! They offer simple and comfortable beds in dormitories, as well as private rooms. The location is brilliant, located in the old city, so walking distance to all the main attractions!
Bodega Chiang Mai
Bodega hostels in Thailand are the well known party hostels. Although I didn’t stay at bodega in Chiang Mai, I still went on their pub crawls! Everyone is welcome! They really do have some of the best organised parties in Thailand, and the dorm rooms are very reasonable
248 Street hostel
248 Street hostel is very modern and great for socialising. It features a roof top pool, with bar chairs in the swimming pool, free wifi and common areas. The rooms and dorms are comfortable and modern, and the hostel itself is located very central. Not to mention the fact it’s budget friendly, and you can grab yourself a bed at just £4!
How long should I stay in Chiang Mai?
I would recommend a minimum of 3 nights. It’s enough time to really experience Chiang Mai and see all the main attractions. I stayed 4 nights in Chiang Mai, plus the 1 night for the Elephant tour and it the perfect amount of time for me. A lot of nomads set up base in Chiang Mai whilst they are working and stay long term. This is definitely a personal goal of mine, but in terms of backpacking 3/4 nights is perfect!
Best things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is a beautiful city, and not short of a temple! (117 to be exact) ‘Chiang Mai’ actually translates as ‘new city’ in Thai. There is plenty to do and see, this guide will be sure to give you some ideas of things to keep your in awe of Thailand.
Carry a pashmina or sarong with you! It is very respectful to cover your shoulders and knees whilst visiting Buddhist temples. Most will not let you enter unless you are covered.
Wat Phra Singh temple, Chiang Mai
Temples are everywhere in Thailand, and all of them are so beautiful. Viharn Lai Kam, known as the monastery of the lion Buddha, was built in 1345 and boasts gorgeous architecture, with traditional Thai features.Wat Phra Singh is located inside the city walls of Chiang Mai old town
Entrance Fee to Wat Phra Singh:
For Thai nationals entry is free
And for Foreign nationals the fee is 40 TBH.
Old Town
Chiang Mai’s old town is in the centre of Chiang Mai city, surrounded by a golden brick wall and moat. As you can see It’s in a square shape and filled with cafes, restaurants, markets and shopping.
Join a walking tour, or a food tour and get the full history of the old town. Sometimes your hostel hosts walking tours in the evening!
Sunday walking street, 'Pae street' Chiang Mai
If you are in Chiang Mai on a Sunday, I would definitely go to the Sunday walking street market. From foot massages to fried grasshoppers, Pae street Sunday market has it all! The Sunday market in Chiang Mai starts at around 4pm and can be found inside the old city walls. You will find the market along Ratchadamnoen Road, and is 1km long!
Give yourself enough time, as you can’t help but look at everything, eat everything, and drink everything!
And you’re not the only ones doing so. Other travellers and locals fill the streets, it gets so busy!
Visit an elephant sanctuary
A big factor that draws people up to the north of Thailand, is the Elephant sanctuaries you can visit. Not only do you get to visit the Elephants, you practically get to become their keepers for the day. You are allowed to feed them, wash them, cuddle them, and kiss them!
For more details on visiting elephants at a sanctuary, you can read my full blog post by clicking the link below. I highly recommend reading this before going!
The night life in Chiang Mai is brilliant! For backpackers, tourists and locals!
Chiang Mai features live music all over the place, particularly on Charoenrat Road, which runs parallel to Ping river. Popular areas for night life in Chiang Mai are Riverside, night bazaar, and the east side of the old city is where a lot of backpackers flock too! Around Ratvithi road. Don’t forget Bodega Hostel have the best pub crawl going in Chiang Mai! They organise your tuk tusk to all the best backpackers pubs and bars! And you usually get loads of free shots
Don't miss my blog post on Pai! Where most backpackers head after Chiang Mai
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