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Travellers' Choice 2026

Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, Thailand

Northern Thailand, ThailandDoi Suthep Templekhao soiNight Bazaar

Chiang Mai, Thailand's cultural capital, offers a blend of ancient temples, vibrant markets, and lush landscapes. Known for its rich heritage and scenic surroundings, Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

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ItineraItinera AI · Chiang Mai

Essential Chiang Mai

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Things to do

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Doi Suthep Temple

Doi Suthep Temple

4.3
(15,452)

heritage

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang

4.3
(48,928)

heritage

Wat Phra Singh
Travellers' Choice

Wat Phra Singh

4.7
(37,968)

heritage

Elephant Nature Park
Travellers' Choice

Elephant Nature Park

4.8
(57,374)

nature

Doi Inthanon National Park
Travellers' Choice

Doi Inthanon National Park

4.5
(61,847)

nature

Places to stay

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Juliet's Hostel
Travellers' Choice

Juliet's Hostel

4.5
(60,710)

from ₹1,500/night

Tamarind Village
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Tamarind Village

4.5
(9,972)

from ₹4,500/night

137 Pillars House
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137 Pillars House

4.9
(65,094)

from ₹12,000/night

Restaurants & dining

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Sunday Walking Street

Sunday Walking Street

4.6
(8,280)

Local restaurant

Saturday Walking Street
₹₹

Saturday Walking Street

4.6
(38,009)

Local restaurant

Night Bazaar

Night Bazaar

4.7
(19,747)

Local restaurant

Signature dishes

khao soisai oualarbsticky ricenam prik noomnaemChiang Mai-style sour pork
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Itineraries to help you plan

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History & CultureMust-See

A history-packed Chiang Mai trip

ML
By Mei Lin

Explore the iconic landmarks and rich cultural heritage of Chiang Mai. From ancient temples to colonial architecture, this itinerary covers the must-see historical sites and hidden gems of the city.

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Doi Suthep Temple

Doi Suthep Temple

3.9

(11,112)

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang

3.9

(10,668)

Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh

4.3

(2,908)

Family FriendlyOutdoor Activities

Chiang Mai with kids — the perfect family trip

MR
By Marco Rossi

A family-friendly adventure in Chiang Mai packed with activities for all ages. Nature walks, local markets, and experiences the whole family will love and remember.

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Elephant Nature Park

Elephant Nature Park

4.5

(4,794)

Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park

4.6

(8,107)

Doi Suthep Temple

Doi Suthep Temple

3.9

(11,112)

RomanticCouples

Romantic getaway in Chiang Mai

HS
By Hannah Schmidt

A curated couples escape in Chiang Mai — sunset views, signature cuisine, and intimate cultural experiences. Perfect for anniversaries and honeymoons.

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Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang

3.9

(10,668)

Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh

4.3

(2,908)

Elephant Nature Park

Elephant Nature Park

4.5

(4,794)

Featured guide

Go deeper into Chiang Mai

How to do Chiang Mai in 7 days
Travel Guide

How to do Chiang Mai in 7 days — the complete guide

Plan this trip

At a glance

Chiang Mai is known for

Doi Suthep Templekhao soiNight BazaarElephant Nature ParkDoi Inthanon National ParkWat Chedi LuangWat Phra SinghSunday Walking Street

Explore further

Day trips from Chiang Mai

Easy escapes worth adding to your trip

Doi Inthanon National Park
80kmFull day

Doi Inthanon National Park

Explore Thailand's highest peak, twin royal chedis, and hill tribe villages.

Scenic waterfalls and bird-watching opportunities.

Elephant Nature Park
60kmHalf day

Elephant Nature Park

Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary for day visits and overnight stays.

Interact with rescued elephants in a natural environment.

Chiang Rai
200km3 hours

Chiang Rai

Discover the White Temple, Blue Temple, and Black House Museum.

Unique architectural wonders and cultural experiences.

Mae Hong Son Loop
Multi-day road tripSeveral days

Mae Hong Son Loop

Embark on a scenic road trip through the mountains.

Visit hill tribe villages and enjoy stunning landscapes.

Seasonal Guide

When to visit Chiang Mai

Cool, dry weather; avoid March to May due to smoke haze

January

|
24°C
2 days of rain
Very busyBusiest month

February

|
27°C
2 days of rain
Very busy

March

|
31°C
3 days of rain
Moderately busy

April

|
35°C
6 days of rain
Busy

May

|
32°C
13 days of rain
Less busy

June

|
31°C
14 days of rain
Less busy

July

|
30°C
16 days of rain
Less busy

August

|
29°C
18 days of rainWettest month
Less busy

September

|
28°C
17 days of rain
Less busy

October

|
28°C
10 days of rain
Moderately busy

November

|
26°C
4 days of rain
Busy

December

|
23°CColdest month
2 days of rain
Very busy

Culture

Local customs to know

01

Remove shoes before entering temples

02

Dress modestly in religious sites

03

Avoid pointing your feet at people or sacred objects

04

Show respect to elders and monks

Insider knowledge

Travel tips for Chiang Mai

01

Use Grab for convenient and reliable transportation.

02

Rent a scooter to explore Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon.

03

Visit the Night Bazaar for a taste of local culture and shopping.

04

Book Elephant Nature Park visits 2–3 weeks in advance.

05

Try khao soi and sai oua for an authentic Chiang Mai dining experience.

Getting there

How to reach Chiang Mai

By Air

Chiang Mai International Airport

By Road

Well-connected by bus from Bangkok and other cities

Need to know

Practical information for Chiang Mai

Getting Around

01

Grab

The best option for tourists, offering convenient and reliable transportation.

02

Scooter Rental

Essential for exploring Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon, costing THB 150–200/day.

03

Songthaew

Red shared trucks that operate on fixed routes for THB 30–50 per ride.

04

Tuk-Tuk

Negotiate the fare for short trips within the city.

On the Ground

Time zoneICT (UTC+7)
Electricity220V, Type A/B/C
CurrencyTHB
ATMsWidely available; Kasikorn and Bangkok Bank ATMs recommended for lower fees.
CardsAccepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops; smaller vendors prefer cash.
TippingTHB 30–50 at restaurants; not expected but appreciated.
Drinking waterDo not drink tap water; bottled water is readily available.
LanguageThai; Northern Thai dialect (Kham Mueang) locally; English widely spoken in tourist areas.
SIM cardAvailable at the airport; AIS, DTAC, or TrueMove tourist SIMs recommended.
VisaSame as Bangkok; check Thai embassy website for the latest visa requirements.

Chiang Mai travel tips

Common questions travellers ask before visiting Chiang Mai

Common questions

Frequently asked questions about Chiang Mai

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