A QUICK GUIDE TO CHIANG MAI

This is my third time visiting Thailand but my first time in Chiang Mai. My recent trip to Chiang Mai was for a travel conference being hosted in the city and I made sure to take advantage of my time and spend a few extra days to explore the city. There are so many amazing things to see, do and eat and the best part is that Thailand is one of the most affordable and cheapest travel destinations! What I really loved about Chiang Mai is that I was able to use Uber to get to my conference, hotels and exploring the city at 50% off the cost of a regular taxi while enjoying the convenience of an air-conditioned. It’s comforting to know that the app can be used in multiple countries and has many of the same services. After a few days exploring, here’s my quick guide to Chiang Mai.

HELPFUL TIPS FOR VISITING CHIANG MAI

• Use Uber for transportation
• Always have cash
• Females should dress conservatively covering shoulders and knees at temples
• Tipping is NOT required. However, for great service, any tip is very much appreciated
• Best to visit from Nov-Feb (March is burning season where farmers burn land to start preparing for the following year)
• Electrical plugs: flat prongs (U.S. & Japan) and round prongs (Europe & Asia)

WHERE TO STAY

I knew Uber was available in Chaing Mai, so when I arrived at the airport I called my uberX to pick me up and drop me off at the Akyra Manor Chiang Mai Hotel located in Nimman. The boutique hotel is in the perfect location, with many bars, restaurants, and shopping. The rooms have a large outdoor tub and the rooftop pool is one of the most unique pools I’ve seen.

I wanted to explore the mountain side of Chiang Mai so I decided to spend a few days at the Veranda High Resort, 30 minutes outside of the city. The resort is surrounded by lush greenery and has an infinity pool with the most amazing views of the sunset.

When I was heading back to the city, my Uber driver picked me up from the Veranda Resort and dropped me off at the U Nimman hotel for the next few days during my conference. The hotel is a little over a year old and located in the Nimman area across the Maya Mall. The hotel is great and has a gorgeous rooftop pool overlooking the city.

You may also want to look into staying at Dhara Dhevi for one of the most luxurious experiences in Chiang Mai. I loved the entrance of the property and decided to stop by for photos.

WHAT TO DO

WAT PHRA THAT DOI SUTHEP – The most famous temple overlooking the city is located on the mountain of Doi Suthep. I highly suggest going for sunrise and getting an uberX which only took 30 minutes from the city. It cost me around 380 Baht which is $12 in USD.

Funny thing is that I had the exact same Uber driver the night before!! Isn’t that just awesome?

TEMPLES IN OLD TOWN – Chiang Mai has hundreds of temples making it very hard to see it all. A few of the most popular temples are Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Suan Dok, and Wat Umong.

ELEPHANT JUNGLE SANCTUARY – I absolutely loved my experience and it’s a must when in Chiang Mai!!! They do not allow elephant riding, no tricks and from my experience, the staff was loving and caring towards the elephants. Make sure to do the day trip which allows you to feed and bathe them. Lunch and transportation is included in the tour. Learn more here.

EXPLORE WORAWAT MARKET – The market is a great place to explore and buy food, especially the fruits! There’s also a beautiful flower market behind it.

COOKING CLASS – I would have loved to do this but had no time. I hear it’s a great experience! A list of cooking classes here.

COFFEE – It’s all about the coffee shops in Chiang Mai and Barisotel has some of the best in town.

EAT – Go to Rustic & Blue for brunch and get their acai bowls or croissant sandwiches! Mango Tango for all things mango!

If you have a few days, I highly recommend spending 2-3 nights in Chaing Rai which is only 3 hours from Chiang Mai by car.

There is still so much to explore in Chiang Mai but these are some of my favorite things to do. Throughout my trip, I only used Uber to get around the city and it was super reliable, convenient and safe. All my rides were always on time and the drivers are some of the friendliest. Being able to be familiar with the app in any country is something I love. Not all countries have the same services but I did notice in Chiang Mai they offer multiple destinations and I was also able to schedule my ride to the airport a few days early. This allowed me to save time and not worry about my ride the day of my flight.

Have you tried scheduling a ride with Uber before? What are some of your favorite features of the app? I would love to know in the comments below!

Thank you, Uber for providing a convenient and reliable transportation wherever I go! #WhereTo 

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