Chiang Mai

Why Chiang Mai? The laid-back cultural capital of the north: hundreds of temples, mountain scenery, coffee and night markets.

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What to do in Chiang Mai?

For each activity you get up-to-date availability and prices — so you book ahead at the best rate.

• NatureEthical elephant sanctuaryFeed, walk and bathe rescued elephants in the hills - welfare-first parks, absolutely no riding.
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• CultureWat Phra That Doi SuthepThe gilded mountaintop temple overlooking the city - go for sunrise or sunset.
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• CultureOld City temple hoppingWander the moated old town between Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and hidden lanes.
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• FoodThai cooking class in the countrysidePick herbs on a farm and master curries, spring rolls and khao soi.
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• ShoppingSunday Walking Street marketThe whole old town becomes a crafts, food and music market every Sunday.
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• NatureDoi Inthanon National ParkThailand's highest peak - twin pagodas, cloud forest and waterfalls.
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• NatureBua Tong 'Sticky' WaterfallsClimb straight up the mineral rock face - it grips your feet, no ropes needed.
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• AdventureJungle zipline flightSoar through the rainforest canopy on some of Asia's longest ziplines.
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• CoffeeNimman cafe & coffee sceneTrendy roasteries, design shops and brunch in the city's hippest district.
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• NightlifeChiang Mai Night BazaarNightly market sprawl of handicrafts, street food and live music.
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Getting around & when to go

Within the compact old city you can mostly walk. For everything else, Grab works well, red songthaews (shared trucks) flag down anywhere for 30-40 baht around town, and renting a scooter (200-250 baht/day) frees you for the mountains. The sweet spot is November to February - cool, clear and green. Avoid the burning season (roughly March to April), when agricultural smoke haze can smother the valley; head to the islands instead.

Where to stay

Inside the old city walls you are steps from the temples, markets and cheap guesthouses - the classic first base. Trendy Nimmanhaemin (Nimman), near the university, is the cafe-and-cocktail district beloved of nomads, with smarter apartments and coworking. Riverside (Wat Ket / Charoenrat) offers boutique hotels and a calmer vibe, while the Night Bazaar area suits shoppers.

Temples & the mountains

In the old town, don't miss Wat Chedi Luang's ruined brick stupa and the small lanes of quieter wats around it. The signature half-day trip is up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the golden mountain temple with city views - go by songthaew from the zoo. Further out, Doi Inthanon (Thailand's highest peak) makes a full day of waterfalls, cloud forest and the twin royal pagodas. For elephants, choose a genuine no-riding sanctuary - feeding, walking and mud baths, not shows.

Food, coffee & markets

The northern dish to hunt down is khao soi - a rich, curried coconut noodle soup - alongside sai ua (herby sausage) and nam prik dips. The Sunday Walking Street down Ratchadamnoen is the great weekly event: crafts, buskers and a food-lined temple courtyard. The nightly Night Bazaar and the local Chang Phueak 'Cowboy Hat Lady' khao kha moo are institutions. And yes, sample the coffee - the northern hills grow excellent arabica, and cafes here take it seriously.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai?

Compare prices from several providers for this place in one click.

Recommended: 2–4 nights

With 2-4 nights you can do the old city, Doi Suthep, an ethical elephant sanctuary and the night markets.

Nearby

PaiMae Hong Son Mountains

Chiang RaiFar North

SukhothaiLower Northern Thailand

Frequently asked questions