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Day two in Chiang Mai went from a hilltop temple to the trendiest part of town.
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Wat Phra That Doi Kham (the Golden Mountain temple)
A temple on a green hill with a giant Buddha and a viewpoint over all of Chiang Mai. Cars drive almost to the top (parking is right outside), and you can also trek up the long staircase.
- Inside it feels very much like an Indian temple: flowers, incense and prayers.
- Press gold leaf onto the Buddha statues. It's the same foil we put on sweets back home.
- Ring the wishing bells with a coin.
- About an hour is enough. We booked a Grab round trip from Chom Café with waiting for 500 baht, which was cheap and convenient.
One Nimman
Chiang Mai's stylish, European-feeling area: good music, food stalls and an Oktoberfest event when we were there. Its street market is pricier than the Old Town (wooden watches and sunglasses for around 1,500 baht), but the vibe is worth it.
Maya Mall
Right next door. Discounts ranged from about 10% (Lacoste) to 30–50% on some shoes and sandals, but nothing cheaper than Indian sales. Do your brand shopping in Bangkok, and your bargain shopping in Chiang Mai's local markets.
Then: the Sunday Night Market
We finished at Tha Phae Gate for the huge Sunday Night Market: our guide.
FAQs
How long do I need at Wat Phra That Doi Kham?
About an hour. Book a Grab round trip with waiting time; ours cost 500 baht.
Is shopping at Maya Mall cheaper than India?
Not really. Brand discounts (around 10–50%) weren't better than Indian sales. Chiang Mai's local markets are where the bargains are.
TAGS: CHIANG MAI · DOI KHAM · ONE NIMMAN · MAYA MALL · TEMPLES
💬 Questions & answers
NO QUESTIONS YET. ASK US ANYTHING ABOUT THIS TRIP.
Prashant & Sunaina
A travel couple from Pune with Kashmiri Pandit × Maharashtrian roots, 8+ countries and counting. Every rupee shared.
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