People love Chiang Mai for many reasons. The vibe is much more laid back than some cities in the south, and the people are often friendlier. Temperatures and weather in Chiang Mai are also better for much of the year. Finally, Chiang Mai offers endless activities in the mountains throughout northern Thailand.
The best way to experience the people and magic of the mountains is with a Chiang Mai car rental. Drive Car Rental’s desk is conveniently located inside Chiang Mai International Airport so visitors can fly in and drive away.
Once on the road, here are some of the best things to see if you want to fall in love with the Rose of the North:
Lanna Vibes
The vibe in Chiang Mai is different for a good reason–Chiang Mai is the former home of the Lanna Empire and its people. Ethnically different from other Thais, this culture uses a separate Lanna language that locals use when speaking to each other. Even the food is completely different in the north. Curries are out, and herby chicken and pork dishes are everywhere.
In the north, it is all about the slow life. People are seldom in a hurry and are quick to smile. Chiang Mai is also near the top of the list for the yoga and personal wellness crowd, as there are plenty of yoga and meditation retreats dotted throughout the city and in the mountains.
Another unique feature of Chiang Mai is its cute coffee shops. World-class coffee is grown in the high mountains, and while there is no official count, there are easily hundreds of coffee shops. Most can provide a cup of amazingly fresh coffee for less than two pounds.
You’ll find these coffee shops packed with locals and tourists alike. Many of the university students love to study in these quiet havens. The shops are often built into the surrounding nature, and you’ll find trees and flowers galore in their outdoor seating areas.
Better Weather
Located 700 kilometres north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai temperatures are often lower than those of the south. The lack of a sea nearby also keeps the humidity down. The best time of year to visit Chiang Mai is between November and February. At that time of the year, daytime high temperatures hover around thirty degrees. Night-time temperatures can dip well under twenty degrees.
Besides the temperature, the rainfall in Chiang Mai is much lower than in the south of Thailand. Chiang Mai receives an average of 1.5 metres of rain annually. In sunny Phuket, they receive 2.5 metres per year, meaning Chiang Mai has more sunshine hours per year, despite being less famous.
Activities Galore
The mountains surrounding Chiang Mai are home to some of the largest national parks in Thailand. Mountains mean hiking, biking, and waterfalls. Doi Inthanon National Park alone can keep visitors busy for several days. It has five major waterfalls and countless smaller ones; it is also the highest mountain in Thailand, at 2,565 metres.
Picturesque rice field terraces dot the roads on all sides. Homestay hotels are also available on just about every mountain top with a road. Tourists who want to live like locals are encouraged to bring a jacket, however. The temperatures, especially in December and January, can be extremely cold on the mountain tops at night.
In and around the city, a plethora of temples and cultural sites are waiting to be seen. Wat Doi Suthep overlooking the city and the smaller Wat Pa Lat on the road up the mountain are two of the most famous. In the city centre, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang are the largest.
Chiang Mai was founded at the beginning of the 1300s. Therefore, many temples in town are ancient. Some have stood the test of time better than others, as many are simply ruins today. Still, they offer a fascinating look at life in ancient Thailand.
See Everything at Your Own Pace
Chiang Mai has incredible tourism transport infrastructure. That said, a single day trip can easily cost forty to eighty pounds in transportation fees. For the same money, you could rent a vehicle, fill it with gas, and have enough left over to buy a nice dinner.
Drive Car Rental has a wide selection of vehicles, including electric cars. You can examine all the vehicles we offer on our website and find the right one for you. Planning on visiting during the high season? Book as early as possible to help guarantee your preferred car and receive an early booking discount!