Chiang Mai – A Laid-Back Escape in Northern Thailand
- adriana hamelin
- Mar 6, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 22, 2025
First Impressions
Chiang Mai was a refreshing change of pace after Bangkok. Seeing mountains in the distance was a nice contrast to the cityscape, and everything felt much calmer. The heat was still intense, but not quite as stifling as Bangkok.
We stayed in the Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) area for five nights, just a short 10-15 minute ride from the airport. Nimman is known for its trendy restaurants, cafés, and bars—perfect for food lovers. We were amazed by the number of great spots within walking distance and found ourselves returning to our favorites multiple times.
We enjoyed Japanese and Indian cuisine along with our refreshing afternoon treat: mango vegan ice cream.
Where We Stayed : Akyra Manor Chiang Mai
Akyra Manor has a prime location in Chiang Mai’s trendy Nimman area, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the hype. While the staff was friendly and helpful, the hotel had several drawbacks:
Strange design choices – The glass-walled bathroom with a curtain system wasn’t ideal for privacy.
Aging interiors – It didn’t have the luxurious feel we expected from a Small Luxury Hotel.
Cleanliness issues – Not quite up to standard.
Uncomfortable pool seating – The rooftop pool looked great in pictures but wasn’t very inviting in reality.
Sunset casts a warm glow over the tranquil rooftop pool, with a striking elephant sculpture adding a unique touch to the serene urban landscape.
For the price, there are definitely better options in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Life in Late February/Early March
The weather was getting hotter, so we spent time cooling off at the rooftop pool. Chiang Mai’s relaxed vibe made it the perfect place to slow down. We finally took our first tuk-tuk ride to go to handicraft village and wandered through Old Town, passing by stunning temples along the way.
Toward the end of our stay, the air quality started to worsen as the burning season began. A local taxi driver told us that the best time to visit is during or just after the rainy season—fewer tourists and lush green scenery.
First Thai Massage Experience – Cloud 9
We had our first-ever Thai massage at Cloud 9, and it was an intense experience!
The Experience
Started with a foot wash, then we changed into loose clothing.
The massage began with deep pressure on the feet and legs, working upwards.
Some stretches were borderline painful, especially for someone (like me!) who isn’t very flexible.
The therapist found every knot in my back—painful but oddly satisfying.
I felt looser and more flexible afterward, but two days later, I had a bruise where she worked the hardest!
Final Thoughts
Worth it? Yes—but be prepared for deep pressure and intense stretching.🤔 Would we do it again? Maybe, but next time, we’d know what to expect!💪 Best for: Those who enjoy firm massages and deep muscle work.
Muay Thai at Tha Phae Boxing Stadium
We wanted to experience Muay Thai while in Chiang Mai, and our hotel recommended Tha Phae Boxing Stadium over Loi Kroh. It turned out to be a fun and unique night!
Tickets: We got normal seats for 600 THB each—great view even without VIP seating.
Crowd: The stadium wasn’t packed—maybe 100 people total.
Fights: 7 matches, including one where 5 blindfolded fighters were in the ring at the same time!
Highlight: A Canadian woman had her first fight—and won!
It was an entertaining and authentic experience. While it wasn’t a high-level professional fight, it was a great way to see Muay Thai live and enjoy a fun night out in Chiang Mai.
Sunday Night Market – A Sensory Overload
If you’re in Chiang Mai on a Sunday, the Sunday Night Market is a must-see! But be prepared—it’s massive and crowded.
What We Did
🥤 Sipped on fresh sugarcane juice—perfect for the heat.
🛍 Wandered through endless stalls—but didn’t buy much (our backpacks are already full!).
🍽 Opted for a sit-down restaurant instead of street food—it was nice to escape the crowds for a bit.
The energy is incredible but overwhelming. If you love markets, this is one of the best in Thailand. If you dislike crowds, you might want to check out smaller markets like Jing Jai Market or Baan Kang Wat instead.
Cooking Class – Thai Farm Cooking School
Instead of hiking, we decided to end our Chiang Mai stay with a Thai cooking class—one of the best choices we made!
The Experience
🚗 Hotel pickup → Local market stop for a quick ingredient lesson.
🌿 Farm tour → Walked through a beautiful organic farm, seeing, smelling, and tasting fresh ingredients.
🍛 Hands-on cooking → We each made:
Tom Yum Soup with Shrimp – Perfect balance of flavors!
Pad Thai – Classic and delicious.
Thai Curry (Red & Green) – I made red, Simon made green, and both were amazing.
Mango Sticky Rice – My absolute favorite!
Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. The peaceful farm setting made it even better. If you’re in Chiang Mai and love Thai food, this class is a must!
Final Thoughts
Chiang Mai was a great place to slow down, with plenty of activities depending on what you enjoy. Would we return? Probably not—we feel like we got a good sense of the city during our stay. But if you love markets, temples, or Thai cuisine, it’s definitely worth visiting!
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