Ultimate Travel Guide to Chiang Mai:
Your Complete Handbook
Your all-in-one travel guide to Chiang Mai, filled with insider tips, must-see sights, and local secrets for the perfect trip
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Chiang Mai, located in the mountainous region of Northern Thailand, is the beating, cultural heart of the country. Known for its impressive temples, rich culture and indigenous hill tribes, it’s an immersive experience for any traveller. Unsure of how to get there or what to expect when you arrive? This comprehensive travel guide to Chiang Mai will help you navigate the city like a local to help you make the most of your visit.
Table of Contents
Getting to Chiang Mai
By Air
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the main gateway to the city, with both domestic and international flights. You’ll find frequent flights from Bangkok, as well as other Thai cities and international destinations.
Domestic Flights
Multiple daily flights connect Chiang Mai with Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and other major Thai cities. The flight time from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is around 1 hour 10 minutes.
International Flights
Chiang Mai has direct flights from international destinations like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Beijing. Flights from further afield (Europe, USA) will need to change in Bangkok.
By Train
For a unique journey, we highly recommend travelling by train from Bangkok. You can find sleeper and day trains to Chiang Mai, ranging from 11 to 14 hour journeys. The overnight sleeper train is a travel experience in itself! Read here for our full Guide to Catching the Sleeper Train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok.
By Bus
You can take the bus to Chiang Mai from Bangkok and other Thai cities. The journey takes around 10 to 12 hours, depending on traffic and the type of bus. This is quite a long and laborious journey but is one of the cheapest ways to reach Chiang Mai.
By Car
Driving from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is an option if you prefer flexibility and want to explore the countryside. The distance is about 700km and takes roughly 10 hours. You can stop off at interesting spots along the way, including Lampang and Sukhothai Historical Park to break up the journey.
Getting Around Chiang Mai
Songthaews
Songthaews are red pickup trucks with benches in the back and are a common form of shared public transport in Chiang Mai. They operate on set routes and are a convenient way to travel around the city. Hail them on the street or at designated stops. Routes and fares are generally negotiable, and you’re unlikely to be ripped off, so don’t worry about discussing prices with the driver.
Tuk-Tuks
Tuk-tuks are a fun way to get around Chiang Mai. They are best for short trips but can be a little more expensive than taxis. They’re great for navigating smaller roads, especially if you’re not travelling far. Always agree on the fare before starting the ride.
Grab Taxi’s
Grab is a popular ride-hailing app in Southeast Asia, and it operates in Chiang Mai. We exclusively use this when we travel to Asia. It offers transport options from taxis to scooters and is a really convenient way to travel, especially for longer distances or when language barriers might be an issue in negotiating fares and routes. Fares are agreed before pick-up, and can be paid in cash or card via the app. It’s easy, hassle free travel and one of our go-to’s when in the city.
Bicycle Rentals
You’ll see quite a few tourists cycling around Chiang Mai, especially the Old Town. It’s a bike-friendly city with many flat and scenic routes. Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore at your own pace and see more of the city’s hidden gems. You’ll find many hostels and hotels provide complimentary bike hire.
Walking
Chiang Mai is a pleasantly walkable city, especially the Old Town and out towards Nimman. Many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other, and exploring on foot allows you to soak in the local atmosphere and discover charming streets and shops.
Wat Chedi Luang
Must See Attractions
Old City Temples
Chiang Mai’s Old City is home to several stunning temples that represent the history of this region. Wat Phra Singh is known for its impressive architecture and huge golden chedi. The temple complex also features beautiful murals and grounds to stroll through. The equally stunning Wat Chedi Luang is famous for its massive, partially ruined chedi that dates back to the 15th century. Read our rundown of the 10 Best Temples to Visit in Chiang Mai for more inspiration.
hand picked tours we love:
Wat Phra Doi Suthep
Doi Suthep
Located just a short drive from Chiang Mai (or a 4km hike on the beautiful Monk’s Trail) Doi Suthep, a sacred mountain and national park, is home to the iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. One of the most visited temples in Chiang Mai, no visit here is complete without climbing its serpent-lined 306 steps to the summit, with stunning panoramic views of Chiang Mai beneath you. If this is high on your list, read our Guide to Visiting Wat Phra Doi Suthep Temple.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, located along Chang Klan Road, is a loud, colourful, chaotic market that’s an iconic fixture in the city. Find crafts, souvenirs, knock-off clothing, cabaret shows and delicious street food all in a maze of stalls. It’s an experience and an iconic part of Chiang Mai.
Sunday Walking Street Market
Every Sunday, starting at Tha Pae Gate and stretching along Ratchadamnoen Road, hundreds of market stalls set up shop selling souvenirs, traditional textiles, clothing and some of the best street food in the city. The roads are closed to vehicles, while thousands of people descend on the streets to experience this famous market. One of the best in the country, it’s not to be missed while you’re in Chiang Mai.
If you’re still after more ideas for your stay, read our list of the Top 10 Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Best Day Trips from Chiang Mai
Doi Inthanon
Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s highest peak and a popular day trip from Chiang Mai. The national park features lush rainforests and waterfalls that are a breath of fresh air after the bustling city. Visit the King and Queen pagodas and trek through the jungle. The park is about a 1.5 hour drive from Chiang Mai.
hand picked tours we love:
Akha Tribe
Visit the Hill Tribes of Northern Thailand
Visiting the hill tribes who live in the remote, mountainous jungles of Northern Thailand is a bucket list trip for many. Explore traditional villages, learn about ancient customs and witness what day to day life is like for these isolated indigenous communities. The Karen, Hmong and Lahu are just some of the tribes who have opened their doors to foreigners. It’s vital you visit these villages with an ethical, reputable tour company who have direct connections to the tribes themselves. Too often, the tribes are treated like human zoos and exploited, seeing little to no profit from tour companies who funnel curious visitors through their doors. To make sure you have the most rewarding, fulfilling and respectful visit, read our Guide to Visiting the Hill Tribes of Chiang Mai.
Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall
Visit the Sticky Waterfall
Located just 60km from Chiang Mai, the sticky waterfall, also known as Bua Tong, is a natural phenomenon in the jungles of Northern Thailand. Here, the limestone rocks that the waterfall cascades down have been covered in mineral rich sediment, which provides a surprisingly good grip! You can actually walk up the face of the waterfall, with your feet almost ‘sticking’ to the rocks as you go! A fun, unique and adventurous day out. Read our Guide to Visiting Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall here.
For more ideas on getting out of the city, read about the Best Day Trips from Chiang Mai.
hand picked tours we love:
Things to do
Thai Farm Cooking School
Thai Cooking Classes
Chiang Mai is renowned for its rich culinary tradition. Northern Thai food is one of the most popular foods throughout Thailand and taking a cooking class in Chiang Mai is a great way to dive head first into this essential part of Thai culture. Cooking with Poo offers small, hands-on classes with visits to the wet markets. Thai Farm Cooking School offers a farm to table experience with a focus on organic ingredients, where you can cook in a beautiful teakwood mansion next to a lily pond.
Fah Lanna Spa
Experience a Northern Thai Spa
Experience traditional Thai massage in Chiang Mai, a region famous for its spas and rejuvenation. Thai massage involves stretching and acupressure, as well as kneading. Fah Lanna Spa is famous for its incredible signature treatments and herbal steam baths, surrounded by magical gardens and a lotus pond.
Festivals & Events
Yi Peng Festival
As the cultural capital of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is host to several festivals throughout the year. The most famous of these is the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. Held every year around November, the festival features thousands of lanterns released into the sky. It’s a true spectacle and a once in a lifetime kind of memory. Read our Full Guide on How to Experience the Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai here.
Must Eat Food
Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kad Kom Eatery
Street Food
Like most places in Thailand, Chiang Mai’s street food scene is diverse and utterly delicious. You could eat here for two weeks and never set foot in a restaurant. Explore areas like the Night Bazaar, Nimmanhaemin and the Sunday Walking Market for the best stalls.
Khao Soi is a Northern Thai specialty; a creamy, coconut curry made with chewy noodles, chicken and topped with more crispy noodles. It’s an absolute essential eat for anyone visiting Chiang Mai.
Sai Oua is a spicy Northern Thai sausage packed with aromatic jungle herbs and local spices. Often served with sticky rice and the perfect snack after a day of temple hopping.
For some of the most delicious eats in the city without breaking the bank, don’t miss our Guide to the Best Restaurants in Chiang Mai.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Four Seasons Chiang Mai
Luxury Hotels
Set against a backdrop of forested mountains and lush jungle, some of the most luxurious retreats in Chiang Mai are sanctuaries for the mind, body and soul. It doesn’t get better than the Four Seasons Resort, located about an hour away from the city and lying on the picturesque shores of the Mae Rim river. Closer to town, 137 Pillars House offers immaculately designed suites set in a restored teakwood mansion. For more ideas to elevate your stay, read our Guide to the Best Hotels in Chiang Mai.
El Barrio Lanna
Mid-Range Hotels
Some of the nicest boutique hotels in Chiang Mai don’t come with luxury price tags, providing a retreat from the bustling city without breaking the bank. El Barrio Lanna is set around a beautiful swimming pool and lush gardens, set within a gorgeous Lanna-inspired building. G Nimman is a striking design-led hotel in the trendy area of Nimman, with an art gallery-esque pool area bedecked in white washed stone. We’ve pulled together a list of the nicest stays in Chiang Mai for under £100, which you can read here.
Hidden Garden Hostel
Budget & Hostels
As a backpacker mecca in Southeast Asia, Chiang Mai isn’t short of exceptional quality hostels that provide an almost hotel-like experience. Mad Monkey Hostel and Revolution Chiang Mai are the granddaddies of party-like-there’s-no-tomorrow, with cocktail buckets on tap and more events than you shake an inflatable flamingo at. Amaka Hostel provides a private and peaceful retreat in beautifully designed rooms, while Hidden Garden Hostel gets the balance right, with a warm and social atmosphere without the intensity of 24/7 partying. Discover our Guide to the Best Hostels in Chiang Mai here.
Practical Tips
Climate
Chiang Mai’s climate is tropical, and like the rest of Thailand, has three distinct seasons. The cool season, from November to February, is peak season and the best time to visit, with mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C and little rain. The hot season, from March to May, sees temperatures soar to around 40°C, with dry, sunny days. This is the worst time to visit as it makes most activities and sightseeing very uncomfortable. The rainy season, from June to October, brings frequent, heavy downpours, but produces lush landscapes and cooler temperatures (25°C to 30°C). This is the low season, with fewer crowds and cheaper prices. If you’re heading into the high altitude mountains of Chiang Dao and Doi Inthanon, temperatures can be much cooler here, and you will want to make sure you pack warmer clothes.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB). ATMs are widely available, and most places accept credit and debit cards. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller eateries and especially street food stalls.
Language
Thai is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and especially in hotels and restaurants. Learning a few basic Thai phrases is always a good idea to enhance your interactions with locals – it is always appreciated. It’s customary to greet and say goodbye with a “wai” (a Thai gesture of pressing palms together with a slight head bow)
General Safety
Chiang Mai is very safe for travellers. Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A and typhoid, and make sure your travel insurance is up to date.
Local Etiquette
When visiting temples and religious sites, dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees. It’s best to carry a shawl with you but these can often be hired or purchased at temple sites before entering. Shoes are always removed before entering temples and homes.
where to stay
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