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Destinations / Thailand

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่)

Temples, mountains and markets in Thailand's north

foodhistorynaturebudgetadventure
Plan your trip to Chiang MaiSee the top 10
130,000Population
1.2 millionMetro area
Thai, Northern ThaiLanguage
THBCurrency
5 daysIdeal stay
$70-130Typical day

Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of northern Thailand, with a moated old city full of temples. It is relaxed, affordable and a base for hill treks, elephant sanctuaries and cooking classes. Food lovers come for khao soi and night markets.

Where to start

Top 10 things to do

Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.

  1. Gilded hilltop temple above the city reached by a long naga staircase or a tram. On clear days it gives a view over the whole city.

    2 hoursTime needed
    about $1-2Cost
    noBook ahead

    Foreigner entry about 50 baht in 2026; the cable car is extra.

    Tip. Go early for clear views and fewer people.
    See on the map

  2. Old city temple built around a huge partly ruined brick chedi. The chedi was damaged by an earthquake in the 16th century.

    1 hourTime needed
    about $1-3Cost
    noBook ahead

    Small entry fee for foreigners.

    Tip. Monk chats are held some afternoons.
    See on the map

  3. The city's most revered temple with classic Lanna architecture. It houses a revered Buddha image paraded at Songkran.

    45 minutesTime needed
    about $1-3Cost
    noBook ahead

    Small entry fee for foreigners around 20 to 50 baht.

    Tip. Dress modestly.
    See on the map

  4. A long night market along Ratchadamnoen Road with crafts and street food. Temple courtyards along the way turn into food courts.

    2 to 3 hoursTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free entry.

    Tip. Arrive by 6 pm before it packs out.
    See on the map

  5. Day programs at sanctuaries where you watch, feed and bathe rescued elephants. The best ones focus on observation and care rather than tricks.

    Half day to full dayTime needed
    about $60-120Cost
    yesBook ahead

    Price depends on programme length and operator.

    Tip. Pick operators with no riding; most include hotel pickup, about 1 to 1.5 hours away.
    See on the map

  6. Thailand's highest mountain with twin royal pagodas, waterfalls and cloud forest. Hmong and Karen villages and coffee farms sit on its slopes.

    Full dayTime needed
    about $8-12Cost
    noBook ahead

    Park fee for foreigners is about 300 baht plus vehicle fees; check current DNP rates.

    Tip. About 2 hours by car or tour; bring a jacket for the summit.
    Official siteSee on the map

  7. Nightly market and stalls along Chang Khlan Road. It runs every evening, with food courts among the stalls.

    2 hoursTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Bargain politely.
    See on the map

  8. Half day classes with a market tour and several dishes, often on a farm. You usually eat what you cook and take home a recipe book.

    Half dayTime needed
    recommendedBook ahead

    Typical range.

    Tip. Morning classes include the market visit.
    See on the map

  9. A forest temple with old tunnels at the foot of Doi Suthep. Wooded grounds and a lake make it peaceful.

    1 hourTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Donations welcome.

    Tip. Quiet in the morning.
    See on the map

  10. Busy local market for snacks, dried goods and northern sausages. Locals call it Kad Luang, the big market.

    1 hourTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Try sai ua and nam prik.
    See on the map
Map: OpenStreetMap contributors.
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Ready-made itineraries

Choose how many days you have.

Chiang Mai in three days

Day one temples, day two an ethical elephant park, day three Doi Inthanon or a cooking class.

  1. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep2 hours · about $1-2
  2. Wat Chedi Luang1 hour · about $1-3
  3. Wat Phra Singh45 minutes · about $1-3
  4. Sunday Walking Street2 to 3 hours · Free
  5. Ethical elephant sanctuaryHalf day to full day · about $60-120
  6. Doi Inthanon National ParkFull day · about $8-12
  7. Thai cooking classHalf day
  8. Night Bazaar2 hours · Free
Beyond the city

Day trips

Chiang Rai

White Temple and Blue Temple.

115 mi · Bus or car, about 3 hours

Pai

Mountain valley town for a slower stay.

84 mi · Minibus, about 3 hours on a winding road

Lamphun

Ancient temple town with Wat Phra That Hariphunchai.

16 mi · Car, about 40 minutes

Mae Kampong

A cool forest village with tea and waterfalls.

31 mi · Car or songthaew, about 1h15

Mae Sa Valley

Waterfalls, gardens and cafes along a scenic loop.

19 mi · Car or scooter, about 45 minutes

Doi Inthanon National Park

Thailand's highest peak at 2,565 meters, featuring the King and Queen royal pagodas, cloud forest boardwalks, and Wachirathan waterfall.

53 mi · Drive via Highway 108 or join a guided day excursion coach in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Plan your dates

Weather and seasons

Best: November to February. Cool, dry and clear weather.

Busy and priceyShoulderQuiet and cheaper

Temperature

Daily high and average, by month

32°50°68°86°104°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecDaily highAverage

Rain

Typical inches per month

0.00.81.62.43.13.94.75.56.37.17.98.79.4JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

January

78°F
Typical daily high
Average67°F
Rain0.6 in
About2 rainy days
Sun strength4.6 kWh/m²

Busy season. Higher prices, bigger crowds.

Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.

Main events

Nov

Yi Peng and Loy Krathong

Full moon of the twelfth Thai lunar month, usually November

Lanterns and candle floats fill the city and the Ping River.

Apr

Songkran

April 13 to 15

Thai New Year water festival, Chiang Mai's is famously big.

Feb

Flower Festival

Early February

Parades and flower displays at Buak Hard Park.

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Know before you go

At a glance

4/5
Safety

Thailand is at US State Department Level 1; the main concerns are traffic, scooter accidents and poor air quality in March and April.

4/5
Walkability

The old city is compact and full of temples; outside it you will want wheels.

2/5
Public transport

Red songthaew shared trucks and Grab cover the city; there is no metro.

Pick your base

Where to stay

The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.

Map: OpenStreetMap contributors. Shapes where OpenStreetMap has a boundary; dashed circles mark areas it only has a point for.
123456

1. Old City

$

Best for: first-timers, budget

Temples and cafes on every lane.

2. Nimmanhaemin

$$

Best for: couples, food

Trendy cafes, bars and malls near the university.

3. Riverside

$$$

Best for: couples, luxury

Quieter boutique hotels on the Ping River.

4. Night Bazaar area

$$

Best for: shopping

Close to markets and transport.

5. Santitham

$

Best for: budget, long stays

Local feel with cheap food and apartments.

6. Night Bazaar / Chang Khlan

$$

Best for: shoppers, budget travelers

Located between the Old City and the river, offering night markets, halal dining, and budget hotels.

Getting there and around

Main airportChiang Mai International (CNX), 3 mi from the center
To the centerGrab or taxi takes 15 to 20 minutes to the old city.
Around townWalk the old city, then use Grab or red songthaews; renting a scooter suits only experienced riders.
Ride appsGrab, Bolt
Taste it

What to eat

Khao soi

Curry noodle soup with crispy noodles on top.

Sai ua

Herby northern Thai sausage.

Nam prik noom

Roasted green chili dip with vegetables.

Nam prik ong

A tomato and pork dip with vegetables.

Gaeng hang lay

Burmese influenced pork curry.

Mango sticky rice

Best in the hot months.

Sai Oua

Aromatic grilled pork sausage seasoned with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, red curry paste, and fresh chilies.

Good to know

PlugsType A, B, C and O, 220 V
Tap waterUse bottled water
TippingTipping is not expected, but rounding up or leaving 20 to 50 baht is appreciated.
PaymentsCash is still common at markets and street stalls; cards work in hotels and malls.
EtiquetteDress modestly at temples, covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes. Never disrespect the monarchy, which is a crime.
  • Choose elephant places that do not offer riding or shows.
  • Burning season in March and April can bring hazardous air; check forecasts.
  • Temples close by early evening.
  • Sunday Walking Street gets very crowded after 6 pm.
  • Burning season (roughly February to April) brings heavy smoke; check air quality before booking.
  • Choose elephant sanctuaries that ban riding and chaining; do your research first.
  • Wat Phra That Doi Suthep requires modest dress.
  • Songthaew prices should be agreed before you get in.

A short history

King Mangrai founded Chiang Mai in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna kingdom. It later came under Burmese rule for about two centuries before joining Siam. The old city walls, gates and moat still frame the center.

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Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.

Plan Chiang Mai