SHARE TRAVEL NEWS: How to explore The Best of Everything in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Elaborately decorated dragons at a temple (wat) in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Chiang Mai, Thailand is one of the few cities in the world that I have found endlessly livable. I loved the year I spent living as an expat and enjoying the culture, food, and history. I spent a fair bit of my time glued to my computer — I work as a I travel and have for years continued freelance consulting. But with a year, I explored plenty of this pretty city and found many favorite spots I would return to time and again. Some of the spots mentioned here are in all the guidebooks — they’re there for a reason! But other spots are local haunts known to the expat community (and now you!)

This page shares all of my favorite places, photos, tips and recommendations. In many cases, after several emails from friends asking for tips, I decided to collect all these emailed insider tips into one spot. If you’re thinking of living in Chiang Mai for a few months, or a few years, I also have a wildly popular cost of living breakdown for Thailand, as well as other popular expat spots. I also have a Thailand Travel Guide, it has everything you should know before you visit. For this city guide, it’s far from comprehensive, but rather a “getting started” guide for visitors to town. Below you’ll find: a selection of my favorite vegetarian eats around town; the sights, temples and markets you shouldn’t miss; places to stay; and the more popular (and ethical) of the day-trips around Chiang Mai.

Wats (Temples)Plan on dedicating at least a day to exploring the temples around Chiang Mai. This region of Thailand has the densest concentration of wats in the entire country — there’s a lot to see. Rent a bike from any of the local vendors in the backpacker area of town (Northwest corner inside the moat). Then explore Chiang Mai by winding your bike through the narrow lanes and back alleys and into all the nooks and crannies holding temples, statues, buddhas, dragons, and more. There are a lot of Wats. Pick a few, wake up early, and visit before it gets too hot and crowded. My four favorites, listed here, are all must-visits and have unique aspects that make them distinct among the city’s many options. ...... keep reading ...... http://bit.ly/2w884qq