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Chiang Mai is the second-largest city of Thailand and is the main northern city of the Southeast Asian country. Thailand is a country famous for its tropical and idyllic beaches of Phuket in the south, the bustling metropolis of Bangkok with its temples and adult attractions in the middle, and Chiang Mai, with its mountains in the north. Thailand is one of the countries in Southeast Asia where Americans can visit visa-free.
Chiang Mai is one of the ancient Thai cities. Unlike European cities, most of the historic buildings of the city have been lost. However, the city preserves the ancient city plan with the city moats, parts of the old city walls, and many of the old temples. While in Southeast Asia, it is a must to explore the fabled "lost city" of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Thailand Has Plenty Of Excellent Roads
It may come as a surprise to many, but the roads in Thailand are surprisingly good. Whereas many of the secondary roads in developing countries around the world are potholed and in a poor state, that is not the case in Thailand. The main roads in Thailand are excellent, and many of the small side roads are also paved and well-maintained. These roads can be breathtakingly stunning and have very little traffic.
It is very easy and straightforward to hire a scooter/moped in Thailand (locally called 'motorbikes'). Mopeds are the main mode of transportation in much of Southeast Asia (although cars in Thailand and Malaysia are also the main). Mopeds are a very convenient way to get around.
The roads around Chiang Mai are also full of cyclists. The mountains, temples, quiet paved roads, and forests around Chiang Mai make it something of a cyclist's dream.
Chiang Mai is infamous for its air pollution - mostly from fires in the region and poor air circulation in the region. The air quality is often bad in February and March.
What To See & Do On A Motorbike Road Trip Around Chiang Mai
There are lots of things to explore in the forested mountains around Chiang Mai by motorbike. There are always plenty of Buddhist temples and monasteries to discover, as well as lots of hidden cafés and restaurants set in the forests. A 30-40 minute scenic drive out of Chiang Mai is the hidden village of Hmong Doi Pui Village. Hmong Doi Pui Village is inhabited by the mountain tribes of northern Thailand - these are different ethnic groups from the dominant Thai population. They have their own native languages and traditions. There are plenty of ethnic shops and markets at the village with plenty of local wares for sale. Take the time to stop for a coffee or tea at the picture-perfect cafe restaurant Hmong Café.
A drive up the mountain through the tropical forests on the narrow, paved, but quiet country lanes to the Doi Pui Camping Area is one of the most stunning scenic drives in the region.
Attractions Just Out Of The Chiang Mai Area To Explore (note "Wat" means temple):
- Wat Pha Lat Hike (To the Wat Pha Lat Monastery)
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan
- Doi Pui Nature Trail
- Doi Pui Camping Area
- Wat Phra That Doi Kham
- Hmong Doi Pui Village
People can choose to make day trip forays into the mountains around Chiang Mai or drive for multiple days. There are plenty of guesthouses and lodging options all through northern Thailand to consider staying at. Expect the trip and go all the way to Chiang Rai - the northernmost significant city in Thailand.
What To Know About Renting A Motorbike & Driving In Thailand
Before going to Thailand, get an international driver's license from one's home country/state. International driver's licenses are basically just translations of licenses into many languages. While people can still normally hire mopeds in Thailand without an international driver's license, visitors can expect to get a fine if caught. Traffic police in Chiang Mai routinely target tourists and check they have the required documents.
It is also possible to get an international driver's license online (and people can get them issued even while abroad, but it may take a while). Watch out for unauthorized websites online offering international driver's licenses - non-official documents can get people in trouble.
There are a few things to keep in mind about driving in Thailand. Thailand is one of the countries of the world that drives on the left side of the road (something visitors need to get used to). Also, helmets are required on mopeds. Driving in Thailand may be a bit more chaotic than what people may be used to in Western countries, but still, it is much better than in other countries like India.