Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to See & Do in Northern Thailand’s Cultural Heart

Chiang Mai, nestled in the mist-shrouded mountains of northern Thailand, offers a captivating blend of ancient temples, creative cafés, lush countryside, and vibrant festivals. I spent a week wandering its cobblestone lanes, hiking jungle trails, and sampling local delicacies—and I can’t wait to share everything you need to plan your own unforgettable Chiang Mai adventure.


Where to Stay

Chiang Mai’s compact Old City, framed by 700-year-old walls and moats, is the ideal base for first-time visitors. Here you’ll find guesthouses and boutique hotels steps from temples and night markets. If you crave a quieter, more residential vibe, head to the Nimmanhaemin neighborhood—known as “Nimman” —where chic coffee shops, art galleries, and upscale boutiques line tree-shaded streets. For nature lovers, riverside resorts along the Mae Ping River offer tranquil retreats with gardens and poolside lounges. On a tighter budget, Santitham and Chiang Mai University areas have clean hostels and local eateries catering to students and backpackers.


Chiang Mai

Best Tours

Enhance your stay with guided experiences:

  • Doi Inthanon National Park
    Join a full-day tour to Thailand’s highest peak. Trek through cloud forests, visit King and Queen pagodas, and cool off beneath stunning waterfalls like Wachirathan.
  • Ethnic Hill Tribe Village Visits
    Spend a day with Akha, Karen, or Lahu communities to learn traditional weaving, try Chiang Mai coffee picked on-site, and gain insight into their daily lives—just be sure to choose an ethical operator that respects local customs.
  • Chiang Mai Cooking Class
    Shop for fresh ingredients at Warorot Market, then learn to prepare khao soi (curry noodle soup), gaeng hang lay (Burmese-influenced pork curry), and pandan coconut dessert in an open-air kitchen.
  • Sunday Walking Street Food Tour
    Stroll the Old City’s historic lanes on a guided culinary crawl, sampling crispy banana pancakes, sai oua (northern sausage), and fresh mango sticky rice amid the buzz of lantern-lit stalls.
  • Zipline & Elephant Sanctuary Combo
    Spend your morning soaring over the jungle canopy, then spend the afternoon at an ethical elephant sanctuary, feeding and bathing rescued elephants in a natural setting.

Where Is Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai sits in the mountainous region of northern Thailand, about 700 km north of Bangkok. Surrounded by scenic peaks and national parks, it was founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Today it remains a vital center for Lanna culture, artisanal crafts, and eco-adventure.


How to Get There

  • By Air: Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is served by daily flights from Bangkok, Phuket, and several regional hubs. The airport lies just 10 km south of the Old City.
  • By Train: Overnight and daytime trains from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station offer a scenic 12–15 hour journey through the countryside.
  • By Bus: Luxury and VIP buses connect Chiang Mai with Bangkok (9 hours), Chiang Rai (3 hours), and Pai (4 hours), departing from Arcade Bus Station.

How to Get Around

  • Songthaews (Red Trucks): The city’s shared taxis run fixed loops around the Old City and Nimman—simply hop on, point to your neighborhood, and pay around 30 THB.
  • Grab & Taxis: Ride-hailing via Grab is reliable for door-to-door service, especially when airport transfers or late-night rides are needed.
  • Scooter Rental: If you’re confident on two wheels, scooters (200–300 THB/day) let you explore nearby waterfalls and hill tribe villages—always wear a helmet.
  • Walking & Cycling: The Old City is highly walkable. Many guesthouses rent bicycles for 50 THB/day, perfect for sunrise temple runs and market visits.

Best Things to Do

Wander the Old City Temples
Sightseeing on foot takes you past over 30 historic wats (temples). Don’t miss Wat Chedi Luang’s looming 15th-century stupa, the jungle-edged Wat Umong with its subterranean tunnels and free-roaming monks, and the tranquil courtyard of Wat Phra Singh, housing the revered Lion Buddha.

Climb Doi Suthep
Perched 1,050 m above the city, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is northern Thailand’s holiest temple. Climb the naga-flanked staircase (300 steps) or ride the cable car to the golden chedi that glints across the valley. Sunrise visits reward you with misty mountain vistas.

Shop the Night Bazaars
The sprawling Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Road specializes in handicrafts—silk scarves, silver jewelry, and wood carvings. Every Sunday, the Walking Street in the Old City transforms into a pedestrian-only festival of street food, live music, and artisans selling bespoke candles and Lanna art.

Explore the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
A 90-minute drive north of Chiang Mai, this contemporary Buddhist work of art in Chiang Rai features mirrored mosaics, surreal sculptures, and a gleaming white façade symbolizing purity.

Trek to Waterfalls & Hot Springs
Take a jungle trek to Bua Thong’s “Sticky Waterfalls,” where mineral-coated rocks offer non-slippery climbing. Relax afterwards at the nearby Mae On hot springs, where you can soak in natural thermal pools surrounded by bamboo groves.

Visit an Elephant Sanctuary
Choose a true rescue center—never ride elephants. Spend a meaningful day feeding, bathing, and observing rehabilitated elephants in ethical sanctuaries such as Elephant Nature Park or Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary.

Attend a Craft Workshop
Chiang Mai is famous for ceramics in San Kamphaeng, handmade umbrellas in Bo Sang, and silverwork in Tambon Muang Khua. Workshops let you try pottery throwing, umbrella painting, or silver jewelry making.

Sample Khao Soi
This creamy yellow curry noodle soup is Chiang Mai’s signature dish. Head to roadside stalls like Khao Soi Khun Yai or Khao Soi Nimman for authentic bowls garnished with pickled mustard greens and crispy noodles.

Cycle the Countryside
Book a guided bike tour through rice paddies and fruit orchards outside the city walls. Pause at roadside stalls for fresh coconut water and mango slices before returning along shaded rural paths.

Celebrate Yi Peng & Loy Krathong
If you visit in November, join the magical lantern-releasing festival. Thousands of paper lanterns rise into the night sky at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, while floating krathong (leaf boats) drift on fountains and canals below.


Best Temples

  • Wat Chiang Man: The oldest temple in Chiang Mai, founded in 1296, housing crystal and marble Buddhas.
  • Wat Phra Singh: Home to the precious Lion Buddha and stunning Lanna murals.
  • Wat Suan Dok: Known for its field of white chedis containing royal ashes and daily monk alms ceremonies.
  • Wat Umong: A forest temple with meditation tunnels and resident deer.
  • Wat Pha Lat: A hidden mountain retreat enveloped by world-war ruins and jungle trails.

Map & Navigation Tip

Pick up a free Old City map from your hotel or download an offline map app. The Old City’s grid of four canals makes orientation easy—north, south, east, and west gates are clearly marked.


Best Sunrise & Sunset Spots

  • Doi Suthep at Dawn: Beat the crowds for sunrise prayers and panoramic city views.
  • Wat Phra That Doi Kham: A golden Buddha overlooks rice fields—spectacular at sunset.
  • Rooftop Bars: Sip a Chang beer at Heaven Roofbar or 360° Rooftop Bar as the city lights flicker on.
  • Huay Tung Tao Lake: Five kilometers north, bamboo huts on stilts overlook still water, perfect at dusk.

Other Tips

  • Dress Respectfully: Cover shoulders and knees at temples; shorts and tank tops are discouraged.
  • Bring a Refillable Bottle: Chiang Mai’s tap water isn’t potable, but refill stations are common.
  • Bargain Politely: Start at 50–60% of the asking price in markets and enjoy the friendly haggling ritual.
  • Watch for Overzealous Tours: Research operators for elephant experiences and hill tribe visits to ensure ethical practices.

Is Chiang Mai Safe?

Chiang Mai is very safe; violent crime is rare. Standard precautions—lock your scooter, watch your belongings, and avoid poorly lit areas at night—will keep you secure.


Chiang Mai

On a Budget

  • Hostels & Guesthouses: Dorm beds from 200 THB and private rooms under 600 THB in the Old City.
  • Street Food: Fill up on khao soi, sai oua (northern sausage), and sticky rice for 30–60 THB per dish.
  • Public Transport: Songthaews (30 THB) and rented bicycles (50 THB/day) are affordable ways to get around.
  • Free Attractions: Many wats, parks, and walking trails cost nothing to explore.

How Long to Stay

Four to six days lets you savor temples, cooking classes, day trips to waterfalls or Elephant Nature Park, and soak up the local café culture.


Sample 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Old City walking tour → Wat Phra Singh → Sunday Walking Street
Day 2: Doi Suthep sunrise → Hmong village visit → Night Bazaar
Day 3: Ang Thong trek to waterfalls → Mae On hot springs
Day 4: Elephant Nature Park ethical visit → Rooftop sunset drinks
Day 5: Cooking class → San Kamphaeng handicraft villages → Final cinnamon ice cream in Nimman


Chiang Mai

Best Time to Visit

  • Cool Season (Nov–Feb): Mild days, cool nights, ideal for all activities—peak festival season.
  • Hot Season (Mar–May): Temperatures can reach 40 °C; enjoy fewer crowds and poolside relaxation.
  • Rainy Season (Jun–Oct): Brief afternoon storms, lush landscapes, lower hotel rates.

Hotels

Luxury: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Dhara Dhevi
Mid-Range: Tamarind Village, U Chiang Mai, Yaang Come Village
Budget: Green Tiger House, De Lanna Hotel, Hug Hostel Rooftop


Explore More of Thailand

Continue your adventure with our other top guides:

With this comprehensive Chiang Mai travel guide, you’re ready to dive into northern Thailand’s cultural treasures, culinary delights, and natural wonders. Safe travels!

Mia Luna
Mia Luna
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