Chiang Mai, Thailand
Northern Thailand was a dream! I was there in early March and the weather was mild and dry and the old town was so charming. I made some friends in our hostel and had a great time! Seeing the elephants is something I’ll never forget!
CHIANG MAI, THAILAND IN 3 DAYS
Day 1 : Arrive and transfer to hostel. Check out Chiang Mai Old Town either on your own or through a pre-booked walking tour. I wish I had done this in advance but had not so I was on my own to wander around from temple to temple. I also had a Thai massage this day and 10/10 would recommend.
Day 2: Visit an elephant sanctuary! There seem to be many but after some research the Elephant Nature Park was the most talked about and most positively reviewed. This was the only thing I booked in advance other than my hostel since it was the entire reason I was in Chiang Mai. My day trip departed at 8:30am and returned around 3:30PM. We fed, walked with and bathed the elephants. It was totally amazing!
Day 3: Shopping/Temple exploring. I’d not been wearing proper attire to go inside the temples on my first day, so armed with leggings, a t-shirt and my DSLR, I set out to take as many photos of the temples as I had the energy for. Afterwards, I went a little overboard and shopped till I dropped. Pro tip: a mid-day smoothie will revive you!
WHERE TO STAY:
Hostel Lullaby - low-key vibes
Hug Hostel - high-key vibes
WHERE TO EAT
Cozy Corner
Aroon (Rai) restaurant
Amazing Alley (smoothies and bowls)
Night Market - the Cowgirl stand - of Anthony Bordain fame. Just grab a seat at the little tables and someone will come over to take your order. If you’re looking for a full meal get the large!
WHAT TO DO
Thai Maggage
Thai Cooking Class
Visit Elephants - Elephant Nature Park (I did the Love for Elephants day trip)
Tour Temples
Day Trip to Chiang Rai
WHERE TO SHOP
Love 70’s - Vintage clothing store for men and women, specializing in the 1970’s. Two shops in CM! Singharat Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
See You Soon - Very cute clothing boutique adjacent to the SYS cafe. On the expensive side though. I liked to imagine its where the buyers from Free People source their summer stuff. 97 Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
ChiangMai Cotton - Very simple, well-made things. Would bring my mother here. Not cheap.
Chiang Mai Sunday Market - As advertised, only on Sundays! Generally open 5pm - 10pm
Chiang Mai Night Market - Rachadamnoen Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand