Unforgettable 3-Day Expedition Through Chiang Mai Temples

Unforgettable 3-Day Expedition Through Chiang Mai Temples

Travelling to Chiang Mai: A Guide to Flights and Temples

Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand, is a popular destination known for its vibrant culture, ancient temples, and bustling markets. However, if you're planning a trip from the U.S., be prepared for a layover as there are no nonstop flights to Chiang Mai or even Bangkok.

Flying to Chiang Mai

To reach Chiang Mai, you'll need to route through major hubs like Bangkok (BKK) or Singapore (SIN) first. Popular award options include booking premium cabin flights on Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, which offers excellent service and connections to Bangkok. From Bangkok, you can book a separate award/domestic flight to Chiang Mai on carriers like Thai Airways or Bangkok Airways (award availability varies).

Singapore Airlines business class awards from the U.S. to Bangkok cost about 107,000 KrisFlyer miles one way. You then connect from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on domestic carriers like Thai Airways or Bangkok Airways (award availability varies). Keep in mind Bangkok has two airports, so verify your connecting flight carefully for the domestic leg to Chiang Mai.

Alternatively, you can use Star Alliance miles (such as ANA Mileage Club or Air Canada Aeroplan) to book flights to Bangkok, then connect onwards.

Exploring Chiang Mai

Once in Chiang Mai, you'll find a city rich in history and culture. The Old City, with its ancient Buddhist temples, night markets, cafes, and restaurants, offers a great selection of affordable accommodation options. Notable temples include Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Sri Suphan, also known as the Silver Temple.

Nimmanhaemin, Chiang Mai's most modern and hip neighborhood, is known for trendy restaurants, shopping boutiques, rooftop bars, and an upscale nightlife scene. One Nimman, a partially open-air shopping mall in this area, features shops, art galleries, cafes, tea shops, beauty parlors, restaurants, and bars.

Chiang Mai Chinatown, the city's oldest trading quarter, features hundreds of shops that sell jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs. The Night Market, the city's busiest night market, has many bars, clubs, and restaurants around the area, although it doesn't have as many tourist attractions as the other neighborhoods.

Outside the city, you can visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most revered Buddhist temples in Thailand, perched atop Doi Suthep hill. Another must-visit is Wat Phrathat Doi Kham, home to one of the oldest chedis in Chiang Mai and a 17-meter tall white and gold seated Buddha statue, the tallest in Chiang Mai.

Lastly, don't miss Wat Lok Moli, which features the largest chedi in the entire city, and Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, built in 1296 by King Mengrai, who founded the city as the new capital of the Lanna Kingdom.

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) serves the city and has frequent flights from major cities in Thailand and some international flights from neighboring countries.

In summary, using major frequent flyer programs like Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, ANA Mileage Club, or American Airlines AAdvantage to book flights to Bangkok or Singapore, then separately booking or redeeming miles for domestic Thai flights to Chiang Mai is the most effective way to use points and miles for Chiang Mai travel from the U.S.

1. Once you've reached Chiang Mai, immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant lifestyle by visiting landmarks like Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Sri Suphan.
2. After exploring the ancient temples and bustling markets, head to Nimmanhaemin, Chiang Mai's trendy neighborhood, where you can dine, shop, and enjoy an upscale nightlife scene.
3. For entertainment and general news about Chiang Mai, consider visiting One Nimman, a shopping mall with shops, art galleries, restaurants, bars, and more, or the Night Market for a bustling nightlife experience.

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