Thailand

Bangkok

• Reddit post: Give Bangkok a chance (archive)
• Ayutthaya
• Siem Reap is a short flight away.
• Train network map. This is the best map I’ve found that combines all the different rail providers in Bangkok.
• Transport to/from DMK airport: Use the SRT dark red line to Bang Sue MRT.
• Transport to/from BKK airport: Use the Rail Link. Transfer at either Phaya Thai BTS station or Makkasan MRT station.

Chiang Mai

Accommodation

Sleep Guesthouse is my personal favorite. It’s run by a husband and wife. Super friendly hosts. Clean rooms. Free and tasty breakfast. Convenient and quiet location. This place has extremely high ratings on all booking platforms for a reason; it’s that good.

Stamps is one of the more popular hostels in Chiang Mai. It’s a social hostel, with events being hosted each day. Their events are available to everyone; not just those staying at the hostel. Even if not staying at Stamps, it’s a good idea to stay nearby and to hang out at Stamps occasionally.

Things to do

Some compilations: twowanderingsoles.com.

• r/thailandtourism is an active community.
• Food tour by A Chef’s Tour (TripAdvisor). Seems somewhat expensive, but well recommended. May be worth the money.
• Doi Suthep Walkers Facebook group with organized hikes. Usually weekly on Saturday mornings. Range of difficulties.
• Monk’s Trail.
  • Two temples along the hike. About a 30 minute hike to Wat Phra That, and 2 hours to Doi Suthep.
  • Go in early morning to avoid the mid-day heat.
• Live music at Seven Pounds
• Chill at Stamps hostel at night even if you’re not staying there.
• Markets:
  • Chiang Mai Gate Market
  • Saturday Night Market
  • Sunday Night Market
• Temples:
  • Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. One of the more (most?) iconic temples in Chiang Mai.
  • Wat Suan Dok. Show up in the evenings on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday to chat with a monk.
• Festivals:
  • [April] Songkran
  • [November] Loy Krathong
• Visit an Elephant sanctuary, maybe. Be aware of exploitation, even at “ethical” sanctuaries. A truly ethical elephant sanctuary may not exist.
• Food:
  • https://www.ledubkk.com, 1 michelin star

Pai

Seems to me like Pai is heavily geared towards tourists looking party. Might be worth a trip if you intend to ride a scooter, since you’ll then be able to easily access the surrounding areas. Without a scooter you’d be mostly limited to the town.

Pai can be reached from Chiang Mai. Travel options ordered by speed are by scooter or minibus. Booking a bus can be done at 12go.asia. There may be other better booking options, but I haven’t researched this.