Thailand is known for its capital, Bangkok; a city that’s bustling with round-the-clock entertainment. Thailand is also home to a truly charming city; Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North”. On that note, we have rounded up five activities that will show you why Chiang Mai got its nickname.
1. Catch the Sunrise on a Hot Air Balloon Ride
For the best views of the city, you can ride a hot air balloon that will take you up about 2,000 metres high in the air. As you travel across the sky, you will have the most majestic panoramic views of Chiang Mai. There is no need to fret about the typical 5:30am call time, as this allows you the unforgettable moment of watching a stunning sunrise over the city’s landscape.
2. Celebrate Songkran Festival
If you are planning a trip to Chiang Mai in April, you have to take part in Songkran festival, a religious water festival. This multi-day Buddhist celebration welcomes the Thai New Year. The festival is observed all over Thailand but Chiang Mai is the place to celebrate the festival. Since water symbolises a clean start, you can expect to be soaked in the form of a bucket or the fun consequences of a water fight with the locals.
3. Take a Thai Cooking Class
Pad thai, green curry and mango sticky rice. Thai cuisine is adored worldwide with its flavorful dishes. Instead of simply indulging them, you can take it one-step further by learning how to prepare them. Consider visiting the Chiang Mai Thai Farm Cooking School, where you will not only learn from a professional chef how to create authentic Thai dishes, but you’ll also get to pick herbs and vegetables from their organic garden for your ingredients.
4. Go for Temple Hunting
It is easy to spot temple at every street of Chiang Mai. The most famous temple is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. After the 309-step walk up, you will be rewarded with the bird’s eye view of Chiang Mai at the observatory. They say that travelling is the best time to escape your comfort zone and interact with people from all walks of life, so why not chat with a monk? In turn, you get to broaden your horizons by speaking with a spiritual figure. While you might be scared to spark up with a conversation with a monk, you will be surprised to find out that they are very friendly people. You can converse with them regarding topics that go all across-the-board such as food, football and life advice.
5. Beat the Heat with Indoor Activities
Chiang Mai 3D Art Museum, Lanna Folklife Museum and Maya Mall are ideal places to escape from the scotching sun. Even after a long day exploring the city, the fun doesn’t necessarily stop when you go back to your accommodation; you can still enjoy indoor activity in the form of a game or two from the comfort of your room. Indeed, Asia offers some of the most exciting online slots games in the world, and staying in a paradise like Chiang Mai lets you enjoy these with some of the best Thai sceneries right outside your window. When it comes to this city, the fun never ends whether you are in outdoors or indoors.
No doubt why Chiang Mai is called “The Rose of North”, as it is not only abundant in rich culture but a beautiful sense of community as well. Taking a trip to this hidden gem in northern Thailand will surely leave you feeling refreshed and enlightened!
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