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Chiang mai

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Within the mountainous region of Chiang Mai lies a welcoming city with friendly locals, delicious food, beautiful nature, and ornate temples all around.

Table of Contents

Travel Inspiration

Relevant posts and videos to help you get to know the city and get excited for your trip!

Attractions

What to do in Chiang Mai for those who want to see incredible sites and learn about the local culture.

Wat Chedi Luang

Historic temple grounds with small temples and a museum surrounding a massive chedi.

Wat Phra Singh

Important temple with beautiful temple grounds that features a golden stupa.

Doi Suthep

Northern mountain with beautiful temples and nature viewpoints.

Doi Inthanon

Explore the highest point in Thailand and find the King and Queen pagoda's.

Arts & Cultural Center

Historical museum focused on Chiang Mai life and culture. Also featuring art exhibits.

Sunday Night Market

Popular night market in the city centre with food stalls and local vendors.

Wua Lai Market

Saturday night market with souvenirs, food stalls, and massages.

Wat Lok Moli

Beautiful Lanna style temple with guardian warriors and a giant chedi.

Wat Suan Dok

Large temple with a variety of Buddha images and the royal family mausoleum.

Wat Chiang Man

The oldest temple in Chiang Mai with important Buddha images.

Wat Jet Lin

Quiet Buddhist temple with hidden garden and pond.

Wat Phantao

Teakwood temple with beautiful golden stupas on the temple grounds.

Tours

Recommended tours and experiences that are unique to the destination. Additionally, find more tours on Get Your Guide.

Food

Discover Northern Thai dishes like khao soi, stewed pork, and sticky rice. As well as restaurants and cafes serving a variety of cuisines for every taste. Moreover, try these delicious spots! As for tipping, it is not required.

Pick A Bowl

Create your own smoothie bowls at this small, friendly cafe.

ต้นตำรับข้าวต้มปลาเยาวราชสาขาเชียงใหม่

Fresh seafood dishes with boiled rice soups and more.

Ghia Kitchen

Cozy spot with authentic Northern Thai dishes and some Western options.

Where to stay

Book your accommodation within the orange zone on the map as it is the most convenient area for attractions, restaurants, and tours. Also, find recommended hotels and guesthouses below.

Booking.com

Recommended Hotels

Ma Guesthouse

Cozy guesthouse with delicious free breakfast within the city centre.

Kamphaeng Nham Hotel

Spacious rooms, a pool, and a bar located close enough to the city centre.

Mountain View Guesthouse

No frills guesthouse with a restaurant located at the Chang Phuak Gate.

Cost

On a mid-range budget, cost per day is about 923 baht. This includes accommodation, tours, attractions, food and drinks, and miscellaneous items. 

Currency Converter by OANDA

Average prices (THB)
Water ฿ 20
Coffee ฿ 1.50-3
Beer ฿ 80-100
Smoothie ฿ 30-60
Lunch ฿ 40-80
Dinner ฿ 80-150
Laundry (self-service) ฿ 80-100

When to go

The best time to visit is from October-March when the weather is warmest and there is little rain. As for how long you should visit, the ideal trip length is 1 week. Moreover, see the current weather and upcoming events and holidays below.

CHIANG MAI WEATHER

April: Songkran Festival
November: Dragon Boat Races
November: Loy Krathong

Getting there/around

Getting to Chiang Mai is easy by plane, train, and bus. The main airport is Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). While there, you can find local taxis and ride apps such as Bolt and Grab. Note: Bolt is usually cheaper.

Use Skyscanner to find flights and compare prices
Use Omio for buses & trains
Use 12Go Asia for budget buses & trains

Important Information

Emergency Number: 191
Calling Code: +66-53
Outlet Types: A, B & C
Visa: Get your e-visa here
Travel Insurance: Get yours with Safety Wing

Drinking tap water isn’t recommended unless boiled. Note: it is common for hotels to provide 2 free bottles of water per day.

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