Temples, coffee, mango sticky rice, and the calm rhythm of life in Northern Thailand.
Chiang Mai is a place where the pace of life slows and the senses awaken. Nestled in Thailand’s mountainous north, it’s a city where ancient temples and cozy cafés share the same quiet street, and every corner invites you to pause.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, this travel guide will take you through the highlights of a soft, mindful time in Chiang Mai – through golden temples, rainy mornings, street markets, and rituals that stay with you long after you’ve left.
🎥 Watch the full travel video:
How to Get to Chiang Mai
You can reach Chiang Mai by air, train, or bus. I arrived by bus from Kanchanaburi, a scenic journey that dropped me at the Chiang Mai Bus Terminal at night. The city felt quiet, gentle – even a little mysterious in the glow of the streetlights.
Where to Stay: Mesa
I stayed at Mesa, a boutique guesthouse with a pool, beautiful decor, and a peaceful balcony perfect for coffee and laptop time. If you’re looking for a slow, restful base with modern comfort, I can’t recommend this place enough. P.S. slow mornings with their amazing breakfast and delicious coffee are to die for!
☕ Best for: Digital nomads, solo travelers, and slow mornings with Thai coffee
Best Food in Chiang Mai: Kat’s Kitchen
If I wasn’t at Mesa, I was at Kat’s Kitchen. From creamy curries and crispy pad Thai to the best mango sticky rice in town, this budget-friendly restaurant became my second home.
The city of Chiang Mai is home to over 300 temples, and wandering among them feels like moving through a living museum. I visited Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and countless smaller wats hidden in side streets. Bring a sarong, walk slowly, and listen to the silence.
🧘♀️ Tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful energy
Climbing to Doi Suthep
A trip to Chiang Mai isn’t complete without visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The 306-step climb is both spiritual and scenic. At the top, light incense, offer a lotus flower, and take in views over the entire city.
🚕 How to get there: Take a red songthaew from the Old City (around 60–100 THB)
Chiang Mai’s Sunday Night Market
Every Sunday, Chiang Mai’s Old City transforms into a glowing maze of street food stalls, handmade crafts, live music, and crowds of locals and travelers. I bought just one thing – a fabric bag showcasing the city gate- and it felt like the perfect souvenir.
🛍️ Tip: Bring cash, go early (around 6 PM), and eat your way trough the streets!
Self-Care in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is famous for massage—and for good reason. I treated myself to a traditional foot massage after long days of walking, and even had my nails painted in a peaceful little salon during a rainy afternoon.
🌸 Try: Fah Lanna Spa, or simple street-side massage stalls in the Old City
Muay Thai at Thapae Stadium
One evening, I visited Thapae Boxing Stadium to watch a night of Muay Thai matches. It was powerful, graceful, and steeped in tradition. The crowd was respectful and completely absorbed.
🥊 Tip: Book your seat in advance, and opt for ringside if you want to feel the energy
Quiet Corners & Daily Wandering
Some of my favorite moments were the simplest: evenings in a local park, petting street cats, or just watching life unfold in cafés and on corners. Chiang Mai invites you to notice things – people studying in parks, kids playing, monks working in the temple garden.
🌿 Take your time. The magic is in the ordinary here.
Final Thoughts
Chiang Mai isn’t loud. It doesn’t shout. It invites. It reminded me that stillness is just as important as movement—and that sometimes the most beautiful parts of a journey happen when you pause.
“Chiang Mai, thank you for the quiet I didn’t know I was missing.”
