A Guide for Malaysians Before Going to Chiang Mai, Thailand

Malaysians can enjoy visa-free travel to Thailand for up to 30 days. So, why not visit beautiful Chiang Mai? Northern Thailand's Chiang Mai is a city that is well-known for its historic temples, thriving cultures, and breathtaking natural beauty that can be found there.
Traveloka Accomodation
18 Sep 2023 - 5 min read

The easygoing ambiance, delectable food, and welcoming people make it a well-liked tourist destination among Malaysians, who are drawn to the area for these reasons. Before that, kindly check out the exciting activities that you can book in advance from Traveloka. Book your activities in Chiang Mai here!

Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has much to offer, from temples and castles to lively night markets. Here are some of the most-liked things to do:

1. Visit Temples

There are hundreds of temples in Chiang Mai, the most famous of which are Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Doi Suthep. These temples, which are exquisitely designed and provide insight into Thailand's rich history and culture, are located throughout Thailand.

Wat Chedi Luang

Open hours: 6 am-6 pm

Location: Doi Suthep mountain

Highlights: A revered temple with a stunning golden chedi, panoramic views of Chiang Mai, and intricate Lanna architecture. To reach the temple, you can climb the 309-step Naga staircase or take a cable car.

Cultural Tip: Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering temple buildings.

Wat Phra Singh

Open hours: 6 am-6 pm

Location: Within the Old City

Highlights: Known for its elegant Lanna-style architecture, the temple enshrines the revered Phra Singh Buddha image. The temple grounds are peaceful and adorned with beautiful statues and buildings.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Open hours: 6 am-6 pm

Location: Doi Suthep mountain

Highlights: A revered temple with a stunning golden chedi, panoramic views of Chiang Mai, and intricate Lanna architecture. To reach the temple, climb the 309-step Naga staircase or take a cable car.

Cultural Tip: Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering temple buildings.

2. Explore the city's night markets

Chiang Mai's night markets are vibrant and bustling and offer a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, sample delicious street food, and shop for unique souvenirs.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Open hours: 6 pm-11 pm

Location: Along Chang Klan Road in the Old City

Highlights: One of the most famous night markets, offering various products, including clothing, handicrafts, jewelry, and accessories. It's a great place to shop, dine, and experience the lively atmosphere.

Sunday Walking Street (Tha Pae Walking Street)

Open hours: 4 pm-11 pm

Location: Tha Pae Road, within the Old City

Highlights: This iconic market operates every Sunday evening, transforming the heart of the Old City into a bustling street market. You'll find various goods, street food, live music, and cultural performances. It is a good neighborhood to explore Chiang Mai, book your hotel here!

3. Go hiking or trekking in the mountains

Exploring the mountains around Chiang Mai through hiking or trekking is a beautiful adventure. Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, offers a range of options for outdoor enthusiasts to experience the beauty of its natural landscapes.

Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains, which make for beautiful views, and many hiking and trekking tracks for hiking enthusiasts. Doi Inthanon National Park and Mae Ya National Park have some of the most famous hiking trails in Chiang Mai.

Doi Inthanon National Park

Open hours: 6 am-6 pm

This national park, also known as the "Roof of Thailand," Doi Inthanon, is the highest peak in Thailand. The park offers various trails of different difficulty levels, leading you through lush forests, waterfalls, and hill-tribe villages. The trails vary in length, so you can choose a route that suits your preferences and fitness level.

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Open hours: 6 am-6 pm

This park is well-known because it is close to Chiang Mai and the famous Doi Suthep Temple. There are several trails that take you through the mountains' forests and give you amazing views of the city and the area around it.

4. Learn About Thai Culture

In Chiang Mai, there are numerous options to learn about Thai culture. Some of these opportunities include attending a cooking lesson, taking a class in the Thai language, or visiting a traditional Thai hamlet.

The Thai people hold their monarchy in high esteem. It's essential to be respectful and refrain from commenting negatively about the royal family. Images of the king and queen are displayed prominently, and showing respect is a cultural norm.

In Chiang Mai, we can also try traditional Thai clothes. Traditional Thai clothing includes the "chut thai" for women, which consists of a wrap-around skirt and blouse, and the "pha sin" for men, a type of sarong. These garments are often worn during special occasions and festivals.

5. Relax by the pool or at the spa

Chiang Mai's warm climate makes lounging by a pool a delightful experience. Many hotels and resorts in the area have beautifully landscaped pools where you can soak up the sun, read a book, or enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Some upscale hotels offer infinity pools that provide stunning city views or the surrounding natural landscapes. Poolside service might include refreshing drinks, snacks, and even light meals.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has a diverse selection of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses available to accommodate travelers with a wide range of interests and budgets. The following are some of the most sought-after accommodations available:

1. The Westin Chiang Mai

The hotel likely offers a variety of guest rooms and suites with modern amenities and stylish decor. Rooms might include plush bedding, spacious bathrooms, and modern technology. Not only that, The Westin Chiang Mai likely offers several dining options, which might include a fine dining restaurant, casual eateries, and perhaps a bar or lounge. These venues could serve a mix of local Thai cuisine and international dishes.

As with many Westin properties, wellness and relaxation are often a focus. The hotel might have a spa offering a range of treatments and therapies and fitness facilities such as a gym and possibly yoga or wellness classes, which is perfect for your stay in Chiang Mai. Book your hotel now!

2. The Imperial Mae Ping Hotel

The hotel is known for its convenient location, offering easy access to various attractions and landmarks in Chiang Mai, including the Night Bazaar, temples, and cultural sites. It typically provides a range of amenities and services that are common to upscale hotels, such as comfortable rooms, dining options, conference and event facilities, spa services, fitness centers, and more

3. Maya Bed and Food

Location: 77 Santisuk Rd, T.Chang Phuek, A.Mueang, Su Thep, Huay Kaew, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Thailand, 50300.

Maya Bed and Food is the ideal place to stay for you travelers if you want to travel comfortably on a budget, and Maya Bed and Food is the best spot for you to stay because it has excellent facilities and great services. If you are seeking a place to stay that is both reasonable and provides excellent service, Maya Bed, and Food is the best option for you to consider.

Maya Bed and Food

77 Santisuk Rd, T.Chan...

See Price

4. The Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

The Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is situated along the banks of the Mae Ping River, offering a serene and picturesque setting. The resort is designed to provide guests with a blend of traditional Thai architecture and modern amenities. The resort could offer various activities for guests to enjoy, such as cultural experiences, local tours, cooking classes, and more.

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

8.9/10

123-123/1 Charoen Prathet Rd,T.Changklan

RM 2,116

RM 1,587

5. The Bed Station Hostel

It's known for its budget-friendly accommodations and vibrant atmosphere. The hostel likely offers dormitory-style accommodations with bunk beds. These dorms are often shared among several travelers, making them an affordable option for budget-conscious individuals.

Hostels like The Bed Station often prioritize creating a social and communal atmosphere. Common areas, lounges, and shared kitchens are designed to encourage guest interaction.

The Bed Station - Hostel

60 Jalan Hang Kasturi,...

See Price

Getting to Chiang Mai from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur

There are several routes to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Flying takes roughly an hour to complete and is the most common choice. Direct buses departing from Bangkok and arriving in Chiang Mai leave from several bus companies and take approximately ten hours to travel. Plan your trip with Traveloka.

From KL to Chiang Mai

The flight, which takes around two hours and transports passengers from Kuala Lumpur to Chiang Mai, is the most common way to make the trip. Several different bus companies run direct buses from Kuala Lumpur to Chiang Mai. The journey on these buses takes approximately twenty-four hours. Book your flight here!

Chiang Mai is a stunning city that has a lot to offer tourists who come to visit. Chiang Mai caters to visitors with a wide variety of interests, including those in history, culture, the natural world, and even adventure travel.

Explore further detailed recommendations about Thailand:

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