Discover Chiang Mai: Temples & Street Food Safari

Discover the beauty and culture of Chiang Mai without breaking the bank.

22 June 2023

Chiang Mai is a popular destination for budget travelers in Thailand. Visitors can indulge in local food, explore historic temples, and experience the stunning natural beauty of the region, all without breaking the bank. With budget accommodations and plenty of free or low-cost activities to choose from, Chiang Mai is an affordable and rewarding destination for those looking to fully immerse themselves in Thai culture.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Temples and Street Food

  • Kick off the day with a visit to Wat Phra Singh, a stunning temple known for its intricate gold detailing and serene gardens.
  • Take a stroll through the Sunday Walking Street Market for some of the cheapest and tastiest street food in the city, including pad thai, mango sticky rice, and grilled meats.
  • Head to Wat Chedi Luang for a glimpse of the famous Emerald Buddha statue and climb to the top of the temple to take in breathtaking city views.
  • Grab a refreshing coconut or fruit smoothie from one of the many stalls lining the streets.
  • Explore the maze-like Warorot Market, known for its array of colorful textiles, handmade goods, and fresh produce at dirt-cheap prices.
  • Wrap up the day at Jok Sompet Market, a night market perfect for snacking on skewered meats, fried insects, and spicy soups.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Chiang Mai by plane is to fly into Chiang Mai International Airport, which is located just a few kilometers from the city center. Major airlines like Thai Airways, Air Asia, and Bangkok Airways provide regular flights to Chiang Mai from major cities in Thailand and other countries.

Car

The best way to get to Chiang Mai by car is to drive from Bangkok or other major cities in Thailand. The journey can take anywhere from 8-12 hours depending on the traffic and road conditions. The fastest route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is via the Asian Highway 1, which runs through several provinces in central Thailand.

Train

The best way to get to Chiang Mai by train is to take the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok. The train takes around 12-15 hours to reach Chiang Mai and arrives at the Chiang Mai Railway Station in the city center. The train is a popular option among travelers because it offers comfortable beds and beautiful scenery along the way.

Boat

There is no way to reach Chiang Mai by boat as it is located in the northern part of Thailand and surrounded by mountains. However, there are several scenic boat tours available in Chiang Mai that take visitors along the Mae Ping River and through the beautiful natural scenery of the region.

Bus

The best way to get to Chiang Mai by bus is to take one of the many buses that operate between Chiang Mai and other cities in Thailand. Most of the buses depart from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) and arrive at the Chiang Mai Bus Terminal, which is located in the city center. The journey takes around 10-12 hours depending on the traffic and road conditions.

Destination

Chiang Mai

If Thailand's bustling cities and tourist-saturated beaches have you feeling more frazzled than relaxed, it's time to trade in the chaos for a little northern serenity in the heart of the land of smiles. Welcome to Chiang Mai, where the mountains are misty and the only thing more plentiful than the temples are the stray dogs.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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