Chiang Mai is essentially Thailand's second city, albeit much smaller and much more relaxed when compared to Bangkok. It was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, but now is a major draw for backpackers and travellers of all kinds, not to mention retiring ex-pats and humanitarians. Travellers would often return multiple times to Chiangmai due to energy in the city that captivates those who visit. The city itself offers plenty of things to do in the way of cooking classes, temple visits, street food, and culture. But beyond its boundaries, you'll find natural perfection, awe-inspiring animals, and unique communities deep in the mountains.

Best time to fly from Clark - Pampanga to Chiangmai

The off-peak season is in the months of late April until late October because of the much higher rain frequency as well as higher humidity. However, this could be an excellent opportunity to get reasonable offers and visit places with much lesser crowds too, since the prices will drop. Therefore, if you want to save money, you can look forward to going to Chiang Mai around this time. The peak season in Chiang Mai is during the late December to February which are the times when the temperature is much cooler, not too hot and the rain does not occur too often. The best time to visit Chiang Mai is in February and November, which is at the start and at the end of the peak season, in which the number of tourists is significantly lesser. For travellers looking to experience cultural festivals, they should plan their visits around the Loy Krathong Festival or Yi Peng that celebrates the Goddess of Water which is usually held on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai calendar. Meanwhile, Songkran is held in mid-April in conjunction with the Thai New Year, with Chiang Mai being a popular destination for the celebration. During the first weekend of February, there will be the Chiang Mai Flower Festival which is a three-day festival to celebrate spring with a variety of flowers.

Main airports available in Clark - Pampanga and Chiangmai

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) – Chiang Mai International Airport or formerly known as the Suthep Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport is the primary airport of Chiang Mai as well as Lamphun which is operated by the Airports of Thailand PCL and owned by Royal Thai Air Force. Located in 60 Mahidol Rd which is about 5 kilometres away of the main city of Chiang Mai, the airport is the main gateway to Northern Thailand as well as the fourth busiest airport in Thailand, being able to accommodate 10 million passengers as of 2017. Chiang Mai International Airport has two terminals, in which one is utilized for international flights and the other is meant for handling the domestic traffic. It is the hub for Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai AirAsia and Wisdom Airways with flights coming into and from Manila.

Clark–Pampanga International Airport (CRK) – Clark International Airport conveniently located in the Mabalacat - Angeles area of Pampanga. Its location makes it easy for travellers who want to avoid Manila's busy streets. The airport is also easily accessed by road from Subic, Metro Manila and North Luzon. This airport handles international and domestic flights including China Eastern Airlines, Jeju Air, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Besides that, it also operates for cargo airlines like FedEx Express, UPS Airlines, and many more. The distance between this airport and the city is only about 1.1 kilometres. By taking a taxi, the taxi fare is around PHP 232.41.

Climate pattern in Clark - Pampanga and Chiangmai

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is between October-April when temperatures are warm but not stifling. You'll still want to pack a sweater in case the evenings cool off. The average daytime temperature is around 25°C, but it can dip as low as 15°C at night. If you're here in November, you'll see the Loi Krathong festivities. In April and May, things start heating up. Temperatures can soar as high as 40°C, and you'll want to pack light clothing and plenty of sunscreens. If you're not used to such stifling heat, you might find it uncomfortable for sightseeing. The rainy season takes place from June to October, when temperatures cool down, but the humidity rises. Chiang Mai doesn’t get as much rain as Southern Thailand, but you’ll still want to be prepared. It will rain for maybe an hour each day, and only rarely for days on end. The period of January to March is infamously known as the smoky season in Chiang Mai. Also known as the Burning Season, this is a time when the air quality in northern Thailand, especially Chiang Mai hits an all-time low due to several reasons. Many travellers aren't aware of this and thus have to face multiple problems.

Highlights attractions in Cairns

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – This mountaintop temple is a must-see in Chiang Mai. Wat Doi Suthep's central shrine contains a much-revered seated Buddha and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. You can reach the temple by hiking up the mountain, renting a motorbike, or hopping into a songthaew (red trucks that essentially operate as communal cabs). At the base of the staircase leading up to the temple, you'll find vendors selling souvenirs, antiques, and snacks. Travellers planning to hike up to the temple need to take note that the staircase is steep. The gallery is adorned with statues of Buddha in the Chiang Mai and Sukhothai styles. The temple itself is ornate, with many representations of the Buddha, detailed dragon statues, and elephant carvings. There is also a small museum on the premises. On a clear day, you can look out over the entire city and spot the chedis atop other wats poking out among the clustered buildings. If you're wearing shorts, you will be required to put on a sarong-like wrap to cover your legs. It is advised to cover your shoulders and your legs at least past your knees when visiting any temple.
• Elephant Nature Park – There are many elephant camps around Chiang Mai, but all are not created equal. Many have been criticized as treating the animals poorly and overworking them. Elephant Nature Park is not one of these places. Visitors are invited to spend a day volunteering with the elephants, feeding them, and bathing them in the river. Most of the elephants are rescues, having suffered as show or labour animals. Once they are rescued, they are no longer workers and are treated gently and respectfully. A day spent here is an eye-opening experience. Travellers will get to spend time up close with the elephants and learn about their plight. The cost of volunteering includes transportation and lunch, and the money goes toward maintaining the grounds and providing for the animals. Be sure to book in advance, as the volunteer spots do fill up ahead of time.
• Sunday Walking Street - The Sunday Walking Street is a must for eating and shopping in Chiang Mai. Go early, though, if you're not one for crowds. The main market thoroughfare is Rachadamnoen Road, which begins just behind Thapae Gate, where you'll find vendors selling handcrafted lamps, dolls, soaps, jewellery, clothes, Christmas ornaments, local handicrafts, and just about every other keepsake you can imagine. As you reach the end of the first block of Rachadamnoen, you'll find yourself flanked by two temples. The courtyards of both are filled with food stalls offering a grand mix of pad Thai, Japanese curry, sushi, samosas, fried bananas, and dumplings. The market stretches the length of the road, and if you're interested in doing any shopping at all, leave yourself several hours to wander, shop, and eat. Also make sure to be patient, as the throngs can make it slow going when it comes to browsing.