Chiang Mai travel guide
Chiang Mai Tourism | Chiang Mai Guide
You're Going to Love Chiang Mai
A popular destination for backpackers and anyone looking for a laid-back vacation, Chiang Mai translates to "new city", the name applied when it was founded in 1296. Chiang Mai is characterized by its ancient walls - of which some remains still stand - that outline the square-shaped layout of the old city, and is surrounded by moats that were once guarded by walls with gates on each side.
The charm of Chiang Mai lies in its mixture of the past and present, with modern boutique hotels sitting next to ancient temples. The city center is compact and a wander around is recommended to get a real feel for this fascinating place. There are around 300 temples in Chiang Mai, including hidden gems in the city and sacred sites atop mountains just outside the center.
Chiang Mai transforms at night into a shopping wonderland, with market stalls and a plethora of small restaurants and bars. The city sprawls out beyond the moat and offers a wide variety of entertainment venues.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Chiang Mai
1. Stunning Temples
Taking just a few steps away from the buzz of traffic and modern life can transport you into another world. Thanks to the serenity of temple grounds, you can't help but relax and feel at peace. The mountain-top temple at Doi Suthep is a must-see sight, beautifully crafted with picturesque views over the city.
2. Shopping Galore
The Night Bazaar is a bustling hub of market and food stalls. Here you can grab bargain souvenirs and clothes. There are also various shopping malls with a wide range of stores where you can find everything from small bargain buys to top designer brands.
3. Tempting Cuisine
Whether you spend ฿30 at a roadside stall or over ฿2,000 at a French restaurant, such as Farang Ses, dining is a delight in Chiang Mai. A variety of European and Asian cuisines are served around the city, as well as northern Thai specialties, such as khao soi.
4. Adventures in the Country
The countryside surrounding the city lends itself perfectly to adventurous days out. Visit Baan Chang Elephant Park where you can help feed and bathe the elephants, or brave the exhilarating Flight of the Gibbon zip-lining experience.
5. Relaxation at Its Finest
Massage and spas are abundant throughout the city. Try a ฿300 foot massage at night on Loi Kroh Road while you watch the world go by. For a more upscale day of relaxation, hotels and spa resorts, such as the Anantara, offer blissful treatments and facilities, starting at ฿1,000.
What to do in Chiang Mai
1. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Golden Mounts
The regal peak of Doi Suthep overlooks Chiang Mai majestically, a fitting location for one of the country's most beloved holy sites. The golden temple Wat Phra That glimmers in the sunlight, surrounded by lush flora and fauna that invites visitors for peaceful exploration. Travel to the iconic landmark with a tuk-tuk, or climb the remarkable walkway that leads pilgrims up the steep, forest-covered mountainside.
2. Doi Inthanon National Park: The Roof of Thailand
The highest peak in Thailand stands west of Chiang Mai in this beautiful National Park overflowing with lush flora, exciting walking trails, gushing waterfalls, and serene sights. The pristine land is a sanctuary for countless unique species, making for a mystical day in nature. Tribal villages also call these lands home, and their communities are also welcoming to foreigners. For ambitious hikers, more natural wonders await beyond the tourist trails.
3. Chiang Mai Old City: Traces of the Past
This ancient city was once walled on all sides, and the remnants of gates and fortifications still stand beside the moat-turned-fountain. Inside, a densely packed maze of wonders beckons: Wat Chedi Luang is a Buddhist temple in mysterious ruin, while Wat Phra Singh still stands tall, dazzling and unmissable. On Sundays the Walking Street Market comes alive behind Thapae Gate, featuring not only vendors but also dancers and performers to the delight of locals and tourists alike.
4. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: With the Setting of the Sun
After nightfall, the shopping street of Chang Khlan Road comes alive with vendors and patrons looking for a bargain. These shops choose the cool cover of night to sell all kinds of goods, from electronics to designer clothes. It is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs for tourists as well, and visitors to this street should never be afraid to haggle for whatever they set their sights on. Chiang Mai is a shopping paradise, and this is main street.
5. Elephant Nature Park: Make a Difference
While many travelers to Thailand eagerly await the chance to come face to face with elephants, the Elephant Nature Park is one of few sanctuaries where these dignified giants are treated with care. Not only does a visit to this rehabilitation center fulfill the dream of encountering the beautiful animals, but contributions also promote fair practices in support of this endangered species. Lend your hand as a volunteer; you'll never forget it.
1. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Golden Mounts
The regal peak of Doi Suthep overlooks Chiang Mai majestically, a fitting location for one of the country's most beloved holy sites. The golden temple Wat Phra That glimmers in the sunlight, surrounded by lush flora and fauna that invites visitors for peaceful exploration. Travel to the iconic landmark with a tuk-tuk, or climb the remarkable walkway that leads pilgrims up the steep, forest-covered mountainside.
2. Doi Inthanon National Park: The Roof of Thailand
The highest peak in Thailand stands west of Chiang Mai in this beautiful National Park overflowing with lush flora, exciting walking trails, gushing waterfalls, and serene sights. The pristine land is a sanctuary for countless unique species, making for a mystical day in nature. Tribal villages also call these lands home, and their communities are also welcoming to foreigners. For ambitious hikers, more natural wonders await beyond the tourist trails.
3. Chiang Mai Old City: Traces of the Past
This ancient city was once walled on all sides, and the remnants of gates and fortifications still stand beside the moat-turned-fountain. Inside, a densely packed maze of wonders beckons: Wat Chedi Luang is a Buddhist temple in mysterious ruin, while Wat Phra Singh still stands tall, dazzling and unmissable. On Sundays the Walking Street Market comes alive behind Thapae Gate, featuring not only vendors but also dancers and performers to the delight of locals and tourists alike.
4. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: With the Setting of the Sun
After nightfall, the shopping street of Chang Khlan Road comes alive with vendors and patrons looking for a bargain. These shops choose the cool cover of night to sell all kinds of goods, from electronics to designer clothes. It is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs for tourists as well, and visitors to this street should never be afraid to haggle for whatever they set their sights on. Chiang Mai is a shopping paradise, and this is main street.
5. Elephant Nature Park: Make a Difference
While many travelers to Thailand eagerly await the chance to come face to face with elephants, the Elephant Nature Park is one of few sanctuaries where these dignified giants are treated with care. Not only does a visit to this rehabilitation center fulfill the dream of encountering the beautiful animals, but contributions also promote fair practices in support of this endangered species. Lend your hand as a volunteer; you'll never forget it.
1. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Golden Mounts
The regal peak of Doi Suthep overlooks Chiang Mai majestically, a fitting location for one of the country's most beloved holy sites. The golden temple Wat Phra That glimmers in the sunlight, surrounded by lush flora and fauna that invites visitors for peaceful exploration. Travel to the iconic landmark with a tuk-tuk, or climb the remarkable walkway that leads pilgrims up the steep, forest-covered mountainside.
2. Doi Inthanon National Park: The Roof of Thailand
The highest peak in Thailand stands west of Chiang Mai in this beautiful National Park overflowing with lush flora, exciting walking trails, gushing waterfalls, and serene sights. The pristine land is a sanctuary for countless unique species, making for a mystical day in nature. Tribal villages also call these lands home, and their communities are also welcoming to foreigners. For ambitious hikers, more natural wonders await beyond the tourist trails.
3. Chiang Mai Old City: Traces of the Past
This ancient city was once walled on all sides, and the remnants of gates and fortifications still stand beside the moat-turned-fountain. Inside, a densely packed maze of wonders beckons: Wat Chedi Luang is a Buddhist temple in mysterious ruin, while Wat Phra Singh still stands tall, dazzling and unmissable. On Sundays the Walking Street Market comes alive behind Thapae Gate, featuring not only vendors but also dancers and performers to the delight of locals and tourists alike.
Where to Eat in Chiang Mai
Food is everywhere in Chiang Mai, from small stalls selling ฿30 meals to family-owned restaurants, such as Aroon Rai, which cost around ฿100 per person. Stalls usually specialize in one dish, such as pad Thai or massaman curry, while restaurants will serve a variety of curries and rice or noodle dishes. Dining at a high-end hotel restaurant like Chili's at the Amora Tapae Hotel will cost closer to ฿1,000 per person for great-quality Thai and international food.
When to visit Chiang Mai
The best time to visit Chiang Mai really depends on personal preference for the weather. It is cooler in November to January, but still pleasantly warm during the day, making this the best time to visit. March and April are very hot, and the rainy season is from May to October; this is the low season for tourism.
How to Get to Chiang Mai
Plane
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is located close to the city center, under three miles to the old city. Taxi is the most convenient way to travel into town, and they are available from outside the terminal and generally cost less than ฿200.
Train
Trains arrive at Chiang Mai Railway Station, which is around three miles east of the city center. Train tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai cost between ฿1,000 and ฿2,000, with seats, sleeper cars, and air conditioning available. A taxi or bus can take you onward to your final destination and should cost less than ฿100.
Car
As a hub in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai is linked by major roads to surrounding towns and cities, as well as to Bangkok to the southeast. Taxis and rental cars are widely available.
Bus
A bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is faster than the train, but perhaps not as comfortable. Prices are around ฿500-600, and services are operated through the public bus system or companies such as Siam First or Lignite Tour.
Airlines serving Chiang Mai
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
The Old City - a great base to start from, the Old City is the center from which everything flows. It's brimming with beautiful architecture and sweet little stores.
Popular Neighborhoods in Chiang Mai
Ping River - the riverside area is lined with restaurants and is illuminated at night, creating beautiful views from the nearby hotels, including 137 Pillars House and Rimping Village.
Suthep/Chang Phueak - to the west of the Old City, this university area has a fun, young vibe and a plethora of shopping malls, bars, and modern restaurants.
Where to stay in popular areas of Chiang Mai
Most booked hotels in Chiang Mai
How to Get Around Chiang Mai
Public Transportation
Chiang Mai has a great transport system comprising mainly of songthaews. These converted pickup trucks are not officially public transport, yet work like public buses. They can be flagged down anywhere and you tell the driver where you want to go; they may or may not pick up other passengers on the way. Prices are around ฿50.
Taxi
Taxis are widely available throughout the city, including metered cars, three-wheeled tuk-tuks, and songthaews, which are a combination of public bus and taxi. Prices usually start at ฿50.
Car
Rental cars are available from the airport from chains such as Budget and Sixt and generally cost around ฿1,800 per day. Public transport, affordable taxi options, and tour buses make renting a car unnecessary. Chiang Mai is a small but busy city, therefore parking is often difficult to find outside of shopping malls and larger restaurants.
The Cost of Living in Chiang Mai
Shopping Streets
Loi Kroh Road and the Night Bazaar are filled with small stores and stalls selling clothes, books, and trinkets. Prices start at around ฿50. The Saturday night "walking street" market on Wua Lai Road is great for finding silver jewelry made by local craftsmen. Robinson Central Airport is a huge shopping mall on the outskirts of the city where prices are a little higher, starting at ฿100 for small items and going up to the thousands for designer goods.
Groceries and Other
Tops, Rimping, and Big C are the main supermarkets, selling both Thai and foreign food. Prices are around the same as in the US and slightly cheaper for local Thai produce. Fresh fruit can be purchased from many stalls at the side of the road, starting from only ฿20.