I’ve been sort of mum about Chiang Mai as there is sooo much information from travel bloggers about the city and surrounding area. And I’m sure I’ll get some hate mail for what I’m about to say.I’ll fully admit that when everyone loves something (as much as so many people purport to lovvveeee Chiang Mai), I’m immediately suspicious. In fact, I tend to dislike things that everyone likes.
So, Chiang Mai had a lot to live up to.
After having been there, I can totally understand why everyone lovvessss (said in an annoying sing-songy voice) Chiang Mai so much. I get it. And I get why ex-pats would enjoy living there. But from my perspective as a traveler–though we had a great time–I doubt we will go back, or at least make it a priority to return since we don’t travel full-time. Here’s why:
1. Sorry Chiang Mai, but your weather broke me. I survived Bangkok without much fuss, but Chiang Mai was beyond what I want to manage on a daily basis. Maybe it is better at different times of year, but seriously, dripping in sweat at 9am sucks. There was no amount of showering or swimming that made me like Chiang Mai’s weather, and I know that’s not Chiang Mai’s fault. But it was heinously uncomfortable and there isn’t anything to do “inside” so….
2. Fake “adventure” isn’t really my thing. We did the elephant thing, but ATVs in the jungle, zip-lining, and rafting just don’t really appeal to me. I don’t think they are exciting, I think the adventure is in large part manufactured, and it’s not how I want to spend my money. Plus, I’m sort of (strike that…really) squeamish about swimming in fresh water where there still are reported (albeit rarely) cases of Schistosomiasis. Sorry.
3. Crowds/Atmosphere. Even in the “off” season, so many visitors. Everywhere. And not only were there people, there were pushy people, loud people, girls wearing things that I thought were wildly inappropriate (all I’m asking for is a tiny bit of modesty people, mainly bras and underwear), etc. Beer pong bars? And the hygiene of all that….can’t handle it. I felt like Chiang Mai was a fraternity/sorority party at times (complete with the various groups of jocks, hippies, and some weird older, creepster/cougar alumni).Not my scene.
So now that I’ve done the haterade thing on Chiang Mai, I’ll tell you why we had a great time and are happy we went…for just a few days.
1. FOOD. Our best food, by far, was in Chiang Mai. We had delicious, delicious Tom Ka and Tom Yum, as well as Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, and Drunken Noodle to die for. A huge shout out to Lemograss restaurant near the night market, it was SOO good and I was absolutely crushed that it didn’t open until 5pm the day we left. I so badly wanted to fill my little stomach with some delicious noodles for the plane ride home.
2. Elephants. If you haven’t seen Asian elephants up close, Chiang Mai is an awesome place to do so and actually the reason we opted for Northern Thailand over the beach for a short hop from Bangkok. DH had a fantastic time with the elephants. That said, please do your research on ethical and appropriate elephant excursions. There are many bloggers that have written a lot about it.
3. Markets, Particularly Artwork & Wats. I thought there was some incredible artwork available in the night market in Chiang Mai, and DH and I had a lot of fun looking around. Well, I did, I’m sure DH will say he was just trying to get me not to buy anything which was really just energy-consuming. Someday we’ll go back to bring home a giant painting. The Wats in Chiang Mai are also definitely worth a stop. Despite the heat, DH and I had fun exploring them (and then running for the shade).
So, if you are in to partying and staying up late with lots of other travelers, or are traveling solo and want some friends, I’m sure Chiang Mai probably will be a great place for you. But for me, 2 days was plenty to spend in Chiang Mai; though I will admit that it could be fun to do some hiking in the surrounding areas. Now if only I could have fit more art in my suitcase and more Pad Thai in my stomach.
