Chiang Mai

Northern Thai city known for its walled old town, temples, night markets, and gateway to hill tribe villages and elephant sanctuaries.

http://www.chiangmai.go.th/

Tips from the community

Perhaps the best-known Songkran celebration in Thailand is in the northern city of Chiang Mai. Thought to be where the Songkran festival originated, celebrations here last an average of six days. Head towards the Tha Phae Gate, the heart of the city and the water-fight festivities, and make sure you don’t miss the procession of the Phra Phuttha Sihing, one of the most revered images of the Buddha. As it parades through the city, join the locals in bathing the statue for good fortune! While you’re in Chiang Mai, it’s definitely worth visiting the Wat Phra Singh, one of the city’s most revered temples. You’re sure to catch some local Thai folk dancing and performances, as well as sacred Buddha bathing rituals performed by local monks. Kate & Hasu – This small but charming boutique hotel, complete with great views from the rooftop terrace, is in a wonderful location: just about a 10-minute walk to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and around 5 minutes from the central Tha Phae Gate. Away Resorts & Villas – Away Resorts & Villas is a vegan-friendly resort that boasts a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere and is still just moments away from the bustling centre of Chiang Mai’s Old Town.

psych.adeleic 4 years ago

As a selfless act of personal recycling, you can attend a fish spa. Simply sit on seats around a large aquarium filled with fish, drop in your feet, and relax. The fish will give you a gentle pedicure as you catch up on those photos you have been meaning to post to Instagram, or that book you wanted to finish. Yes, the fish do act as tiny piranhas viciously eating away all of your dead skin cells with their rubbery little jaws, but that is all they do. You don’t want the dead skin around anyway, so why not offer some snacks to a fish or two? And no, it doesn’t hurt at all, just a few little tickles here and there, which even the most ticklish quickly get used to. Give it a try. If nothing else, it’s good for a hearty laugh and some wholesome pictures to send home.

laurenallain 3 years ago

Chiang Mai is the stuff of Southeast Asia backpacking legend. It’s Thailand’s second city and you’ll find it tucked into the jungle-covered hills deep in the north of the country. It perfectly melds the old and the new Land of Smiles. The wood-carved cottages and moat-rimmed ancient walls hearken back to the days of the Lanna kingdom. Then come the rows of cocktail joints and the hip coffee roasteries where digital nomads tap away on laptops. After dark, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a must. It unfolds just outside the main town with electronics hawkers, spice emporiums, budget Thai food, candle shops, jewelry sellers – you name it.

jrfrancis 3 years ago

Chiang Mai deserves to be called the epicenter of digital nomadism in Southeast Asia. This northern Thai city is top rated among digital nomads, which has resulted in even more local resources for the community. It’s a suitable place for beginners due to the ease of life, affordability, and community vibes. With markets, mountains, temples, and more, you won’t be bored on your days off. Be sure to check the air quality before planning your trip, as pollution levels have been elevated recently. Cost of living: $1,059 USD per month WiFi: 20 mbps

sarahlempa 3 years ago

Chiang Mai Guides

Ethical Wildlife Tourism
seeker (Seeker Editors)
Explore the vast and friendly wildlife on this planet through these amazing ethical tourism escapades, from underwater adventures to African safaris- the options are endless. Truly life-changing experiences are available on every continent, ride on a sled with huskies in the arctic forests of Finland or volunteer at an elephant sanctuary in gorgeous Thailand. Here are our top pics of ethical wildlife destinations from around the world.
Animal sanctuaries around the world that you can visit
chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff)
Where To Go On Your First Trip Abroad
seeker (Seeker Editors)
Dipping your toes into international travel may be a tad intimidating, but at Seeker we're quite experienced (if we do say so ourselves) and ready to guide you through the adventure. Whether you dream of romantic European evenings strolling down pathways in the moonlight or tropical adventures amongst temple ruins- all it really takes is a suitcase and a plane ticket (and maybe a helpful Seeker list). These destinations are some of the most welcoming and easy to explore. We selected some of the best places to take the first leap into your new chapter of exploration, from sunny Barcelona to ancient Kyoto, and beyond. Bon voyage!
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kelli.allred (Kelli Allred)
Breathtaking Lantern Festivals Around The World
seeker (Seeker Editors)
As we enter the new year, the ever-so-magical image of mesmerizing lanterns has already begun sparkling in our imaginations. We put together a list of some of the most breathtaking lantern festivals that occur yearly (and sometimes monthly!) throughout the world. While different cultures, countries, and cities have their own unique way of interpreting and celebrating the world- one thing that stays constant is the beauty of light. From the Umi No Hi celebration in Japan, in honor of the ocean, to the water lantern festival of Honolulu, paying respects to our loved ones past- these stunning destinations each carry a deep meaning and spectacular beauty that accumulates in these iconic lantern festivals.
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seeker (Seeker Editors)
Hello, 2022! From established tourist destinations to cities on the verge of stardom in the digital nomad scene, these destinations are glittering and sparkling fresh for some new adventures. Experience an authentic St. Patty's day in Dublin, or head south for an authentic taste of Cinco de Mayo in Puebla, Mexico (or both!). Whether you are seeking an international city or a beachside paradise for your next big vacation, we promise you won't want to miss this list. Bon Voyage!
World's Most Popular Destinations
chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff)

Chiang Mai Articles

Songkran 2022: the World’s Wildest Water Fight

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Backpacking Southeast Asia: 41 Destinations That Won’t Blow Your Budget

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List of the Best Cities for Digital Nomads

Planes, trains, hammocks, and the middle of nowhere: we’ll work anywhere that works for us. The life of a digital nomad is certainly free spirited, but there are a lot of factors to consider when deciding where to be a nomad. Towering mountains and white sand beaches certainly are an influence, but the cost of […]

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10 Amazing Volunteer Vacations for Animal Lovers

Animal lover seeking an adventure with purpose? You may want to consider a volunteer vacation. Volunteer holidays are life-altering experiences where travelers have unique opportunities to get their hands dirty and make a direct, ethical impact on animals, both domestic and wild, around the world. Not only can you help locals with rescue and conservation […]

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