Why Is Chiang Mai So Popular?

Key reasons why Chiang Mai is so popular include its stunning mountain landscapes, excellent food, and annual festivals, like Songkran and Loi Krathong. Known as the ‘Rose of the North,’ Chiang Mai’s unique cultural heritage stems from the fact that it was the capital of a semi-autonomous separate kingdom called the ‘Lanna Kingdom’ until it was fully annexed in the 1930s.

The best way to explore this distinct region of Thailand is by hiring a car at Chiang Mai Airport from Drive Car Rental. Public transportation in much of Thailand is sparse, which makes a rental car a convenient and budget-friendly option for finding the hidden gems that dot the landscape of Northern Thailand!

Discovering Nature in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has no shortage of popular tourist sites within the city, such as Doi Suthep Temple, historic moat walls, and huge night markets. Still, the real magic lies outside the city in the mountains that surround it.

Chiang Mai is situated in a large bowl-shaped valley approximately 600 kilometres north of Bangkok. However, within an hour’s drive, the city quickly gives way to stunning rice field terraces, hill tribe villages, and countless waterfalls.

Mountain-top homestays, resorts, and beautiful farms are all top destinations for both Thai visitors and international tourists. Other small cities, such as Chiang Dao (located ninety minutes to the north) offer incredible views of Doi Luang, Thailand’s third-highest mountain. When you ask expats and locals where they get away for the weekend, Chiang Dao and the nearby Doi Ang Kang are often mentioned.

The charming valley village of Pai can also be reached via a three-hour twisting mountain road that boasts 762 curves. Here, visitors can find everything from luxury villa resorts to some of the best local and international cuisine Thailand has to offer.

To make Pai one stop on a multi-day journey, consider taking the Mae Hong Son loop. It winds its way through the hills of Mae Hong Son Province and returns to Chiang Mai. Three days is the minimum recommended time for this trip, as the drive is approximately 600 kilometres–with shockingly beautiful views around every corner.

Lanna Cuisine and World-Renowned International Food

Most tourists from abroad only know Thai food as a multi-coloured array of curries, pad thai, and spicy Tom Yum soup; these dishes are largely Southern Thai food. The north has a completely different food landscape dominated by sticky rice, herb-filled meat dishes, and northern curries that are completely different from their southern counterparts.

Try some Chiang Mai sausage, Hinlay curry, and the legendary spicy green chili dip known as ‘Nam Prik Noom.’ These dishes are what make Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand distinct from the rest of Thailand. There are also classic dishes to try, like papaya salad and basil pork fried rice.

For visitors who aren’t into the spicy cuisine of Thailand, Chiang Mai is home to amazing restaurants serving food from every continent. This is thanks to its population of more than 100,000 expats and its bustling digital nomad scene. These aren’t tourist traps serving reasonable approximations–many visitors remark that they can get food from their home country here that tastes as good as the country it’s from.

Popular Festivals

While the Loi Krathong Lantern Festival and Songkran Water Festival are held across Thailand, Chiang Mai takes things to another level. Many Thais flock to Chiang Mai for these incredible events, as the city’s friendly people make these annual celebrations an experience not to be missed.

During the cooler months, Chiang Mai also hosts multiple monthly flower festivals. These give visitors the chance to see elaborate floral displays that showcase the creative minds of Northern Thailand’s people.

See the Sights With Drive Car Rental

Drive Car Rental has locations spread throughout Thailand’s major cities, making it easy for those ready for a road trip to rent in one location and drop off in another. The distance from Krabi to Chiang Mai is nearly 1,500 kilometres, but the amazing sites you see on the way make the journey more than worth it!

Drive Car Rental’s fleet includes compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and even electric and hybrid options for the eco-conscious traveler. Take advantage of early booking discounts by selecting your car as far in advance as possible. For long-stay business travelers, expats, and digital nomads, we also offer discounted monthly and annual rates to save even more money.

Why Is Chiang Mai So Popular?

Discovering Nature in Chiang Mai

Lanna Cuisine and World-Renowned International Food

Popular Festivals

See the Sights With Drive Car Rental

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