Chiang Mai is the cultural and commercial hub of Northern Thailand, and therefore sees a lot of tourists year in and year out, particularly during the cool months of November until February.
Because Chiang Mai is active in the tourist circuit, you may have to pay for activities that otherwise you get for free in less touristy regions. But it doesn’t mean you have to pay through the nose to take in the delights of Chiang Mai; you just need to risk a little, walk a bit, and smile a lot.
Below are five things you can do in Chiang Mai without shelling out a single ‘satang’ (one cent).
1. Go temple trekking
Wat Chedi Luang
Chiang Mai is home to at least 300 temples, so getting lost in all of them is rather easy to do. Head first to Wat Chedi Luang, an example of Lanna architecture built 600 years ago. The wat used to house the famous Emerald Buddha, now enshrined in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.
2. Chat with the monks
Monks in Chiang Mai
Since you’re already in monk territory, why not offer them food and engage them in small talk? Monks at Wat Suan Dok are eager to talk to visitors as much as visitors are eager to hear their thoughts. For one, monks get to practice their English and talk about things other than Buddhism.
3. Visit the Tribal Museum
Tribal Museum in Ratchamangkla Park
Trekking in the jungles of Chiang Mai is free, but getting into artificial tribe settlements is not (charges at least 500 Baht). The Tribal Museum at Chotana Road not far from downtown Chiang Mai is the closest you can get to the tribes without feeling like you’re invading their privacy or entering a human zoo. This ethnology museum features artistic objects and artifacts that represent the Karen, Hmong, Mien, Lisu, Akha, Lahu, Lau, Thin and Khamu.
While you’re pursuing Chiang Mai’s museum trail, spend some time in the Stamp Museum (Philatelic Museum of Chiang Mai, once a post office); the Royal Thai Air Force Museum (located at A. Muang, Chiang Mai) for their vintage planes; and Chiang Mai Numismatic Museum for antique Thai coins and insignia of ranks. All museums mentioned are admission-free.
4. Catch Muay Thai demonstrations
Muay Thai Fight
Thai boxing is both gruesome and fascinating to watch because all limbs seem to be used for defense and offense. The Kawila Boxing Stadium, a stone’s throw from Narawat Bridge, has Friday night demonstrations that start at 8:00PM. Should you want to see a real Muay Thai fight – blood and all – ticketed fights are usually scheduled on Wednesdays at 400 Baht apiece.
5. Windowshop at the Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Road and Sunday Night Market
Sunday Night Market
The Night Bazaar is more touristy, selling woven textiles, wood carvings, Thai silk, ceramics, pottery and lacquerware. The Sunday Night Market, on the other hand, is where the locals go to shop, chat and get foot massage; thus, offering you a more realistic feel of the commerce in the region. Start from Tha Phae Gate at 5:00PM when stalls are starting to set up, and walk and ogle (at the wares) and photo-op your way through the other end of the gate until the market closes at around midnight.
Photos by Jeremiah Ro, KTRawlings, Mac63, AkumAPRIME and Nicolai Bangsgaard
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Article by Chris
Chris had a passion to contribute to society especially to fellow travelers like himself. He also had a passion for Southeast Asia and frequently visited. While brainstorming ideas, he decided that a travel blog dedicated to his favorite countries, Thailand and Singapore, could be more beneficial than any guidebook. Only one year later did the blog’s success bring in more writers, more countries, and more readers.
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