A baby brother or sister to Bangkok is how I see this city. With an estimated 1 million inhabitants it might sound small but Chiang Mai packs quite a punch. It is the largest city in northern Thailand and is not short on things to do. It has an amazing night bazaar where you can pretty much get anything under the moon. No price here is fixed so don’t be afraid to test out your bartering skills, you’ll end up saving a little bit of money at the very least. Better yet, learn a few Thai phrases, this will get the locals in a more discount giving mood. The Thai people very much appreciate when foreigners attempt to speak Thai. The effort alone will give you a better chance at a discount, but just seeing how enthused they are by your efforts is a prize in itself.

If you are going to visit temples during your visit in Chiang Mai a must see is the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple. The most famous temple rests on a hill top north-west of the city. Taking a day to appreciate the beauty and serenity of this place is a great idea. Also the location is such that you are overlooking the city, which will provide an amazing opportunity for some truly breathtaking pictures, provided the skies are clear.

Chiang Mai is also one of the best places to base yourself if interested in going on a jungle trek. There are plenty of agencies that provide trekking into the lush jungle in the hills of northern Thailand. Most treks will include a day of hard core trekking into the jungle, accommodation with local tribes, a partial day of trekking by elephant back, and bamboo rafting down the Mekong River. Be sure to check the prices of several different companies. If you are booking on the internet be especially mindful on choosing a trekking company. A good number of local companies contract their work out to foreign based websites where they will charge an inflated price. You should never have to pay more than $100US for a three day trek.

The only zoo in northern Thailand is also located right here in Chiang Mai, right at the foothill of Doi Suthep. It is definitely worth checking out while you are in the area. Very entertaining and affordable, you will be able to spend an easy three hours here.  The entrance fee is only 100THB for foreigners, half that for locals, and free for senior citizens, people with disabilities, and monks. Be aware that there are separate fees within the park to view some of the animals, such as the Giant Panda exhibit. My favorite when visiting was the Asian Sun Bears, who are primarily found in the tropical rain forests of Southeast Asia.

I had the most amazing stay in Chiang Mai and plan to return very soon. No matter what you are interested in, whether it be, relaxing at a spa, enjoy the temples, visiting wildlife sanctuaries, or adventure trekking, this city is the place to visit  during your time in Thailand.