Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand. The city and its surroundings is a place to relax after the chaos of Bangkok as you can find fabulous food and real Thai atmosphere at the backstreets of the city. Planning a trip to Chiang Mai in Thailand? This detailed Chiang Mai travel guide with travel tips will help you discover the city and its best things to do.
The city of Chiang Mai is relaxed by itself, if compared to Bangkok, but the best way to recharge your batteries is to get out outside the city where green countryside and misty mountains offer limitless possibilities for nature explorations. The surroundings have a lot to offer as here you can find natural perfection in national parks, awe-inspiring animals in places like elephant camps, and unique communities deep into the mountains, making the area the perfect place for trekking experience.
Things to Do in Chiang Mai
The capital of Northern Thailand is a large city and there are plenty of tourist attractions and other things to do in Chiang Mai for travelers of different taste to be busy for at least several days.
The Old City of Chiang Mai
The city was founded in 1296 and became the new capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. Traditional Lanna Thai culture can still be experienced here. The old city is a very scenic place to visit as it is full of impressive ancient temples and is surrounded by ancient walls and a lovely moat.
The old city is also one of the best areas to stay. For the most comfortable visit, choose to stay at one of the best hotels in Chiang Mai Old City.
Chiang Mai Temples
The city and the surrounding areas are full of stunning ancient temples and most of them are still in use by the Buddhist monks. You should definitely discover the most impressive temples of Chiang Mai.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most famous and important temples in the area and it’s a must see on your trip to Northern Thailand. The temple is located on the hill outside the city so you need to arrange transportation for getting there.
The best way to visit this fascinating temple is by joining one of temple tours that take you to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and some other places. The most impressive experience can be expected when visiting the temple at sunrise or sunset.
By joining Doi Suthep and Wat Umong Enchanting Evening Tour, you bask in the beauty of the temples with an afternoon visit to Wat Umong and ending the day with gorgeous city views at Doi Suthep.
If you don't mind waking up early, get on Doi Suthep, Wat Umong, and Pha Lat Sunrise Tour and see the sunrise from the golden pagoda at Doi Suthep before exploring Wat Umong, visiting the hidden temple of Wat Pha Lat, and heading to the Kruba Srivichai Monument.
Another popular way to discover the sacred Doi Suthep Temple, a popular must-see cultural landmark in the city, is by joining Doi Suthep & Hmong Hill Tribe Village tour, which also takes you to visit the Hmong Hill Tribe and learn about their culture through a museum experience.
Wat Chedi Luang
Chiang Mai’s largest Buddhist chedi housing Wat Chedi Luang is another must see temple, located in the old city.
Wat Phra Singh
Wat Phra Singh is an important temple and a major monastery in the city.
Other temples that are worth to be visited while traveling around the city can be found in the list of Top 10 best temples in Chiang Mai.
Explore Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phan Tao, and Wat Phra Singh on a short Old City and Temples Guided Walking Tour, which takes you to visit the city's most famous temples and learn about their fascinating history from a local guide.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park is a national park in the mountainous Chiang Mai province of Northern Thailand. The highest peak at Doi Inthanon is 2565 meters and it’s is the highest mountain in Thailand, also known as "The Roof of Thailand". The main attractions of the park are the summit of Doi Inthanon for its spectacular views, waterfalls and the two chedis dedicated to the king and the queen.
You can go on this full-day tour of Doi Inthanon to reach Thailand’s highest peak and see the Twin Pagodas and Wachirathan Waterfall, and meet the Karen Hill Tribe. You can also combine Doi Inthanon and elephant sanctuary visit or discover Thailand's unparalleled natural beauty during the scenic Doi Inthanon National Park hike through lush green forest.
Bhubing Palace
Bhubing Palace is the royal winter residence in Chiang Mai where the Royal family stays during seasonal visits. The palace is located in the mountains outside the city. It comprises of a number of buildings, a large reservoir with scenic fountain and flower gardens famous of a wide variety of roses.
Meeting Elephants in Chiang Mai
Northern Thailand has the highest number of ethical elephant sanctuaries. These are just several of places, where you can meet elephants in Chiang Mai.
Lanna Kingdom Elephant Sanctuary is located in the middle of a lush national park. Here the elephants are able to roam freely in a large green space and you can feed and interact with rescued elephants.
Elephant Retirement Park Chiang Mai is an elephant sanctuary, where you can watch these majestic creatures up close and learn about them from specialists. During a visit, you have a chance to observe their behavior, in beautiful natural surroundings.
Elephant Dream Project Sanctuary let you discover native elephant life and enjoy their natural habitat in an ethical way with the local guide. Listen to their stories and learn about elephant conservation.
Many tours also include a visit to elephant sanctuary as part of a day trip itinerary.
Chiang Mai Night Safari Park
Chiang Mai Night Safari offers a unique wildlife experience where you can explore three distinct zones - Savanna Safari, Predator Prowl, and Jaguar Trail - under the enchanting night sky. Journey through the park on a tram to see nocturnal animals in their natural habitats and enjoy interactive shows and activities
Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium
Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium houses over 200 types of Asian and African mammals in this striking landscape. Even Chinese Panda Family can be found here. There’s also an aquarium collecting 250 species of freshwater and sea fish and one of the world longest underwater tunnels (133 meters long).
Sticky Waterfall
Bua Tong Waterfall, also known as Sticky Waterfall, located in the lush forests of the Si Lanna National Park is the falls where you can climb the unique "sticky" limestone cascades, swim around the clear water and enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery.
Shopping at Chiang Mai Night Markets
Most famous shopping spots in Chiang Mai are the two walking streets. Make sure you stay in the city on weekend if you want to experience the real northern Thailand shopping adventure. Another popular and perhaps the most chaotic shopping place is the Night Bazzar, which is open every night.
The area is also well known for its handicrafts. Woodcarvings, tribal arts and crafts, handmade textiles, jewellery, real handmade Thai silk, pottery, lacquerware and knock-off designer goods (shirts, shoes, bags, sunglasses, and everything else you can think of can be found) can be found here. And like everywhere in Thailand, shopping comes with a huge variety of local foods.
For the special experience, explore city's colorful night food markets on this evening food tour of the city, where you sample a minimum of 8 dishes.
Sunday Walking Street Market
One kilometre long Sunday Walking Street Market is the most popular shopping experience in Chiang Mai. It starts at ThaPae Gate and runs all along Ratchadamnoen Road. Sunday Walking Street Market takes place every Sunday from 16:00 until around midnight and the road is closed to traffic during this time.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Another popular and perhaps the most chaotic shopping place in the city is the Night Bazzar. The market can be found on Chang Klan Road. The actual market is a modern building, but most of the shops extend outward from it and shopping can be starting on the pavements even before turning to the road. Night Bazzar starts at around 17:00 and closes at around 23:00 every night. It’s a good choice if your stay there is not on weekend.
Saturday Night Market Walking Street
Saturday Night Market Walking Street is one more shopping spot in the city which is very popular between locals and tourists. The market is taking place at Wualai Road starting just southwest of Chiang Mai Gate. Saturday Night Market Walking Street takes place every Saturday from 17:00 until around midnight and the road is turned into a huge pedestrian zone during this time.
Find detailed information about the best shopping spots in the city by exploring best Chiang Mai markets.
Muay Thai Fights
Without a doubt, Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is the number one national sport in Thailand and part of Thai culture. On your upcoming trip to Northern Thailand, don't miss a chance of seeing a Thai boxing match. For the most exceptional experience, choose one of the best places to watch Muay Thai in Chiang Mai.
Thapae Boxing Stadium is one of Thailand's oldest Muay Thai venues, offering exciting matches between champions and seasoned fighters.
Kalare Boxing Stadium is located in the area of Kalare Night Bazaar, which is located just a 5-minute walk from the old city and you can easily combine watching an exciting Muay Thai fight with some shopping and dining at the nearby night market.
The Pavilion Night Bazaar Boxing Stadium is a popular place to watch Muay Thai for Muay Thai fans and tourists alike. Located in the city's Night Bazaar area, the stadium offers a convenient location and an exciting atmosphere.
Ziplining in Chiang Mai
Kingkong Smile Zipline boasts the title of Asia's longest and highest zipline. Perched atop the mountains of Maetonluang village, it is the place, where you can experience a thrilling ride surrounded by the natural beauty of majestic mountains, lush jungles, and picturesque valleys.
Grand Canyon Water Park
Grand Canyon Water Park is the largest inflatable water park and the only outdoor water park in northern Chiang Mai with an area of over 35 acres. The park offers various outdoor activities including giant sliders, canoeing and kayaking, wakeboarding and marveling at the panoramic view of Grand Canyon Water Park on the zip line, which cross over the Grand Canyon water.
Massage in Chiang Mai
Like everywhere in Thailand, finding a place to get a massage in Chiang Mai is easy. You will find plenty of cheap massage parlours and luxury spas - just choose the most suitable for your taste and budget.
Normally you can get a significant discount by pre-booking your spa experience online. To get the best deal for your visit, check an extended list of vouchers at Top Chiang Mai spa & massages.
Let's Relax Spa is one of the most popular spas in Chiang Mai offering premium quality at great rates. By booking your spa visit online you get a discounted access to one of the best spas in the city that provide top class services without breaking the bank.
Ladyboy Shows
The capital of Northern Thailand is a great place to relax and immerse into Thai culture. Being a relatively large city, Chiang Mai boasts not only many cultural and natural attractions but also a vibrant nightlife.
Ladyboy shows in Chiang Mai is an experience not to be missed. Ladyboy Cabaret Show is a performance with dances and music which is a family friendly attraction and a perfect way to spend an evening.
Two most famous ladyboy cabaret shows in the city are Miracle Cabaret Show and Siam Dragon Cabaret Show. You can consider visiting at least one of them for a unique experience.
Thai Food Cooking Classes
In case you like not only eating but also cooking by yourself, Chiang Mai is a good place for taking a Thai food cooking class.
Learn how to prepare and cook traditional Thai food during a fun Authentic Thai Cooking Class. Awaken your culinary creativity, explore the world of Thai flavors, and enjoy a lot of healthy Thai food!
Chiang Mai Museums
Chiang Mai has such a long and significant history, which is well presented in the museums of the city. Museums best presenting the history of the city and the Kingdom of Lanna are the following.
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center is the right place to visit for those who want to discover arts and culture of the city and Thailand.
Chiang Mai Historical Centre
Chiang Mai Historical Centre is a museum just behind the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre which presents the history of the province in a new and exciting way.
Lanna Folklife Museum
Lanna Folklife Museum is an interesting museum presenting the history and culture of the Lanna people of Northern Thailand.
Art in Paradise Illusion Museum
Art in Paradise is a uniquely interactive exhibit featuring six different zones, each with an individual theme. With over 100 3D paintings and optical illusions, this museum offers an interactive and immersive art experience. A wide range of interactive exhibits is perfect for visitors of all ages as you'll have plenty of photo opportunities and moments of awe, from exploring the underwater world to walking through a giant picture frame.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
The best area to stay in Chiang Mai is the old city surrounded by moat. The atmosphere of this area is special and all main attractions are nearby. The best places to stay in the old city can be found here: Best Hotels in Chiang Mai Old City.
To get the best deal on accommodation, make sure to compare hotel deals on Booking.com with often better special offers on Agoda.
How to Get to Chiang Mai?
You have few options for reaching the city from Bangkok, including traveling by air, by train and by bus.
Flights to Chiang Mai
There are many direct flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX).
Flight tickets can be booked online here: Flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
To get from the airport into the city, you could use Chiang Mai Airport Bus. However, the restored bus service is not that frequent and reliable as it was previously. Therefore, pre-booking a private CNX Airport transfer is a much more convenient option.
Train to Chiang Mai
Taking northern line train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a popular choice between travelers. Trains depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. Due to the popularity and high demand of this train route you are advised to purchase tickets well ahead of time and no later than 2 weeks in advance.
Train tickets can be booked online here: Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Bus to Chiang Mai
Long-distance buses of various companies connect the city with Bangkok and all major cities in Thailand. Buses on this route leave from Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok.
Bus schedule can be found and bus tickets can be booked here: Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Other Transportation Options
More transportation options for a trip can be found and transport tickets can be booked by this search form.
Chiang Mai Weather
Between November and May the weather is mostly dry with little rain expected for much of this time. The dry season here is broken up into the periods of cool season (November to February) and hot season (March to May), when it is not unusual for the temperature to reach up to 40°C.
The wet season in Northern Thailand is from May to October. The rain usually comes in the form of short showers, lasting an hour or two. As the rainy season progresses, the rain can become heavier and more constant, traditionally reaching peak levels in August and September.
For detailed information about the best time to visit the city check weather in Chiang Mai.
Next Destination after Chiang Mai?
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and the largest city of the country with tons of things to do and see, so you can easily spend days or weeks there and not get bored. Chiang Rai is a more relaxed neighboring city with impressive temples and natural attractions. Sukhothai is the site where you can see lots of ancient temple ruins from old times. Lamphun and Lampang are the places where you can spend a day in the less-crowded historical cities that are said to hold some of the best examples of Lanna-style architecture in the country. Pai is a small town in northern Thailand which is known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful unique mountainous view, and nature. For different transportation options check how to get from Chiang Mai to Pai.
