Is Chiang Mai worth it?

Are you after an adventure and thinking of escaping the ordinary? Are you looking for a new culture and dreaming of immersing yourself in a different way of life?

Chiang Mai might be the perfect destination for you. But, is Chiang Mai worth it?

Absolutely yes. Chiang Mai is full of stunning temples, natural beauty, gorgeous culture, friendly locals and delicious cuisine, including street food. Lastly, don’t miss out on the many elephant sanctuaries, all possible on a budget.

Chiang Mai, located in Northern Thailand, is not only known for its ancient temples, delicious food and friendly locals but also, for its stunning natural surroundings and the rich culture and history that Chiang Mai offers.

Although surrounded by lush jungles and endless mountains with a serene river running through them, we were stumbled by how unattractive the actual town is (we know this is a bit contrarian to what most people would report).

As seasoned travellers and after spending several weeks there, grasping the real Chiang Mai, we can confirm that the town is not very aesthetic beyond the holiday feelings.

Now, this personal opinion is independent of the rest of the many favour points that the city offers.

Chiang Mai Old City is full of charming temples, colourful and lively markets, and delicious street food. It's also a great area to experience the authentic and local Thai culture and tradition.

Before we dive deeper into why Chiang Mai is worth visiting, let us tell you that by far what really makes Chiang Mai worth it is the people.

The locals are some of the most friendly and welcoming people we have ever met. They are so friendly and warm and also quite funny!

We bought some sticky rice in a bamboo cane in a local street market and honestly we didn’t know how to approach it in order to eat it.

There was a local middle age lady who spotted us struggling and came laughing with us to show us how to do it. She was unbelievably funny and very warm.

This silly anecdote is an example of many, many others! We have felt welcomed and cared for at all times!

Why Chiang Mai is worth visiting. Top reasons

When it comes to natural beauty and things to do, Chiang Mai does not disappoint. The city is surrounded by lush mountains and forests, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Culture and temples

The temples in Chiang Mai are truly a sight to behold. The Old City is home to over 30 ancient temples, each one unique and beautiful in its own way. Essentially, you can walk around the city and you will find a different temple every time.

Here are some of the most famous temples we have visited in Chiang Mai:

Wat Sri Suphan

Wat Sri Suphan, located next to the Saturday night market in Old town Chiang Mai, is simply our favourite temple.

This outlier temple, also known as the Silver Temple, is a true pearl of Thailand! What sets this temple apart is its breathtaking architecture.

Everything in this majestic temple, including the walls, the roofs and the columns, is covered in intricate silver detailing and ornaments that display pure magic when it is hit by sunlight.

In addition to its stunning silver exterior, the temple is also home to several beautiful shrines and intricate carvings that are steeped in.

Lastly, if you happen to be visiting this temple on a Saturday evening and we definitely highly recommend you to do this, you will be amazed by what is going on!

Every Saturday night, the temple fires up a colourful light show, where this Wat can be seen in its full glory.

As if this wasn’t a pure spectacle already, every Saturday, the Wat Sri Suphan temple offers what is called a “monk chat” session and a free guided meditation by the monks. Honestly, this is an amazing experience not to be missed!

Wat Rajamontean

Wat Rajamontean is located directly facing Wat Lok Moli temple across the little wooden bridge decorated with lovely flowers. This temple is nicknamed the red temple, due to its red and golden intricate design.

Although a smaller temple compared to others in Chiang Mai city, this is another personal favourite of ours.

This is because you can take your time in a peaceful way to explore and properly see the temple without having tons of tourists pressuring you.

Also, it is an absolutely gorgeous temple, home to a giant sitting Budhha statute in the same complex that deserves some prayers and where you can definitely leave the area with an awe-feeling.

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang temple is located in the heart of the Old City of Chiang Mai. It is one of the most beautiful and historically meaningful temples in the city, which served as a symbol of power and wealth for the kingdom of Lanna.

Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh is located in the middle of Chiang Mai's Old City. We were struck by the beauty and by the intricate details of this stunning temple, which highlights the golden Buddha statue housed inside the temple.

This temple complex is a gorgeous place and an important landmark for Buddhism worship in the city surrounded by well-cared-for gardens and ornamental sculptures around the complex.

Wat Chiang Man

Wat Chiang Man is known to be the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, going back in time to the early 13th century. Thus, being a symbol of the rich cultural significance of the Lanna kingdom.

We were pretty fascinated to learn that one of the reasons why northern Thais are so devoted to this temple is that the temple is home to the famous crystal Buddha, which is said to have magical healing powers.

Wat Lok Moli

Wat Lok Moli is a stunning Buddhist temple located in Muang County, Chiang Mai. Its existence dates back over 500 years, being not only a religious site but also a popular tourist attraction that attracts dozens of visitors each day.

Watch out for the crowds when deciding on visiting this temple as it is a very popular place, particularly during the weekends.

Wat Lok Moli’s unique feature is the statue of a Lanna queen and the golden images of Buddha within the temple complex. They are well worth seeing.

Wat Suan Dok

Wat Suan Dok is an ancient temple that was built in the 14th century and was originally a royal temple for the Lanna kingdom.

Although it is a beautiful temple (pretty much like all the temples in Chiang Mai), we found this temple to be, perhaps not the most impressive one, although worth the visit.

The temple is also home to several smaller shrines, as well as a beautiful garden filled with colourful flowers and tranquil ponds.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

It is considered one of the most important and sacred temples in the Northern Thai region.

Unlike most of the other temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple is located on the slope of Doi Suthep mountain.

Situated so high up in the mountain over the Ping River, this temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of not only Chiang Mai but also, the surrounding regions.

Whilst this temple is a must-visit when in the area, it is important to note that it is a bit far from the city centre, located around 2 hours away by car from Chiang Mai. This is the reason why visitors may find it more convenient to join a guided tour.

This is if you really wish to visit this temple, and we definitely encourage you to do so, keep in mind that it will be quite a long day of travelling and also it is quote work out to climb up the 309 steps!

Wat Pa Dara Phirom Phra Aram Luang

This vibrant temple features traditional Thai-style roofs and a multi-tiered entrance that leads into the main prayer hall.

It features ornamental carvings and gold-leaf details that adorn the walls and columns, as well as colourful murals that depict scenes from Buddhist legends that drive devoters from over the country to do their prayers there.

Wat Umong

This temple is situated on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, surrounded by trees and a pleasant greenery scene.

The temple is mainly characterised by a series of interconnected tunnels, adorned with Buddhist carvings and sculptures aimed to be a place of meditation and reflection.

Although it is a nice temple and it is a gift from the Lanna Kingdom worth exploring, we would recommend either skipping this temple or setting it on a lower priority list if you are a bit tight on time. There are other much more stunning temples to be visited.

Food

We can confidently say that one of the highlights of our time in Chiang Mai was definitely the food.

Chiang Mai is a food lover's paradise. When you spend a fair bit of time in this northern city, you discover the traditional local dishes that make your trip worthwhile visiting.

The night markets in the Old City are a must-visit for any food lover, particularly on Saturday nights close by the Wat Sri Suphan, aka, Silver temple.

This market offers so many street foods, handmade crafts, local clothes, herbs, spices, grilled meats, fresh fruits and much more.

Chiang Mai is also known for its vegan and vegetarian options, which are becoming more and more popular in the city.

One of the most popular places to try out if veggie style is what are after is called "Palm Tree House”. We quickly tried it and we can highly recommend it. Tons of options with an incredibly Thai touch.

If you worry about street food in this regard, fear not, many street vendors offer meat-free options, and you will find plenty of vegan and vegetarian options like grilled corn, tofu, veggie pad thai, loads of fresh fruits, smoothies and much more.

What food is Chiang Mai famous for?

Here is a list of our personal favourite local foods that are definitely worth trying during your visit to Chiang Mai:

1. Khao Soi This is a must-try dish in Chiang Mai. It is a hearty curry-based noodle soup that is served with chicken. It's made with a combination of coconut milk and curry paste resulting in a creamy sweet and flavoursome curry.
   The dish is typically topped with pickled greens, raw red onions, crunchy noodles and some fresh cilantro. This one is by far one of our personal favourites.

2. Sai Oua Another delicious local dish is Sai Oua, a traditional northern Thai sausage that's made with a combination of ground pork, lemongrass, and a variety of herbs and spices.
   It's often served as a snack or an appetiser and is typically grilled over charcoal. The sausage has a unique and delicious flavour that's definitely worth trying.
3. Khao Kha Moo This is a popular street food dish that's made with slow-cooked pork leg that's been simmered in a savoury broth for hours. The meat is typically served over rice and is often garnished with a variety of herbs and spices.
   The dish is hearty and comforting and is perfect for when you are on the go and you need a quick yet tasty meal. On our working days or even “ busy-touristic” days, this dish was one of the go-to bites.
4. Tom Yum Kung This one is such a popular dish in Chiang Mai and it is the perfect choice for those who love seafood. It consists of a sour and spicy Thai soup that is made with shrimp, seafood, and a variety of herbs and spices.
   The flavours in this soup are truly amazing and it is a great dish to try if you are a fan of spicy food.
5. Gaeng Hung Lay This is a rich and hearty pork curry very much traditional from the North of Thailand that is made with a combination of spices, tamarind, and coconut milk.
   This must-try popular dish from Chiang Mai is often served with a side of steamed rice, although our preference is always over sticky rice.
   These are just a few of the many delicious local foods that you'll find in Chiang Mai. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal or a delicious snack, you are sure to find something that you will love.

Lastly, the coffee scene in Chiang Mai is also worth mentioning.

There are plenty of vibrant coffee stores and co-working spaces in Chiang Mai worth checking out, whether you are after just a coffee break or after a nice place to spend a few hours of solid work!

Our favourite coffee shops are:

• “Somewhere Espresso”. It delivers proper espresso, from local beans grown in the mountains of Chiang Mai.
• “Heartwork Coffee”. This one is definitely our go-to place when we need a little bit of quiet time to get some work done as we enjoy a specialty coffee well done.
• “The Story 106 Coffee Store”: This one is not just a coffee shop, it also offers a unique coffee flavour experience and co-working space for those who need some quiet and dedicated workspace just like ourselves.
  Provided with comfortable seating, fast Wi-Fi, and delicious espresso from locally sourced coffee beans, this cafe offers the perfect relaxed atmosphere.
  Definitely, one of our go-to coffee places to focus and be productive while enjoying your time in Chiang Mai!
• "Art Coffee”. It is located in the heart of the old city. The coffee shop is a lively and jaz music oriented place, serving some of the best coffee in Chiang Mai.
  They source their beans directly from local hill tribes and cool mountains of Chiang Mai. We highly recommend trying their iced latte, it was one of the best-iced lattes we have ever had.

Budget

We had been to other cities in Thailand before and although we knew that the total budget of our time in Chiang Mai would be on the lower side of things, we were pretty impressed by how affordable the city is.

We actually found it meaningfully cheaper than other places in Thailand like Phuket or Bangkok. Particularly in food, coffee, gyms and overall products in the stores.

Food is very affordable in Chiang Mai. We were able to find delicious street food for as little as $1-2 for a delicious Pad Thai with prawns, chicken or pork or Kaho soi, one of the specialty dishes in the area.

Even sit-down restaurants offering a wide variety of traditional Thai dishes are rated at very reasonable prices of around $3-4 for a main dish and starters.

We did notice, however, that accommodation, and transport costs, either tuk-tuks, red taxis or Grab car services were slightly higher than those in Phuket or Bangkok.

Safety

Chiang Mai is definitely one of the safest places to visit in Thailand. Particularly around the old city, there is not much tragedy or issues going on.

Of course like everywhere else, occasionally, small issues can occur, such as petty theft or small scams but violent crimes or assaults rarely occur around Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai areas.

Now, the real issue when staying in Chiang Mai is road accidents. Driving in Chiang Mai is a problem; cars just don’t follow rules.

This is, crossing lanes announced, driving in opposite directions, no indicators, insane traffic and so on.

Our advice is, if you happen to rent a scooter, always wear your helmet and drive it slowly. Simply, don’t rent a car!

Day-trips

Another key aspect to emphasise that makes Chiang Mai worth it is the activities and experiences available outside the city.

Besides all the multiple things to experience within the city, there are also striking activities worth exploring close to the city.

Chiang Mai offers a lot of fantastic day trips that are worth taking, and we are super excited to share them with you!

Here are some of the day trips we personally took and highly recommend to those who want to experience a once-in-a-lifetime moment:

• Doi Suthep Intahon temple (above explained), definetely a day trip activity as it would take almost 5 hours of travelling.
• Chiang Dao: This small town is located about an hour and a half from Chiang Mai and it's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There are a number of beautiful temples and caves to explore, and it's a great place to relax and unwind.
• Mae Sa Waterfall: This beautiful waterfall is located about an hour from Chiang Mai and it's a great place to go for a swim and escape the heat. The waterfall is surrounded by beautiful scenery, and it's a great place to take a picnic and spend the day.
• Chiang Rai: This city is located about 3 hours from Chiang Mai and it is home to the famous White Temple, Blue temple and the Black House.
  It's a great place to explore, however, we would advise taking a proper trip to Chiang Rai as it is an incredible place to experience the culture and slowly visit all that has to offer.

Ethical elephant sanctuaries

• "Chai La Orchid elephant sanctuary". This one is our forever favourite. An ethical and responsible sanctuary that rescues elephants from the logging and tourist industries and provides them with a safe and natural environment.
• "Elephant Jungle Sanctuary": This is another popular and responsible sanctuary located just outside of Chiang Mai.
  The sanctuary offers elephant trekking and elephant feeding experiences, as well as an elephant mahout training program.
• "Mae Taeng Elephant Park": This responsible and ethical sanctuary is unique because it also has a breeding program for elephants and visitors have the opportunity to see baby elephants.
• "Happy Elephant Valley": This sanctuary offers a hands-on experience with the elephants. Visitors will have the opportunity to feed, bathe and interact with the elephants in a responsible and sustainable way.
  This sanctuary also offers a mahout training program, and it's known for its focus on responsible and sustainable elephant tourism.

What are some negative aspects of Chiang Mai?

Lastly, before we wrap up this article and before you make up your mind and your own opinion about whether Chiang Mai made it to your bucket list, let us briefly walk you through the also existing drawbacks of the city:

Tourist traps

Unethical tours such as elephant riding and hill tribes exploitation tours.

Some of the advertised tours around the city may give you the impression that riding elephants is a cool, romantic and/or fun way to enjoy your time in Thailand and around elephants.

This is far from the truth, as most of these tours, do abuse the animals and they undergo harmful "submissive training".

Go to ethical sanctuaries instead, there are plenty around the region and they will offer you a once-in-a-lifetime experience whilst respecting these majestic creatures.

A similar situation takes place with the advertised hill tribes or long neck tribal women tours.

These are not acceptable, as these people are treated and displayed as a human zoo when in fact they have no rights, their living conditions are awful and most of them are forced to keep up with the tourists’ exploitative activities.

What you pay for those tours does not go to the local tribes, it goes to the promoters of these tours who mistreat these locals instead of supporting them.

There are ways to visit and learn about them ethically instead.

Tourist crowds

Chiang Mai is a popular tourist destination, and some of the more popular tourist spots can get quite crowded during peak season.

Bring comfy shoes!

Whilst getting around Chiang Mai is not too difficult, the city is a bit limited when it comes to public transportation.

The city pavements are not that well built either, making it challenging to walk long distances for a long time. This is the reason why most people would rent bikes or scooters.

The traffic is not as bad as in other major cities in Thailand like Bangkok, where the traffic is just nuts!

There are other options though, like tuk-tuks and red taxis if you are willing to spend some more money and time haggling the prices.

Otherwise, we would advise you to download the Grab app to get around by car at a not-so-expensive price.

Air pollution

Chiang Mai is another city in Southeast Asia together with Siem Reap in Cambodia, where the air quality is just bad.

Especially, if you have never experienced this before, you will quickly realise it, because it is visibly obvious, particularly if you go a bit higher up in a building.

Also, you will experience a little bit of irritation in your throat and your eyes as if you caught a cold.

But it tends to go away after a couple of days so don’t worry too much about it.

Don’t let these cons put you off, they are not big deal, although good to keep in mind while planning your trip, so you can make the most of your time there!

Final thoughts

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and budget-friendly travel experience!

Whether you're looking to explore ancient temples, enjoy delicious street food, or take in the beauty of the great outdoors, Chiang Mai has something for everyone.

We highly recommend adding Chiang Mai to your travel itinerary and discovering this amazing city for yourself.