Chiang Mai Solo Guide

I have been planning and always dreamed of visiting Chiang Mai one day and finally, I did it and I chose the end of the year to be here. Being here as solo travel is different, so, here I will share my experience, tips, and guide for your reference on your next solo adventures.

Place to stay

I have been comparing three areas to stay - Option 1: Inside the old city, Option 2: Outside of the old city (near the Chiang Mai Night market), or Option 3 chic neighborhood at U Nimman (as suggested by Kru Thai Teacher). Based on my research and I did visit these three areas, they have pros and cons, depending on your travel style.

Option 1: Inside the Old City

Pros - It is a center of tourists and near to several attractions such as temples. You have everything here, restaurants, convenience stores, etc.

Cons - It is very touristy and overcrowded and you can get away from the sound of pubs, bars, cars, etc.

Option 2: Outside of the old city ((near the Chiang Mai Night Market)

Pros - Less crowded and you have that "separation" of busy streets, entertainment, etc.

Cons- A bit of a walk to Old City but still ok.

Option 3: Chic neighborhood at U Nimman

Pros - Much more organized, picturesque, amazing little cafes, near to the most main malls

Cons - Far from tourist areas and choice of budget hotels is limited.

I end up choosing Option 2: Outside of the old city ((near the Chiang Mai Night Market). Again, it depends on preferences and less crowded areas are my options to go. It is safe and near to the night market which is my favourite thing to do. It was 8-10 minutes walking distance to the old city but it was walkable and I got to enjoy the neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Throughout my days in Chiang Mai, I stay at the small family-run hotel - UNO Chiang Mai. I highly recommend this hotel. Support local businesses. The owner is so kind and the hotel is safe and clean and the room is huge.

Transportation

Grabbike is the best option. I didn't try Tuk-Tuk but many tourists did that. I use Grab most of the time, from the airport to the furthest mall, etc. Price is vary and reasonable for me.

Due to the proximity of all the attractions not that far, I walk most of the time. Chiang Mai is pedestrian-friendly at most tourist attractions.

Money Exchange.

I suggest changing to THB in your home country first or USD. This is because the exchange rate in Chiang Mai (at least the one that I went to near Wat Chedi Luang) is expensive. Another reason is you might use some of it in case of emergency when you arrive here. Another money changer that costs less is Superrich opposite the UN Irish Pub.

Things to do

I have put my full itinerary on where to go. Typicall question that everyone asks, is 3 days enough to visit Chiang Mai City and the surrounding area? Yes. Therefore, if you have more days, kindly include your tour to the neighboring province, Chiang Rai. However, as a solo here someplace that I went to within the city center;

• Chiang Mai Old City Temples (Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Phan Tao)

• Wiang Kum Kam

• Exploring Night Markets

• Visiting Nimman Chic Neighborhood,

Outskirt Attractions (40-50 minutes drive from city centre)

• Doi Suthep

• Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden

Spend 1 day to visit Chiang Rai and you can book via Klook. The transportation will pick you up from your hotel. They will contact your Thai number before your pick-up time. Ensure that you key in your Thai number (Tourist SIM card).

SIM Card

If you directly fly from your home country, a SIM Card is available at the airport. The counter is located at the international arrivals hall. You will see booths of TrueMove H, AIS, and DTAC. I choose AIS due to its stable coverage. The price is THB399 for 10 days. Here is one tip that I did not do, but I highly recommend if you plan to travel further from Chiang Mai city center, ask the SIM Card provider if you can make a Thai phone call without using the internet (normal call) because it will help you in case of emergency or easy to travel agent to contact you.

Budgeting

This is very subjective depending on your travel preference. However below is my total spending (approximately).

Outbound Flight: Air Asia (Direct) KUL-CNX = RM264.00

Inbound Flight: Vietjet (Layover) CNX-SGN-KUL = MYR753.99

Accommodation 3 Nights = RM380.55

Transportation Aiport - Hotel- Aiport = THB350

Klook Booking Chiang Rai 1 Day Trip = RM146.35

Foods = RM50 per day

Shopping = RM200

MISC = RM200

Total = RM2144.89 ++

However, I remember my real spending was less due to eating less and walking all the time (no transport spending)

Best time to visit Chiang Mai.

I visit end of the year so the weather is a little bit chilly. The average temperature is around 28 and could reach 16. It was sunny and dry. I think December best month to visit if you would like to escape the heat and still do outdoor activities. Avoid monsoon season which lasts from June to October.

Safety Tips

As a solo traveler, Chiang Mai is pretty safe for solo travel. I met some fellow solo travelers, and they said the same. The key to safety (anywhere) is always staying vigilant, respecting local cultures, triple checking if the tour offers are too good to be true. Throughout mu stays in Chiang Mai, I did not encounter any scammers.

From lively markets to calm temples, and street food that tastes amazing to views that will wow you, there's something awesome happening all the time. Enjoy the friendliness of the locals, munch on tasty local food, and soak in the vibes of the culture. I hope your trip is full of awesome moments and solo travel fun. Have a great time, fellow explorer!