Brief visit to Chiang Mai

On Monday we travelled up north to Chiang Mai. We visited shortly after COVID restrictions were lifted, and as a result the city only had a small number of visiting tourists. 

Fast forward to this week . Every corner of the city is heaving (I'm not joking) with backpackers of all ages. The place is full of western style restaurants, hostels and cannabis shops. 

So what's the attraction of Chiang Mai? 

The city has great landmarks, starting with the Old City’s ancient brick walls and surrounding moat, built over 700 years ago to protect the former Lanna capital from invaders. 

Visitors also travel to surrounding mountains, including Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the hilltop temple known for its golden stupa, amazing city views, and impressive Buddha statues. 

The city is also close to Chiang Rai for a day or overnight visit to see the White and Blue Temples.  Or to take the famous road trip to Mae Hong Son and Pai.

Overtourism in parts of the Old City has resulted in higher prices and more budget accommodation crammed into a small space. Air quality is another major issue, especially during the “burning season” (around February to April), when crop burning in northern Thailand causes severe haze. The increased reliance on bikes, cars and taxis has pushed pollution up, and the traffic noise around the moat can be quite deafening.

We definitely noticed the change, and with higher prices opted for budget accommodation around the edge of the moat.  Unfortunately this was a busy side road for 24 hour motorbike and car noise.  We were due to stay 7 nights, but after 2 nights, we packed up and left.  Ironically for a quieter hotel in Bangkok!

I'm not saying don't go to Chiang Mai - do visit.  But be mindful it's not as laid back as it once was.