Chiang Mai InformationChiang Mai is the gateway to Northern Thailand. With a population of over 170,000, Chiang Mai is Thailand's second-largest city after Bangkok. Located on a plain surrounded by mountains, surrounded by lush countryside, and with a cosmopolitan air and a significant expat population, it is much greener and quieter than the capital, factors which have led many from Bangkok to settle permanently in this "Rose of the North".
Founded in 1296 AD, the culturally rich city of Chiang Mai is the longest continuously inhabited settlement from the ancient days of Siam. Located amidst the rolling foot hills of the Himalayan Mountains some 800 km north of Bangkok, it could only be reached by an arduous river journey or an elephant back trip until the 1920's, isolation which has helped keep Chiang Mai's distinctive charm intact to this day.
Chiang Mai's historical centre is the walled city (chiang in Thai, hence Chiang Mai - "New Walled City"). Sections of the wall 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 Doi Suthep, which overlooks the city from a 1,050 m (3,500 ft) mountain top 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 Thanon Chang Klan, the famous Night Bazaar and the bulk of Chiang Mai's hotels and guesthouses are located. 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.
How to get here
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:
- Air Asia - from/to Bangkok; also Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
- Air Mandalay - from/to Myanmar
- Bangkok Airways - to Ko Samui (flights from Ko Samui are indirect) and from/to Sukhothai; also Jinghong (China)
- China Airlines - from/to Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Hong Kong Express - from/to Hong Kong
- Lao Aviation - from/to Laos
- Nok Air - from/to Bangkok & Udon Thani
- One-Two-Go (part of Orient Thai Airlines ) from/to Bangkok
- Silk Air - from/to Singapore
- Thai Airways - from/to Bangkok and Mae Hong Son; also Kunming (China); in addition, flights from and/or to Phuket & possibly Nan may also be available seasonally
- Tiger Airways - from/to Singapore
International departure hall at Chiang Mai AirportThe airport is some 3 km south-west of the city centre, only 10-15 minutes away by car. Legal airport taxis charge a flat 140 baht for up to 5 passengers anywhere in the city; if you take a metered taxi the price will be under 100 baht. The taxis operate from the exit at the north end of the terminal - after baggage claim and/or customs, walk into the reception hall and turn left. Alternatively, take bus #4 to the city center for 15 baht, or charter a tuk-tuk or songthaew for 50-60 baht. Most hotels and guesthouses offer cheap or free pick-up/drop-off services.
By bus
Buses to Chiang Mai leave from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Moh Chit). The cheapest, non-aircon, stop-everywhere government buses take around 12 hours; non-stop VIP 24-seaters manage the trip in 9 hours on a good day. Chiang Mai also has good bus connections to practically everywhere in the North, and major destinations/hubs in the North-East (Issan); there's even a direct service to Pattaya and Rayong in the East.
Buses to Chiang Mai leave from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Moh Chit). The cheapest, non-aircon, stop-everywhere government buses take around 12 hours; non-stop VIP 24-seaters manage the trip in 9 hours on a good day. Chiang Mai also has good bus connections to practically everywhere in the North, and major destinations/hubs in the North-East (Issan); there's even a direct service to Pattaya and Rayong in the East.
By train
Various rapid, express and sleeper services leave from Bangkok's Hualamphong station, taking 11+ hours for the trip. The day trains have only second and third class, with no sleeper berths. Sprinter trains are entirely second class air-con, also with no sleeping berths, and are the only ones which cannot transport bicycles.
Various rapid, express and sleeper services leave from Bangkok's Hualamphong station, taking 11+ hours for the trip. The day trains have only second and third class, with no sleeper berths. Sprinter trains are entirely second class air-con, also with no sleeping berths, and are the only ones which cannot transport bicycles.
The overnight trains - especially air-con and non-aircon second class sleepers - are very popular, safe, comfortable and fun; those who do not wish to share crowded "bathroom" facilities can book a private first class two-berth cabin (the attendant cleans the first class bathrooms frequently). In second class sleepers, the lower berth is more expensive than, but also wider than, the upper berth.
Tickets can be purchased up to 60 days in advance; advance booking is advisable, especially between November and March - see SRT timetables and prices.
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