We are spending 4 nights in Bangkok and then on the Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. Which one would be the best for historical and cultural experiences? What are the top attractions in both places?
chiang Mai or Chiang Rai
Chiangmai would be better for a first visit to the north. The capital of the old Lanna Kingdom, its a busy city with a moat and some of the city walls still there. Within the old city there are numerous temples worth a visit, Doi Suthep and the Royal Palace just on the edge of the city, elephant trekking, botanical gardens, etc. Side trips to Mae Hong Son, Doi Inthanon, Doi Tung etc. Lots to keep you busy.
chiang Mai or Chiang Rai
Definately Chiang Mai, Loads to see and do in and around therem although I must admit I do like the peace and quiet of Chiang Rai. but for a first visit it has to be Chiang Mai
Yes - Chiang Mai. Chiang Rai is wonderful - but for a first visit go to Chiang Mai and enjoy!
Send through any more questions.
Caroline.
Cathy:
It depends on what you are looking for. I always prefer Chiang Rai over Chiang Mai, but then I prefer the smaller town atmosphere and the more rural nature of the far north. If you want more authentic hilltribe experiences, go to Chiang Rai. It has a great night market, but smaller than Chiang Rai. It has a fabulous White Temple, good boating, the Golden Triangle etc.
If you want the bigger city experience and want to see a lot of temples and pagodas (Chiang Rai has its share too) try Chiang Mai. I have always spent more time in Chiang Rai than Chiang Mai, even on my first trip, but I love them both.
Broder
I%26#39;ll second Broder%26#39;s recommendations. If you%26#39;ve got a week or so for northern Thailand, then I%26#39;d recommend visiting both. Chiang Rai is also a transit/hub town for those heading northeast to Laos or north to Myanmar (albeit within a restricted range).
Hi Ojai!
If it%26#39;s your first visit, and you can do just one, I%26#39;d choose Chiang Mai.
We found Chiang Rai to be an unremarkable provincial city. There are some fine temples nearby, most notably the dazzling ';Snow White%26#39;s temple'; ten miles south of town, but after four days in Bangkok all temples will start looking alike to you.
Chiang Mai is the biggest city in north Thailand. It features a historic walled center with a moat (today used as a wide divider for a highway around the old town). There are the usual temples, some more interesting than others, such as the old Chedi Luang temple that partly collapsed in an earthquake in 1545.
We liked the large night market, and stayed in a smart business-class hotel nearby for under US$40/night.
If you can squeeze out some extra time, the Chiang Mai region is dotted with attractions, some interesting, and some that we considered a bit cheesy.
Among the best are Doi Inthanon National Park, location of the highst peak in Thailand, about three hours or so southwest of the city, and Fang Geysers National Park, about 2 hours north.
There are several elephant-riding spots nearby, and the Mae Rim valley with a couple dozen of the cheesier attractions ranging from orchid farms to a monkey zoo.
Too bad you won%26#39;t have a week just for the far north. Put Chiang Rai, the geysers, Doi Inthanon and the northern villages on your list for next time!
Happy travels, and let me know if I can help further!
David
capetien10@gmail.com
It all depends on how long you have to visit Chiang Mai Or Chiang Rai.
If onlt EG: 4 days it is best to see Chaing Mai, if you have more time you could also visit Chiang Rai
What type of things interst you can be a factor.
You can do both but it will be exausting, plus it depends on the days of the week with the Weekend markets in Chiang Mai.
The weather can be hot depending on what month you visit.
I hope this has also been of help.
If you need more clarification on anything just ask again as we are always willing to part with our own experiences.
Ed
What hotel did u stay in? Looking for a good place to stay and eat while there.
thanks
mo
Hi Mo!
We stayed at the Down Town Inn,a a high quality business-class hotel, for under CDN$45/night. Per room, not per person, including taxes and breakfast for two.
it%26#39;s just behind the night market, in the heart of downtown. Everything in Chiang Mai is within 30 minutes walk of this location.
There are numerous other hotels, many at similar prices, in this vicinity. (I%26#39;m not a shill for this property. I%26#39;m not even from Thailand. We%26#39;re Canadians from Nova Scotia.) You do not need to skimp to save money in Chiang Mai because Thai prices are so low to begin with.
David
mo
I agree with Davis The Downtown Inn Hotel is central to everything.
It is reasonly priced and the breakfast spread cateres fro everyone.
I have stayed there 3 times and will be staying there agin in 5 weeks time.
Ed
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