First Time in CHIANG MAI, THAILAND! Is This Better Than Bangkok?
Bangkok vs Chiang Mai? 🇹🇭 Is Chiang Mai actually a better choice than Bangkok for your next trip to Thailand?
Bangkok may be Thailand’s most famous city, but Chiang Mai might be the one that steals your heart.
After experiencing the chaos, beauty, and energy of Bangkok, I brought Ann to Chiang Mai for the very first time to show her a completely different side of Thailand.
Our northern Thailand adventure started the moment we arrived, heading straight up the winding mountain road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to experience the stunning Golden Stupa and peaceful city views before hitting our first local Chiang Mai night market for some amazing street food.
Today, we’re taking our scooter beyond the Old City to show my Filipina girlfriend Ann why Chiang Mai is one of my favorite places in Thailand.
This 24-hour Chiang Mai itinerary is the perfect mix of peaceful nature, mountain views, local food, and unexpected adrenaline. We start Early Owls Cafe, my favorite cafe in Chiang Mai, before heading out to Mae Sa Waterfall to cool off and experience the peaceful nature and beautiful waterfalls.
From there, we ride up through the mountains to Mon Jam Viewpoint for some of the best views in Chiang Mai . We explore the stunning mountain viewpoints, and then race down the mountain on dirt tracks in traditional wooden carts during a serious round of Formula Hmong.
But the real surprise comes when I take Ann to Chiang Mai Jungle Bungee at the X-Centre for a bucket-list tandem bungee jump she did not see coming.
To end this unforgettable day, we stop at Huay Tung Tao Reservoir to climb inside the giant straw gorillas, explore the lakeside photo spots, and watch a peaceful sunset from the floating bungalows.
Choosing between the high energy of Bangkok and the slower, nature-filled vibe of Chiang Mai is a tough call for any traveler. This 24-hour look at northern Thailand shows you exactly what to expect so you can decide which city fits your travel style best.
What’s your vibe when you travel — do you prefer the chaotic energy of a massive city like Bangkok, or the peaceful nature, temples, food, and mountain views of Chiang Mai?
Let us know in the comments below!
💰 Traveler’s Budget & Info (Approximate Costs):
Motorbike Rental: 200–400 THB/day, depending on size
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: 50 THB entrance fee for foreigners
Mae Sa Waterfall: 100 THB entrance fee for foreigners + 20 THB scooter parking
Formula Hmong Carts at Mon Jam: 100 THB per person
Chiang Mai Jungle Bungee Jump: Packages start around 2,200 THB, with tandem options available
Huay Tung Tao Reservoir: 50 THB entrance fee, home to the Giant Straw Animals
Early Owls Cafe: Approx. 150–300 THB per person for breakfast/coffee
Local prices can change, so always double-check before you go.
If you enjoyed sharing this adventure with us, hit that thumbs up button, subscribe to the channel, and don’t forget to ring the bell so you never miss a stop on our journey.
#ChiangMai #ThailandTravel #Thailand #ChiangMaiThailand #NorthernThailand #DoiSuthep #TheCountryCollectors
🎒 WANT TO TRAVEL LIKE A PRO?
🏥 Stay Protected: Get the travel insurance I use: https://tinyurl.com/28tzvnhk
🎫 Book Activities: I’ve used Klook for years to find the best excursions.
💥 Use code: THECOUNTRYCOLLECTORS for 10% off your first booking!
📲 Download the app: https://tinyurl.com/35pczx7a
📶 Stay Connected anywhere with Airalo eSIM
👉 https://airalo.pxf.io/kOL2Ev
💸 Use code TCC15 for 15% off (up to $5)
🎥 MY TRAVEL GEAR
Vlog Camera: https://amzn.to/3O1Ll9x
Drone: https://amzn.to/3PyorqP
Action Cam: https://amzn.to/4sx6eZ8
iPhone: https://amzn.to/4bKv5BI
Microphone: https://amzn.to/3PunM9T
Travel Backpack: https://amzn.to/4sG9zpa
🛒 Full Kit: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thecountrycollectors
💕 SUPPORT THE ADVENTURE
If you enjoy the "honest truth" of these travels, consider joining the crew!
🧡 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thecountrycollectors
☕ Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/collectors
👕 Get the Merch: https://thecountrycollectors.creator-spring.com
🔔 JOIN THE JOURNEY: Don't forget to subscribe and DLING THE BELL so you never miss an update!
So, COUNTRY COLLECTORS, grab your passport and join me on the adventure of a lifetime!
- ADAM
⚖️ Affiliate Disclosure: Links above are affiliate links. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you for gear and services I use and trust.
00:00 Is Chiang Mai Better Than Bangkok?
01:00 Breakfast at Early Owls Cafe Chiang Mai
02:37 Finding Peace at Mae Sa Waterfall
03:22 Ann's Touching Reflection on Her Childhood
04:49 Mon Jam: Chiang Mai’s Mountain Viewpoint
07:50 Formula Hmong: Racing Wooden Carts Down Mon Jam
09:58 Surprise Bungee Jump at Chiang Mai X-Centre
13:24 Ann Faces Her Biggest Fear
16:27 Huay Tung Tao Reservoir Giant Rice Straw Animals & Gorillas
17:33 Floating Bungalows at Sunset
18:11 First Impressions of Chiang Mai