Travel Tips and Adventures in Thailand: Chiang Mai and the Thai Highlands

Centered around the historic city of Chiang Mai, the northern part of Thailand is downright mystical. With stunning temples, Buddhist monks going about their business in the same way they’ve done for centuries, and bustling street markets that sell everything you didn’t even know you needed, this area is more than worth a visit. 

Chiang Mai also has one foot firmly in the future. A hub for digital nomads and entrepreneurs, this is a vibrant international city that makes a great base for exploring the Thai Highlands. Or simply explore the vibrant city itself and all of its winding streets, temples, shops, cafes and markets that are full of secrets to uncover. 

Buddhist Temple Flags Chiang Mai travel guide fountainof30
Buddhist Temple Flags Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Highlights

The old town itself is fascinating, with temples alongside fabulous restaurants and boutiques. You can explore the Chinatown markets by day and the night markets that pop up in different areas every night, and there is plenty of fabulous street food to sample. 

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Doi Suthep Chang Mai fountainof30
Doi Suthep Naga Temple Buddhist Statues Chang Mai
Doi Suthep temple fontaoinof30 travel guidde
Doi Suthep Temple Dragon

The Doi Suthep mountain overlooking the city is home to a stunning Naga (or dragon) temple and Buddhist relics and statues, with a sacred history that makes it worth the climb. Or you can drive up and take the cable car for expediency’s sake. Visiting the Wat Phra Singh temple in the city is also a must-do. You can see the monks performing ceremonies or simply going about their days, depending on when you visit. 

Elephant Nature Park Chang Mai highlands
Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai Thai Highlands
Elephant Nature Park Chang Mai baby elephant
Elephant Nature Park Baby Elephant
Jacqueline Zenn Elephant Nature Park Chang Mai fountainof30
At The Elephant Nature Park Chaing Mai

A visit to an ethical animal sanctuary is always a popular choice (we visited Elephant Nature Park), and for the more adventurously inclined, there are ziplines, jungle trekking, bamboo river rafting, and more. 

Flower Market Chiang Mai

If you want to pick up some souvenirs, head to whichever night market is happening that evening or check out the boutiques in Old Town Chiang Mai, where you can find unique jewelry and accessories, artwork and more. 

Finally, treat yourself to a Thai massage! They are super affordable and a great way to relax after clambering up a mountain or just a long flight.

Tamarind Village Chiang Mail Thailand
Tamarind Village

Chiang Mai Logistics

You can either stay in the city center (we chose Tamarind Village, a traditional Lanna house style hotel with all the modern conveniences and a beautiful courtyard pool) or outside the city in a mountain resort. Both have their benefits, but being in the heart of things might be more convenient. That way you can walk out of your door and grab a bite or pick up a ride on a tuk-tuk or rickshaw. 

Mae Trang River Jacqueline Zenn fountainof30
Mae Trang River

What to Pack for Chiang Mai

It’s hot and humid all year round, so keep that in mind. Stick to lightweight pieces in cotton or linen and you’ll be happiest; note that it is super easy to pick up casual pants and tops in the markets, and they are very inexpensive. So there’s no need to pack a bunch of options. You’ll be able to find pieces that are ideal for the climate there. 

Chiang Mai is a relaxed place, so you’ll be perfectly fine in tees and lightweight pants or even shorts. Note that when visiting temples you’ll need to have your shoulders covered and longer skirts or pants are necessary, but otherwise you can wear literally whatever you want and no one will take a second glance. 

For visiting animal sanctuaries or trekking in the jungles, your best outdoors gear is the ideal choice, since you’ll likely be getting muddy and traipsing through rainforests. Think Patagonia, Cotopaxi, and Columbia. And you’ll want a swimsuit and/or rashguard, since there are plenty of chances to jump in a waterfall! Finally, closed shoes that can handle mud, dust, and water are a necessity. 

Papaya Salad Chiang Mai-travel
Papaya Salad

What to Eat in Chiang Mai

Everything! The city’s most well-known dish might be Khao Soi, a coconut curry noodle dish, but it’s hard to go wrong in this foodie heaven.

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Spices at the Market

You can take a cooking class to learn how to make your favorites as well — and pick up some spices at the local markets to take the flavors home with you. 

Mae Trang River Chiang Mai travel fountainof30
Mae Trang River Bamboo Raft

Chiang Mai Day Trips

You can visit an animal sanctuary and meet some elephants, trek up to remote jungle villages, or even head to nearby Chiang Rai for more unique temples. Going zip-lining or river rafting on the Mae Trang river is a fun option as well, especially if you opt for a traditional bamboo raft. Chiang Mai also has some world-class golf courses if that’s your thing. 

Are you considering a trip to Thailand, or have you already been? Have you been to Chiang Mai and the northern Thai mountains? What did you do, where did you stay, and perhaps most importantly, what did you eat? Let us know in the comments or in our Growing Younger Facebook group! 

– Jacqueline Zenn

You may also like to read more of Jacqueline’s travel adventures. See Gloriously Chaotic Bangkok Thailand: Travel Tips, Adventures and How To Navigate, Travel Tips and Adventures in South Africa: The Safari Edition and Travel Into The Wild: The Best Ways To Explore Patagonia.

Photos: Jacqueline Zenn for Fountain Of 30

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