Slow Travel - Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai - Thailand

Nestled in the mountainous north of Thailand, about 700 km from the buzz of Bangkok, Chiang Mai offers a gentler pace and rich cultural depth that rewards those who take the time to linger. Once the seat of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, it remains one of the most soulful and historically vibrant regions in the country—a fact that earned it a spot as one of the ‘Best 25 Destinations in the World' for slow travel.

With a city population of around 150,000 and a metro area approaching a million, Chiang Mai retains a welcoming, small-town feel despite its growing popularity. Its slower rhythm and deep-rooted traditions make it an ideal base for longer stays and unhurried exploration.

While it's easily accessible—with an international airport and daily trains linking it to Bangkok—Chiang Mai invites you to slow down. Sip coffee in peaceful courtyard cafés, wander through centuries-old temples, or lose track of time browsing local markets and chatting with artisans.

Often called the gateway to Thailand’s North, Chiang Mai is also the perfect launching point for quiet journeys into neighboring provinces like Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son. A thriving expat community adds to the city’s charm, offering a friendly and supportive environment—especially for those considering a long-term stay or even retirement.

In a region full of slow travellers, from Bali’s beaches to Bangkok’s hustle, Chiang Mai hits a sweet spot that’s hard to find elsewhere in Southeast Asia. It’s a city that’s managed to embrace the future without sacrificing its soul. Here, ancient temples share streets with coworking spaces, and century-old markets thrive alongside third-wave coffee shops. The result isn’t jarring – somehow, it all just works.

The city’s size plays a crucial role in its appeal. Big enough to have everything you need – fast internet, modern amenities, international restaurants – but small enough to feel manageable. You can cross town in 20 minutes on a motorbike, but you could spend years exploring the maze-like sois and still find new hidden spots. This human scale makes it easy to build a real life here, not just pass through.

Infrastructure matters, and Chiang Mai delivers where it counts. From slick operations to hidden garden cafes where the Wi-Fi’s as strong as the coffee. And when your day comes to an end, you’re never more than a short ride from a temple, a market, or a mountainside viewpoint.

But what really sets Chiang Mai apart is the cost-to-quality ratio. Here, a slow travellers budget stretches far without compromising on lifestyle. A small budget gets you a modern apartment, daily Thai massages, meals at cool cafes, and enough left over to explore weekend markets or take trips into the mountains.