Seven days in Chiang Mai is not too long; it is considered an ideal amount of time to experience the city’s culture, temples, and surrounding nature without rushing. A week allows for a balanced mix of exploring the Old City, visiting Doi Suthep, taking cooking classes, and exploring nearby attractions like Doi Inthanon National Park or Chiang Rai.
Is One Week Too Long in Chiang Mai? Not at all! If you have a whole week, consider adding day trips to Pai, Chiang Rai, or even the Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand's highest peak. A week also allows time for Muay Thai classes, extended yoga retreats, or cultural experiences.
Should I spend more time in Bangkok or Chiang Mai?
If you're into vibrant cities and don't mind a packed schedule, 2 nights in Bangkok could be worth it, with iconic sights and great food. But, if you prefer a slower pace and want more time in nature and culture, sticking with Chiang Mai and Ao Nang might be better.
For nature lovers, Chiang Rai is more peaceful and untouched--perfect for scenic hikes, waterfalls, and quiet villages. Chiang Mai is livelier but still offers lush mountains, national parks, and nature tours. If you want less crowds and more raw beauty, go Chiang Rai.
Surrounded by high mountains and crossed by the majestic Mae Ping River, Chiang Mai boasts a wealth of natural beauty. Between tradition and modernity, the “Rose of the North” is Thailand's most beautiful city.
Limit Public Displays of Affection: Thailand is for the most part conservative regarding public displays of affection. While hand-holding is usually accepted, more intimate gestures such as kissing, may be frowned upon. Displays of affection may even attract negative attention.
For less touristy Thailand, explore Northern gems like Chiang Rai, Lampang, and Nan for culture, or head south to the tranquil islands of Koh Yao Noi/Yai, Koh Kood, Koh Mook, or Koh Lanta for quiet beaches and local life, while inland options include Khao Sok National Park, Kanchanaburi, and the ancient cities of Sukhothai/Ayutthaya, offering nature, history, and fewer crowds.
Bangkok has been the capital of Thailand since 1782. Before then, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and Thonburi also served as capitals of Thai kingdoms. Modern Thai historiography recognizes four historical capitals of Thailand.
Phuket is better for beach lovers seeking nightlife, watersports, and island hopping with a lively, tourist-focused vibe and hot weather, while Chiang Mai is ideal for culture, temples, mountains, hiking, and budget-friendly slow travel with a cooler climate, though it has a "burning season" (Jan-Apr). Your choice depends on whether you prefer a tropical island escape or a cultural mountain city, as they offer polar opposite Thai experiences.
What are the worst months for Chiang Mai's air quality? The months of February through to April are when the air quality is at its worst, towards the end of the dry season and subsequently leading into monsoon season when the air quality drastically improves after April.
✔ Avoid tourist traps– Bars in Patong/Phuket can drain your budget fast. ### **Final Verdict** With $10,000, you can comfortably live in Thailand for 6-12 months (or longer if frugal). If you want to stay beyond a year, consider remote work, teaching English, or a Thai Elite Visa for long-term stays.
A meal at a casual restaurant in Thailand will be anything from 200THB to 400THB – that's about £4.50 to £9.10, in UK terms. You'll be able to enjoy the lower end of pricing at local family restaurants and night markets scattered across Thailand, but you'll be paying a premium for your usual restaurant scenario!
