Endured Chiang Mai and came back, not really recommended to visit in July–August
Endured Chiang Mai and came back, not really recommended to squeeze into Nimman Road’s trendy spots in July–August
Who really knows Chiang Mai in July? I used to think the northern Thailand rainy season meant daily heavy downpours trapping me in the hotel, sweating just stepping outside, fully prepared to spend the whole day holed up in cafes with a bunch of mosquito repellent 😮💨 But after landing, I found each rain lasted only about half an hour. Palm trees shaded the whole street, the old city smelled of pandan leaves after the rain, and even the roadside mango sticky rice was so sweet it was almost overwhelming. Two people spent just over 3,000 baht wandering for 5 days, way better than squeezing into Phuket like sardines. Before leaving, I stuffed half a bag of local hand-brand milk tea powder into my suitcase. My travel buddy even asked if I wanted to rent a small old city guesthouse next month to stay for half a month and learn to cook Thai food 🥹
🌾 Super relaxed itinerary, no rush to check off spots:
Day 1: After landing, leisurely stroll around the old city walls, then dig into Thai grilled chicken at a roadside stall at dusk. Walk along the moat waiting for sunset, the breeze carrying the scent of iced coffee on your face. Day 2: Sleep in until 9 AM, then head to Doi Suthep. Stop along the winding mountain road to admire tropical flowers. Have lunch halfway up with pad krapow moo (stir-fried pork with basil). At dusk, enjoy the warm glow of Chiang Mai city from the viewpoint. Day 3: Beat the crowds at a nearby elephant camp, help bathe the elephants and feed them bananas, no need to queue for photos. In the afternoon, wander by the nearby rice fields, feeling the breeze and capturing waves of green rice.
🚌 Transportation tips:
From Chiang Mai airport, take a songthaew directly to the old city for just a few baht, no need to get ripped off by airport transfers. Attractions in the city are close together, renting a scooter is the best way to get around. Filling up costs about 50 baht and lasts all day. For Doi Suthep and the elephant camp, no need to find your own way—book a local half-day tour for under 100 baht per person, no transfers or hassle.
🎫 Ticket booking:
Most temples inside the old city are free. Doi Suthep entrance is just a few baht, pay on site by scanning a QR code. Book the elephant camp a day in advance on a platform to save nearly half compared to buying on site. If you want to visit the night safari, book a package with a shuttle in advance so you don’t have to wander around looking for animals.
🍜 Must-try local food:
Street-grilled Thai pork skewers, crispy and juicy. For main dishes, tom yum soup is perfectly sour and spicy. For cooling off, roadside iced mango sticky rice is a must—coconut milk-soaked sticky rice so sweet you’ll want to stomp your feet. Late at night, grab a plate of stewed pork leg rice at the night market, the tender pork skin melts in your mouth.
⚠️ Avoid pitfalls:
Afternoon showers in July come suddenly, bring a lightweight raincoat instead of a heavy umbrella. The old city’s stone bricks get slippery after rain, don’t run around in flip-flops or you might fall. Check scooter battery life before renting, don’t drive on remote mountain roads blindly. Ask prices before buying fresh juice from street vendors to avoid being overcharged.
📸 Photo spots:
At 5 PM, shoot by the moat near the east gate of the old city, palm trees frame the brick-red city walls. Wearing a bright-colored sundress makes for great photos without editing. At 6 PM, catch the sunset at Doi Suthep viewpoint, the city lights spread out below look stunning no matter how you shoot. After rain, wait by the rice fields to capture the misty Thai wooden huts in the distance, the atmosphere is perfect.
This trip had no stressful crowds at trendy spots, just the slow, relaxed vibe of northern Thailand. I’ll definitely come back next July to hang out at the local Yi Peng lantern market 😌