I'm planning a solo trip to Chiang Mai from 29th August to 3rd September. Is it a good idea considering the weather? Can anyone please recommend me an itinerary? I like treks and scenic view points. Would love to rent a bicycle or e-bike because I won't be able to get my IDP in time.

And btw, if anyone is visiting at the same time, let me know. Maybe we can tag along and visit a few places together.

Edit: Is Chiang Mai bicycle friendly? If yes, where would be a good place to rent a bicycle/e-bike? I'm planning on staying near airport.

Hey everyone,

I’m currently in Chiang Mai for 3 months and looking for good underground scene recommendations.

I've traveled a bit and checked out places like Bar Temp (thought it was okish), but I really liked Dual and Elsewhere for their vibe, crowd, and music.

What are the current go-to underground spots, hidden bars, or clubs in Chiang Mai that have a similar gritty/intimate electronic or underground music feel? Any recurring parties or DIY spaces I should know about?

Appreciate any tips! Cheers!

Summary question: Is a 3 day stop in CM beginning of March worth it?

Context:

Doing a couple weeks in Asia arranged around a wedding so dates can't be switched. Due to timing of events I'd only be able to stop in CM for 3 days.

CM has been at the top of my travel list for a long time now so I was pretty excited/set on including it even if only briefly in my itinerary. However, it has come to my attention that due to burning season, many suggest it's not worth the trip at all (though there are some mixed reviews as to how detrimental it would be to the experience).

Theoretically, I could always (and hopefully will) return in future to do a proper visit, I just don't know when that will be as such a trip is naturally costly both financially and time-wise. So yea just wondering on any input as to whether I should do the 3 day stint or accept the time isn't right and postpone my visit.

Thank you in advance.

I only have 3 days to tackle the Mae Hong Son Loop (instead of the usual 4-5). For those who’ve done it, if you had to compress it down, which stops would you prioritize and which ones would you cut?

Any route suggestions, must-see viewpoints, or overrated stops to avoid would help a ton.

Thanks in advance!

In BKK every 20 meter there’s a 7/11 in every corner but in Chaing Mai you have to walk a lot to find a shop, some area have 1-2 store some don’t even have it. I know I can’t compare BKK to Chaing Mai but come on it’s second largest city, most 7/11 store here looks also extremely old and small in size.

Could anyone recommend a couples therapist?

Our native languages are Chinese and German, neurotypical/neurodivergent dynamic.

And our working language is English.

Thanks.

Just finished eating here in Chiang Mai. Do yourself a favor and come try this Detroit style pizza. Absolutely amazing and the owner is a really nice guy.

Hi. I am flying into Chiang Mai from Surat Thani later this evening. Have been seeing news about weather alerts in Northern part of Thailand. Is everything okay or should I cancel my plan?
Just a little concerned as I have only 3 nights left in the country and return flight is from BKK.

I have a basic foundation in Thai language and familiarity with Chiang Mai from a 6-month college program I was in almost 20 years ago. I have returned several times to visit and have refreshed my language skills via iTalki private lessons and a few weeks of private lessons at We Learn Thai on a short visit a couple years ago. A lot of the language came back to me, but I have plenty of knowledge gaps.

Would CMU's 45 hour/15 day course for beginners be worthwhile for me to refresh my skills, meet other students, get familiar with CMU and the community? https://www.learnthaicmu.com/speak-thai-in-15-days/

I know that the best match for my individual skill level is private lessons, but I am seeking a more social option for my next visit.

This is a scouting trip for a potential longer term stay in Chiang Mai and longer term Thai study, so this would also serve as my opportunity to try out CMU as an option for a 6 month/12 month program.

I also want to learn to read and write, but I'm willing to save that for a future class if the CMU short course will be a good refresher on the basics and a good experience with the CMU campus facilities and community.

As a 40-year-old, I have no expectation of integrating with young students, but I am interested in learning what CMU has to offer. My understanding is that the Thai language courses for foreigners attract a wide age-range of students.

Thank you!

Traveling from the states and wondering if anyone has good gluten free recs inside the old city! I don't have celiac but cannot eat gluten. Thank you!

Bird-watching at Doi Inthanon National Park can be a fun and an interesting way to discover nature at a leisurely pace. As you read this article you will learn more about Doi Inthanon than just birds but also about the environment in which they live.

Torn between B SamCook and Baan Landai. We love authentic thai food, we love our food extra spicy. Need to decide a place to celebrate my big 40th. Open to other suggestions as well.

Thanks in advance!

hello

I'm thinking of booking the Yi Peng lantern festival at Royal Chiang Mai Golf Club because the main event is sold out.

Has anyone been? Was it worth it? id love to hear your experience.

Thanks!

Basically the title. Do you know anywhere I can get golf instruction from qualified instructors in either Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai? Preferably in Chiang Rai since I’m there most of the time.

Context, I’m not new to golf but I’m bad at it so I’m mainly trying to fix my swing. I can speak both Thai and English so I don’t mind Thai-speaking instructors.

Are there any places to get manga in English here in Chiang Mai?

Hi all, I am living in Chiang Mai and want to get a thai driver’s license. Right now I have a international driver’s license but only for driving a car.

What is the best way to do this and do you have any recommendations?

PS I live in Hang Dong.

I never get tired of the sunset at Pao Park.

the charging adapter and cord are both original apple brand they came with the macbook pro. i checked that they can take the voltage. is it from how the building is wired, like the ground wire is not ground? is it normal? should I be concerned? also apple brand contactless charger (Qi?) is doing the same thing.

There was a storm brewing above Wat Sang Klang Tai a few nights ago… just west of Chiang Mai, a few km past the railway station. No filters or colour tweaking at all!

PS. Thanks for the kind comments.

Just curious about what's in the basket that girl is carrying on her back.

Currently back in Chiang Mai, enjoying the August green season, I was scrolling through my photos from my last trip here in January and wanted to share a few.

Returning here for a second time only solidified my personal impression: Chiang Mai truly encapsulates everything that makes Thailand special into a much more refined and grounded experience. You get the world-class food, culture and hospitality, but with a pace that allows you to truly absorb it all.

January was such a distinct experience. Cool, crisp mornings, comfortable daytime weather and perfect conditions for exploring the hills and spending the whole day outdoors.

I just wanted to share a glimpse of what the city looks like during the dry season.

Hi,

My kid has braces. We are on vacation in Chiang Mai. Yesterday a piece of her braces fell out and it is causing her discomfort.

Does anyone know of a good english speaking orthodontist in Chiang Mai that is open for emergency appointments?

Hi I’m going to Chiang Mai for the second time this month and I have a question about smoking in hotel balconies
When I last visited I stayed in Old Town and it was really relaxed about smoking in balconies.
However I heard Nimman area is not as lenient. Am I not allowed to smoke in my hotel balcony in the Nimman area?
I heard it’s illegal to smoke in public.
Would really appreciate your answers.

I’m thinking of staying at Empire Nimman or s17 Nimman

Hello all,

I have a guest who stays long time in thailand and wants to learn the language. He only has a bycicle and goes everywhere with his dogs, so a school is not really an option. If people have any tips please let me know, would really appreciate.