Madame travels - 3 days in Chiang Mai

by Aude
 
Nested in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai is a beautiful gem easily accessible from Hong Kong. Book your flight, pack your stuff, I am taking you out of the 852 for three days mixing history, culture, nature and gastronomy.
 

 
3 companies offers daily direct flights between Hong Kong and Chiang Mai: Air Asia, Cathay Dragon and HK Express.
I find the last one to have the most convenient hours if you are tight on days off:  

Departing flight – 3h35: 4.45pm (HK) / 7.20pm (Chiang Mai)

Return flight – 2h45: 8pm (Chiang Mai) / 11.45pm (HK)

 
The airport is just a short ride from the old city so grab a taxi (or ask your hotel to arrange pick-up) and you should be able to reach your accommodation quickly and easily.
 

 
The most famous part of Chiang Mai is the Old City area, home of hundreds temples, super yummy restaurants and the best place to wander the streets and get lost. I would therefore recommend looking for an accommodation within the old town area or walking distance from it.  But if what you are looking for is too relax and indulge in a stunning landscape then I also have a great place to recommend. 

 

On a budget: Viang Tapae Resort
A small nice and friendly hotel within 5 min walking distance of Tha Pae Gate, the main gate of the Old City wall, but also from the Warorot Market and the Night Market. 
My stay there was actually quite nice. The hotel is small enough to be quiet but still have two (small) pools which is always nice.
 

Madame’s tips: The staff is super helpful so do not hesitate to ask for help: they helped me booked various transportations and a nice day-trip to Doi Ithanon National Park.
Also do not forget to check the small rooftop, it makes the perfect quiet spot for a bit of sunbathing if you are into that. 

 

Looking to treat yourself: Four Seasons Chiang Mai
Nested on the terrace fields of the Mae Rim Valley, the hotel is a real heavenly kingdom. The landscape is absolutely stunning and if you are looking for beauty, peace, luxury and pleasure you will love it. Better warn you, the hotel is 30-40 min far from Chiang Mai old town and even though they offer daily complimentary shuttle bus service and paying limousine service it may not be the best option if you wish to spend your days wandering the streets of Chiang Mai and exploring temples without having to wonder about the shuttle bus schedule. But if what you are looking for is a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle in a stunning environment then you will love it!

Madame’s tips: Even if not staying there the hotel is definitely worth checking. Why don’t you treat yourself to a drink at the bar, at sunset, overlooking the rice fields (done and approved)?
 

 
Founded in 1296 and home to hundred Buddhist temples Chiang Mai is the perfect city where to get lost. You won’t of course have time to see everything in 3 days but some temples are definitely worth checking.

Wat Chedi Luang built in 1441 is probably one of the most famous temple of Chiang Mai Old Town. Its towering pagoda (chedi) is quite unique and distinctive.

Madame’s tips: best time to visit Wat Chedi Luang is at sunset when most of the crowd is gone (being one of the most famous temple in town it is also one of the most crowded) and the pagoda is illuminated creating a quite mystical atmosphere. 

 

Wat Phra Sing is the most revered temple in Chiang Mai. The temple is mainly known for its beautiful mosaic-inlaid assembly hall which murals tells the lives of local hundreds of years ago. 

 

Unlike the two previous ones, Wat Srisuphan is located outside the area of the old town (but yet in an easy walking distance from it) and is also known as the Silver Temple showcasing the skill and knowledge of local silversmiths. A temple of alloy and zinc with some precious silver details, shimmering in the sun. 

Wat Phra Tat Doi Suthep is located outside of the city (15 km) and getting there requires a car (or moto) but definitely worths the trip as the temple is overlooking the city from its mountain throne and the view is quite unique. Better warn you, this is a view you got to deserve as you’ll have to climb 300+ stairs in order to reach the temple.

Madame’s tips: get there when it still dark and enjoy the amazing sunset over the city. Definitely the best way to enjoy this beautiful temple and also avoid the crowd. Again tested and definitely approved!
 
And I can recommend enough wandering the streets of the city, getting lost and exploring. No worries, you’ll never feel unsafe!
 
Of course, temples are not the only attraction of Chiang Mai and here a few other things you might be interested in doing.

Visiting the Warorot Market. Situated something like 10 min walk from the Tha Pae Gate near the Ping River, the Warorot Market is nice worth a trip if you fancy immersing yourselves in a busy thai market. It’s touristy yes but not too much and a lot of Thai locals shop there which make it quite authentic and super nice to visit.  The market is big and you can find pretty much everything in there: fresh/dried fruits / vegetables / flowers / herbs / condiments / bakery goods / ceramics / clothes / beauty products / electronic gadgets … and everything is cheap (compared to more touristic markets such as the Night Bazaar). You can easily get lost there for a half-day and you won’t regret it! 

Spend the morning at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Ok girls, you probably know it already but please do not go to camps allowing you to ride elephants when visiting Thailand (or any other country in the world). Elephant are not horses and the only reason why you can ride them is because they have been beaten and trained to accept so. So please, no elephant riding! Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is not that sort of camp but rather an eco-tourism camp aiming at raising awareness about elephant care and the plight of Asian elephant. Trust me feeding elephants, swimming with them and getting all muddy is way more fun than ridding them!

If you got some extra-time you might also wanna enjoy a little cruise on the Mae Ping River or a day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park, part of the Himalayan mountain range.
 
And if you got tired after all those adventures and needs some rest you’ll find super nice places in the old town where you can get a nice and cheap massage. Just choose a place that inspires you, you cannot really go wrong. I tried three different places and there were all just nice. Just do not expect anything too fancy (but I mean HKD 200 for 60 min body massage, 30 min facial and 30 min feet massage of course it’s not an hotel spa!).
 

What and Where to eat?

 
When visiting a new country or city, I am always on the look for the best eateries in town from fine dining to hole in the wall. My trip to Chiang Mai was an exception! I haven’t planned any of my meal and would usually go to anywhere which looks appealing. Well guess what? It’s probably the right way to do things in Chiang Mai.
 
I haven’t got any specific address to recommend but make sure to buy street food! My favs? Skewers and Cheese Roti (a kind of pancake).
If you are staying there over weekend, do not book any restaurant on your Sunday night. Instead, enjoy the street food at the Sunday Night Market !
 
Fav dishes tested in Chiang Mai?

Kow Soy: wheat and egg noodles in a rich curry broth

Lahp Koo-a: Thai minced-meat salad