Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most budget-friendly destinations, but
you can still stretch your money further with these 100 money-saving tips:
Accommodation
- Stay in
guesthouses or hostels instead of hotels.
- Book
accommodations in advance for early-bird discounts.
- Stay outside
the Old City for cheaper rates.
- Look for
long-stay deals at hotels or Airbnb.
- Use
Couchsurfing for free stays with locals.
- Consider
house-sitting opportunities.
- Stay in temples
that offer free or cheap lodging.
- Check for
last-minute deals on Agoda or Booking.com.
- Choose fan
rooms over air-conditioned ones to save on electricity charges.
- Share dorm
rooms in hostels to cut costs.
Transportation
- Walk as much as
possible—many attractions are close together.
- Rent a bicycle
for ฿50-100 per day instead of a
motorbike.
- If renting a
motorbike, compare prices from different shops.
- Use the Rot
Daeng (red songthaews) instead of taxis.
- Download Grab
instead of hailing a tuk-tuk.
- Avoid airport
taxis—take the airport shuttle or a shared songthaew.
- Use public
buses, which cost as little as ฿20.
- If using
tuk-tuks, always negotiate the fare before getting in.
- Travel with
friends to share ride costs.
- Use
long-distance buses or trains instead of flights when traveling to Bangkok
or other cities.
Food & Drinks
- Eat at street
food stalls instead of restaurants.
- Try local
markets like Chang Phuak Gate Night Market for cheap meals.
- Avoid touristy
restaurants with English menus—they charge higher prices.
- Get a Thai
SIM card and use Google Maps to find local eateries.
- Buy fresh
fruits from local markets instead of touristy juice bars.
- Eat at food
courts in shopping malls for affordable meals.
- Order khao
soi (Chiang Mai’s famous noodle dish)—delicious and cheap.
- Refill water
bottles at free drinking water stations instead of buying bottled water.
- Buy alcohol
from 7-Eleven instead of bars.
- Take advantage
of happy hour deals for drinks.
Attractions & Activities
- Visit free
temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chiang Man.
- Walk up Doi
Suthep instead of taking a taxi to save ฿50-100.
- Explore Nimmanhaemin
Road by foot instead of joining a tour.
- Enjoy Sunday
Walking Street Market without spending much.
- Visit Huay
Tung Tao Lake instead of expensive swimming pools.
- Go hiking at Doi
Inthanon National Park on your own.
- Rent a tent at Doi
Pui Camping Ground instead of expensive resorts.
- Skip the
elephant parks and visit an ethical sanctuary instead.
- Go to free
events at co-working spaces or community centers.
- Visit local
festivals like Yi Peng Lantern Festival for free experiences.
Shopping & Souvenirs
- Bargain at
markets—never accept the first price.
- Shop at Warorot
Market instead of night bazaars for cheaper goods.
- Buy souvenirs
at local supermarkets (dried fruit, coffee, spices).
- Avoid
overpriced silk products in tourist areas.
- Get clothes at
second-hand markets instead of boutique shops.
- Buy handmade
crafts directly from artisans at Baan Kang Wat.
- Use cash
instead of credit cards to avoid fees.
- Compare prices
before buying anything.
- Look for
factory outlets or direct-from-maker shops.
- Skip
international brands—buy from local designers.
Communication & Internet
- Get a local AIS
or TrueMove SIM card instead of using roaming.
- Use free Wi-Fi
in cafes and hotels instead of buying data.
- Download
offline maps to avoid data charges.
- Use apps like
Line and WhatsApp for free calls.
- Buy a prepaid
SIM instead of postpaid plans.
Health & Wellness
- Visit local
pharmacies for over-the-counter medicine instead of expensive clinics.
- Get massages at
local massage schools instead of fancy spas.
- Drink herbal
teas at local stalls instead of expensive cafes.
- Use mosquito
repellent to avoid costly doctor visits.
- If sick, visit
government hospitals instead of private ones.
Entertainment & Nightlife
- Enjoy free live
music at local bars like Zoe in Yellow.
- Attend free art
gallery exhibitions.
- Watch free Muay
Thai fights at Tha Pae Boxing Stadium on certain nights.
- Visit rooftop
bars during sunset for free scenic views.
- Join free
cultural workshops at temples or community centers.
Miscellaneous Tips
- Exchange money
at local banks, not the airport.
- Use ATM
withdrawal limits wisely to avoid extra fees.
- Bring a
refillable water bottle to avoid buying drinks.
- Pack light to
avoid extra baggage fees on flights.
- Use laundry
services instead of hotel laundry.
- Buy travel
insurance before coming—it’s cheaper than emergency expenses.
- Avoid scams—be
wary of overly friendly strangers offering deals.
- Learn basic
Thai phrases to get better prices.
- Use local
mobile apps like Foodpanda for meal discounts.
- Avoid Western
fast food—it’s pricier than Thai food.
Seasonal & Special Discounts
- Visit during
the low season (April–October) for cheaper deals.
- Look for
student, senior, or expat discounts.
- Check Facebook
groups for Chiang Mai expat deals.
- Ask locals
about promotions or discounts before booking.
- Follow Chiang
Mai-based bloggers for budget travel tips.
Long-Term Travel Savings
- Consider
volunteering for free accommodation.
- Join free
community yoga or meditation classes.
- Rent an
apartment monthly instead of staying in hotels.
- Buy a
second-hand motorbike instead of renting long-term.
- Use local
grocery stores like Makro for bulk purchases.
- Cook your own
meals if staying in an Airbnb with a kitchen.
- Sign up for
supermarket membership cards for discounts.
- Buy bus or
train tickets in advance for lower prices.
- Use public
transport instead of private tours for sightseeing.
- Join local
Facebook groups for free or cheap events.
Last-Minute Savings
- Pack snacks for
day trips instead of buying on the go.
- Use free
luggage storage at hostels instead of paid lockers.
- Share meals if
portions are too big.
- Book group
tours for better discounts.
- Look for Buy
1 Get 1 Free deals at restaurants.
- Bring your own
toiletries instead of buying travel-sized ones.
- Buy used travel
gear at second-hand markets.
- Take free
walking tours with local guides.
- Always check if
there are free alternatives before paying for attractions.
- Enjoy the
simple beauty of Chiang Mai—nature, culture, and friendly people—without
spending much!
With these tips, you can explore Chiang Mai without breaking the bank. Enjoy your trip!
After arriving at Chiangmai international airport, turn to your left and walking in the direction of domestic airport. Exit domestic airport, the taxi here is cheaper.
Note: My first choice Platinum airport building across CentralPlaza Chiangmai Airport, a prominent shopping mall close to the airport. 450 baht, no breakfast. 7-11 shop nearby.
Accommodations near the airport, "Platinum Airport" offers monthly rentals ranging from 4,500 to 7,000 THB and daily rates at 450 THB. Amenities include air conditioning, furnished rooms, water heaters, and parking facilities.
Proximity to Chiang Mai International Airport: The hotel is approximately 1.7 kilometers from the airport, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking easy airport access. The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service from the airport to the hotel; however, transfers from the hotel to the airport may incur an additional charge.
Nearby Shopping and Dining: Directly opposite the hotel is the Central Plaza Chiang Mai Airport, a major shopping center offering a variety of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities. Additionally, guests can explore local night food markets within a short walking distance, providing authentic Thai culinary experiences.
Accommodations and Amenities:
The hotel features 105 rooms, including studios, superior double rooms, one-bedroom suites, and family suites designed to cater to diverse guest needs. Each room is equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, cable TV, mini-bar, microwave, and a private balcony. The hotel emphasizes eco-friendly practices, utilizing solar and wind energy for hot water systems.
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant specializing in Thai cuisine, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For relaxation, the hotel offers massage services and an indoor swimming pool. Additional facilities include a business center, meeting rooms, and free private parking.
Guest Reviews:
The Airport Greenery Hotel has received generally positive feedback from guests:
Location: Guests appreciate the hotel's proximity to the airport and nearby shopping centers. One reviewer noted, "Very close to the airport. You can even walk if you don't have too much baggage."
Room Size and Cleanliness: Many reviews highlight the spaciousness and cleanliness of the rooms. A guest mentioned, "Had a nice large room with a sitting area and workspace."
Staff Service: The hotel's staff is frequently commended for their friendliness and helpfulness. A reviewer shared, "Staff was great. The room had great sitting area and a most comfortable bed. Great place!"
Areas for Improvement: Some guests have pointed out areas such as noise levels and bed comfort. One review mentioned, "The noise from the road outside was relentless... There was also a lot of banging noises in the hotel through the night."
Overall, The Airport Greenery Hotel offers a convenient and comfortable stay, especially suitable for travelers seeking close proximity to Chiang Mai International Airport and nearby amenities.
Third choice (near CentralPlaza Chiangmai Airport)
WE Terminal Hotel is a 4-star accommodation located at 207/2 Mahidol Road in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Situated in the Hai Ya district, it's conveniently close to Chiang Mai International Airport, approximately 1.8 km away, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking proximity to the airport.
Facilities and Amenities:
Rooftop Pool: Guests can enjoy a rooftop swimming pool, offering a relaxing environment with city views.
Dining: The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving Thai cuisine, and a buffet or American breakfast is available daily.
Fitness Center and Garden: For those interested in staying active, there's a fitness center and a garden area for relaxation.
Room Amenities: All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and facilities for making coffee and tea.
Guest Reviews:
The hotel has received generally positive feedback from guests:
Cleanliness and Comfort: Many guests have praised the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms. For instance, a reviewer from Germany noted the room was "comfortable and spacious."
Convenient Location: The proximity to the airport is frequently highlighted as a significant advantage. A guest from the United Kingdom mentioned it's an "easy walk from the airport when you get a late flight."
Staff Service: The staff is often described as friendly and helpful. A reviewer from Australia appreciated the "friendly and helpful staff."
Areas for Improvement: Some guests have pointed out areas such as breakfast variety and parking facilities that could be enhanced. A guest from Thailand commented on the breakfast, stating it "was poor, coffee was not delicious."
Booking Information:
WE Terminal Hotel offers various room types, including Standard Double Rooms, Standard Twin Rooms, Deluxe Double Rooms, and Standard Triple Rooms. Prices are competitive, with standard rooms starting around $18 per night.
For reservations, guests can book directly through the hotel's official website or through various online travel platforms.
In summary, WE Terminal Hotel is a modern and conveniently located accommodation in Chiang Mai, suitable for travelers seeking comfort and easy access to the airport.
For foot massage and body massage i go to spa shop at CentralPlaza Chiangmai Airport B1 near Mcdonalds. 220 baht for foot massage and 240 baht for body massage.
Do tip them as their income is low.
Please note that prices and distances are approximate and may vary. It's advisable to contact the establishments directly for the most current information and to make reservations.
The domestic and international airports of chiangmai are joined together.
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