Chiang Mai is way more laid back than Bangkok, you might be asked if you want a Tuk-Tuk ride and if you say no, they go on about their business instead of being hassled like Bangkok so it was refreshing. It has something for everyone and is worth a visit.
Getting Around
From the airport into Chiang Mai, take a taxi that is right outside that has a set price of 120 Baht. If you stay near the town centre you can walk everywhere which allows you to take more in. I suggest taking a Tuk-Tuk here (If you want to take one) even though it is a bit more expensive because they are less pushy and the traffic is not as bad as Bangkok. I also would suggest hiring a taxi driver to take you around the local area to the places you want to over one or two days. It sounds expensive but can save you time and money.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Centura Dungtawan Hotel and we paid £75 for 3 days which was perfect! It was close to the night markets and within walking distance of everything. The rooms were nice and the pool was great!
Wat Phrasingha
Wat Phrasingha dates back to 1325 and is the largest temple in Chiang Mai.
We paid 20 Baht to get in.
Wat Chedi Luang
This was free to walk around. The Emerald Buddha was once housed here. The chedi was damaged in an earthquake in 1465 but is still worth the visit. You can imagine how impressive it was. It also has a great display explaining the different Buddha poses.
Night Markets
We took a wonder down to the night markets. I personally think that you should get your souvenirs in Chiang Mai and not Bangkok as they are cheaper and the people are not as pushy. The one thing is that all the stuff is the same. Another tip: go shopping after the hill tribe village as you can get things cheaper from the hill tribes and it goes back to preserving their culture.
'O' Our Tour Guide
A Godsent! O picked us up at the airport and offered us his services to take us around the local area. He took us around for one day and we went to the Elepahnt Camp, Tiger Kingdom, Hill Tribe Village and Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep.
He was great at answering our random questions, giving us guidance so that we can be respectful whilst visiting temples (he was a monk for 5 years) and was worth more than he charged us. I highly recommend you go with O or at least use a taxi driver to get you around rather than doing tours setup for groups.
His number is 089-5561352.
His price was 1000 Baht for 3 trips and 1500 Baht for 4.
Maetamann Elephant, Ox Cart and Bamboo Raft
Elephants are sacred animals to the Thai people. You will see them all over the country in statues. They are treated like a member of the family.
This was one of the other things Jon said we had to do. At Maetamann Elephant Camp, we got to see them bathe, they did a show demonstrating their skills, we had a long ride with them, followed by riding an ox cart, lunch and finished with a bamboo raft. We paid for 3000 for the both of us.
Another must do on Jon's list. This was an amazing experience! At Tiger Kingdom, the tigers are not drugged or chained. You are told not to touch their paws, head or ears and not to approach them from behind. It is so hot during the day, that tigers sleep during the day and are up at night. They are around people a lot and hardly take any notice. They are also under 2 years old so the hormones haven't kicked in so when they do the tiger is moved to a zoo. I was a bit weary of the larger tigers but you could feel the confidence the handlers had and they do pay attention as one tourist touched the paw and they were quickly corrected. We paid 1550 Baht each to see the smallest, small and big tigers.
Baan Tong Luang- Hill Tribe Village
This one was on my list! I have seen pictures of the ladies in the National Geographic but wanted to see for myself. Bann Tong Luang is a village which allows the people to conserve their culture and crafts. I got a few things here for my family. O told us that its okay to take pictures but its polite to ask first.
The long neck ladies from the Padaung tribe, used to wear these to protect themselves from tigers. They no longer wear them except for girls born on the full moon will wear them to preserve the tradition.
We paid 500 Baht, if you went with a tour group you will pay 1500 Baht.
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is on top of a hill and offers the most amazing view of Chiang Mai. It was built in 1384 and you have to walk up 290 stairs to get there but its worth it! Relics of Buddha are buried here so it is very sacred. The legend is a white elephant was carrying the holy relics and walked up the hill and stopped twice. Once he reached the top, he circled 3 times and died and they built a temple here.
O told us that before you start taking pictures inside, go in and walk clockwise 3 times right around the chedi to show respect. If there is a monk in the temple, sit down and take a picture (you should never be higher than a monk) If a monk does a blessing (he will usually wait until there are, men can go up, say 'Sa-Tu' and get a bracelet and wear it for at least 3 days. If there is a nun (female in white), women can go to her, say 'Sa-Tu', otherwise go to the monk and open your hand and he will drop it. We paid 30 Baht to get in.
Saturday Walking Market
We were able to go to the Saturday Market while we were there and it was worth the visit. It is a long market and it has different things than you will see in the Night Market. I got a few goodies here.
Wat Chiang Man
This is the oldest temple and the chedi was amazing as it has elephants carved all around.
This was free to visit.
Chiang Mai Saloon
The Chiang Mai Saloon became our second home. It has great food, friendly staff and free Wifi so you can upload your great pics from the day and relax!