Discover a Different Side of Thailand in the Mountainous North
Nestled in the Himalayan foothills of northern Thailand, the capital city of Chiang Mai province captivates visitors with a unique blend of geography, history, and culture. Once a mighty citadel, the 700-year-old city of Chiang Mai is home to ancient Buddhist temples, jungle trails, and panoramic views from the nearby Doi Inthanon Mountain.
The crisp, cool temperatures and low humidity make November and December the best months of the year to visit Chiang Mai. Enjoy hikes and guided tours without the oppressive heat and humidity of the summer months and avoid the crowded tourist seasons of spring and fall. Contact our flight coordinators today to schedule your charter flight to Chiang Mai.
Whether you want to marvel at the staggering beauty of Chiang Mai’s Buddhist Temples, explore glittering limestone caves, zipline through the jungle, or just stroll through the streets as you enjoy local delicacies and share in the fun of street festivals, a little advance planning can make all those activities easier to navigate. Here are just a few of our favorite things to do on a visit to Chiang Mai.
Visit the Doi Inthanon National Park
Renowned for its hiking trails and unequaled views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding Himalayan landscapes, the peak of Doi Inthanon Mountain looms nearly two miles above sea level. The park is a nature lover’s paradise, replete with endless waterfalls, lush foliage, and a diverse array of bird species and other wildlife. Mingle and barter with locals in the small villages scattered throughout the region and be sure to visit the colorful Royal Twin Pagodas near the mountain summit.
Take a Thai Cooking Class
The Smile Organic Farm is one of several sites that offer half-day and full-day cooking courses, which are great ways to learn some basic techniques that you can experiment with in your own kitchen. Set on the grounds of a working organic farm, these courses don’t just teach you how to prepare dishes but also offer tips and tricks for growing your own vegetables and herbs. Classes are small and fill up quickly, so make your reservations soon!
Stroll the Grounds of the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden
The Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden is a floral and horticultural haven spanning more than two thousand acres. This meticulously manicured sanctuary is home to an astonishing array of plants, flowers, and carefully crafted ecosystems for fish, birds, and other small wildlife. It is a perfect retreat for a serene afternoon of quiet meditation or an opportunity to explore a curated panoply of Thailand’s natural beauty with friends and family.
Meet the Elephants at the Chiang Mai Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
A compassionate rescue and retirement home for elephants, the Chiang Mai Elephant Jungle Sanctuary offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal with these beautiful, majestic animals. The elephants roam freely in the Sanctuary, basking in the sun and cooling themselves in the mud. Sanctuary guides will show you how to approach and interact with some of the more people-friendly elephants, and you’ll feel good knowing that your entry donation is going to support these gentle giants in their retirement years.
Experience the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival
Held on the last full moon of November, the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival maintains an ancient tradition of celebration dating back centuries. Deeply rooted in Thai culture, the festival celebrates triumph over misfortune and welcomes new beginnings. The sight of tens of thousands of white paper lanterns lighting up the nighttime sky is truly something to behold, and this magical event offers insight into the culture and history of this ancient city.
Flights to Chiang Mai
Once you visit Chiang Mai in the winter, you’ll want to go back every year, and Global Air Charters’ fleet of ultra-long-range jets puts Thailand comfortably within reach. Contact us today to explore your options and visit Chiang Mai this December!
