I visited this charming town for the first time in July 2024, and honestly, I was blown away by how much this lovely town offers!

If you’re anything like me—a traveler who loves to soak in the culture, relax, and savor each moment—Chiang Mai might just steal your heart.

When people think of Thailand, they usually picture sun-kissed beaches and vibrant nightlife. But Chiang Mai, the largest city in Northern Thailand, is a hidden gem with a completely different vibe.

I spent a week here, slowly unraveling its beauty, culture, and flavors. Here’s a peek into my experience and some recommendations and tips for your next trip to Chiang Mai.

Coffee Shops: The Heartbeat of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is hands-down the coffee capital of Thailand. Everywhere I turned, there was a cute café offering delicious brews.

I explored a few street-side gems that quickly became my favorites:

• Old Town Café – A cozy little spot for a great coffee and conversation experience. A must-try if you’re a fan of a cozy cafe with beautiful decor and good brews. Their lemon honey tea was great too!

• Good Shot Coffee – Perfect for no-nonsense coffee aficionados who love enjoying a great cuppa. Their menu is limited but their ‘dirty coffee’ was super refreshing in the monsoon rains, and I enjoyed it with some fresh croissants.

• Rich Coffee House – Grab a seat outside and people-watch while sipping your latte.
• Fahatara Café – My absolute favorite and a must-recommend!
  • Picture this: an open-air spa-like section designed like a lush rainforest, with red umbrellas next to a revolving wheel. The ambiance here was so serene, I could’ve stayed all day.
  • Their breakfast was divine, especially when paired with a refreshing cold brew. They have good vegan options too.

Cocktail & Jazz Bars and Nightlife: Chiang Mai’s Best-Kept Secrets

Chiang Mai isn’t just about coffee; the cocktail scene here is vibrant and unique.

During my week, I stumbled upon many cocktail bars, but I highly recommend these two exceptional speakeasies and a jazz bar:

• The White Rabbit – A funky bar hidden behind a hard-to-find unassuming door. It felt like a wonderland for cocktail lovers.

• Gladwell Cocktail Bar – Another bar with a cool vibe. The bartenders were super friendly and made fantastic recommendations. Trust me, ask them for local bar tips—they’re super knowledgeable and eager to help.

• Northgate Jazz Co-op – Not a speakeasy or a cocktail bar but a must-recommend jazz bar. The energy here was incredible. People gathered in the streets to listen, dance, and soak in the live jazz every single night. The music was lively and soulful, and the crowd was so welcoming.

The Nightlife in Chiang Mai can be quite vibrant too and full of tourists and locals enjoying themselves alike!

If you’re in the mood to let loose, head to Zoe in Yellow in Old Town.

This place was buzzing with energy on the weekend, offering live music, fun beats, and affordable drinks. It’s a great spot to end a long day of sightseeing.

Foodie’s Paradise: Indulgent Restaurants To Try

For a foodie like me, Chiang Mai was paradise. The culinary scene here is diverse, but two restaurants stood out:

• 1921 House at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort – The setting here was simply beautiful, and the food? Exquisite! Their wine and drink selections were top-notch, and the whole experience was absolutely luxurious.

• The House by Ginger – Nestled in an old colonial mansion, this Michelin-starred restaurant offered a delightful fusion of flavors. It’s easy to see why it’s received so many awards—the food was heavenly and the servers extremely polite, helpful, and friendly.

Street Food Tours: A Flavorful Adventure

One of my favorite parts of the trip was the street food tour.

I joined a group led by a local guide, and we spent the evening sampling all kinds of street eats.

From spicy khao soi (a Northern Thai coconut curry noodle dish) to Nam Prik Ong (a tomato-based chili dip) to the local favorite dessert mango sticky rice, the flavors were bold and diverse.

I was a little worried after a recent bout of food poisoning (not in Thailand), but the guide assured us that hygiene standards were top-notch. And they really were!

Every stall had bottled water, the guide carried sanitizers for everyone and everything that we ate was freshly prepared. Not a single stomachache in sight.

Exploring Chiang Mai’s Natural Beauty and Other Unique Experiences

Nature Trails:

If you’re craving nature, Chiang Mai won’t disappoint.

I spent a day hiking through a nature trail that led me to a tribal village, where they grow coffee plantations all around.

We sat down with the locals, sipped freshly brewed coffee, and shared a meal. It was an experience I’ll never forget.

Waterfalls:

Another highlight was visiting the waterfalls, a must-see attraction.

Though the waterfalls were in full flow due to the monsoon, the sight of water cascading over the rocks was mesmerizing.

I’d heard that in the dry season, visitors can actually climb the waterfall due to its stickiness (mineral deposits), but during my visit, I was content to be drenched just standing nearby!

Massages:

A trip to Thailand wouldn’t be complete without indulging in a few massages, right?

Chiang Mai has no shortage of massage parlors, from luxury resorts to street-side shops.

I squeezed in a couple of sessions and left feeling rejuvenated.

While they are not as prevalent as in and around Bangkok or perhaps can not rival Bangkok’s top spas, they were definitely worth every baht.

Temples:

Temples, of course, are everywhere in Chiang Mai. While I explored a few only near the Old Town, the White Temple in nearby Chiang Rai is worth the day trip if you have time.

Relaxing in the Old Town

I stayed in the Old Town area, which turned out to be the heart of all the action.

It’s the historical center of Chiang Mai, brimming with cultural landmarks and laid-back streets.

Apart from the regular cafes, bars, and restaurants, there are also certain legalized herbs that the adventurous ones can explore if they wish.

Other than relaxing, I booked two tours through Get Your Guide, both of which were well-organized and informative.

You can book walking tours, bicycle tours, cooking tours, and many other tours from Airbnb, Get Your Guide, Viator, etc.

Apart from the above, I even noticed a number of tattoo shops in Old Town. If you’re thinking about getting inked, the designs and hygiene standards here are impressive!

Chiang Mai’s Cultural Charm

One thing that struck me about Chiang Mai is how well it balances old-world charm with modern comforts.

The remnants of the old city wall still stand proudly, adding a sense of history to this bustling town.

Exploring the Old Town feels like stepping back in time, but you’re never far from a trendy café or restaurant.

And don’t leave without trying Northern Thai dishes like sai oua (Northern Thai sausage). It’s spicy, fragrant, and absolutely delicious!

Final Thoughts

I fell in love with Chiang Mai’s laid-back vibe, vibrant culture, and incredible food scene.

Whether you’re sipping coffee in a rainforest café, hiking through lush trails, or enjoying the local nightlife, there’s something for everyone here.

I spent a week in Chiang Mai and still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface.

If you’re heading to Chiang Mai, make sure to take it slow and savor every moment.

I can’t wait to go back and explore more of this magical city.

Final Tips & Tricks

1. Take it slow: Tourists here are not the usual – they are mostly oof-beat or slow travelers who enjoy relaxing and taking in the charm of the old town and explore their artistic pursuits.
2. Wander the streets: One of the best ways to get to know Chiang Mai is by simply walking around Old Town. You’ll discover hidden temples, charming boutique stores, and delicious street food stalls.
3. Use local transport/ Grab App: Chiang Mai (Old Town area) is quite walkable, but for longer distances, hop on a Songthaew (a red pickup truck converted into a shared taxi). Another option is to use the Grab app which is extremely convenient and quick to book a cab, order a takeout etc. I have used this app in many south-east Asian countries and it never disappoints.
4. What To Wear: Since I visited in July, which falls during Chiang Mai’s monsoon season, it’s essential to be prepared for both heat and rain. Wear light and breathable clothing. Evenings can be cooler, so carry a light shawl/jacket. For monsoon weather, pack a light, waterproof jacket. If you are not carrying a rain jacket, you can get a poncho from any of the 7-elevens.
5. What to carry: I recommend carrying a small backpack with essentials like water, sunscreen, bug spray, and an umbrella or poncho.
6. Keep Cash on Hand: While some cafés and restaurants take credit cards, many smaller shops, markets, and street food vendors only accept cash. ATMs are widely available, but it’s good to carry small denominations for easier transactions.
7. Stay Hydrated and Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes