Chaing Mai or Rai for a stay
Nov 24, 2012, 10:14 am
#1
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Chaing Mai or Rai for a stay
I have about three days to spend in either city. I am traveling alone. Not a big pool or beach person, prefer to see local culture. Not a shopper either. Which city and why would you recommend?
Thanks
Thanks
Nov 24, 2012, 10:33 am
#2
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No beaches so you don't need to worry. Chaing Mai is a smaller congested version of BKK.
Nov 24, 2012, 10:35 am
#3
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Forgot to mention that northern Thailand is known for silver goods production and wood. You'll see many of these crafts up there. Avoid the major night bazaars where you're going to be fleeced. Enjoy the food!
Nov 27, 2012, 3:36 am
#4
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That's a rather pessimistic and, I suspect, minority opinion. Chiang Rai is a standard-issue Thai country town with the usual smattering of temples, markets and such; not unpleasant, but not particularly exciting, and pretty far from an oasis of sylvan charm. Chiang Mai is Thailand's 2nd largest city, so it's got a much better range of hotels, restaurants, markets etc, and as the former capital of the Lanna kingdom, it has larger and more interesting temples, its own cuisine, etc.
Nov 27, 2012, 3:54 am
#5
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That's a rather pessimistic and, I suspect, minority opinion. Chiang Rai is a standard-issue Thai country town with the usual smattering of temples, markets and such; not unpleasant, but not particularly exciting, and pretty far from an oasis of sylvan charm. Chiang Mai is Thailand's 2nd largest city, so it's got a much better range of hotels, restaurants, markets etc, and as the former capital of the Lanna kingdom, it has larger and more interesting temples, its own cuisine, etc.
And fine times outside of the tourist hordes as well.
Nov 27, 2012, 6:03 am
#6
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Chiang Mai has much more to offer than Chiang Rai. For a three day stay, I'd recommend Chiang Mai for sure. Thanks to the large number of tourists, it's also more affordable if you want to do day trips in the area.
Nov 27, 2012, 6:19 pm
#7
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That's a rather pessimistic and, I suspect, minority opinion. Chiang Rai is a standard-issue Thai country town with the usual smattering of temples, markets and such; not unpleasant, but not particularly exciting, and pretty far from an oasis of sylvan charm. Chiang Mai is Thailand's 2nd largest city, so it's got a much better range of hotels, restaurants, markets etc, and as the former capital of the Lanna kingdom, it has larger and more interesting temples, its own cuisine, etc.
Nov 27, 2012, 10:29 pm
#8
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That's a rather pessimistic and, I suspect, minority opinion. Chiang Rai is a standard-issue Thai country town with the usual smattering of temples, markets and such; not unpleasant, but not particularly exciting, and pretty far from an oasis of sylvan charm. Chiang Mai is Thailand's 2nd largest city, so it's got a much better range of hotels, restaurants, markets etc, and as the former capital of the Lanna kingdom, it has larger and more interesting temples, its own cuisine, etc.
By the way, OP might want to check out Lam Pang. Kampang Phet is also full of old ruins, waterfalls, temples.
But yes, Chiang Mail is a must see for sure!
Nov 29, 2012, 4:36 am
#10
formerly known as 2lovelife
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My advice, DON'T do both. That would be a waste of 3 days. Pick one or the other.
If you are comfortable in the foreigness, without much tourist infrastructure outside of hotel wifi and fast food, Chiang Rai will suit you fine.
But if you like a bit more familiarity, and typical tourist amenities, such as English use, and services set up for tourists, Chiang Mai is a true tourist city, that has still retained its own charm.
For sure, they are very different from each other.
If you are comfortable in the foreigness, without much tourist infrastructure outside of hotel wifi and fast food, Chiang Rai will suit you fine.
But if you like a bit more familiarity, and typical tourist amenities, such as English use, and services set up for tourists, Chiang Mai is a true tourist city, that has still retained its own charm.
For sure, they are very different from each other.
Nov 29, 2012, 11:27 pm
#11
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I prefer Chiang Mai over Chiang Rai. As I recall, it's about a 3-hour ride between them, on very curvy roads. So I'd also just choose one.