View App
View app

How to spend 48 hours in Chiang Mai

Details

Curated selection of points

Megan Arkinstall spends TWO DAYS exploring cool, calm and collected Chiang Mai.

Thailand’s unofficial second city is a stark contrast to bustling Bangkok, but while this less frenetic city’s charm may lie in its unhurried vibe, its creative and culinary scenes are booming.

Expand
2
Wat Phra Singh
With more than 300 temples in Chiang Mai, temple hopping may seem like an overwhelming task. Thankfully the Old City is easily navigable.
8
Riverside Bar & Restaurant
Just down the road is The Riverside Bay & Restaurant.
1
Akha Ama Coffee La Fattoria
Start your day on the right foot with a coffee from Akha Ama Coffee La Fattoria, located in Chiang Mai’s Old City.
3
Grandma’s Khao Soi
Khao Soi, the famous curry noodle dish of the north, is so good at Grandma’s Khao Soi it often sells out before 1pm.
4
Fah Lanna Spa
Beat the afternoon heat for a couple of hours and retreat to Fah Lanna Spa. Located in a quiet street in the northern part of the Old City.
5
Forest Bake
Sweet-toothed travellers will love family-owned boutique bakery Forest Bake, which is housed in an adorable petite log cabin.
6
Vieng Joom on Teahouse
If you’re a tea lover, be sure to stop at the oh-so-pretty Vieng Joom on Teahouse.
7
Woo Cafe
Stop in for an early dinner at Woo Cafe.
9
137 Pillars House
Retreat back to 137 Pillars House, Housed in the former northern headquarters for the East Borneo Trading Company.
10
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Start your day at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the country’s most sacred temples.
11
Nimmanhaemin Road
Back down to Earth, Nimmanhaemin Road (or Nimman, as it is commonly known) is a trendy area with a heap of hipster-style cafes, premium shop
12
Think Park
Located at the northern end of Nimmanhaemin Road is Think Park.
13
Rustic & Blue
There are plenty of places to lunch in the Nimman area, but a popular pick is Rustic and Blue, an eclectic cafe with a farm-to-table ethos.
14
Bo Sang Handicraft Centre
If you’re an arts & crafts buff, be sure to make your way to Bo Sang Handicraft Centre on San Kamphaeng Rd, 10km south-east of the Old City.
15
MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum
Take the time to visit MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum, a converted warehouse with a striking mirrored facade.
16
Night Markets
It’s time to hit the night markets.
17
Jack Bain’s Bar
After a busy day of shopping and eating, head to the cosy surrounds of Jack Bain’s Bar - Back at 137 Pillars House
Read more
Made with alpaca.travel