Chiang Mai

Do you like it spicy? Thai-spicy?

A few hours from Bangkok, you find Chiang Mai, which has quite different food from that of the capital. Chiang Mai is known for its spicy Northern Thai cuisine, with bold flavors and fragrant spices. Dishes often feature ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, and tend to be more intensely spiced than in Bangkok.

Many Thai people say that Chiang Mai and the surrounding region are a much better food destination than Bangkok, while others say that the sheer amount of quality eateries in Bangkok and its busy street food culture is hard to compete with. Both are among the best anywhere.

What to eat in Chiang Mai

Some regional dishes include khao soi, egg noodles in a creamy curry-like sauce with pickled cabbage and shallots, the local delicacy gaeng hung lay, a pork belly curry that is rarely found elsewhere, khanom jeen nam ngiaw, a spicy noodle soup, sai ua, a herb-stuffed pork sausage, and khanom jeen, rice noodles with curried fish.

Chiang Mai in May is worth visiting because of the Visakha Bucha Day – one of the most important dates in the Buddhist calendar. This holiday commemorates the birth, the enlightenment, and the death of Buddha in Nirvana.

It is marked by saffron-clad monks bearing candles, flowers, and incense from early morning processions all over the city leading to the temples. It is a sight to behold. There is a more pragmatic thing that makes Chiang Mai in May attractive – it is just the beginning of the green season.

May is a lovely month to explore the nearby mountains and countryside with sprawling green rice terraces and lush wildlife. Most people are unaware that Chiang Mai is home to Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon.

Let’s not forget about the food scene. Everyone knows about Pad Thai and green curry. Few people, however, are privy to khao soi—a coconut noodle soup, a staple in the country's north, that is a must-try.

Spiritual and yummy

It might be a bit of a surprise to see Chiang Mai as one of the top places for female travelers instead of Bangkok, one of the most visited cities in the world. However, when looking at why, it is clearly a winner for women tourists to visit and love.

Women travelers come to Chiang Mai for its diverse activities, beautiful landscapes, cultural highlights, pleasant atmosphere, and fantastic cuisine. Chiang Mai is home to a large number of ancient temples and has lots of outdoor activities to explore, from trekking and visiting local markets to zip-lining. Chiang Mai is also an excellent hub for exploring other northern Thai cities and nearby hill tribes. Lastly, Chiang Mai is famous for its low cost of living compared to the rest of Thailand. The city is generally very safe and relatively crime-free. Even so, it is recommended that women dress conservatively, avoid traveling alone at night, and not carry large amounts of cash.

Chiang Mai in Thailand is a fantastic option for families seeking a unique cultural experience. With its stunning temples, elephant sanctuaries, and vibrant markets, there's plenty for everyone to enjoy.

Children will especially love visiting the Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium or taking part in a Thai cooking class tailored for families. Sampling the local cuisine, like khao soi and mango sticky rice, is a delightful experience. For a unique experience, consider visiting the nearby Doi Inthanon National Park to explore lush forests and waterfalls.

The optimal time to visit Chiang Mai is between November and February when the weather is more relaxed and comfortable.

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