Is Chiang Mai worth visiting in December?

Does anyone have hotel recommendations?

(ideally on the more affordable end of good quality)

Thanks in advance!

Also, any must see sights beyond the bars and boys would be really useful info

 

Don't know about hotels but PJ's Place is a nice gay-friendly B&B with just a small number of rooms. Very comfortable.

Check which months are bad for air quality if you have any breathing issues.

2 hours ago, omega said:

Also, any must see sights beyond the bars and boys would be really useful info

 

Don't know about "must see" but there are a number of spectacular temples and gardens. A tour to visit the hill tribes is definitely worth it. The usual Elephant and Tiger sanctuaries. Doi Ithanon national park with its amazing waterfalls.

One warning is that though Chiang Mai is reasonably flat, it's surrounded by hills and much of the sight seeing requires walking up and down steps or hills. 

Tons of temples to visit within old city walls, trip up to Doi Suthep definitely worth it.

I was there few days in December 2021 and liked it. Can recommend Viangbua Mansion , just steps from Adam's Apple go-go. Very spacious rooms with the views. 

Agree with the recommendation about PJ's Place. Only stayed once but enjoyed it and the owners really looked after their guests. Excellent breakfast cooked to order. It's also relatively close to Adam's Apple. My Way and Circle bar. The owners will also arrange an airport pick-up if you wish.

https://pjs-place.com

Also not far is the old town bordered by the moat. This is packed with temples from the very old Wat Chedi Luang in the centre -

and the large Wat Phra Sing -

to many smaller temples in and around the old city, including the relatively unknown Wat Chedi Liam. Well worth exploring over 2 days.

In the grounds of Wat Chedi Liam

 

As @vinapu suggested, a trip up the hill to Doi Suthep is a must. You can find cheap songthaews or local drivers prepared to take you up and back after your visit. There are also official taxis which will be considerably more expensive. But the trip is well worth it. Once you arrive, there is a longish staircase before you get to the temple itself.

@forky123 has mentioned Doi Inthanon National Park and again I totally agree. Again you'll need transport to get there but it's not too far out of town. Since December is quite recenty after the rainy season, the waterfalls should be spectacular. 

Doi Inthanon is to the south. Go north and see an orchid farm and take a ride on an elephant around one of the elephant sanctuaries (although the authorities prefer you not to do this!). Also as suggested by @forky123 you can consider a trip to the hilltribes. 

My one disappointment was the gay bars located in a soi across the road from Le Meridien hotel near the Night Bazaar. But that's just my view!

 

Forgot to add that the weather in December is very pleasant. It should be warm and sunny during the days but could be a bit chilly at night - so a sweater is definitely advised. The crop burning season does not usually start until later in January so no problem with pollution - apart from the usual traffic pollution.

Amazing! Thank you @forky123, @vinapu and @PeterRS your suggestions are most appreciated!  I'l certainly check out PJ's place and Viangbua Mansion!

December is a great time to visit. I would choose a hotel inside the old city which makes touring around on foot or by tuktuk easy. I was there in December several years ago now (in 2012), I'd have to dig to find the hotel I stayed in. It was a nice traditional decor sort of place. 

Indeed lots of temples in the city and Doi Suthep. There are also some interesting caves if you like that sort of thing. The Royal Park Ratchaphruek is very pretty. This cave is called Mae On.