Old City Moat
budgetSquare moat area with temples, hostels, and Sunday walking street.
Best for first timers, budget
GoFarGuide.org
Northern Thailand gem with temples, night bazaars, elephant sanctuaries, and mountain scenery.
Tropical savanna climate with cool dry winters, smoky late dry season, and monsoon summers.
Jan
30° / 15° 7 mmFeb
34° / 17° 9 mmMar
36° / 20° 17 mmApr
37° / 23° 60 mmMay
34° / 24° 140 mmJun
32° / 24° 150 mmJul
31° / 24° 170 mmAug
31° / 24° 190 mmSep
31° / 23° 210 mmOct
31° / 22° 120 mmNov
30° / 19° 60 mmDec
29° / 16° 20 mmChiang Mai International Airport (CNX) · 4 km southwest
Grab (Ride-hailing) (10-20 min, ฿100-150 ($3-4.50)) · Metered Taxi (10-20 min, ฿150-200 ($4.50-6)) · Songthaew (Red Truck) (15-30 min, ฿150-200 ($4.50-6) negotiated) · Airport Shuttle Bus (20-30 min, ฿40 ($1.20))
Songthaew (Red Trucks), Tuk-tuk, Smart Bus
Download Grab app - most reliable transport · Songthaews run until 6-7pm, then Grab or tuk-tuk · Old City is compact - very walkable · Rent scooter (฿150-200/day) - popular with tourists · Always negotiate songthaew/tuk-tuk price BEFORE riding · No metro or formal bus passes - city is small and casual
high
Thai (Northern Thai dialect - Lanna), English in tourist areas
Thai Baht (฿, THB)
Wai greeting - hands together in prayer position with slight bow · Buddhism is central to daily life · Monks are highly respected - give up seats, don't touch · Head is sacred, feet are lowest - never point feet at Buddha · Remove shoes before entering temples and homes · Royal family is deeply revered - never disrespect
Wai to monks, elders, and when entering temples · Don't touch people's heads (most sacred body part) · Don't point feet at people or Buddha images · Dress modestly at temples - cover shoulders and knees · Speak softly and smile - "Land of Smiles"
US/UK/Canada/Australia/EU: 30-60 days visa-free depending on nationality. Visa on arrival available.
220V, 50Hz · A, B, C
Good private hospitals (Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Ram). Affordable. Insurance recommended.
SAFE · Generally very safe for tourists · Watch belongings in crowded markets and night bazaar · Scooter accidents common - wear helmet, drive carefully · Air pollution severe Feb-April burning season - check AQI · Avoid unregulated tours and activities · Be cautious with drinks in bars - spiking rare but occurs · Respect Buddhist temples and monks
Police 191 · Ambulance 1669
Square moat area with temples, hostels, and Sunday walking street.
Best for first timers, budget
Trendy neighborhood with cafes, co-working lofts, and night markets.
Best for digital nomads, nightlife
Creative quarter mixing boutique hotels, galleries, and Muay Thai gyms.
Best for boutique stays, culture
Riverside village of teak houses, bakeries, and quiet guesthouses.
Best for romance, relaxation
Suburban zone filled with craft villages, cafes, and Chiang Mai Night Safari.
Best for families, long stays
Countryside north of town with luxe resorts, elephant sanctuaries, and zip lines.
Best for nature, luxury
Elegant riverside dining with tasting menus and wine pairings.
Must-try: Seared foie gras, Massaman lamb shank
Hilltop resort restaurant showcasing northern Thai recipes with flair.
Must-try: Khao soi foie gras, Nam prik ong
Colorful eatery serving organic salads, khao soi, and kombucha.
Must-try: Pumpkin khao soi, Northern sausage platter
Long-running restaurant known for gaeng hung lay and sticky rice.
Must-try: Gaeng hung lay pork curry, Sai ua sausage
Teak house with live music, cocktails, and curry flights.
Must-try: Khao soi, Crispy lemongrass chicken
Beloved stool dining for poached chicken with ginger rice.
Must-try: Chicken rice, Pork satay
Morning temple run, afternoon spa, and street food frenzy.
Wat Phra Singh & Wat Chedi Luang walk · Meditation + monk chat
Temples, elephant sanctuaries, and craft villages over three packed days.
Guided Old City bicycle tour · Market-to-table Thai cooking class
Ethical elephant sanctuary visit · Flight of the Gibbon zip line
Silver and lacquer workshops · Temple sunset at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Cowork mornings, adventure afternoons, and weekend escapes.
Coworking pass at Punspace · Coffee cupping workshop
Doi Inthanon waterfalls + pagodas tour
Cowork session · Warorot Market shopping
ATV or bamboo rafting · Mon Jam viewpoint + flower farms
Batik or pottery class · Massage + airport transfer
190 km northeast · Full day (12 hours)
Visit White Temple, Blue Temple, and Black House with local lunch.
135 km northwest · 2 days (overnight)
Serpentine drive to Pai for canyon hikes, hot springs, and nightlife.
60 km north · Half day (6 hours)
Climb mineral-laden Bua Thong falls and paddle through limestone caves.
70 km north · Full day (9 hours)
Hike Chiang Dao trails, explore caves, and soak in Pong Arng hot springs.
50 km east · Overnight (2 days)
Stay in forest village, learn tea roasting, and hike to waterfalls.