Visiting Chiang Mai like a local
By Audrey Tuttle | Posted: June 20, 2025
I’ve had the chance to travel to Thailand a couple of times now, and I can honestly say it never disappoints. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or taking your first international trip, Thailand is a fun, welcoming, and vibrant place to explore, and Chiang Mai, Thailand, holds a special place in my heart.
One major reason my Chiang Mai trip was so special? Pomelo Travel (Flights From Home’s sister company) has an Outpost there, and staying at the Chiang Mai outpost is a dream! It’s located just outside the city, away from the hustle and bustle. It’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind, but the thing that makes it really special is the host, Pee Tee!
If you have the chance to visit the outpost, you’re in for a treat. Pee Tee is the BEST. She’s the kind of person you meet and instantly love — warm, hilarious, and deeply caring. She goes out of her way to ensure every guest feels welcome and has the best experience possible. She’s also an incredible cook (more on that later), and spending time with her was one of the highlights of my trip.
We even got to go to the local market with her, where she showed us some of the best snacks to try and where to grab the best curry paste to bring home. She also runs a restaurant on the property, and I still dream about her khao soi and panang curry.
Favorite Activities in Chiang Mai
There is so much to do in Chiang Mai, but here are some of my absolute musts:
Shopping at the Night Markets — Chiang Mai is famous for its night markets. So much color, energy, and incredible street food! Plus, it’s a great place to pick up handmade gifts and souvenirs.
Observing elephants at a Sanctuary — Ethical elephant sanctuaries are a beautiful way to see these gentle giants up close. There are so many options for this activity, but be sure to do your research and support a business that is treating the elephants kindly! Some claim to be “sanctuaries” but will still allow people to ride the elephants, which is harmful to them. You can learn more about ethical elephant sanctuaries here and here.
Visiting the Bee Farm — The bee farm is located very close to Pee Tee’s house, and she’s happy to help you arrange a trip over there! The people there are passionate about the bees, and it’s very interesting to learn about them! You can also sample and shop for bee and honey-related products, including candles, snacks, hair masks, supplements, and more!
Thai Massages — These are unlike any massages you’ve had before. Affordable (often only about $5-$10!), deeply relaxing, and an amazing cultural experience. I personally prefer a Thai-style massage to any other massage I’ve had! As you walk down the streets of Chiang Mai, you will see dozens of spas offering massages.
Cooking Classes with Pee Tee — We made fried rice, pad thai, khao soi, panang curry, mango sticky rice, and more! I am not exaggerating when I say this is some of the best food I’ve had in my entire life.
And of course, don’t miss the coconut mango sticky rice ice cream or the purple coconut pancakes — Chiang Mai knows how to do dessert right.
Travel Tips for Thailand:
Pack light! You really don’t need much. The weather’s warm, and you can do laundry easily. It will be easier to get around Thailand with local buses or budget airlines if you have less luggage, plus you’ll want to have extra room to bring home souvenirs!
Use local laundry services. You can drop off your clothes and pick them up fresh and clean the next day, often for just a few dollars.
Bring home curry paste. Pick some up with Pee Tee or from a local market. It’s a great (and tasty) souvenir.
Visit temples — Chiang Mai is known for its stunning temples. They’re peaceful, ornate, and full of history.
Check out the mall — It might not be on every traveler’s list, but malls in Thailand are next level — air-conditioned, clean, and packed with surprises.
Must-try foods
The food in Thailand is AMAZING, especially in Chiang Mai! I think of all the places I’ve traveled to, this city is probably the one I would rate the highest when it comes to food.
Pad Thai: One of the most popular Thai dishes, and it’s even better when you eat it in Thailand! (And it’s priced a lot better, too!)
Khao Soi: This is a Thai curry noodle soup that originated in Chiang Mai. We made it with Pee Tee, and this is a meal I dream about! Some days, I’m tempted to fly back to Thailand just to eat a bowl of it.
Mango sticky rice: Another food that has also become popular in the US, the mango sticky rice in Thailand does not disappoint. You can find it at many restaurants and also at street market stalls. We even found an ice cream spot that serves mango sticky rice topped with coconut ice cream! 10/10 would recommend.
Papaya salad: A refreshing snack that can be found at street vendors.
Thai coconut pancakes: This is another treat Pee Tee introduced us to while shopping at the local market. These small purple pancakes have a coconut filling, and they were one of my favorite snacks!
Whether you’re in it for the food, the culture, the elephants, or just some deep relaxation, Chiang Mai is a magical place to land. And if you get the chance to stay at Pomelo’s Outpost with Pee Tee, do it. You’ll leave with a full belly and lots of wonderful memories.
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