Thailand

Chiang Mai

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Chiang Mai is a city in northern Thailand, surrounded by mountains and known for Buddhist temples, markets, food and traditional crafts. You come for its slower pace compared with Bangkok, access to nature and a strong connection to northern Thai culture.

The old city is compact enough to explore in sections, with temples and cafés tucked along its streets. Beyond the centre, neighbourhoods, markets and mountain roads offer plenty more to discover. Take your time, dress respectfully at religious sites and leave room for long meals.

How many days: 4

Spend your first day exploring temples and streets inside the old city. Use the second for Doi Suthep and nearby viewpoints, and the third for markets, crafts and neighbourhoods outside the walls.

Keep the fourth day for a cooking class, nature excursion or relaxed exploration. If you want to visit national parks or spend time in the mountains, adding another day makes the trip less rushed.

What to do in Chiang Mai

Visit Wat Phra Singh
Explore an important Buddhist temple complex within the old city. Dress modestly and follow local rules when entering religious buildings.
Explore Wat Chedi Luang
See the remains of a large historic chedi and surrounding temple grounds. It is a useful introduction to Chiang Mai's religious heritage.
Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Travel up the mountain to a significant temple overlooking the city. Prepare for steps, crowds and cooler conditions at elevation.
Walk around the old city
Explore streets within the historic moat and walls, stopping at smaller temples and local shops. Early mornings are particularly pleasant.
Browse a walking street market
Explore stalls selling crafts, snacks and local goods. Check locally when markets operate, as arrangements differ.
Explore the Night Bazaar area
Walk through an established shopping district associated with evening stalls and casual food. Compare prices and quality before buying.
Visit a traditional craft workshop
Learn about northern Thai crafts such as textiles, umbrellas or ceramics. Choose a workshop where makers explain their techniques.
Take a northern Thai cooking class
Learn to prepare regional dishes and understand local ingredients. Choose a class that includes hands-on cooking.
Explore Nimmanhaemin
Walk around a modern neighbourhood known for cafés, shops and creative spaces. It offers a contrast to the historic centre.
Relax in a traditional Thai massage
Enjoy a massage at an established professional spa or massage centre. Explain any injuries or areas of discomfort beforehand.

What to eat and drink

Try khao soi
Eat northern Thailand's curry noodle dish, commonly served with crispy noodles and accompaniments. It is one of the region's signature meals.
Explore northern Thai sausage
Try sai ua, a herb-filled sausage with a fragrant, sometimes spicy flavour. It is often served with rice or fresh vegetables.
Eat at a night market
Browse freshly prepared snacks, grilled dishes and desserts. Choose busy stalls where food is cooked to order.
Try nam prik and vegetables
Sample northern Thai chilli dips served with vegetables and other accompaniments. Ask about spice levels before ordering.
Explore Thai coffee culture
Visit a café serving beans from northern growing regions. Chiang Mai is a useful place to discover locally produced coffee.
Enjoy a traditional northern Thai meal
Share several dishes with sticky rice, including curries, vegetables and regional specialities. Sharing allows you to try more flavours.

Getting around

The old city is walkable in sections, though the heat argues for shorter stints. Shared songthaew trucks run the common routes, and ride-hailing cars and tuk-tuks fill the gaps - agree the fare before you set off. For the hills, hire a driver or join a small-group trip.

Good to know

  • Seasonal agricultural burning can cause severe air pollution, particularly during parts of the dry season. Check air quality before planning outdoor activities.
  • Dress modestly at temples, covering shoulders and knees. Remove shoes where required.
  • The old city is walkable in sections, but heat and traffic make longer journeys tiring. Use reputable local transport.
  • Spice levels vary considerably. Ask for milder preparation if needed.
  • Tipping is appreciated in some visitor services but is not universally expected. Check local practice.
  • Mountain excursions can be cooler and wetter than the city. Bring a light layer and suitable footwear.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Old City

Inside Chiang Mai's moat, the Old City concentrates historic temples, cafés, guesthouses and the Sunday Walking Street into a compact area that works especially well for first-time visitors and cultural sightseeing. It is easy to explore on foot, but the most popular streets become crowded around markets and major temples and nightlife is gentler than in Nimman.

Nimman

Nimmanhaemin is Chiang Mai's contemporary café, restaurant, shopping and nightlife district, popular with younger travellers, couples and longer stays. It has excellent airport connections and plenty to do after dark, but traffic, aircraft noise in some streets and a more modern atmosphere make it less suitable for travellers seeking traditional Chiang Mai.

Night Bazaar & Chang Khlan

Chang Khlan is a busy hotel and entertainment corridor centred on Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, with markets, restaurants and straightforward access to both the Old City and Ping River. It is convenient for shopping, nightlife and short stays, but the main roads are commercial and traffic-heavy rather than particularly peaceful or atmospheric.

Wat Ket & Riverside

The Wat Ket side of the Ping River combines historic teak architecture, boutique hotels, riverside restaurants and a calmer setting within a short ride of the Old City. It suits couples and travellers prioritising atmosphere and relaxation, although nightlife and public transport are less concentrated than around Chang Khlan or Nimman.

Wualai & Chiang Mai Gate

Immediately south of the Old City, Wualai offers silver-working heritage, the Saturday Walking Street, affordable accommodation and excellent access to Chiang Mai Gate's food stalls. It is a strong-value alternative to staying inside the moat, but market nights become crowded and the neighbourhood is less polished than Nimman or the riverside.

Mae Hia & Rajapruek

Mae Hia on Chiang Mai's south-western edge offers greener surroundings near Royal Park Rajapruek, Wat Phra That Doi Kham and the foothills, making it attractive for families and travellers who prefer space and quiet. It is considerably less convenient for central restaurants and nightlife, and taxis or private transport are much more useful than relying on city buses.

When to go

Typical conditions by month - daytime high, night-time low, and rainy days.

MonthHighLowRain days
Jan 28°C16°C 2
Feb 31°C18°C 1
Mar 34°C21°C 2
Apr 36°C24°C 5
May 33°C24°C 14
Jun 31°C24°C 20
Jul 30°C24°C 23
Aug 29°C23°C 26
Sep 29°C23°C 24
Oct 29°C22°C 16
Nov 28°C19°C 4
Dec 27°C16°C 2

What it costs

A typical day in Chiang Mai, per person, in pounds.

£19

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£34

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

£62

Treating yourself - the good hotel, the good tables.

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