Thailand

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Travel Guide and Tips: Chiang Mai

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Located in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a popular tourist destination. From digital nomads to adventurers, there's a tons of things you can do. 

Things to do

1) ELEPHANT CAMPS

One of the most popular attractions in Chiang Mai are the elephants. While there are many different camps to choose from, not all of them are ethical. Please make sure to do some research and choose one that treats their elephants well and doesn't offer elephant riding with saddles. Elephant Nature Park is well-liked and gets booked quickly. However, we went with Ran-Tong (Save and Rescue Elephant Centre). 

2) GRAND CANYON

About 17km away from the city centre is the Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai. It's a man-made quarry where many visitors go to cliff jump. The Tuang Thong Canyon View restaurant there offers wifi. You can get there by renting a scooter, hiring a red truck for the day or biking there if you're adventurous. There is an entrance fee of 50 baht per person.

Please note that we heard the quarry water is dirty. It can also be unsafe to swim in, so proceed with caution. 

3) Maya Mall

For a 20 baht red truck ride from the city centre, you can visit the city mall. You can find a mixture of western stores and other tourist stores. We went there for their movie theatre (SFX CINEMA Maya Chiangmai - check here for movie times). Make sure to choose the (E) for english movies with Thai subtitles. 

4) Massages

Massages are fairly cheap in Chiang Mai (140 baht+). There are many spas you can choose from, low-end to high-end. They all offer a variety of massages, so you can choose the type that suits you. We went to Lila Thai Massage, a centre run by ex-inmates. 

5) Night Market

This was probably our favourite part of Chiang Mai. The night markets runs on Saturdays and Sundays (on different streets). Vendors fill the street with stalls of food, clothing, trinkets and western-influenced souvenirs. It's really fun just to walk the streets, pick up some grub and check out what everyone is selling. Just note that it gets really busy. 

6) Temples in the City Centre

There are many temples spread through the city centre that you can visit. You can easily spend a whole day wandering about and checking out every temple.There are three major temples located within the city centre. Our favourite Wat Chedi Luang. Just make sure to wear respective clothing (shoulders covered, no revealing tops and nothing showing above the knees). 

7) Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

This is probably the most popular temple in Chiang Mai. Instead of taking a red truck taxi all the way up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, you can turn it into a half day hike. If you do the hike, you can also see Wat Phra Lat temple (no entrance fee). 

Once you reach Wat Phra That, there is an entrance fee of 30 baht per person. It's heavily tourist-friendly, so keep that in mind. 

8) Doi Inthanon National Park

It's located about 2 hours away from Chiang Mai, so it's a bit harder to reach. The best way to get there is either by renting a car/motorbike, going with a tour or you can hire a red truck for the day. The park houses the tallest mountain in Thailand, has waterfalls and temples to see. There's a 300 baht entrance fee. 

9) Other Activities

Chiang Mai offers other things to do like watching a Muay Thai match, cooking classes or visiting the waterfalls. 

Where to eat

Chiang Mai Gate

Chiang Mai Gate is where all the locals eat. Around 6 p.m., the vendors will set up their carts selling a variety of Thai food for a cheap price. Shop around to pick a place that you like. They usually have tables and chairs, so it works similar to how a regular restaurant works. 

There's also a cart selling fruit shakes for 20 baht! 

Thapae Gate

The area around Thapae Gate has a ton of restaurants to try out. There's a mix of both Western and Thai restaurants. Since it's a restaurant, it'll cost a bit more than street food. But you'll have more options. There's a cart that sells rotee and crepes. 

Where to stay

Teeraya Boutique Guesthouse

Located outside the square near Chiang Mai Gate, the guesthouse has Wi-Fi, a swimming pool and clean rooms. 

 

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Getting Massages from Former Inmates in Chiang Mai

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Lila Thai Massage was created to support the lives of newly released inmates and offer them a chance to integrate back into the community. Just to be clear, these women are fully trained professional massage therapists as they've taken a 180 hour massage training course. 

I found the prices here to be fairly low compared to the other places in Chiang Mai. Plus, it's helping out a good cause. We went to their Prapokklao location, but you can check their website for others. 

They offer a variety of different massages, body and facial treatments. You can also get manicures and pedicures.

Our Experiences

When entering the massage centre, you'll be required to remove your shoes at the front door. Depending how busy it is, you should be able to choose and get your massage right away. Just note that I've heard that it can get really busy, so try to go at off-peak times or make a reservation. 

Once your masseuse is ready, she'll take you to the back to get your feet washed. You'll then be given dainty little slippers to walk in. They'll also offer you tea. 

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Cee went for the Thai Body Massage (200 baht). She was given a change of clothes and then taken to a room with several beds. A Thai Body Massage isn't what you would consider relaxing. It involves stretching and being placed in yoga positions. 

The whole body is worked from the feet to the head, including a scalp massage. It can be painful at times, but you feel very refreshed afterwards. Overall, it's a good massage and experience.

 
Massage bed for the oil body massage

Massage bed for the oil body massage

 

On the other hand, I opted for the oil body massage (450 baht). Before going into a private room and changing out of my clothes, I had the chance to choose my oil. They had several choices and descriptions on how it would affect you. I went for Jasmine. 

My massage started with my legs before she worked her way to my back, arms and neck. It was pretty relaxing until she tried to get rid of the knots in my back. Overall, I really enjoyed it! 

Also, remember to tip your masseuse (50-100 baht)!  

Happy Relaxing! 

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Exploring Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai

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To get to Wat Phra That temple, you can either hike or take a red truck here for 60 baht per person from the city centre. Just beware that they might switch trucks on the way, so make sure you confirm the price before you enter the second truck.

Once you reach the car park area, head up to where Naga (serpent) Staircase is. You'll pass tourist vendors along the way if you want to grab a snack or souvenirs. The intricately designed staircase has over 300 steps, so get ready for a mini workout. 

Once you reach the top, you'll need to buy a ticket to enter Wat Phra That. It costs 30 baht per person. Spend your time exploring the area and paying your respects.

Please note that when you enter the temple, you need to dress conservatively: shoulders and knees covered, no revealing tops and nothing disrespectful to Buddha or the King. You'll also need to remove your shoes before entering a temple. 

 

 
 

Happy Exploring! 

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Hiking the Monk's Trail Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai

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If you're looking to escape the city, try hiking the Monk's Trail up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The two hour hike takes you through a jungle to Wat Phra Lat Temple before a strenuous hike uphill to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. 

Hiking to Wat Phra Lat Temple 

The entrance of the trail starts at the end of Doi Suthep Road, past Chiang Mai University and behind Chiang Mai zoo. We took a red truck (red songthaews) to this point (20 baht each). This can be confusing to explain to a driver, since he originally took us to the wrong place. Just make sure you say Doi Suthep Road! 

End of Doi Suthep Road

When you reach the end of Doi Suthep Road, go right and continue past the signs for Chiang Mai Zoo. From here, the road will take you uphill for 5-10 minutes. Along the way, you'll pass a building on your left. 

Hike past the signs for Chiang Mai Zoo.

The uphill road. 

Just keep walking on the road for a few more minutes and you'll reach the entrance of the trail. You know you're there when you see the red and white TV Tower on your right. There will be orange cloth wrapped around the trees to mark the entrance. 

Entrance of the Monk's Trail. 

The 30-45 minute hike to Wat Phra Lat Temple is a little rocky, but heavily marked. Monks frequent the trail, so it is well maintained. The trail itself isn't too difficult, as you can see many people hiking in sandals. 

Orange markers

Once you reach Wat Phra Lat Temple, you can enjoy a break on the rocks. The atmosphere is very serene and tranquil as the temple is situated in a jungle by a river. 

Hiking to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

To get to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, it's going to take an hour and 15 minutes from this point. When you're ready, head back to the trail.

The trail will lead you up a steep section up to the road. Once you reach the road, head left along the rail. Look out for a yellow arrow painted on the road pointing across the street. Cross the street at this point and you should see an orange cloth marker on the tree.

This trail isn't as consistently marked, but well-travelled. So, watch out for any yellow paint markers on the ground. There's one section where you'll reach a fork in the trail. Take a left at this point. The trail will eventually turn into clay stairs until you reach the road, so get ready to walk up some steps. 

Beginning of the trail, after crossing the road. 

Clay steps

Once you reach the road, make sure to walk up the shoulder to get to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. We were advised against taking the trail to the right of the road due to aggressive wild dogs. However, it's up to your own discretion. 

Notes:

  • Make sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, bug spray and snacks.

Happy Hiking! 

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Playing With Elephants: Ran-Tong (Save & Rescue Elephant Centre) in Chiang Mai

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Please do your research and find an elephant camp that is ethical for a meaningful volunteer contribution. Elephants should not be ridden with a saddle. 

Ran-Tong is one of the many elephant rescue camps located north of the city centre. Established in 2009, it's one of the newer camps that offers bareback riding, no riding, rehabilitation and elephant spa programs.

We opted for the no riding program where you spend your time with baby and younger elephants. In this program, you can play and wrestle, walk, prepare snacks (chopping sugar cane) and bathe the elephants. 

Our Experience

When we first arrived at Ran-Tong, we received a change of clothing, a hat and a satchel with a water bottle. We were then taken down to where the elephants were kept. From the first glance, you could see two younger elephants tied to a pole and the mama elephant in her pen. 

Baby Ran-Tong was extremely friendly and ran up to greet us. As the first baby elephant born, she was named Ran-Tong after the centre. At four months old, she was already 110 kilograms! You can definitely feel her weight when she wrestles with you or playfully sits on you. 

We spent some time getting to know baby Ran-Tong and learning more about the history of the centre. Our guide was quite knowledgable on elephants because he spent the last 18 years working with them. 

We were then put to work and taught how to cut sugar cane as a treat for the elephants. Be careful as the knives are pretty sharp. Sugar cane to elephants is like candy to us. Since it doesn't come naturally in their habitat, they should only eat it in moderation. 

After stuffing our satchel with these sweet treats, we were ready to walk them. The elephants knew what was going on and were a little too excited to walk with us. With their keen sense of smell, they would try to snatch the goodies from our bag. 

The short walk eventually led to a pond where you bathe the elephants. Like us, elephants don't like cold water. So, it was really hard to get the both of us into the water. After splashing the elephants, they accepted bath time and submerged themselves into the water. 

We then walked back to the main centre, changed out of our wet clothes and had lunch waiting for us. 

Notes:

  • We lucked out and had a small group of only four of us. We heard it can be as little as two people and up to about 10 people. 
  • We noticed that you don't really walk the elephants. It felt like it was more feeding than walking the elephants. 
  • The hostel we're staying at (Teeraya Boutique Guesthouse) has an affiliation with Ran-Tong, so we booked it through them. It cost us 1800 baht each for a half day (morning/afternoon). 
  • Remember to bring sunscreen, bug spray, camera and a swimsuit! You will get pretty wet so consider wearing a swimsuit underneath.
  • You can purchase their photos on a CD (300 baht), USB (500 baht) or Dropbox (300 baht). We ended up buying the Dropbox, but we noticed the picture quality isn't that great since they're not professional photographers. 
  • Please note that the mama elephant is in her pen the whole time. Otherwise, she would be very protective of her baby and dangerous to us. Ran-Tong does not separate the mom and baby. Baby Ran-Tong was initially following us for the walk, but when Mom called her, she ran back home. 

Fun Elephant Facts:

  • Asian elephants have large brains like us! They also have an insanely large amount of muscles in their trunks - all 100,000 (and more?) of them.
  • Their major predators these days are bees and snakes. Asian elephants have thick skin but their blood vessels are closer to the top. Tigers are no longer in the wild.
  • Asian elephants perspire through their toes and sometimes their eyes. They will lose most of their fur as they learn to regulate their body temperature by throwing water and mud onto their backs.
  • Their growth rate and life span is similar to humans. 
 
 

Happy Volunteering!