I write this as someone who stupidly took the advice of redditors and got into the CM hype in general. Here is the reality of the situation:
Chiang Mai is a pretty decent city, with all amenities and everything. Bus is it special? Is it worth the hype? Is it worth extending/changing your trip to Thailand? Absolutely not. Here’s why:
1. This city is literally just like any other city. Not just any other Thai city, but any other mid-sized city in a developing country. There is nothing unique about it in terms of “actual Thai culture”. For all the hipsters that think this city is for actual Thai culture, they are deluding themselves. You want actual Thai culture go to the villages. But then there is another group of people who think Chiang Mai is a gateway to aforementioned Thai culture. Which brings me to my second point:
2. They say the surrounding areas of Chiang Mai (e.g Pai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son) is what the real deal is. Well if that’s the case, then gas THOSE places up, right? Not this overrated town?
3. They say its a peaceful yoga-esque hippy vibe. Sure….where exactly? I’m pretty sure the people who think of the city as some quintessential Buddhist spiritual wonderland don’t know what actual peace and spirituality is. Maybe for a novice traveler who happened to land in CM and had his/her little exposure to Buddhism here but otherwise there is no such redeeming quality here. No, you won’t find yourself here.
Chiang Mai is such a hoax
