Chiang Mai
Visited in December 2013
At a glance
- Country
- Thailand
- Region
- Mueang Chiang Mai
- Population
- 1.2 million
- Best time to go
- November to February
- Main airport
- Chiang Mai International (CNX)
- Coordinates
- 18.80°N, 98.98°E
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Chiang Mai was the capital of the old Lanna kingdom, and its moated Old City still holds more than a hundred temples, from crumbling brick chedis to gleaming gold-roofed halls. It feels slower and greener than Bangkok.
The food is distinct too, with curry noodles and herby sausages. Beyond the city, forested mountains offer trekking, waterfalls and hill-tribe villages within easy reach.
Things to see
-
Photo: JJ Harrison ( https://www.jjharrison.com.au/ ), CC BY-SA 3.0 Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
A golden hilltop temple reached by a long naga-lined staircase, with views over the whole valley.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Kingkidton, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wat Chedi Luang
The huge ruined brick chedi in the Old City, partly toppled by an earthquake centuries ago.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: This Photo was taken by Supanut Arunoprayote . Feel free to , CC BY 4.0 Wat Phra Singh
One of the city's most revered temples, with fine Lanna woodwork and murals.
-
Photo: Vano111ru, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wat Umong
A forest temple with meditation tunnels dug into the hillside, calm and shaded.
Things to do
-
Photo: Takeaway, CC BY-SA 4.0 Sunday Walking Street
Ratchadamnoen Road becomes a long market of crafts, street food and buskers every Sunday evening.
-
Photo: Thai Secret Cooking School, CC BY-SA 4.0 Take a cooking class
Learn to make curry pastes and stir-fries, usually with a market visit and a farm kitchen.
Find tours -
Photo: Chainwit., CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat khao soi
The north's signature dish of egg noodles in coconut curry, topped with crispy noodles.
-
Photo: Elemanxx, CC BY 3.0 Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary
Choose one where you watch elephants rather than ride them, such as Elephant Nature Park.
Find tours -
Photo: Lester Mathias Andersson, CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Doi Inthanon
Thailand's highest mountain, with cloud forest trails, waterfalls and twin royal pagodas.
Find tours
Where to stay
Old City
Temples on every corner and easy walking. Ideal for a first visit.
Hotels in Old CityNimmanhaemin
Trendy cafés, bars and modern hotels, popular with digital nomads.
Hotels in NimmanhaeminRiverside
Quieter boutique hotels along the Ping river, near the night bazaar.
Hotels in Riverside
Getting around
Red songthaew shared trucks go almost anywhere for a small fare; agree the price first. Ride-hailing apps and rented scooters are also common.
The airport is only about 4km from the Old City, a 15-minute taxi ride.
When to go
The cool, dry season from November to February is ideal, and the Yi Peng lantern festival falls in November. March and April are hot and often smoky from crop burning, while June to October is the rainy season.
Plan your trip to Chiang Mai
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.