One of the best things to do in Chiang Mai is to visit the Wat Phra Doi Suthep Temple. While it’s only about 40 mins away from the centre of town it’s good to take a taxi for around $30US return and allow around four hours total travel and exploring time. If you can time it to be there are sunset, the temple is most beautiful as it’s lights come on.

Cooking@home cooking classes in Chiang Mai are well run by two engaging sisters who first start with a market tour. The rural location is a gorgeous setting to enjoy your meal and the hands-on facilities are excellent.

 

   

Tasty snacks are also offered to keep you going while you’re cooking.

Other classes worth investigating include Asia Scenic.

Rimping Supermarket is also very close and is an experience in itself. Everything you could wish for is there including imported items and Thai packaged foods to take as gifts as well as small cafes with ice-cream and  sandwiches.

Rimping Village is hard to beat for value, location and service (including a free airport transfer if you book directly).

Spacious rooms are located around a lovely pool and or garden area.

Deluxe rooms are around $140 including breakfast in the busy season and worth the extra cost (Superior rooms are around $110) for a balcony and extra space.

Deluxe rooms 421 and 425 are the corner rooms with additional space that is not needed for the walkway.

There are open communal areas that are pleasant.

Breakfast is served near the pool and includes a buffet of interesting and inviting choices including a coffee machine and eggs made to order.

Staff cannot do enough for you and all their tips are winners.

The night market is an easy walk across the iron bridge (turn left) and you will also find a good money exchange if you turn right on the night market road.

Rimping Supermarket is also very close and is an experience in itself. Everything you could wish for is there including imported items and Thai packaged foods to take as gifts as well as small cafes with ice-cream and  sandwiches. 7 Eleven before crossing the iron bridge is open after the supermarket closes. Riverside restaurants are also within walking distance and bikes are provided.

Not for the faint-hearted, Chiang Mai’s Saturday and Sunday night Walking Street Markets (4pm-10pm) seem to go on forever and are perhaps the best in Asia.

The street food is great, but if you prefer to sit down, The Sunday Walking Street has a lot more restaurant options. It also passes a number of interesting temples.