How is Chiang Mai like if you've ever been there, and can you give suggestions on the best tourism spots?

Question

I'm going on a holiday next week in Chiang Mai, Thailand, but unfortunately I had never heard of that place until my mother informed me that we were going on this trip. Some of my friends who have been there before say it's all night markets and bazaars, which kind of put me down, but others said it is now more modern with many shopping malls, and I am a complete sucker for shopping!

So, here is a list of my questions :

1. Is it a good shopping spot? Can I get things cheap?

2. What's the temperature there? I know it's chilly, but should I wear thick winter clothing or would a simple sweater be enough?

3. Are there any nice sight-seeing spots? I didn't sign up for a tour, but I'd like to have a few tourist spots in mind so I can order the taxi driver around. Lol =D


That's all. Thanks so very much!

Answer 1

The bazaar you heard about is probably the night bazaar. Bascially a main street is lined with vendors selling all sorts of crafts and trinkets. Much of it is hill tribe stuff. It's worth walking through, maybe you'll find some gifts to bring back.
For a mall, if you are in bangkok, try Seacon Square mall on SriNakarin Rd.

At this time of year the weather should be great. Might be a bit chilly in the evening particularly out of town in the mountains so the sweater would be a good idea.

Lots to do and see in and near Chiang Mai.
Try a Kantoke dinner, my favorite is the Khum Kantoke. It's a decent dinner and show of traditional and hill tribe dancing. Cheap too.
Don't know about shopping at malls in Chiang Mai but out on Bo Sang road there a lots of crafts stores for tourists: leather, lacquer, celladon, silver, gems, silk, and of course the paper umbrella place. Most of these stores have little demonstrations of how they make stuff. Worth an afternoon.
There a elephant shows and rides, monkey shows, raft rides, a orchard farm, etc.
There are also temples if you are interested in that. The Chiang Mai lanna style is a bit different than the stuff in Bangkok. Doi Suithep is the most famous.
You might also consider a trek to visit some hill tribes.
And there are boat rides down the river which can be fun.

Take a look at this link to get more ideas:
http://www.1stopchiangmai.com/

Oh, almost forgot, food. Don't know your exposure to Thai food but Chaing Mai has some specialties it's own. Probably the most famous is khao soy. It's a noodle soup with a sort of curry broth. It can be awesome, unfortunately it can also be nothing. I've asked the guides who have taken us to the elephants shows, etc to stop for lunch at a good Khao Soy shop and had some excellent meals. A couple of tries near the night bazaar area have been dissapointing.
Another of my favorite northern thai dishes is nam prik num. There are hundreds of types of nam prik (sort of like a salsa but with much variation). Nam prik num is made with roasted green chillis, spicy but very good.

Finally for nightlife, I've enjoyed several pleasant evening listening to the live bands or just watching the river go by at the Riverside and the Good View. Both are on the river on the east bank, that's the other side from the town center.
They're large and any taxi/tuk-tuk driver will know them.

Hope you enjoy your trip.

Answer 2

Thailand pretty much has markets and bazaars (also plenty modern shopping, more malls than the US usually) no matter where you go. The tourists generally love it, and you can find some really good deals. But learn how to haggle, some of the vendors overcharge tourists (which is still relatively cheap) because they (tourists) don't know what to ask for it.
When I went to visit my family, we visited all the temples, and I took tons of beautiful pictures. The scenery in some spots is beautiful. But my Dad gets car sick easily, and the ride up some of the curvy mountains was pretty bad.
Chaing Mai also has some rich history you can learn about. I usually don't even enjoy history, but the legends, and the amazing feats on of the monks did to build one of the temples is amazing.
Also, it's hot, April is pretty much the hottest part of the year there, with it being 90F at night. But during the winter, you should be much more comfortable. So you don't have to pack soley shorts (unless you get hot easily). You can bring a light sweater or overshirt if you want, but I doubt you'd need it too much. Just pack a couple of light pants or something. :-)
Most of the temples, you have to dress appropriately. Keep that in mind too, so don't just back skimpy stuff.
Also, we went to the elephant show in Chaing Mai. The show there is very famous, and they even sell elephant made paintings!
Overall, I had so much fun, and hopefully you will too. The food is delicious, scenery delightful, and shopping is good.
Have fun!!!

Answer 3

Yes to all your questions. I've stayed there 6months. The weather in Dec is good, only a slight chance of rain and you'll only need a sweater if you're on a Honda at night - then a coat is a good idea. Stick to tuk tuks and taxis and you'll be OK with light clothing even at night.