🇹🇭 Chiang Mai Travel Guide

Chiang Mai is the kind of place that makes you slow down. Surrounded by mountains and filled with charm, this city is a peaceful mix of ancient temples, lush landscapes, creative cafés, and a culture that feels both deeply rooted and refreshingly open. Wander through the old city’s quiet alleyways, join a cooking class, or chase waterfalls just outside town, Chiang Mai has a way of making you feel at home.

This Chiang Mai Travel Guide will help you explore the best of the north. Whether it’s your first time in Thailand or you’re ready to see a different side of the country, Chiang Mai is a must.

Let’s plan your perfect trip to Chiang Mai! ✈️

Navigation

🏞️ What to do in Chiang Mai?
🍽️ What to eat in Chiang Mai?
🏨 Where to stay in Chiang Mai?
🗺️ Chiang Mai Itineraries
📍Day Trips from Chiang Mai
🌤️ Best time to visit Chiang Mai
🛵 How to get around in Chiang Mai?
💬 Frequently Asked Questions

🏞️ What to do in Chiang Mai?

Under construction!

🍽️ What to eat in Chiang Mai?

Under construction!

🏨 Where to stay in Chiang Mai?

Under construction!

🗺️ Chiang Mai Itineraries

Under construction!

📍Day Trips from Chiang Mai

Under construction!

🌤️ Best time to visit Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is beautiful all year round, but the cool season from November to February is hands down the best time to visit. The weather is dry, skies are clear, and temperatures are pleasantly cool, especially in the mornings and evenings. It’s perfect for exploring temples, hiking in the nearby mountains, or wandering through the old city without breaking a sweat.

☀️ March to May is the hot season, and temperatures can soar. It’s also burning season, when farmers burn crop fields, which can cause smoky air and reduced visibility, something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to air quality. However, early April brings Songkran (Thai New Year), and Chiang Mai is one of the best places to experience the country’s biggest water fight.

🌧️ June to October is the rainy season. Expect short, heavy showers (mostly in the late afternoon), but plenty of sunshine in between. The landscape turns lush and green, waterfalls are flowing, and the city feels fresh and alive. It’s also a quieter time to visit, with fewer tourists and lower prices. Read more…

🛵 How to get around in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is much calmer and more compact than Bangkok, making it easier to navigate, and even more enjoyable to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re cruising through the old city on two wheels or catching a ride to a temple on a hill, there’s a travel style for every comfort level. Read more…

Chiang Mai’s iconic red songthaews are shared pickup trucks that act like mini buses. You can hop on one heading your direction, or flag one down and tell the driver where you want to go — if it’s on their route, they’ll take you for around 30–50 THB.

💡 Tip: Get a Rabbit Card (for BTS) or a stored-value MRT card to skip the ticket lines.

Renting a motorbike or scooter is one of the most popular ways to explore Chiang Mai and nearby areas like Doi Suthep or sticky waterfalls. Rentals usually cost around 150–300 THB per day, and give you total freedom to roam.

💡 Tip: Look for the orange flag boats, they’re local and budget-friendly.

Grab works well in Chiang Mai and is a convenient alternative to taxis or negotiating with drivers. Fares are fixed, and you can choose a car or motorbike depending on your mood or budget.

💡 Tip: Avoid rush hour (7–9 AM and 4–7 PM) if you’re in a hurry.

Chiang Mai’s Old City is walkable and packed with temples, cafes, and local markets. It’s a great area to explore on foot, especially in the cooler mornings or evenings.

💡 Tip: Use tuk-tuks for short distances, and expect to pay a little more than a taxi.

Many guesthouses and hotels offer bike rentals, and the flat roads inside the Old City make cycling a fun, eco-friendly way to explore.

💡 Tip: Only use motorbike taxis if you’re comfortable with a bit of adrenaline!

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chiang Mai safe for travelers?

Yes, Chiang Mai is considered one of the safest cities in Thailand for travelers, including solo and female travelers. The vibe is more laid-back than Bangkok, and locals are generally friendly and helpful. As always, be mindful of your belongings in markets and touristy spots, and avoid poorly lit areas late at night.

What’s the best way to get around Chiang Mai?

Getting around is easy. Inside the Old City, you can walk or rent a bicycle or scooter. For short trips, hop in a songthaew (red truck), or use Grab (like Uber). Scooter rentals are cheap and great for day trips to places like Doi Suthep or nearby waterfalls.

How do I travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

There are a few easy ways to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, depending on your budget and travel style:
✈️ By Plane: The fastest option. Flights take about 1–1.5 hours, with dozens of daily departures. It’s often affordable, especially with budget airlines like Thai AirAsia or Nok Air.
🚆 By Train: A scenic and classic way to travel. The overnight train takes around 12–14 hours, and sleeper cabins are comfortable and popular with travelers. Book early, especially for 1st-class cabins.
🚌 By Bus: Budget-friendly and comfortable VIP buses run overnight or during the day. The journey takes about 9–10 hours. Choose reputable companies like Greenbus.
Tip: If you have time, take the overnight train — it’s part of the experience and a great way to meet other travelers.

Do I need to cover up when visiting temples?

Yes. Chiang Mai is full of beautiful temples, and modest dress is expected when visiting them. That means covered shoulders and knees for both men and women. Remove your shoes before entering temple buildings, and speak quietly out of respect.

What’s the currency and can I use credit cards?

The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is still essential for markets, street food, and local transportation. ATMs are easy to find throughout the city.

Is Chiang Mai expensive?

Not at all! Chiang Mai is known for being budget-friendly. You can eat delicious local food for around $1–2 USD, stay in charming guesthouses, and enjoy activities like cooking classes or temple visits without spending much.

What language is spoken in Chiang Mai?

Thai is the official language, and you may hear Northern Thai dialect (Kham Mueang) too. In tourist areas, many locals speak basic English, especially younger Thais and those working in tourism. Learning a few Thai phrases goes a long way!

When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?

The best time to visit is the cool season (November to February) — it’s dry and mild, perfect for exploring. March to May can be very hot and smoky due to burning season. June to October is rainy, but the landscape is lush and it’s less crowded.

Can I drink the tap water in Chiang Mai?

It’s best to avoid drinking tap water. Bottled or filtered water is cheap and widely available, and most hotels provide free bottles daily.

What should I avoid doing in Chiang Mai?

– Don’t disrespect the Thai monarchy or Buddhism
– Avoid entering temples without proper clothing
– Don’t touch monks or point your feet at Buddha statues
– Be cautious riding scooters if you’re not experienced
– Don’t bargain too aggressively at markets — smile and be kind

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