How to Plan Your Chiang Mai Highlights and Hidden Gems Private Tour

Are you planning a trip to northern Thailand and want to explore the highlights and hidden gems of Chiang Mai? Look no further than the Chiang Mai Highlights and Hidden Gems Private Tour, offered by Viator. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit glittering temples, bustling markets, and museums that cover architecture and culture. Plus, you’ll have the flexibility to set your own pace and itinerary. Here’s how to plan your perfect Chiang Mai private tour.

Step 1: Book Your Tour

First things first, book your Chiang Mai Highlights and Hidden Gems Private Tour through Viator. You’ll enjoy a hassle-free experience, including hotel pickup and drop-off, admission tickets to attractions, and light refreshments. Don’t forget to check the reviews from previous travelers while booking the tour.

Step 2: Plan Your Itinerary

Before your tour, discuss with your tour guide about your interests and preferences, if there are any places you already planned to visit or any places of specific interest. Together with your guide, create an itinerary that fits your needs and desires. Some of the highlights that this tour covers are Tha Phae Gate, Somphet Market, Three Kings Monument, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Phan Tao. But do not forget that the tour guide can take you to other places depending on your interests.

Step 3: Prepare for Your Tour

On the day of your tour, wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be walking around the city. Bring a hat and sunscreen, as well as a water bottle to stay hydrated. Cameras or smartphones are encouraged to capture memories of your tour.

Step 4: Enjoy Your Tour

Meet your local guide at the Imm Hotel Tha Phae and be ready for an exciting day. Your guide will provide live commentary throughout the tour, sharing their knowledge and expertise about the city’s history and culture. You’ll enjoy one local drink/tasting and visit a variety of attractions that showcase the best of Chiang Mai.

Step 5: End Your Tour

At the end of your tour, you’ll be returned to the Imm Hotel Tha Phae. Take some time to ask your guide any final questions and to thank them for an amazing experience.

The Bottom Line

With the Chiang Mai Highlights and Hidden Gems Private Tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the best of Chiang Mai with a knowledgeable guide. From glittering temples to bustling markets, this tour provides an insider’s perspective on this vibrant city in northern Thailand. Book the tour today and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Book the tour here!

FAQ about Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural scenery. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this fascinating city.

1. Where is Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is a city located in the northern part of Thailand. It is situated approximately 700 kilometers from Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. The city is located in a valley surrounded by mountains and is known for its cool climate.

2. How do I get to Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is accessible by air, road, and rail. The quickest option is to fly to Chiang Mai International Airport, which is located about 10 kilometers from the city center. There are also regular overnight trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, as well as buses that operate from other parts of Thailand.

3. What are some of the top attractions in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai has a wide range of attractions that cater to all tastes. Some of the most popular ones include:

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

This is a hilltop temple that provides stunning views of the city. Visitors can take a cable car to the top of the hill to visit the temple and enjoy the view.

Night Bazaar

This is a vibrant market that operates every night and sells a wide range of goods, including clothing, accessories, and handicrafts. Visitors can also enjoy a range of street food stalls and live performances.

Chiang Mai Zoo

This is a large zoo that is home to a wide range of animals, including pandas, tigers, and elephants. Visitors can also enjoy shows and activities such as elephant riding and petting zoos.

4. What is the weather like in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai has a tropical climate, with hot and humid conditions throughout the year. However, due to its location in the mountains, the city has a cooler climate than other parts of Thailand, particularly during the winter months.

5. What should I wear in Chiang Mai?

As with other parts of Thailand, it is important to dress appropriately when visiting Chiang Mai. Lightweight and loose-fitting clothing is recommended, particularly during the hot and humid months. However, visitors should also dress modestly, particularly when visiting temples or other religious sites.

6. What are some of the best restaurants in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is known for its food, and there are many excellent restaurants to choose from. Some of the best ones include:

Riverside Bar & Restaurant

This is a popular spot that offers a range of Thai and Western dishes, as well as live music and stunning views of the river.

Khao Soi Islam

This is a popular local spot that serves up delicious Northern Thai cuisine, including the famous Khao Soi noodle dish.

SP Chicken

This is a popular street food stall that serves up some of the best grilled chicken in Chiang Mai.

7. What is the best time of year to visit Chiang Mai?

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is between October and February, when the weather is cooler and drier. This is also the peak tourist season, so visitors should expect larger crowds and higher prices during this time.

8. What are some of the best day trips from Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is surrounded by stunning natural scenery and there are many great day trips to choose from. Some of the best ones include:

Doi Inthanon National Park

This is Thailand’s highest mountain and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also explore the park’s many waterfalls and hiking trails.

Chiang Rai

This is a city located about three hours from Chiang Mai and is known for its stunning White Temple and other cultural attractions.

Mae Hong Son

This is a quiet and peaceful town located in the mountains of Northern Thailand. Visitors can enjoy the town’s many temples and natural hot springs.

Book Your Tour Now

Chiang Mai is a beautiful and fascinating city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in culture, food, nature, or just relaxing, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in this charming city. Hopefully, this FAQ has answered some of your questions and helped you plan your trip to Chiang Mai.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, known as the “Rose of the North,” is a culturally rich city located in northern Thailand. With its beautiful temples, mouth-watering food, and scenic mountains, Chiang Mai has something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip to this charming city, here are some tips on how to make the most of your time as a tourist.

1. Visit the Temples

Chiang Mai is home to some of Thailand’s most beautiful and historic temples. One of the most famous is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which sits on a hill overlooking the city. To get there, you can either climb the 306 steps to the top or take a tram. Inside the temple, you’ll find beautiful gold-plated statues of Buddha and intricate carvings. Another must-see temple is Wat Chedi Luang, which was originally built in the 14th century. Although much of the temple was destroyed in an earthquake in the 16th century, you can still see the remains of the towering chedi.

2. Take a Cooking Class

Thai food is some of the most delicious and flavorful cuisine in the world, and Chiang Mai is a great place to learn how to cook it. There are many cooking schools in the city, where you can learn how to make classic dishes like pad Thai and green curry. Some of the most popular schools include Baan Hongnual Cookery School and Thai Farm Cooking School.

3. Explore the Night Markets

Chiang Mai is famous for its night markets, where you can find everything from street food to handmade crafts. The most popular markets are the Sunday Walking Street, which takes place every Sunday on Thapae Road, and the Night Bazaar, which is open every night on Chang Klan Road. Be sure to bring your haggling skills and negotiate for the best price.

4. Visit the Elephant Sanctuaries

Thailand is known for its elephant sanctuaries, and Chiang Mai is home to some of the best. These sanctuaries allow you to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures, while also learning about the efforts being made to protect them. Some of the most popular sanctuaries include Elephant Nature Park and Patara Elephant Farm.

5. Trek in the Mountains

Chiang Mai is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, making it a great place to go trekking. There are many trekking companies in the city that offer guided tours of the surrounding mountains. Depending on your level of fitness, you can choose from one-day, two-day, or even longer treks. Along the way, you’ll see stunning vistas of rice paddies, waterfalls, and hill tribe villages.

6. Try Some Street Food

No trip to Thailand is complete without trying some street food, and Chiang Mai has some of the best. You’ll find everything from fresh fruit smoothies to grilled meat skewers to crispy fried bugs. Some of the most popular spots include the food stalls on Chang Phueak Road and the Warorot Market.

7. Relax with a Thai Massage

After a long day of exploring, there’s nothing better than a traditional Thai massage. Chiang Mai has many spas and massage parlors where you can get a relaxing massage for a fraction of what it would cost in the West. Some popular spots include Fah Lanna Spa and Lila Thai Massage.

Book Your Tour Now

Chiang Mai is a truly magical city, with a rich history, delicious food, and stunning scenery. Whether you’re interested in temples, trekking, or street food, there’s something for everyone in this charming city. Use this guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time as a tourist in Chiang Mai.