Chiang Mai Travel Guide: 21 Best Things to See & Do
All you need to know about Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, including what to see, lots of photos and our best tips | Hi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here. |
The City of Temples
Wat wat wat… Wait what?
“Wat” means temple in Thai and with hundreds of temples scattered across Chiang Mai, there is no shortage of options.
Within the walls of the old town alone, you’ll find around 40 temples!
Even if temple-hopping isn’t your main priority, Northern Thailand’s hotspot has plenty to offer.
You can explore markets, stroll along the canals, eat incredible food, visit (and climb!) waterfalls and stay active with everything from trekking to river rafting and ziplining.
Chiang Mai is also home to countless fantastic restaurants and cafés serving excellent coffee.
It’s easy to see why digital nomads choose to settle here or why so many travellers combine island life with a visit to the north on their trip to Thailand.
We spent 10 nights in the city with our 9-month-old son, enjoying the classic charm of Thailand in surroundings quite different from those of the Thai islands.
In this extensive travel guide to Chiang Mai, we cover the best things to do and see (including the most impressive temples), what not to do, how many days to spend, how to get around and our top tips.
Our favourites: Where to stay in Chiang Mai
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- Budget: Yi’s Garden Villa – We stayed here for 10 nights and loved it. A pool and comfortable rooms with air conditioning at a great price in the old town.
- Value for money: The Inside House – Photogenic hotel in the old town with private pools at reasonable prices.
- Luxury: 137 Pillars House – Elegant luxury hotel with a colonial-inspired design, just minutes from the eastern city gate.
- Ultra-luxury: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai – One of Northern Thailand’s most luxurious resorts, set in stunning natural surroundings just 30 minutes from the city.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Chiang Mai here (adlink).
Table of contents
- Where is Chiang Mai?
- Best things to do and see in Chiang Mai
- What not to do in Chiang Mai
- How many days to spend in Chiang Mai
- Where to stay in Chiang Mai
- Best places to eat in Chiang Mai
- Safety in Chiang Mai
- How to get around Chiang Mai
- Transport to and from Chiang Mai
- When to visit Chiang Mai
- Our best tips for Chiang Mai
Where is Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand, situated about 700 kilometres (435 miles) north of Bangkok.
The city sits 300 metres above sea level in a valley surrounded by mountains.
Chiang Mai is centred around the old town which is encircled by a moat. Many of Chiang Mai’s most famous sights and things to do can be found here.
Best things to do and see in Chiang Mai
Thailand’s second-largest city is jam-packed with exciting things to see and do – both within the old city walls and beyond.
Here are the best things to do and see in Chiang Mai:
- Doi Suthep Temple – Popular temple overlooking Chiang Mai
- Pha Lat Temple og Monk’s Trail – Temple in nature
- Chiang Mai Old Town – Discover the charm within the walls
- Sunday Night Market – Lively street market with many stalls
- Chedi Luang Temple – Tall stupa in the middle of the city
- Doi Pui Hmong Village – Village in the mountains behind Doi Suthep
- Phra Singh Temple – Huge golden stupa
- Long Neck Karen Village – Village home to long-necked women
- Doi Kham Temple – Giant gold Buddha
- Royal Park Rajapruek – Flower garden with a royal pavilion
- Tha Phae Gate – Ancient city gate to the east
- Sri Suphan Temple – Silver temple (exclusive to men!)
- Warorot Market (Kad Luang) – Large indoor day market
- Three Kings Monument – Central square in Chiang Mai
- Nimmanhaemin – Trendy café area
- Try khao soi – Curry with noodles from Northern Thailand
- Shopping malls in Chiang Mai – Cool down and shop in “real” stores
- Doi Inthanon National Park – Thailand’s highest mountain
- Bua Tong Waterfall – Climb a “sticky” waterfall
- Day Trip to Chiang Rai – See the White Temple, the Blue Temple and the Black House
- Day trip to Pai – Visit the hippie town in Mae Hong Son
- Thai massage – Treat yourself
- More temples in Chiang Mai
- Other things to do in or around Chiang Mai
1. Doi Suthep Temple – Popular temple overlooking Chiang Mai
It’s just a short half-hour drive up a winding, semi-steep road (in good condition) to reach Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – or simply Doi Suthep, as locals call it. If you ask us, the journey is definitely worth it.
Some even say you haven’t truly experienced Chiang Mai until you’ve visited Doi Suthep.
The view is, of course, spectacular – if the weather permits it. It can vary greatly depending on the season and time of day. We weren’t terribly lucky with clear skies during our visit, but it’s still a unique experience to see the city from above.
The temple itself centres around a massive golden stupa and there are plenty of other shrines to admire.
The temple’s origin story (which is taught to every schoolchild in Thailand) is steeped in myth. While the white elephant likely didn’t stumble three times before collapsing here with the small Buddha fragment, it still feels like a deeply sacred place.
The entrance fee to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was 30 baht (~ 0.8 EUR / 0.9 USD) for adults in 2024.
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2. Pha Lat Temple and Monk’s Trail – Temple in nature
On the way up to (or down from) Doi Suthep, you can conveniently stop at Wat Pha Lat.
Alternatively, you can hike up from the end of Suthep Road at Chiang Mai University along the Monk’s Trail – a shaded walk of around 1.3 kilometres (0.8 miles) with an elevation gain of 160 metres (525 feet).
No matter how you get there, be sure to treat yourself to a visit. We absolutely loved Wat Pha Lat and would rank it among the top three of our temple experiences in Chiang Mai.
The temple is steeped in mystique and the entire area is beautifully immersed in nature. While not large, Wat Pha Lat offers plenty to explore and you could easily spend 20-30 minutes wandering around its various nooks and crannies.
It’s free to visit Wat Pha Lat.
3. Chiang Mai Old Town – Discover the charm within the walls
Chiang Mai’s old town is surrounded by a moat and it’s within these walls that many of the city’s best things to see and do are hidden.
There used to be a city wall but today only the gates and corners remain.
You can stay within the moat – we did and we highly recommend it! Being inside the moat puts you close to most attractions and you can easily walk around.
If you stay outside the moat, make sure to take a trip into the old town and enjoy a leisurely stroll.
The streets are surprisingly free of traffic (especially on weekends and in the low season), and there’s an astonishing number of beautiful temples to explore.
Alongside the temples, you’ll find plenty of cafés, small shops and other charming spots to enjoy.
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4. Sunday Night Market – Lively street market with many stalls
If you’re lucky enough to be in Chiang Mai on a Sunday, make sure to visit the Sunday Night Market (Walking Street).
Starting around 4 in the afternoon, the market stretches along Rachadamnoen Road lined with stalls offering food, drinks, clothes, jewellery, sunglasses, ceramics, toys, art and a wide range of handmade souvenirs.
The market runs from Tha Phae Gate (the eastern city gate) all the way to Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan (the temple with the big golden stupa), stretching more than a kilometre through the old town.
As you wander, you’ll come across various entertainers, including elderly bands, guitar-playing performers with disabilities and children dancing. If your legs start to tire, you’ll find affordable foot massages at several spots along the way.
The Sunday Night Market is really big and even extends into side streets and temple squares, many of which are filled with food stalls.
The later it gets, the busier it becomes and it can get quite crowded. If you’re visiting with children, be sure to keep a close eye on them.
Tip: If you’re not in Chiang Mai on a Sunday, you can still experience the market atmosphere by checking out the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, the Saturday Market or the night market at Chang Puhak Gate.
5. Chedi Luang Temple – Tall stupa in the middle of the city
In the middle of the old city lies an ancient temple complex with a partially destroyed chedi (stupa), making it one of the most unique temple experiences in Chiang Mai.
When it was built in 1441, Wat Chedi Luang, standing at 82 metres, was the tallest structure in the Lanna Kingdom and it continues to stand out in the cityscape. The word “luang” fittingly means “big”.
The entrance fee to Wat Chedi Luang was 50 baht (~ 1.4 EUR / 1.5 USD) for adults in 2024.
6. Doi Pui Hmong Village – Village in the mountains behind Doi Suthep
If you continue along the road that passes Wat Pha Lat on the way to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, you will eventually reach the hill tribe village of Doi Pui, inhabited by the Hmong people near the top.
Once known for opium cultivation, the village today thrives on tourism. Walking through it feels like strolling down one long shopping street filled with local textiles, delicacies and handicrafts.
Many of the clothes are beautifully handmade in vibrant colours and patterns, though similar items can also be found in Chiang Mai.
We explored the two flower gardens, visited the small museum and climbed to one of the highest points in the village for the best view. If you’re in Chiang Mai between October and January, you might even have the chance to pick fresh strawberries which grow in the area.
We ended up spending nearly two hours in Doi Pui. While we wouldn’t call it an absolute must-visit, it was a pleasant (and refreshingly cool!) stop that paired well with seeing both Wat Pha Lat and Doi Suthep.
7. Phra Singh Temple – Huge gold stupa
Phra Singh Temple (Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan) was the first in Chiang Mai to be granted the prestigious title of “Royal Temple of the First Grade” – and when you see the giant golden stupa, there’s no doubt that it holds great significance.
The temple takes its name from the sacred Phra Buddha Sihing statue, which plays a central role in Chiang Mai’s Songkran celebrations each year. During the festival, the statue is paraded through the streets while devotees splash water on it as a sign of reverence.
The entrance fee to Wat Phra Singh was 50 baht (~ 1.4 EUR / 1.5 USD) for adults in 2024.
8. Long Neck Karen Village – Village home to long-necked women
Long Neck Karen Village is located about half an hour’s drive north of central Chiang Mai – a settlement that serves as a “refugee camp” for various ethnic groups (primarily from Myanmar) granted refugee status in Thailand.
The most recognisable of these groups are the Long Neck Karens, where women wear distinctive gold rings around their necks, giving the illusion of an elongated neck.
There isn’t much to do in the village beyond walking through the streets, browsing the many stalls (which sell more or less the same items) and greeting the locals along the way.
Several women weave scarves, carve statues or make other handicrafts by hand. We like to think that purchasing these directly supports their craft the most.
Instead of buying souvenirs in Chiang Mai, we picked up a few figurines, pieces of jewellery and gifts at different stalls – and we believe this is one of the best ways to help the residents earn an income.
Is it ethical to visit the Long Neck Karens?
We were honestly quite unsure whether visiting such a village was “ethical” given that the main attraction, in a sense, is seeing the long-necked women.
Because of this, we did a lot of research online and spoke with people in Chiang Mai. From what we gathered, the group has been granted temporary residence permits in Thailand but is not allowed to take regular jobs.
Since they do not want to return to Myanmar, tourism provides an important source of income.
The best way to support them is by purchasing souvenirs directly from them – and possibly donating to their school and healthcare via the donation box.
The entrance fee for Long Neck Karen Village was 500 baht (~ 14 EUR / 15 USD) in 2024. According to the woman at the entrance, the money goes to the village and its residents.
9. Doi Kham Temple – Giant gold Buddha
Wat Phra That Doi Kham is home to a 17-metre-high golden Buddha (~ 56 feet), offering stunning views of Chiang Mai from a hill to the southwest of the city.
In addition to the Buddha, the temple complex includes several other beautiful buildings, a large viewing platform and a special area where Thais come to pray for success. Devotees bring large strings of jasmine flowers as a symbol of their wishes coming true (within three months).
Wat Phra That Doi Kham is free to visit.
10. Royal Park Rajapruek – Flower garden with a royal pavilion
From the aforementioned Phra That Doi Kham temple, you can look down on Royal Park Rajapruek.
We visited the park ourselves right after heading down from the big golden Buddha.
Royal Park Rajapruek is enormous and although walking around the park is an option (which we did), it’s worth considering driving around with the park’s shuttle bus instead.
The Royal Pavilion (Ho Kham Luang Royal Pavilion), surrounded by water, is the main attraction. We also enjoyed strolling through the orchid garden. Overall, it was a pleasant experience.
Several other gardens and exhibits seemed either unfinished or in poor condition, although this could have been due to us visiting during the dry, hot off-season. On the plus side, this meant we practically had the park to ourselves.
The entrance fee for tourists was 200 baht (~ 5.5 EUR / 6 USD) for adults in 2024.
11. Tha Phae Gate – Ancient city gate to the east
The entrance to the eastern part of Chiang Mai’s old town is marked by the large city gate called Tha Phae Gate.
This gate leads to a spacious square where the old city meets the modern side of Chiang Mai with Starbucks and other chain stores.
It’s from here that the city’s renowned Sunday Night Market begins, as well as where other big events take place – such as the Flower Festival, Songkran (the Thai New Year celebrated with water fights) and the Loy Krathong and Yee Peng lantern festivals.
Originally, the red brick gate was used by monks and traders as they entered the city, but today it stands as a popular tourist spot. Visitors often stop to take photos with the pigeons that inhabit the square.
12. Sri Suphan Temple – Silver Temple (exclusive to men!)
The Silver Temple (Wat Sri Suphan) is located just south of Chiang Mai’s historic city centre and is, in our opinion, one of the most unique temples in Chiang Mai.
Unfortunately, the temple itself is restricted to men only, so Alexander and baby Adrian had to enter alone to admire the many beautiful works of art and intricate ornaments.
Both men and women are welcome to explore the rest of the area. And fortunately, the Silver Temple is equally impressive to view from the outside.
The entrance fee to Wat Sri Suphan was 50 baht (~ 1.4 EUR / 1.5 USD) for adults in 2024. It also included a key ring and a free water bottle in the cafe.
13. Warorot Market (Kad Luang) – Large indoor day market
Every day from 04:00 to 19:00, you can find everything you need (and don’t need) at Warorot Market, also known as Kad Luang.
Located a little east of Chiang Mai’s centre, facing the Ping River, the market offers a variety of goods, including dried fruit, mushrooms, tea, coffee, clothes and small souvenirs.
The market itself is indoors but there are also many vendors with stalls in the surrounding streets.
14. Three Kings Monument – Central square in Chiang Mai
A statue of the three kings who founded Chiang Mai stands proudly in one of the city’s central squares; in front of the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center and the Chiang Mai Historical Centre.
On the opposite side of the square, you’ll also find the Lanna Folklife Museum. So, if you’re keen to learn more about the city’s history and its ancient kingdom, the three kings are unmissable.
All in all, the square is a popular gathering spot, ideal for people-watching and soaking up the relaxed, local atmosphere. During the Sunday Night Market, several musical performances take place here.
15. Nimmanhaemin – Trendy café area
If Chiang Mai’s Old Town offers charm, Nimman exudes trendiness.
This lively neighbourhood is full of excellent coffee shops (including a number of roasteries) and a variety of small, independent boutiques.
In the northern part, you’ll find the expansive MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center and we enjoyed a meal at the Free Bird Café located at the southeastern end.
16. Try khao soi – Curry with noodles from Northern Thailand
Khao soi (or khao soy) can be found in many parts of Thailand, but it is best enjoyed in Northern Thailand, where the dish has its roots (as well as in Myanmar to the west and Laos to the east).
The base of the dish is a rich, slightly spicy curry made with coconut milk with flavours reminiscent of a mix between massaman curry and red curry, with a hint of tomato. It typically includes wheat noodles, pickled vegetables and other condiments, topped with the characteristic crispy noodles.
The plant-based versions Alex enjoyed also included tofu.
Khao soi is widely available in Chiang Mai. If possible, try the dish at Vegan Heaven, Good Souls, Reform Café or Downtown.
17. Shopping malls in Chiang Mai – Cool down and shop in “real” stores
Chiang Mai has several malls, which can be great places to visit if you need to cool off in the air conditioning during the hot weather – or if you’re looking to buy something special.
Here, you’ll find established brands from both Asia and the West along with various entertainment options and food courts.
Shopping malls in Chiang Mai:
- MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center.
- Central Festival.
- Central Chiangmai Airport.
- Ruamchok Mall.
- Meechok Plaza.
- Star Avenue Lifestyle Mall.
- Icon It.
18. Doi Inthanon National Park – Thailand’s highest mountain
The entrance to Doi Inthanon National Park – also known as “the roof of Thailand” – is located about 70 kilometres (~ 43.5 miles) southwest of Chiang Mai.
The park is most famous for Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain at 2,565 metres (~ 8,415 feet), which you can drive all the way up to.
In addition, the park features several waterfalls, temples and viewpoints, most of which are situated at high altitudes. It can get quite chilly, so be sure to bring an extra layer of clothing!
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19. Bua Tong Waterfall – Climb a “sticky” waterfall
We didn’t feel it was very safe to climb a waterfall with a 9-month-old baby in a carrier, so we had to skip it…
However, if we had been travelling alone (or with older children), we would definitely have visited Bua Tong Waterfall – also known as the “sticky waterfall”.
Not only is the waterfall incredibly beautiful, but the limestone has a unique property that keeps algae and other slippery substances away, making it possible to actually walk up the waterfall. To get back down, it’s probably best to take the stairs.
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20. Day Trip to Chiang Rai – See the White Temple, the Blue Temple and the Black House
Consider visiting the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Seur Ten) and Black House (Baan Dam Museum) on a day trip from Chiang Mai.
Each of these sites has its own unique character, and we were particularly keen to see the White Temple.
The drive takes about three hours each way, which put us off a bit (mainly because of our baby). However, the majority of the journey is along the motorway.
Many tours include one or more stops on the way and some even extend the trip to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand shares borders with both Myanmar and Laos.
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21. Day trip to Pai – Visit the hippie town in Mae Hong Son
Pai is a hippie-friendly village in Mae Hong Son province, located 130 kilometres (~ 81 miles) northwest of Chiang Mai.
The journey there involves winding roads, so it takes at least three hours.
Although it makes for a long day, a day trip to Pai from Chiang Mai is possible. On such a trip, you typically visit some of the area’s highlights, which include stunning views, waterfalls, hot springs, Pai Canyon and a cave featuring stalagmites and stalactites.
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22. Thai massage – Treat yourself
You don’t have to venture far in Chiang Mai before encountering a massage clinic.
For around 8 EUR / 9 USD (or more), you can experience pure bliss (or have your muscles worked over) with a variety of massages, including Thai massage, foot massage, oil massage, shoulder and neck massage or something entirely different.
At the Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institute, you can enjoy a unique twist on the traditional massage experience – by inmates themselves. Additionally, in several places around the city, you can benefit from the massage training of former prisoners who have successfully reintegrated into society.
23. More temples in Chiang Mai
There are many temples in Chiang Mai. Here are some of our favourites to visit, along with a blue temple we would have liked to see.
- Wat Chiang Man. Chiang Mai’s oldest temple.
- Wat Umong Mahathera Chan – Another old temple with a beautiful stupa and philosophical words hanging in the trees.
- Wat Pan Ping – A lovely temple with a white stupa, where we wandered around completely on our own.
- Wat Phantao – A small temple very close to Wat Chedi Luang (the one with the tall stupa).
- Wat Lok Moli – An important temple for the Lanna royal family, located just across the water from the old town.
- Wat Phuak Hong – A seldom-visited temple in the southwestern part of the old town with a uniquely shaped pagoda.
- Ban Den Temple – A beautiful blue temple, located an hour north of the city, which we didn’t have the chance to visit ourselves, unfortunately.
24. Other things to do in or around Chiang Mai
Thai boxing, white-water rafting, water parks, mountain biking, trekking, zip-lining, cabaret shows, cooking classes, ATV tours…
There are so many things to do in and around Chiang Mai that it’s nearly impossible to run out of experiences.
Here are some of the sights and attractions we would have liked to experience ourselves:
- Bhubing Palace – The royal residence in Chiang Mai, famous for its garden (located beyond Doi Suthep), was temporarily closed when we visited.
- Baan Kang Wat Artists Village – A creative small village with art and workshops close to the airport.
- Pha Chor Canyon – Valley with interesting rock formations that look like the southwestern USA.
- Huay Tung Tao Lake – Lake with beautiful surroundings. Popular with locals on hot days.
- Mae Sa Waterfall – Stunning waterfall with several tiers.
Map of things to do and see in Chiang Mai
Click on the icon in the top left corner to find the places we have written about in the guide.
What not to do in Chiang Mai
Riding elephants
Interactions with elephants and elephant riding are unfortunately found in many places in Chiang Mai, and almost all tour operators advertise it.
Although it is “normal” in Thailand, we hope you will not support the industry.
To make the elephants perform tricks, interact with people or carry tourists around on their backs, terrible methods are used to train them.
The process of taming them often involves being beaten, starved, deprived of sleep and the like to obey humans.
And when they walk around with tourists on their backs all day, the pressure on their spines becomes great and they can suffer permanent back injuries.
We have written about why you shouldn’t ride elephants here.
Pay special attention to the fact that many places call themselves something with “sanctuary” – it sounds very good and almost like a nice place for the elephants, doesn’t it?
Unfortunately, it is often a marketing stunt in order for you as a tourist to feel good about yourself. If you can interact with the elephants in any way, it is rarely for the sake of the elephants and we would strongly advise against supporting it.
Tiger Kingdom
A once-in-a-lifetime experience for you, but a life of isolation and captivity for a magnificent tiger.
Tiger Kingdom claims they never shackle, stun, declaw or decapture their tigers. However, they have been exposed for using violence to tame the animals and most of the tigers spend almost their entire lives in solitary cages.
Tiger Kingdom doesn’t exist for the benefit of the tigers. None of them ever return to the wild. It exists purely for profit.
If you care for tigers (and if not, why would you want to take pictures with one?), we strongly advise against visiting Tiger Kingdom.
Crocodile farms, snake shows, orangutan enclosures…
Elephant and tiger experiences are the most well-known animal attractions in Chiang Mai, but sadly, there are many other forms of animal entertainment as well – caged orangutans, snake shows, crocodile performances, monkeys riding bicycles and the like.
As we also write in our guide to being a responsible tourist in Thailand, we strongly discourage all kinds of shows and interactions with animals.
We completely understand why animal lovers (and especially children) would want to see these magnificent and intelligent creatures up close.
But if you truly care about animals, avoid supporting this kind of entertainment. It always comes at their expense and exists only because a few people profit from it.
How many days to spend in Chiang Mai
We spent nine full days in Chiang Mai (10 nights), going out to explore almost every day. With a nine-month-old baby in tow, we took things at a relaxed pace and avoided packing the days too tightly.
How long you should stay in Chiang Mai depends entirely on what you’re looking for.
Some will find a few days enough to see the main sights, while others see it as an ideal place to settle for months – especially backpackers and digital nomads.
Examples of how long to stay in Chiang Mai:
- 1 full day: In just one day, you can stroll through the old town, visit several stunning temples and take in the charming atmosphere – but you’ll be missing out on a lot.
- 2-3 full days: If you only have two weeks to explore multiple parts of Thailand, you can still experience a lot in Chiang Mai with just two or three full, well-planned days.
- 4-5 full days: Four to five days will be a more relaxed pace for most people and allow for day trips beyond the city centre.
- 1 week: With a week in Chiang Mai, you can explore at a relaxed pace, visit some lesser-known things to do and even take a trip to Chiang Rai or Pai.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has long been a popular destination for backpackers and those looking to experience Northern Thailand on a budget. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of great accommodation options to suit every traveller’s needs.
From hostels and budget-friendly guesthouses to charming boutique hotels and luxurious 5-star resorts, the city offers plenty of choices.
You’ll also find modern apartments in complexes with pools and gyms (something digital nomads often appreciate) as well as homestays tucked away in quiet mountain villages.
No matter the type of accommodation you choose, Chiang Mai offers excellent value for your baht.
Tip: If you’re visiting during the hottest months (March, April and May), we recommend staying somewhere with air conditioning and ideally a pool as temperatures can soar to 40°C (104°F).
Read our guide on where to stay in Chiang Mai to learn more about each hotel and see pictures.
Which area of Chiang Mai is best to stay in?
Chiang Mai is largely centred around the Old Town and staying here is perfect for most tourists. You can easily walk to most attractions with temples and lots of restaurants just a short distance away.
Staying just outside the city walls is also a great option, offering a chance to upgrade your accommodation or save a bit of money.
If you stay further from the city centre, be prepared to either have your own transport or rely on taxis and other forms of transport to get around.
Yi’s Garden Villa – Where we stayed in Chiang Mai
When we visited Chiang Mai, we stayed for 10 nights at Yi’s Garden Villa in the northeast part of the old town on a quiet road.
For an incredibly fair price, we got a large room with a sofa, table and a private balcony offering a panoramic view of the city and the mountains. Upon arrival, we initially stayed one night in one of the more “ordinary” rooms which was also very nice.
The garden pool is big and we enjoyed both swimming in it and dining beside it (where the lovely receptionist was kind enough to play with our baby from time to time).
Overall, the service level was much higher than the price we paid and we had a wonderful stay.
See prices and availability at Yi’s Garden Villa here (adlink).
The best hotels in Chiang Mai
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- Budget: Yi’s Garden Villa – We stayed here for 10 nights and loved it. A pool and comfortable rooms with air conditioning at a great price in the old town.
- Budget: U Chiang Mai – Stay right next to the Sunday Night Market in the centre with a pool, quiet rooms, a small gym and breakfast.
- Value for money: The Inside House – Photogenic hotel in the old town with private pools at reasonable prices.
- Value for money: Sireeampan Boutique Resort & Spa – Stay in a Thai temple.
- Luxury: 137 Pillars House – Elegant luxury hotel with a colonial-inspired design, just minutes from the eastern city gate.
- Ultra-luxury: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai – One of Northern Thailand’s most luxurious resorts, set in stunning natural surroundings just 30 minutes from the city.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Chiang Mai here (adlink).
Best places to eat in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is packed with delicious food options. Here are some of the places we dined at and can recommend you visit.
- GoodSouls. Great smoothie bowls, pancakes, coffee and Neapolitan-style pizzas. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available.
- Reform Kafe. Same owner as GoodSouls. Offers delicious Thai dishes in a cosy, covered outdoor setting.
- Downtown Vegan. A cosy café just a few minutes from the old town, filled with lovely plants and a large menu featuring both Thai and Western dishes (same owner as the two mentioned earlier). We particularly enjoyed the blue smoothie bowl.
- Free Bird Café. A non-profit café supporting refugees from Myanmar. It serves mainly organic food, including dishes from the Shan province, as well as Western dishes, breakfast and desserts. The café also has a shop offering recycled clothes, various items and new cosmetic products.
- Pure Vegan Heaven. Unfortunately, it was closed when we were in Chiang Mai, but we have visited their cafés in Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, and we usually love their food.
- Rad Rabbit. A menu featuring Italian dishes (including pizza) in plant-based versions. It’s not a large place, but there are options to sit both inside and outside.
- Vegan Heaven. Not to be confused with Pure Vegan Heaven. Vegan Heaven is owned by the same people behind Rad Rabbit and is their Thai restaurant.
- Mr. Green. Mr. Green is a Swedish man but it’s his wife who works her magic in the kitchen. They serve delicious Thai dishes at very reasonable prices.
- Fruit Plus+ Cafe. Delicious freshly squeezed juices and big smoothies.
- Khun Kae’s Juice Bar. Cosy (and popular) little juice shop.
- Fruit Cargo. Located further south, we tried this vibrant fruit spot that made amazing smoothie bowls.
- Aeeeen Japanese Vegan. Organic Japanese food made from scratch. While not everything was equally delicious, dining in their wooden house outside the city was an atmospheric experience.
- The Cookie Jar. Sinful cookies and ice cream (with cookie pieces in it!) from a small hole-in-the-wall shop.
If you’re staying in Chiang Mai for an extended period and want to avoid eating out constantly, we can recommend using apps like Grab and Foodpanda.
Safety in Chiang Mai
Is it safe to visit Chiang Mai? Yes!
Thailand is generally a very safe country, and Chiang Mai is no exception. In fact, the city has been named Southeast Asia’s safest city several times.
If you avoid the nightlife, the biggest risks are probably traffic and mosquito-borne diseases. And, as always, it’s important to stay mindful of your belongings in crowded places.
How to get around Chiang Mai
Walk around
Inside Chiang Mai’s old town, there are streets with space for cars almost everywhere. Despite this, the traffic is surprisingly light (except on the main roads), making it a pleasant area to walk around.
On the larger streets, there are sidewalks but on the smaller ones, you’ll need to walk on the side of the road and keep an eye on the traffic.
It takes about 30 minutes to walk from west to east or north to south if you walk as directly as possible, so getting around isn’t far.
Outside the old town, it’s still possible to walk, but the attractions can feel a bit more spread out.
Scooter rental
Renting a scooter is a popular way to get around Chiang Mai. There are numerous rental places and most hotels can assist you in arranging one.
Car (taxi)
We personally used Grab and Bolt quite a bit to get around Chiang Mai and visit several sights that are relatively close to the city centre.
Both apps function like Uber. Simply enter your destination, receive a price and order a car. Within a few minutes, the driver will be ready.
You will need data on your phone to use these services.
Of course, there are also regular taxis available for getting around Chiang Mai.
For longer day trips, we hired drivers and agreed on a fixed price for the day in advance. The price naturally depends on the length of the journey, the time and the number of stops.
Driver tip: We were happy to drive with Tree, who not only offered fair prices but also drove safely, was friendly and spoke reasonably understandable English. You can contact him via WhatsApp at +66 81 594 3142. Say hello from us!
Tuk-tuk
A tuk-tuk is a classic Thai open-air means of transport, where you can sit comfortably on seats behind a scooter – without air conditioning and with noise from the traffic.
They are usually cheaper than street taxis (although not always cheaper than Grab/Bolt) and you’ll need to ask or negotiate the price before you get in if you don’t want a surprise when you reach your destination.
Public transport (songthaew and bus)
There’s no metro in Chiang Mai (yet) but if you’re up for it, you can get around using a combination of songthaews and buses.
The word “songthaew” means “two rows” in Thai and it refers to a type of open vehicle with seats facing each other. They function as a hybrid between a bus and a taxi. Inside Chiang Mai, they are typically red, while songthaews in other colours usually serve routes further from the city.
Buses, including those running between the airport and Arcade Bus Station 2, can be an affordable way to reach the city. However, they may not always have enough space for large bags.
Transport to and from Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is located approximately 700 kilometres (435 miles) north of Bangkok.
The fastest way to travel between Thailand’s two largest cities is, unsurprisingly, by plane. It’s also possible to drive or take the train.
By plane
From Bangkok, you can fly to Chiang Mai from both Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). The flight takes about an hour and 15 minutes.
There are also flights to Chiang Mai from many other cities in Thailand, as well as major cities across Asia.
Search for the cheapest flights on Momondo here (adlink).
By bus or car
Depending on when you drive in or out of always-busy Bangkok, the journey takes around 9 hours.
Night buses are also available on this route.
By train
The train journey between Bangkok and Chiang Mai takes between 10 and 14 hours depending on which departure you choose.
The night train is likely more comfortable than the night bus.
We’ve previously taken the night train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, and although it was a bit bumpy, we still managed to get some sleep. Some of the night trains between Bangkok and Chiang Mai even look rather appealing.
When to visit Chiang Mai
As in the rest of Thailand, Chiang Mai generally experiences three seasons:
- The cold season (high season): November to February.
- The warm season (low season): March to May.
- Rainy season (low season): June to October.
The cold season (high season)
If you visit Chiang Mai (and the rest of Northern Thailand) between November and February, you can expect cool temperatures and dry weather.
Be sure to bring a sweater for the evening, as it can get a bit chilly.
Towards the end of February, the air quality may become slightly hazy due to the burning season fires which typically begin in January.
The warm season (low season)
Northern Thailand gets extremely hot from mid-March and April until the arrival of the rains around May.
During the hot season, temperatures can reach around 40°C (104°F) in the day and air pollution tends to be quite bad.
Therefore, it’s generally not recommended to visit Northern Thailand during this time if you can avoid it.
We visited Chiang Mai ourselves in mid-May when the hot season lasted a little longer than usual.
On several days, there was a heatwave with temperatures between 32-37°C (~ 90-99°F) in the shade and nights when the temperatures only dropped slightly.
On the plus side, accommodation prices were low and many attractions were relatively empty of tourists.
Rainy season (low season)
It’s always difficult to say exactly when the rainy season begins but once the rains arrive in April, May or June, it marks the end of the burning season and the extreme heat.
The smoke gradually disappears, the waterfalls start flowing again and it becomes much more comfortable to be outdoors.
On the other hand, some roads can be tricky to navigate – especially in more remote parts of Northern Thailand. Trekking can also get quite muddy.
What is the best time of year to visit Chiang Mai?
The season and weather naturally influence when it’s a good idea to visit Chiang Mai.
The most pleasant time of year is also the most popular, namely the high season between November and February. Prices tend to be higher around Christmas and New Year.
Tip: The Loy Krathong and Yee Peng light festivals take place during the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai calendar, which usually falls in November. These festivals mark the end of the rainy season with lanterns illuminating the sky and water – a stunning (yet polluting) spectacle.
When not to visit Chiang Mai
In terms of weather, we would not recommend late March, April and early May.
It’s not an ideal time to visit Northern Thailand – unless you want to experience Songkran (the Buddhist New Year). Celebrated in the days after the first full moon in April, it turns into a massive, public water fight.
It’s also best to avoid the burning season. See below for more on that.
Burning season
In Northern Thailand (including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai), the air quality is heavily affected by the annual burning season. Fields and forest areas are burned to clear land for the next growing season, leading to severe air pollution.
The burning season typically lasts from mid-January to mid-April, though the timing varies each year.
Haze can appear as early as December (after the rainy season ends in November) but pollution worsens significantly from late February.
Air pollution peaks in March but conditions improve once the rains return, usually around April and the Songkran festival.
Breathing in the polluted air is neither healthy nor pleasant, so if you have flexibility in your travel plans, it is best to avoid Northern Thailand during this period.
Our best tips for Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai is a beautiful city. Make sure to bring a good camera! Here’s our guide to lightweight photography gear for high-quality travel content.
- Be mindful of the season and weather. The timing of your visit to Chiang Mai makes a big difference. Avoid the burning season, and if visiting during the rainy season, bring light rain gear.
- Transportation with Grab or Bolt is often cheaper than the local taxis. It works just like Uber. Simply download both apps, compare prices for your route, and make sure you have data on your phone to use them.
- The electrical outlets in Chiang Mai generally feature two round prongs, fitting both most European and Asian appliances, as well as the flat prongs of USA and Japan. The standard voltage is 220 volts.
- How long to spend in Chiang Mai is difficult to say. You can see the main attractions in a few days or spend months as a digital nomad.
- Dress respectfully at the temples. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered in religious surroundings. If possible, bring a sarong, which you can quickly tie around your waist or drape over your shoulders. They can also often be rented very cheaply.
- Wear good shoes. You will be walking a lot in Chiang Mai, so bring sneakers or comfortable sandals. Shoes that are easy to take on and off are useful if you plan to visit many temples as they must always be removed before entering.
- Book accommodation well in advance if you’re travelling during the high season (November to February). While there will always be rooms available, many of the best hotels get fully booked months ahead of time.
- Wifi is widely available in hotels and cafes, and it’s usually very fast. If you need internet access elsewhere for services like Grab and Bolt, consider buying a local SIM card with data. It’s affordable and easy to obtain. We’ve previously used Airalo (adlink) with great success.
- The sun is strong. Remember your sun protection and stay in the shade during the hottest hours in the middle of the day.
- Credit cards are accepted in most higher-end establishments, but cash is more commonly used in local restaurants, smaller shops and regular taxis/tuk-tuks.
- ATMs and currency exchange spots are easy to find in Chiang Mai. It’s usually most cost-effective to withdraw money in baht, and to minimise extra fees, it’s a good idea to take out the maximum allowed amount at once.
- With several first-class hospitals, clinics and dental practices in Chiang Mai, medical care is readily available if you need treatment or assistance during your stay.
- Bring your own water bottle and refill it at cafés, restaurants and water dispensers around the city, where a litre of clean water costs just a single baht (or less).
- Remember travel insurance! We compare the best travel insurance for digital nomads and long-term travellers here.
Sustainable travel tips
To travel as sustainably as possible, we recommend the following:
- Book eco-friendly accommodation such as hotels with a sustainability focus or owned by locals.
- Minimise the use of air conditioning and turn it off when you are not in the room.
- Buy handmade souvenirs directly from the artist instead of mass-produced items in larger stores.
- Respect local traditions and follow the temple dress code.
- Eat as plant-based, local and organic as possible.
- Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
- Avoid disposable plastics as much as possible.
- Sort your waste correctly and do not throw it on the ground.
- Take only photos and leave only footprints. Avoid taking things from nature with you.
- Respect the local wildlife.
Planning a trip to Thailand? Don’t miss our guide with tips for visiting Thailand packed with must-know travel advice, local customs and important things to avoid for a lovely vacation and a respectful visit.
Thank you for reading along
Thank you for reading our travel guide to Chiang Mai. We hope you’ve found it helpful!
What are your thoughts on this northern Thai city?
Feel free to ask us anything in the comments if you haven’t been to Chiang Mai yet. We are happy to help.
If you’ve already been there, it would be great to hear your best tips and tricks.
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for cheap hotels.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller. All three compared here.
Our camera gear:
- Panasonic GH5. Used for all of our photos and videos.
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro. Best drone out there!
- Sirui Tripod. Lightweight and strong.
- See all of our camera gear here.
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