Part of our Thailand guide.
Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is one of the world’s largest markets, with over 15,000 stalls. Doi Inthanon National Park offers a day trip from Chiang Mai to Thailand’s highest mountain.
Related travel guides: Hidden Gems In Thailand, Where To Eat In Thailand, Travel Tips And Ideas In Thailand, Getting Around Thailand, The 15 Best National Parks In Thailand For Wildlife, and 6 Hidden Gems For Thai Silk Shopping In Bangkok.
Chatuchak Weekend Market Revealed
Often called JJ Market, Chatuchak Weekend Market spans a maze-like network of alleys. Stalls sell vintage clothing, exotic pets, and countless other goods, while street food vendors line the walkways. The market is open on weekends, and visitors should allow several hours to explore its sections. The market includes dedicated zones for antiques, home decor, and plants. Navigating the crowds is easier in the morning, before the heat and foot traffic peak. Many first-time visitors get lost in the labyrinth, so picking a landmark to return to is a practical tip. The market’s sheer size means you cannot see everything in one visit, so prioritize the sections that interest you most. If you have a long layover in Bangkok, Chatuchak is accessible via the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit station, making it a feasible stop for a few hours of shopping and eating.
Doi Inthanon National Park: A Day Trip from Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, is surrounded by mountains and contains more than 300 temples. Doi Inthanon National Park is home to Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, which rises to 2,565 meters. The park features several waterfalls, including the Wachirathan and Mae Klang falls, which are easily accessible from the main road. A popular route is the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, a loop that offers views of the surrounding valleys and, in the cool season, a sea of mist. The trail is typically open from November to February, though dates vary depending on weather conditions. At the summit, visitors will find the twin pagodas built to honor the king and queen, each surrounded by landscaped gardens. The park also contains remote Hmong and Karen hill-tribe villages, where traditional agriculture and crafts continue. Entry fees for foreigners are 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children, as of the most recent published rates. The drive from Chiang Mai city to the park entrance takes roughly one hour, and the road to the summit adds another 45 minutes. The park’s less-visited trails and viewpoints offer solitude away from the main stops. Packing a jacket is advisable, as temperatures at the summit can drop to single digits during the cool season. Doi Inthanon is a full-day outing; most tours depart Chiang Mai around 6 a.m. and return by late afternoon. The park’s elevation and protected status mean development is minimal, so bring your own food and water unless you plan to eat at the small stalls near the entrance.
