Chiang Mai, nestled amidst the jungle-drenched mountains of northern Thailand and shrouded in magic and mysticism, is a true gem. With stunning Buddhist temples on every corner, narrow streets, and lush greenery, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve entered an altogether different time. There is simply nowhere else like it.
The city used to be the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom and one of the most important trade stops in the region. Today it is regarded as the cultural and spiritual capital of Thailand. While Bangkok will make your head spin with its vibrant nightlife, ultra-modern skyline, and never-ending traffic, Chiang Mai is all about slowing down and looking within.
The breathtaking Old Town remains intact, surrounded by fortified walls and a network of canals. The neighborhoods outside the city walls are diverse and exciting, with shopping malls, cafes, a huge university campus, and plenty of accommodation, which range from basic and very affordable to plush and exclusive.
With its rich cultural scene and a constant flow of creatives and travelers from all over the world, Chiang Mai is also a very queer-friendly place. The gay scene here is far less ostentatious than in Bangkok, but with a growing number of LGBTQ expats calling the city their home, there are exciting and innovative events taking place all the time.
WHERE TO STAY
If you’re considering Chiang Mai for a short city break, you’ll find an array of gorgeous hotels and guesthouses to choose from. For a fully immersive experience, you can’t go wrong with Club One Seven, the city’s only hotel catering specifically to gay men. The place boasts private rooms and a dormitory, with nightly prices starting at as little as $30. In addition, you’ll be able to enjoy an onsite sauna, swimming pool, and gym, as well as special events which take place here several times a month. If you’re looking for a more peaceful and romantic setting, the Sala Lanna, situated on the banks of the Mae Ping River, is a great option. The spacious rooms, stunning river views and luxurious facilities make this a great spot for a romantic getaway, especially seeing that the Old Town is just a short drive away.
CULTURAL RICHES
Many travelers come to Chiang Mai seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, or the party scene of island life. The city has many museums featuring impressive art collections, with everything from local folklore to whimsical modern art. Most of these are situated within the walls of the Old Town, making it easy to visit more than one in a single day. The Chiang Mai National Museum is a good place to start. Here you’ll learn all about the region’s rich history, with special emphasis on the Lanna Kingdom. Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders is another must-see. This privately owned museum is world-renowned for its collection of insects, displayed alongside modern art. A less unsettling but equally impressive experience is to visit Art in Paradise, a huge 3D art museum, which offers visitors over 130 interactive exhibits.To find out more about the tribes and traditions of the region, visit The Lanna Folklife Museum and The Highland People Discovery Museum— both are unforgettable.
GOOD EATS
While it’s entirely possible to eat street food every night, there’s also a huge variety of fantastic restaurants, offering some of the best food I’ve ever had. Naturally, Thailand in general is world renowned for its irresistible food, but I can honestly say that Chiang Mai elevates the cuisine game even higher. The incredible variety of local herbs and spices, the rich tradition of sacred recipes from the mountain tribes, and the influences of neighboring Laos and Myanmar all conspire to make Chiang Mai’s culinary scene a true heaven for the senses.
REMOTE WORK
As I was initially lured by Chiang Mai because of its reputation as a digital nomad hotspot, it’s only fair that I should talk about my experience of working remotely while living in the city. Whether you are a digital nomad or just want to do a little bit of work in between having a great time, Chiang Mai is certainly a great place for it. There’s an entire com- munity of nomads here, so if you plan on staying for a while and want to expand your network of friends and like-minded entrepreneurs, the coworking spaces might be good points of call. Again, the most popular ones are located in Ninnman: Yellow Coworking Space and Nim Space are both open 24-hours, offering communal working spaces and hot desks, private offices, conference rooms, and more for affordable prices.
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Featured Image: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple (Photo by Jooluann)
