Chiang Mai
Southeast Asia · Thailand
Did you know?
- The Monk’s Trail leads through jungle toward temples.
- The city was founded in 1296 and became a capital of the Lanna kingdom.
- Khao soi is a curry noodle soup.
See also
Samoeng
Thailand18.85°N 98.73°E · 902 m
Chiang Dao
Thailand19.37°N 98.97°E
Lampang
Thailand18.30°N 99.50°E
Pai
Thailand19.36°N 98.44°E
Overview
Chiang Mai is a northern Thai base for temples, night markets and mountain excursions. Explore the walled city, try khao soi and follow the Monk’s Trail toward forest temples.
Languages: Thai
Why go?
Chiang Mai is the hub of northern Thailand, at an elevation of 316 m, surrounded by mountains and lush countryside. It's much greener and quieter than Bangkok, with a cosmopolitan air and a significant expatriate population. Founded in 1296, it was once the capital of the Lanna kingdom and retains distinctive charm with over 30 temples inside the old city walls, including the iconic Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. The walled city and the Ping River area offer a mix of history, night markets, and local life.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get in
Chiang Mai International Airport handles domestic and regional international flights. Airlines include Thai Airways, Thai Air Asia, Bangkok Airways (from 1,350 baht to Bangkok), Nok Air (from 450 baht promo), Thai Lion Air, and Thai VietJet. The Arcade Bus Station (Terminals 2 and 3 plus Nakhonchai Air Terminal) serves buses from outside the province, including Bangkok. Chang Phuak Bus Station handles buses within Chiang Mai Province. The train station is about 3 km east of the city centre, with overnight trains from Bangkok.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
Red songthaews (rot daeng) roam the main streets; fixed fares are 20-30 baht around town. For longer routes, colored songthaews from Warorot Market go to specific destinations: white to Sankampaeng, yellow to Mae Rim and Samoeng, blue to Lamphun, and green to Mae Jo. Tuk-tuks and taxis are also available. Bicycle rental from 50 baht per day. Motorbike rental is popular for exploring the surrounding countryside.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The cool season from November to February is the most comfortable, with pleasant temperatures. The hot season from March to June can be very hot, and the 'burning season' (Feb-Apr) brings severe smog from agricultural fires, obscuring mountain views. The wet season from July to October has frequent rain but fewer crowds.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation in Chiang Mai is generally cheap. Options range from inexpensive guesthouses (dorm beds from 100-150 baht) to mid-range hotels and boutique resorts. The walled city and the Night Bazaar area (east of the moat) are popular areas. Many guesthouses offer free Wi-Fi and bicycle use. Some cheap places may require booking a trekking package.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Chiang Mai is a food lover's paradise. Must-try local dishes include khao soi (curry noodle soup), hang ley (pork curry), and sai ua (herb pork sausage). Night markets like the Sunday Walking Street and Anusarn Market offer cheap street food. Vegetarian options are available but limited; look for dedicated vegan restaurants. For drinks, the nightlife is centered around Tha Phae Gate, Loi Kroh Rd, and Charoen Rat Rd along the river.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Temples are a highlight: Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep (with panoramic views), Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Chiang Man. The Monk's Trail offers a jungle hike to the temples. The Chiang Mai Flower Festival (first weekend February) and Songkran (April) are major events. Cooking classes, Muay Thai boxing, and meditation retreats are popular. Day trips include Doi Inthanon National Park and the Samoeng Loop by motorbike.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Chiang Mai is generally safe, but watch for pickpocketing in crowded markets and night bazaars. During Songkran, protect electronics from water. The 'burning season' brings hazardous air quality—check pollution levels and consider wearing an N95 mask. Avoid unlit areas at night. Be cautious with motorbike rentals; wear a helmet.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is common in guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants. SIM cards with data are available from AIS, TrueMove, and dtac at the airport or convenience stores. Power plugs are the same as the rest of Thailand (Type A, B, C; 220V).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
A daily backpacker budget in Chiang Mai can be as low as 500-800 baht: dorm bed 150 baht, street food meals 30-80 baht each, local transport 20-30 baht per ride, and free temple visits. With more comfort, a mid-range budget of 1,500-2,500 baht per day covers a private room and nicer meals.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Popular day trips include Doi Inthanon National Park (highest peak in Thailand, 60 km SW), Doi Suthep (mountain temple, 13 km), and Wiang Kum Kam (ancient ruins). The Samoeng Loop is a 100 km motorbiking circuit. Also nearby: Chiang Dao caves, Mae Rim orchid farms, and Lamphun's longan festival.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Chiang Dao (1 hour north, starting point for treks), Chiang Rai (3 hours north, gateway to Golden Triangle), Pai (popular backpacker town on the Mae Hong Son Loop), and Lampang (less commercial northern city). Buses and minivans connect to these destinations.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- do
A Lot Of Thai : Home Cooking School
A family-run home cooking class, taught by the owner. Vegetarians and people with any kind of food restrictions welcome. Courses includes a market tour and a recipe book is provided for later use. Gordon Ramsey visited this place.
Recorded price: 1400 baht pp
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
AUA
AUA offers seven different 6- and 8-week courses M-F. Group courses start monthly with a minimum of 5 students. Individual instruction any time. Great library for student use, 100 baht per term. Caveats: they use the Haas transliteration system, not everyone's cup of tea. And they also have some petty rules, such as no shorts in class although no one observes the rule. No Wi-Fi.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Aerobics
Aerobics sessions are held in the car park of Tesco Lotus on the superhighway every weekday from 17:30. The sessions are very popular and tourists or visitors to Chiang Mai are welcomed. Regular water aerobics classes, incorporating Tai Chi and yoga exercises, are held at the Centre of the Universe Swimming Pool.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Air's Thai Culinary Kitchen
On acre
Recorded price: 2500 baht pp
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Alliance Francaise
Screens French films, but frequently sub-titled in English. See the website for calendar of showings. The alliance also has an extensive library and exhibitions.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Anusarn Market
During the day time the Anusarn Market area is devoid of any vendor stalls. All the permanent shops, bars, and eateries around the inside walls of the market area are open for business. Every afternoon the Anusarn Market vendors move in, erect their large tent type stalls and open. Good shopping, good restaurants, and in a back corner there is a ladyboy cabaret that puts on a one-hour show at 21:30 at a reasonable price. Haggling is expected at market stalls. Start by offering a price lower than what is asked.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Baan Thai Cookery School
Courses include a cookbook and market tour. Day or evening classes.
Recorded price: 1100 baht pp
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts Festival
Takes place around the third weekend of Jan at Ban Bo Sang, Sankampang. The festival is in the form of a "street fair" in which the central road of the village is used, with shops on both sides. Shops are decorated in Lanna-style, most with the well-known umbrellas, as well as with traditional lanterns. In addition there are contests, exhibitions, cultural performances, local entertainment, and assorted shows day and night. There is a grand procession decorated with umbrellas and local products, a variety of handicrafts for sale, northern-style khantoke meals and the Miss Bo Sang pageant.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi in most cafes and guesthouses. SIM cards from AIS, TrueMove, or DTAC for under 50 THB with data plans.
Culture
Dress modestly in temples (shoulders and knees covered). Remove shoes. 'Wai' greeting is polite.
Etiquette
Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering. Avoid public displays of anger.
Food
Must-try: khao soi (curry noodles), sai ua (sausage), and hang ley (pork curry). Street food is cheap and safe.
Health
Tap water unsafe; drink bottled. Dengue mosquitoes present; use repellent. Air quality during burning season is hazardous.
Language
Thai is official; English is spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few Thai phrases helps.
Local transport
Songthaews are color-coded: red for city, white for Sankampaeng, yellow for Doi Saket, etc. Fare starts at 20 THB.
Money
Thailand uses the Thai baht (THB). ATMs are widely available. Bargaining is common at markets. Tipping is not expected but appreciated.
Safety
Generally safe, but watch for theft in crowded areas. The burning season (Feb-Apr) has severe smog—check air quality.
Transport
Red songthaews (20-30 baht) are the main local transport. Motorcycle rental from 200 baht/day.
Visa
Many nationalities get 30-day visa exemption. Extensions available at immigration. Check current rules.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry rules before booking.
Water
Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled or filtered water.