Planning for Chiang Mai
It takes totally one night to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. We recommend traveling at night by train. First Class fare is about the same as airline ticket. Second class is cheaper by half and about the same as VIP buses. Traveling by train is much safer. In the morning you may also enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the railway on the way to Chiang Mai Station.
Chiang Mai is a big province with many tourist sites scattered in different parts of the province. Seeing all Chiang Mai's tourist sites may take up to a week or more. If you have limited time, you should pick only important places, or choose to go to places in the same route in order to safe your time. The best time for traveling Chiang Mai is in winter, from November to February. During this time the weather is cool or even cold. On the top of mountains the temperature may fall to 0°C. Warm clothing is necessary.
Attractions by Route
Chiang Mai City Doi Suthep Route Northern Route
Eastern Route Western Route Southern Route
Roads to most of tourist places in Chiang Mai are mountainous and meandering. However, they are good asphalt roads with beautiful scenery of mountains, rivers and green farmlands on both sides. Catch the sight of the scenery along the road and your trip will be more worthwhile.
