Chiang Mai
The easiest way to get here is to fly into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). Currently there are no direct flights from the USA to CNX although connections are now being made all through out Asia.
We recommend setting up a 'fare watch' on Google Flights or Hopper to find the best deals as prices can change often.
See the link below for more info
Getting around the city is pretty easy. If you're feeling adventurous and want to try getting around by Songthaew or Tuk-Tuk, check out the link below for an extensive guide on how to use public transportation in Chiang Mai.
https://www.tripsavvy.com/chiang-mai-public-transportation-guide-5201868
Grab
The most convenient way to get around is the Grab App which is basically the Thai Uber. You can download the app here to get a ride or even get food delivered.
In The City
Chiang Mai has an abundance of temples to explore in and around the city. The most famous and must visit is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This temple sits on a mountain where you can get a birds eye view of the city and is a great place to catch a sunset. Another temple located in the heart of old town is Wat Phra Singh. We recommend grabbing a coffee at Scott's favorite cafe, Akha Ama located close the temple if you decide to check it out. On that note Chiang Mai has a lot of love for coffee and cafes. Here is a link to a great list of cafes in the city. www.thewaytocoffee.com/chiangmai/
At night you can shop at one of the many Chiang Mai night markets or catch a Muay Thai fight at one of the boxing stadiums in the city. You can go to the Night Bazaar which is open every night, or our favorite the Sunday Walking Street. Every Sunday the streets around Pratu Tha Phae are closed to motor vehicles so that people can explore all that this market has to offer. There are so many different vendors selling art, clothes, home goods, and souvenirs. It's also a great place to try all sorts of different street food while you shop.
Outside The City
There are so many beautiful destinations outside the city that make for a great day trip. Any of the national parks in the surrounding mountains are worth checking out. Doi Inthanon is a popular destination and is the highest mountain in Thailand.
Mae Kampong has become a popular destination where people go to escape the city and surround themselves in the natural surroundings of the mountains. Below is a great guide to this village.
https://catmotors.net/routes/mae-kampong/
If you are interested in checking out traditional handicrafts San Kamphaeng is a great place to explore for the day. I love going to Baan Celadon to find beautiful ceramics. You can also find other handicrafts like fabrics, jewelry, furniture, and other arts. Also make sure to visit the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs where you can soak your feet after a long day of shopping. Below is a link to an article of places to visit in San Khamphaeng
thailand.tripcanvas.co/chiang-mai/things-to-do-san-kamphaeng/
Also check out these links for other great day trip ideas
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-day-trips-from-chiang-mai
www.chiangmaicitylife.com/clg/places/nature-parks/7-hot-springs-in-chiang-mai/
Temples
Wat Pha Lat - The only way to get to this temple is to hike up to it so you will need to start your journey here Wat Pha Lat Hike (Monk's trail)
Khao Soi (ข้าวซอย)
If there is one dish to try in Chiang Mai, it would be Khao Soi. This iconic noodle dish is served in numerous restaurants and street food stalls throughout the city. For recommendations on some of the most popular Khao Soi joints in town, check out the link below.
Tha-nin Market
One of my favorite markets to pick up dinner and buy ingredients to make some of my favorite dishes. I highly recommend checking out this fresh market. It's a great place to try local fruits and snacks.
Wikunpanich Salapo (ซาลาเปา วิกุลพานิช)
This take out shop has been around for over 70 years selling steamed buns and dumplings. Try to get there around 10 am or before. It is very popular among locals and they are often sold out later in the morning.
Yellow Bean Noodle (Halal Chinese)
This street food stall serves Shan Tofu Nway, a Burmese noodle dish with a thick broth made from besan flour.
Kiat O Cha Restaurant
When you are looking for food that is comforting a plate of chicken and rice with a bowl of soup just hits the spot.
Akha Ama Coffee (La Fattoria ) - www.akhaamacoffee.com
More than just a place to grab delicious coffee and relax, it supports local hill tribe communities by creating a sustainable source of income and preserving the environmental health of the village.
More Restaurants
Blackitch Artisan Kitchen - www.blackitch.com
The Food Trust CNX - https://www.instagram.com/foodtrustcnx/?hl=en
The Good View Bar & Restaurant - http://www.goodview.co.th/2019/
Riverside Restaurant Bar & Restaurant - https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/chiang-mai-province/chiang-mai/restaurants/riverside-bar-restaurant/a/poi-eat/403692/357655
Gai Yang Cherng Doi - https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/chiang-mai-region/chiang-mai/restaurant/gai-yang-cherng-doi
The House by Ginger - https://www.thehousebygingercm.com/
We-La-Dee - guide.michelin.com/us/en/chiang-mai-region/chiang-mai/restaurant/we-la-dee
See below for a few of our favorite spots to grab a drink
The North Gate Jazz Co-Op
A popular laid back bar with live music playing nightly.
Kamrai in The Garden
Our favorite spot around the corner from my house.
Nophaburi - Thai Cocktails
MaHoRee city of music - A great place to grab a drink and listen to live music in a chill atmosphere.
The Roof Top at Sala Lanna - Panoramic Views of the City
My Bar - Dive Bar
Jack Bain’s Bar - Whiskey Bar