Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Considered the capital of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a popular destination for Thais. Significantly quieter than Bangkok, Chiang Mai exudes a unique charm thanks to its city center, encircled by four gates and moats, creating an idyllic atmosphere. According to various sources, Chiang Mai's cuisine is among the most delicious and diverse in all of Thailand. An evening stroll through Chiang Mai is also highly recommended. You can enjoy the numerous restaurants, music bars, and vibrant nightlife, which is less noisy than in Bangkok. On Saturdays and Sundays, you'll find the famous night bazaar and pedestrian zones, perfect for browsing, shopping, and enjoying street food at affordable prices. With its 300 temples, the city center, the towering Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and especially the surrounding mountains offering numerous excursions and hikes, as well as opportunities to meet hill tribes, Chiang Mai has much to offer! An unforgettable experience in Chiang Mai is a day spent with elephants. But be warned: absolutely avoid places that offer elephant rides! The Elephant Nature Park is the best place to spend time with elephants. I also recommend a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai. If you have the chance, visit Chiang Mai for Loy Krathong (in November) or Songkran (mid-April). These festivals are especially beautiful in Chiang Mai, particularly Loy Krathong. I personally also enjoy the Chiang Mai Flower Festival in February. Be sure to book your hotel for these events well in advance (see here), otherwise it will be very difficult to find a room. Also, be aware that the air quality in Chiang Mai is often very poor from late February to mid-April. Wearing an N95 mask is recommended (use websites or apps to check the AQI). You can find all the options for getting around Chiang Mai on our dedicated Chiang Mai transportation page.

Accommodation in Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai offers numerous hotels and, more importantly, guesthouses. However, during peak season, guesthouse rooms may not always be available. Early booking is highly recommended during the Flower Festival (first weekend in February), Songkran (mid-April), and Loy Krathong (November)! Most guesthouses in Chiang Mai are located in the Old City, along Moon Muang Road, and near Thapae Gate. This is also the most beautiful part of Chiang Mai and is close to the city's most interesting temples. Where to stay in Chiang Mai? Each area of ​​Chiang Mai has its own unique charm: Find out which best suits your budget and preferences, and consider its advantages and disadvantages. Map. Check out our guide to the areas of Chiang Mai. Find accommodation in Chiang Mai. Choose a destination: Amphawa Ayutthaya Bang Saphan Bangkok Buriram Cha Am Chachoengsao Chaiyaphum Chanthaburi Chiang Dao Chiang Khan Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Chonburi Chumphon Dan Sai Hat Yai Hua Hin Kalasin Kamphaeng Phet Kanchanaburi Khao Lak Khao Sok Koh Chang Koh Jum Koh Kood Koh Lanta Koh Larn Koh Lipe Koh Mak Koh Phangan Koh Phayam Koh Phi Phi Koh Samet Koh Samui Koh Sichang Koh Tao Koh Wai Krabi Lampang Lamphun Loei Lopburi Mae Hong Son Nakhon Pathom Nakhon Phanom Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Si Thammarat Nan Nang Rong Nong Khai Pai Pak Chong Pattaya Phang Nga Phang Nga Phayao Phetchabun Phetchaburi Phitsanulok Phrae Phuket Prachuap Khiri Khan Pranburi Railay Ranong Ratchaburi Rayong Roi Et Samut Songkhram Sangkhlaburi Sattahip Sukhothai Surat Thani Surin Tak Trang Trat Ubon Ratchathani Udon Thani all categories from 300 THB from 300 to 500 THB from 500 to 1000 THB from 1000 to 2500 THB from 2500 to 5000 THB plus 5000 THB // Prices not available in the city selection are retained ("All prices are now only available") function findAccommodationCategories(citySelect) { var option=citySelect.options[citySelect.selectedIndex]; var price=parseInt(option ? option.getAttribute("data-price") : 0,10) || 0; var categories=citySelect.form.elements["categories"]; if(!categories) return; for(var i=0;i<categories.options.length;i++) { var val=categories.options[i].value; categories.options[i].disabled=!(val=="all" || val=="-" || (Math.pow(2,parseInt(val,10))&price)); } } (function() { var forms=document.querySelectorAll("#form-accommodations form"); var form=forms[forms.length-1]; if(form && form.elements["cities"]) findAccommodationCategories(form.elements["cities"]); })(); My Recommendations I am often asked which accommodations I recommend in Thailand. Here are my recommendations for Chiang Mai. Tamarind Village Hotel in Chiang Mai (8.9/10) Book now More details Garden Yard Inn Chiangmai Hotel in Chiang Mai (8.9/10) Book now More details Yi's Garden Villa Hotel in Chiang Mai (8.5/10) Book now More details Sri Pat Guest House in Chiang Mai (8.4/10) Book now More details Lamphu House Hotel in Chiang Mai (8.4/10) Book now More details All in 1 Guesthouse in Chiang Mai (8.1/10) Book now More details arrow_circle_right View all accommodations in Chiang Mai

Practical information about Chiang Mai: If you're traveling from Bangkok, I recommend the night train. It's very comfortable and a real experience! There are also brand-new, more modern, and more comfortable trains, which I haven't tried yet. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to secure a sleeper berth. You can book your train tickets online on this website (which I've tested and found to be good). If possible, I recommend visiting Chiang Mai on a Sunday. You can experience Sunday Walking Street – in my opinion, the best night market in all of Thailand. On the surrounding peaks, such as Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain, it can be quite chilly in winter, especially in the mornings. So pack a sweater and perhaps a scarf.

How do you get to Chiang Mai? Chiang Mai is the capital of Northern Thailand and therefore easily accessible from anywhere in Thailand. Traveling by bus is particularly convenient from the north, central, and Isaan regions. From Southern Thailand, travelers usually take domestic flights to avoid long train or bus journeys. Buses depart very frequently from Bangkok Mochit Bus Station. You can choose between regular buses and VIP buses. Some international flights also land in Chiang Mai. Many travelers prefer the Bangkok-Chiang Mai night train. To guarantee a sleeper berth, you should book your tickets in advance (you can book online HERE). It's a comfortable and affordable travel option. You'll arrive at Chiang Mai train station in the early morning. [arrow_circle_right] View all travel options to Chiang Mai

My selection of tours & activities in Chiang Mai: Two-day trekking tour in Doi Inthanon and Ban Pa Pong Piang (Chiang Mai) – English-speaking tour: Discover the nature and life of the Karen hill tribe in the Doi Inthanon mountains near Chiang Mai. This tour also takes you to some of Thailand's most beautiful rice terraces! Details & booking: Comfortable stay with the Karen – English-speaking tour: Spend 2 or 3 days in a Karen hill village with a comfortable host family. Experience their daily life and activities, and encounter elephants in a respectful environment. An unforgettable and unique adventure! Details & booking: More tours & activities in Chiang Mai

What's the best way to get around Chiang Mai? Detailed information on all the ways to get around in Chiang Mai can be found on our dedicated page: Getting Around in Chiang Mai.

Bo Sang Umbrella and San Kamphaeng Handicraft Festival (Chiang Mai) This festival usually takes place in January. Learn more about the Bo Sang Umbrella and San Kamphaeng Handicraft Festival (Chiang Mai)

Chinese New Year Celebrations This festival usually takes place in February. arrow_circle_right More about the Chinese New Year celebrations

Chiang Mai Flower Festival: This festival usually takes place in February. Learn more about the Chiang Mai Flower Festival.

Strawberry Festival This festival usually takes place in February. arrow_circle_right More about the Strawberry Festival

Lanna Saa Paper Festival This festival usually takes place in February. More about the Lanna Saa Paper Festival

Chiang Mai International Balloon Festival. This festival usually takes place in March. More about the Chiang Mai International Balloon Festival

Poy Sang Long: This festival usually takes place in April. More about Poy Sang Long

Visakha Bucha Day: Procession ceremony to Doi Suthep. This festival usually takes place in May. More information about Visakha Bucha Day: Procession ceremony to Doi Suthep.

Pillar Shrine Festival in Chiang Mai. This festival usually takes place in May. More about the Pillar Shrine Festival in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Yee Peng Festival: This festival usually takes place in November. More about the Chiang Mai Yee Peng Festival

Chiang Mai Loy Krathong & Yee Peng Festival. This festival usually takes place in November. More about the Chiang Mai Loy Krathong & Yee Peng Festival

Candle Ceremony Wat Pan Tao Loy Krathong This festival usually takes place in November. More about the Candle Ceremony Wat Pan Tao Loy Krathong

The enchanting Chiang Mai Flower Festival usually takes place in December. Learn more about the enchanting Chiang Mai Flower Festival.

Chiang Mai Ping Fai Festival This festival usually takes place in December. More about the Chiang Mai Ping Fai Festival

Other sights in Chiang Mai: The Chiang Mai Zoo is located just before the ascent to Doi Suthep and is particularly famous for its pair of pandas and their cub. It is very large and houses many animal species. Wat Pan Tao impresses with its magnificent teakwood building in the Lanna style, which was once a royal residence and later converted into a temple. Wat Chiang Man is the first and therefore oldest temple in Chiang Mai. Wat Suan Dok isn't necessarily a must-see, but like at Wat Chedi Luang, you can talk to the monks there. Wat U-Mong (just outside the city; another temple of the same name in the city center is also worth visiting) is situated amidst forests, underground shrines, nature, and a small lake, and is a very relaxing place. Wat Ched Yod is located just outside the city on the main road and impresses with its beautifully preserved stucco reliefs. Wat Chedi Luang features a beautiful chedi. Here you can meet Buddhist monks in a specially designated area and talk with them. Wat Buppharam is undoubtedly of historical and architectural interest, but is best known for its statue of Donald. Wat Lok Molee is a small temple, often overlooked, but it boasts a large brick chedi and a beautiful wooden hall. Huay Thung Tao Lake, a reservoir with mountains in the background, is located about ten kilometers from the center of Chiang Mai and is a great place to relax with the family, enjoy the lake and its activities (swimming, paddle boating, kayaking, etc.), and eat well. The restaurants serve excellent Thai cuisine at very reasonable prices, which you can enjoy in small huts. Wat Phra That Doi Kham is a charming temple perched on a mountain, little known to foreign tourists. However, it is very interesting and offers, among other things, a beautiful view over the valley, from which you can see Rajapruek Royal Park. A lovely spot that can be combined with a visit to Rajapruek Flower Park. Royal Park Rajapruek (★★★★) is a large flower park dedicated to King Rama IX, located about ten kilometers from Chiang Mai. It is home to numerous plants and flowers, including a charming orchid garden. The best time to visit is from December to February when many flowers are in bloom. There is also a beautiful royal pavilion. Huay Kaew Waterfall (★★★★) is the easiest waterfall to reach from Chiang Mai. It lies at the foot of Doi Suthep mountain and makes a pleasant stop after visiting the hilltop temple. However, note that the water level can be very low at the end of the dry season, making the waterfall less impressive. Wat Phra That Doi Saket (★★★★) is situated on a hill 27 kilometers outside of Chiang Mai. With its golden chedi, it resembles Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, but is smaller and less touristy. A little further up is a temple that offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area, especially during the rainy season. Grand Canyon (5 stars): This natural, freshwater-filled canyon is located 18 km from Chiang Mai and contains two parks: a large water park with numerous attractions, including inflatable rides, and a quieter, more beautiful, and less expensive park where you can also swim and cross the canyon on a zip line. Muang On Cave (5 stars): The interior of this cave on the road from Chiang Mai to the San Kamphaeng hot springs is truly impressive. I recommend a stop before soaking in the thermal baths a few kilometers away or visiting the Bo Sang handicraft village. Bhubing Palace (5 stars): The interior of this royal palace cannot be visited, but visitors come for its gardens, rose garden, water reservoir, winter flowers, and centuries-old ferns. In my opinion, not a must-see, but interesting for flower and plant lovers. The palace is located near Doi Suthep Temple. Wat Ton Kwen (5 stars): This small temple with its wooden hall, about 15 kilometers from Chiang Mai, has a very special charm. It's visited by only a few tourists. Foreigners rarely visit this place, as many don't even know it exists. However, it's a good option for a short stop on the way to Rajapruek Park or Wat Phra That Doi Kham. Wat Ban Den (5 stars): This gigantic temple, located about 50 kilometers from Chiang Mai in the Mae Taeng district, is very well-known. It houses numerous buildings and impressive statues, some in vibrant colors. Many consider it the most beautiful temple in the area. I disagree, but see for yourself. Kuan Im Chokchai (5 stars): You won't find this surprisingly small Chinese temple in any guidebook. However, it's worth a visit for its dragon and tiger statues, which are interspersed with corridors covered in colorful murals. An impressive visit that might just change your perception of Chiang Mai. Wiang Kum Kam (5 stars): Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city with temple ruins dating back 50 to 600 years, and others of slightly more recent origin. It's particularly well-suited for cycling through its narrow lanes to discover the temples. Little known among tourists, it's not a must-see in Chiang Mai, but it's one of my personal favorites. Warorot Market: This is the largest and most visited market in Chiang Mai. Spread over three floors in two large buildings separated by a street, it offers a vast array of goods, and tourists come out of curiosity to visit this impressive market. Wat Muen Ngoen Kong: A little-known temple, but one that doesn't lack charm. It features a beautiful Lanna-style ordination hall, a golden chedi, and a reclining Buddha in one of its halls. Elephant Poopoo Paper Park: A lovely place, especially for families with children, that demonstrates the process of making paper from elephant dung. You can even try your hand at making products from this paper in workshops. Pha Chor Grand Canyon: This canyon is an hour's drive from Chiang Mai. It's famous for its rock walls with pillars formed by natural erosion over centuries. Despite its relatively modest size, some call Pha Chor the Grand Canyon of Thailand. Wat Luang Khun Win: This temple, hidden in the jungle and more than an hour and a half's drive from Chiang Mai, is a real insider tip, known to only a few foreign tourists – but well worth a visit nonetheless. Be warned, the approach is somewhat complicated, especially the last five kilometers along a dirt forest track. Khlong Mae Kha: A small section of the Mae Kha Canal in Chiang Mai has been cleaned and renovated and has become one of the city's new popular spots since 2021. While not an absolute must-see in Chiang Mai, it's a charming place that's increasingly hosting events. Fire Massage Village (Yam Khang Massage): The small village of Ban Rai Kong Khing is famous for an amazing type of massage practiced by very few: the Yam Khang massage. Also known as fire massage, it is impressive and has recognized health benefits. The village, organized as a community, also offers other activities such as cooking classes.

How do you ask for directions to Chiang Mai in Thai? I want to go to Chiang Mai / Yak pai thi Tchiang maï. Where is Chiang Mai? / Tchiang maï yu thi nai?