If you're itching to study Thai away from the hustling and bustling capital city of Bangkok, then Chiang Mai may be for you! Chiang Mai is a popular destination for world travelers due to its diverse population and colorful attractions, yet offers plenty of opportunity to find both innner and outer peace! Here we've compiled five of our favorite things to do while we're in Chiang Mai:
1. Visit Doi Suthep
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep (or "Doi Suthep" for short) is a Buddhist temple located on Mt. Doi Suthep and is one of Chiang Mai's most popular tourist attractions. Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike make the trek to to Doi Suthep to marvel at its expertly crafted Buddha sculptures and panoramic views of the city.
2. Excursion to Chiang Rai
While not within Chiang Mai proper, Chiang Rai is a worthy excursion to make while there. At Chiang Rai, one can explore a famous memorial to the King of Thailand's "Princess Mother", the Doi Tung Zoo, or the indescribably beautiful "Chapel of Wat Rong Khun", also known as the "White Temple". This is a virtually undiscovered (by tourists) yet completely accessible point of interest in Chiang Rai!
3. Take a Thai cooking class!
Thai food has a unique pallette, and in many cases involves using ingredients and textures rarely combined in other parts of the world! Visitors to Thailand love tasting these exotic wares, but some choose to take it one step further and try making it themselves! Learning to cook Thai food can be an unforgettable part of your trip that you can savor and keep with you always. Chiang Mai has several formal culinary schools as well as occasional opportunities to learn on excursions or even within your language school!
4. Go shopping (night/sunday markets)
No trip is complete without shopping, and Chiang Mai has this area more than covered! Just about anything can be found in the city's downtown night and sunday markets, and this can provide an excellent opportunity to practice your Thai and purchase necessities or thoughtful gifts at the same time!
5. Celebrate Songkran: Thai New Year!
Many people have heard of Chinese New Year, but what about the Thai New Year? The Songkran festival, as its known, is celebrated joyously around the country from April 13-15 and includes such rituals as returning home to spend time with family and throwing water back and forth in the streets! Chiang Mai is often noted as having the largest and most enjoyable New Years festivals in Thailand!
For more information about studying Thai in Chiang Mai, visit:
Thai School in Chiang Mai
Center for Study Abroad
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