Airport

Located barely ten minutes from Chiang Mai Airport, near the old city is the new and modern tourist hotspot. It has everything that a tourist needs like shopping and entertainment facilities. It even has an ice rink! Local buses ply this route and buses going outside city limits pass through this place. It is the ideal location to set up base.

City

The old city with its traditions and history intact is still a far cry from the other modern parts of the city. It has innumerable lanes lined with ancient buildings, standing testimony to the rich past. Many important temples and other cultural centers are located in this area. There are no accommodation facilities in the heart of the old city. The outskirts have a few of them.

Hang Dong

For those who are interested in shopping for wooden furniture and handicrafts, the road leading to Hang Dong is the right place. Here you will be able find outlets selling both traditional and modern woodworks. There is also a beautiful 19th century temple, which has displays of the spiritual origins of woodcarving in the region. You can come back to Chiang Mai by following River Ping. Wiang Kum Kam located on the way back is worth a visit.

Mae Rim

Here you get to see the wild, rugged face of Thailand. This mountainous region filled with forests is one of the least visited parts of Thailand by tourists. If you are looking for an out-of-the-way place to visit, this is the best option. You will be richly rewarded by spectacular uninhabited expanses for the extra effort to reach here. This region is near the Myanmar border and it has a few resorts and guesthouses for accommodation. Here you can visit a picturesque garden belonging to the local agriculture center and tribal villages scattered over the mountains.

Mountains

There are many hill resorts close to Chiang Mai and it is an ideal way to beat the heat during summer. Mae Rim, located barely 30 minutes from the city is a picture-perfect hill resort with luxury hotels and resorts. The activities here include elephant trekking, golf, visiting tribal villages and butterfly and orchid farms. Another hill resort is Angkhang, located 3 hours in the northern direction, near Myanmar border. The place has exciting trekking opportunities and you may also visit Royal Angkhang Research Station.

Rivers

The riverside has markets, old hotels and railway station close by. The famous market of the region is Chiang Mai night bazaar, where you will find jewelry, handicrafts and souvenirs exclusive to Northern Thailand.

Night Bazaar

This ever-expanding market located in the heart of Chiang Mai is a must-visit for all tourists. Here you will find the best jewelry, handicrafts and souvenirs exclusive to Northern Thailand. It is good place to shop for local products. There are many eateries to keep you refreshed with food and drinks.