Chiang Mai

This city in northern Thailand is a place many international travelers appreciate and return to. It’s the perfect blend of ancient culture and modern creativity. The vibe is incredibly relaxed, offering a welcome deep breath compared to the chaos of Bangkok, with a spiritual, friendly energy that encourages visitors to slow down and just soak it all in.

There are three standout reasons to put Chiang Mai at the top of your travel list. First, the food is just on another level. Northern Thai cuisine is unique, rich, aromatic, and incredibly affordable. Second, access to both history and nature is amazing. You can spend a morning exploring 700-year-old temples inside the Old City moat and the afternoon hiking a mountain to a viewpoint overlooking it all. Finally, it's a place of incredible value. Your money goes a long way here, from the cost of a delicious meal to a beautiful hotel room, making it an accessible destination for all kinds of travelers. It's also a major hub for digital nomads, so the cafe scene and infrastructure are excellent for remote work.

The people in Chiang Mai are genuinely warm and gentle. There's a true friendliness that travelers often feel, contributing to the city's relaxed atmosphere. While Thai is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, making it quite easy to get by. The city has a large and visible community of expats and digital nomads, which adds a cosmopolitan layer to the local Lanna culture. However, in heavily touristed zones and markets, be prepared for interactions that are more transactional; bargaining is common, and some vendors or drivers may be more direct in their approach to sales, which is a common aspect of travel in popular destinations. The local mantra "jai yen," meaning "cool heart" or "be patient," truly reflects in the calm and easygoing demeanor of the people, especially outside the busiest commercial hubs.

The food in Chiang Mai is, without a doubt, a major highlight. The local Lanna cuisine is distinct from what you find in the south. You absolutely must try Khao Soi, a creamy coconut curry noodle soup that is the city's signature dish. Another highly recommended dish is Sai Oua, a flavorful and herbaceous grilled pork sausage. You can eat like a king for very little money. A delicious bowl of noodles at a street stall might cost you $1-2, while a meal at a nice local restaurant is still incredibly affordable. The city is famous for its street food markets, especially at the North and South gates of the Old City.

Overall, the infrastructure in Chiang Mai is solid, especially for a city of its size. Internet is generally fast and reliable, particularly in the countless cafes and co-working spaces catering to the digital nomad crowd. Power outages are rare in the main areas. You'll find modern amenities like air conditioning are standard everywhere. Public transport isn't as developed as in Bangkok; there's no metro system. Instead, the city relies on a system of songthaews (red trucks), tuk-tuks, and ride-hailing apps like Grab, which are efficient and cheap. Note that as of July 2025, new government regulations require ride-hailing drivers to register their vehicles as public transport and obtain public driving licenses to enhance safety and formalize services. The biggest infrastructure challenge is the air quality during the "burning season" (roughly Feb-Apr), which can be severe.

You'll be flying into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), which is conveniently located just a short drive from the city center. Getting to your hotel is super easy. The most straightforward option is the official airport taxi service; you buy a fixed-fare coupon (typically between 160-200 THB) at a counter in the arrivals hall, and they take you directly to your destination. Alternatively, you can use the Grab app (Southeast Asia's Uber) or hop in one of the red songthaew trucks waiting outside for a slightly cheaper, shared ride.

Getting around Chiang Mai is part of the experience. The Old City is very walkable, and exploring its small lanes on foot is highly recommended. For longer distances, the most common way to travel is by songthaew, the iconic red pickup trucks that function as shared taxis. Just flag one down and tell the driver where you're going. A trip within the main city area usually costs around 30-40 THB. Ride-hailing apps like Grab are also super popular, reliable, and affordable for both cars and motorbikes. Be aware that new regulations in Thailand, effective early October 2025, require ride-hailing drivers to hold public licenses and register their vehicles. Renting a scooter is a popular option for freedom, but only do it if you're an experienced and licensed rider, as traffic can be chaotic and accidents involving tourists are common.

Chiang Mai generally feels incredibly safe, even when walking around alone at night in main tourist areas like the Old City and Nimman. The primary risks are not violent crime, but rather petty theft and scams. The biggest safety concern is often road safety. Traffic can be wild, and many tourists get into scooter accidents. If you rent a motorbike, be extremely careful and always wear a helmet. Another issue to be aware of is the occasional "phone snatching," where thieves on motorbikes grab phones from people walking near the road, so keep valuables secure. Also, be respectful of the Thai Royal Family; making critical comments is a serious offense.