Things You Must Know Before Going to Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand and the capital of Chiang Mai Province. Located about 700 kilometres north of Bangkok, it lies in a valley surrounded by mountains along the Ping River. For centuries, its location has been an important trade link between Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and China. At around 300 metres above sea level, Chiang Mai is s cooler and less humid weather than much of Thailand, especially from November to February (KRABI & PHUKET WHAT TO DO).
Long Neck Village (Huay Pu Keng, Mae Hong Son)
Away from the city bustle lies the Long Neck Village, about 3 to 4 hours west of Chiang Mai. The distance may seem long, but for those who have seen photos of women wearing the gold-colored, long brass neck rings, it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Chiang Mai. There is an entrance fee to the village, ranging from 200 to 300 Thai Baht. Visiting smaller Long Neck villages closer to Chiang Mai may be cheaper.
From the entrance, you can walk through the village, where traditional wooden houses line the path. Along the way, you will see the women sitting in front of their houses or at small stalls, selling handmade crafts like scarves, casual clothes, and souvenirs. Also, weaving or other traditional crafts being made.
The ladies are quite accommodating if you want to take pictures with them. The walk ends at the far end of the village, which mostly offers similar sights, before you turn back to the entrance. You might even see younger children wearing the long brass neck rings.
Visiting Bai Orchid & Butterfly Farm, about 30 km northwest of Chiang Mai, feels like stepping into a magical kingdom of color. Rows upon rows of vibrant orchids, in various species and hues, are so beautiful that cameras won’t stop clicking.
The butterfly
farm, located within the same area, is a calming haven where butterflies
flutter freely. Whether flying high or low, resting on plants or the ground,
these butterflies truly create a paradise.
Time flies without even noticing. Before leaving, you can browse products like orchid clips, using preserved orchids, along with lacquerware and 24-karat gold-plated orchids. There are also brooches, pendants, framed butterflies, and other souvenirs available for purchasing.
For first-time visitors, Maetaeng Elephant Park & Clinic, located 20–30 minutes north of Chiang Mai, offers a refreshing experience.If you have been to an elephant park before, such as Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka (PLACES TO VISIT IN SRI LANKA), this feels like the next chapter, but in Thailand. The park focuses on ethical elephant care and conservation.
Your visit begins at the riverbanks, where
you can watch elephants bathe. It’s an enjoyable sight, especially when the
baby elephants play in the water. Feeding the elephants is part of the day’s
activities. You can buy bananas to feed them, and they won’t stop coming back
for more.
Elephant rides are optional. During the
ride through the jungle and natural surroundings, there are stops to purchase
more bananas to feed the elephant you are riding before the ride ends.
At a set time, visitors gather in an open-air arena, seated on wooden benches, for the Thailand Elephant Show. The elephants play games, kick footballs, and even paint pictures. All the paintings are available for sale on a first-come, first-served basis. A souvenir shop offers items to remember your visit. Finally, for those on a tour, a Thai buffet lunch is served at a restaurant within the park.
About 15 km northwest of Chiang Mai, perched atop a mountain, the visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple begins with a thrilling and anticipated ride up the winding 15 km mountain road. The journey doesn’t stop there. Visitors then take either a cable car or climb the 300 mythical Naga Serpent steps to reach the temple’s summit.
Founded in 1383, legend has it that a
sacred white elephant chose the site by circling the area and trumpeting three
times before lying down, signaling it was time to build the temple. The temple
was constructed to enshrine a relic believed to be a shoulder bone of the
Buddha. Over the centuries, it has grown and evolved, including the addition of
its iconic golden chedi in the 16th century.
Highlights include the temple’s central
golden spire, a replica of Bangkok’s Emerald Buddha statue, the White Elephant
shrine, and the world’s largest gong and line of bells. Beyond the pagodas,
statues, murals, bells, and museum, the temple is set against breathtaking
Chiang Mai mountain scenery.
Being at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple, one of Thailand’s top sights, feels like a journey in Buddha’s kingdom to pay respect and homage.
Visitors spending more than 2 to 3 days in Chiang Mai can visit other popular attractions beyond the main sights. Choices include:
Historic Temples in the Old City
Ancient temples featuring beautiful Lanna architecture and rich history inside
Chiang Mai’s old city walls.
Chiang Mai Night Safari
See nocturnal animals in natural-like habitats, with tram rides and live shows
for all ages.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Home to Thailand’s highest peak, waterfalls, hiking trails, and diverse plant
and animal life.
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
A large botanical garden with tropical and alpine plants, scenic walking paths,
and glasshouses.
Art in Paradise 3D Museum
An interactive museum with optical illusions and 3D paintings, ideal for fun
photos.
Warorot Market
A lively market selling fresh produce, textiles, souvenirs, and Northern Thai
street food.
Sticky Waterfall (Bua Thong Waterfall)
A waterfall with unique “sticky” rocks that allow visitors to climb safely.
What to Buy in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Across Thailand, you’ll find common items
like locally made clothes, shoes, handbags, and wall decorations. These are
available in night markets, bazaars, and shopping malls, including those in
Chiang Mai. However, Chiang Mai offers some unique shopping options that stand
out.
Leather Goods
Chiang Mai is known for locally made leather goods, handcrafted by skilled
artisans. Popular items include wallets, belts, bags, and shoes. The common
animal skins used here are mainly cowhide and snake skin (mostly python).
Cowhide leather is tanned and crafted locally in Thailand. It’s best to buy
from reputable leather outlets and check for quality before purchasing.
Cotton Products
Chiang Mai is well-known for traditional cotton farming and handweaving, thanks to its climate and soil suited for cotton cultivation. Much of the cotton is organically or naturally farmed, producing high-quality fabric. What makes it unique is the traditional weaving techniques practiced by local hill tribe communities and artisans in Chiang Mai and nearby areas. Cotton products include clothes, scarves, and other textiles.
Bird’s Nest in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a notable center for harvesting, processing, and selling edible
bird’s nest products, due to its natural environment. These bird’s nests are
prized as traditional health supplements. Shops offer a variety of products,
from raw nests to ready-to-drink bird’s nest beverages and supplements. A visit
to a bird’s nest outlet often includes a presentation about quality and samples
before you decide to buy.
Silver in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has a long history of silver craftsmanship, especially among hill
tribes and local artisans. Traditional techniques have been passed down through
generations, making the city a top destination for authentic silver goods. It’s
famous for high-quality silver jewelry, handicrafts, and decorative items. Silver
outlets offer demonstrations of how silver products are made, along with
displays for purchase.
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