Chiang Mai was the favorite city of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who ruled Thailand until his passing in 2016. It’s no wonder why, either; Chiang Mai is a very special city, starkly different from most urban centers in Thailand in several key ways. It blends nature, temples, and modern metropolitan culture in a way you won’t find anywhere else.
I’ve spent a total of more than six months of my life in Chiang Mai over a dozen or so trips. I also have many friends who live there permanently. Using my firsthand experiences as well as local knowledge from my friends who live there, I’ve put together this Chiang Mai travel guide that will help you exactly plan out your itinerary and unlock the best cultural experiences.
Below, you’ll find where to stay by neighborhood vibe, the activities actually worth your time, and a few things about this city that surprised me even after a dozen visits.
What is Chiang Mai known for?
The city never lost its small-town feel
The first time I visited Chiang Mai, I thought it was a small village. I knew it was popular with tourists, but I would have guessed the population was around 20,000 based on the fact that the streets never felt crowded, there was very little noise and light pollution, and the center of town contained no high-rises or other large structures typical of cities like Bangkok.
That’s why I was shocked when I found out that Chiang Mai is the third biggest city in Thailand, with around 175,000 people. Many visitors feel that same sense of quaintness when they visit Chiang Mai.
Although it is not confirmed, many locals speculate that it is due to the old king’s affinity for the town. Because he loved Chiang Mai so much, he made sure the local government enacted a policy that kept it feeling like the small town that enchanted him in the first place.
For instance, tall buildings are outlawed in the city center and the roofs of new buildings have to follow traditional styles within the old city, maintaining its distinct character.
Temperate weather year-round
Like Dalat City in nearby Vietnam, Chiang Mai possesses a temperate micro-climate that very much contrasts most of the country it’s located in.
The surprisingly cool temperature is due to:
- A high elevation.
- A location further north of the equator than the rest of Thailand.
- Natural barriers like the Thanon Thong Chai Mountains and Doi Suthep-Pui National Park block hot air and channel cool air.
- Being far from the coast, creating a less humid environment.
But it’s not just the weather that sets Chiang Mai apart from the south. Step into the old city and you’ll notice something else: there’s temples on nearly every block…
300 Temples, and counting
Thailand is a Buddhist country and it’s very noticeable in some areas. Usually, it’s hard to detect in the larger urban centers, though, and that’s not the case in Chiang Mai.
That being said, Chiang Mai combines a healthy dose of modern (some might say “hipster”) spirituality with more traditional Thai Buddhism. Yoga studios, tarot card readers, and holistic therapy centers are everywhere.
Even if temples aren’t your thing, there is a calm to the street and cafe life here that feels a world apart from hectic Bangkok.
It’s the unofficial capital of the digital nomad community
Finally, Chiang Mai is the #1 city in Asia for global nomads (those who work remotely while traveling the world).
Because of that, it has tons of nice cafes, gyms, foreign restaurants, short-stay apartments, and other facilities important to the nomadic lifestyle.
Most of it clusters around Nimmanhaemin (Nimman for short) – a leafy neighbourhood just west of the Old City with coworking spaces, specialty cafes, and co-living apartments.
Because Chiang Mai has been a remote work hub for years, the infrastructure is already in place. Apartment handovers happen through Facebook groups, there’s a meetup almost every night, and gyms and yoga studios cater to monthly members rather than short-term tourists.
While it’s easy to settle in here, there are a couple of things worth knowing before you do. Check out our Chiang Mai nomad guide to learn more.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is quite compact, so nowhere feels too far away. But each neighbourhood has a very different vibe. To find the right stay for you, decide whether you want temples and cheap eats at your doorstep, a walkable coworking-and-coffee bubble, or quiet space by the river.
In my opinion, the distinct areas of Chiang Mai that you should consider are:
Old City
This area is the central part of Chiang Mai that is surrounded by ancient walls and a moat that form the city’s historic core.
It was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom from its founding in 1296 until 1558, which is why it is home to over 30 temples, in addition to other amazing historical artifacts found near the walls. Walking or biking around the old city is a really cool step back in time.
More recently, the old city has gotten a lot of quirky, cozy cafes and restaurants that make it an excellent place to spend a chill afternoon. Many of the eateries and even some separate galleries house art and crafts made by locals.
More than anywhere else I’ve traveled in Thailand, Chiang Mai’s Old City gives off an interesting “old meets new” vibe.
- Muan Hostel – located directly opposite Tha Phae Gate and the Sunday Walking Street, within walking distance of markets, night markets, and temples and has a café on site
- Wannamas Chiangmai Boutique House is a family-run guesthouse inside the Old City walls with traditional teak furniture, family heirlooms, balconies, and a daily rotating northern Thai breakfast (free bikes are available for guests)
- Sripat Guesthouse SHA Extra Plus – a well-loved, family-run guesthouse on a quiet Old City side street, with a small pool, balcony rooms, and a location rated 9.6 for couples.
- Wealth Boutique Hotel Chiang Mai is a 13-room boutique hotel inside the Old City walls, with a saltwater pool, made-to-order breakfast, and a location walkable to Wat Chedi Luang.
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Santitham
Santitham is just across the street from The Old City on the north side.
It’s my favorite area of Chiang Mai to stay in because of the authentic and slightly rough-around-the-edges vibe that is the primary reason I love Southeast Asian cities, though I realized that gritty feel might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
The locals here are also notably friendly, it’s even cheaper than most of Chiang Mai, and it has a few vibrant “wet markets” and “diamond in the rough” cafes (my personal favorite is Container Cafe).
- POR Santitham is a modern minimalist stay with a refreshing pool, free drinks, and snacks throughout the day, and easy access to the city’s best local cafés and restaurants
- ISTY Design Hotel is a sleek boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and a co-working lounge – just a short walk from the North Gate market and its famous street food stalls
- Santitham Home Farm Stay – an owner-run bungalow stay set among rice paddies and mountain views in Mae Taeng, about an hour north of the city. Breakfast is brought to your room, the owner is hands-on and welcoming, and the Sticky Waterfall is a short drive away.
Nimmanhaemin (“Nimman” as you’ll hear it everywhere)
Nimman, the neighborhood three minutes to the west of the Old City, is the most popular neighborhood in Asia for digital nomads. Much of the same appeal that makes it such a draw for long-term residents crosses over to tourists looking for a trendier Chiang Mai vacation, though.
The area is known for its countless slick cafes and restaurants with a modern flair, lively nightlife (e.g., Infinity Club), and quiet side streets that are even more walkable than in most of Chiang Mai. It’s also home to the best shopping malls in Chiang Mai, like Maya and Nimman One, alongside a generally laid-back, international vibe and upscale cannabis dispensaries.
It’s definitely less traditional than some neighborhoods in Chiang Mai, but it’s a fun place to stay if you’re looking for a more modern experience.
- Samantan Hotel at Nimman – a budget-friendly boutique hotel tucked into a Nimman lane, with loft-style rooms decorated by a resident artist and in-room work desks (central location – just a short walk from One Nimman and MAYA Mall)
- JARITT NyMMANH is a good, quiet base for focused work with rooms arranged around a koi pond courtyard and a distinct boutique-antique character (with complimentary morning coffee, soundproofed rooms, and walking distance to the area’s best cafes)
- Art Mai Gallery Nimman Hotel Chiang Mai (best for a city break) – It does feel like an art gallery, with each floor designed by a different Thai artist. (There’s also a rooftop infinity pool and the hidden Surr cocktail bar).
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Riverside
The area to the east of the Old City hugs either side of the Ping River. I’ve never actually stayed here, but I’ve spent plenty of time walking around and eating at local cafes. The area is extremely spacious, peaceful, and luxurious. It’s a favorite spot for families traveling together or couples looking for a classically romantic place to rest their heads.
There’s also a lot to do in Riverside. If you choose to stay at one of the resorts that make up most of the accommodations in this area, just walking around the grounds will be an activity in itself. There’s also the Kalare Night Bazaar and the upscale Warorot Market there, and it’s only a 5-minute drive from The Old City.
- At Pingnakorn Riverside is a colonial Lanna-style boutique hotel built directly on the east bank of the Ping River, with grounds that extend to the water’s edge.
- Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort (ideal for couples) – This is a boutique resort right on the Ping River, blending European colonial and Lanna-Colonial design.
- Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa – one of the most architecturally beautiful riverside-adjacent properties in Chiang Mai.
- Puripunn Hideaway is a boutique property that feels like a private colonial home – 5 minutes from the riverside restaurant strip, with a free tuk-tuk service into town.
Things to do in Chiang Mai
1. Get your bearings: the old city, its temples & Tha Phae Gate
After you’ve dropped your bags, the best way to start your stay in Chiang Mai is to get shown around properly by a local. Our favourite way to kick things off is with a locally guided walking tour that helps you get your bearings and gain a deeper understanding of the city.
The tours below are free to reserve and run on a pay-what-you-want basis. Depending on the itinerary you may also be required to pay for a temple entry or bike rental on top.
- This free city-orientation walk takes over 3 hours and covers the old city’s headline sights (the Three Kings Monument, the towering ruins of Wat Chedi Luang, golden Wat Phra Singh, and Tha Phae Gate). It usually ends at a local market where you can try northern Thai food.
- Go temple hopping to discover Chiang Mai’s stunning architecture and spiritual side. This tour is a slower, more reflective walk than the orientation tour and covers 7 temples, including the teakwood Wat Phan Tao and Wat Chiang Man, the city’s oldest temple.
- Or switch to a bike tour for a different perspective. Being relatively flat, Chiang Mai is ideal to explore by bike. The tour covers the old city’s main sights on a gentle 7-8 km loop. Stops include Tha Phae Gate, the teakwood Wat Phantao, the Three Kings Monument, and the fresh fruit and Warorot markets. It’s led by a local guide on easy folding bikes at a relaxed pace.
SEE all 14 free WALKING/BIKING TOURS
2. Visit Doi Suthep Temple & National Park
The temple on the hill above Chiang Mai is a must-see, not only for the impressive golden chedi but also for the stunning view down onto the city. But Doi Suthep is also the name of the national park and is home to one of Thailand’s Royal Palaces.
Good to know: Entry to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is Approximate — rates updated daily for foreigners. To reach the temple, you can climb the famous 306-step Naga staircase or take the funicular for an extra Approximate — rates updated daily.
The temple sits within Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, which also contains Bhubing Palace, the royal family’s winter residence, whose immaculate gardens are open to the public when the royals aren’t in residence.
The Monk’s Trail
For a memorable way to reach Doi Suthep, hike the Monk’s Trail, a centuries-old forest path that passes the beautiful, moss-covered Wat Pha Lat temple before climbing up to the temple complex.
Ask to be dropped near Chiang Mai University on Suthep Road. Orange robes are tied around trees, which lead to the way, and it goes past the bijou Wat Pha Lat temple before heading up further to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It will take around two and half hours and is only recommended for those with decent fitness levels.
Go further →
If you want to turn the trip into a bigger adventure, book this 7-hour jungle hike that includes the Doi Suthep temple and the summit of Doi Pui mountain.
Alternatively, you can take a Songthaew from outside the zoo, which are there just to take visitors to the temple as well as offering trips further up the hill to Bhubing Palace, where you can visit the stunning gardens and see the Alpine chalet-inspired mansions the royal family occasionally use.
Songkran (the water festival) can be an interesting time to visit Doi Suthep.
3. Market hopping
For a market experience that’s genuinely Thai, Warorot Market is an absolute must for food lovers. Locals know it as Kad Luang (meaning simply “big market”) and it has been the beating heart of Chiang Mai trade since 1910.
The edge of the market seems to spill into the street and here you will find fruits and flowers of every colour as well as local delicacies and the best range of Thai snacks.
The market also sits in Chiang Mai’s Chinatown, so it’s naturally shaped by a significant Chinese influence with generations-old herbal medicine shops and tea houses still operating today. There’s even a hidden alley (Trok Lao Zhou) where Hmong vendors come daily to sell handwoven cloth and handicrafts.
On weekends, Chiang Mai’s walking streets take over.
On Saturdays, Wua Lai Walking Street is quieter, more local. The road has been home to silversmiths for generations, and you’ll find genuinely authentic, handmade stuff here.
Sundays are for the Sunday Walking Street, which takes over a full kilometre of Ratchadamnoen Road from around 4 pm. It gets busy, like really busy, but the mix of northern handicrafts (silk, ceramics, wood art, etc), hill tribe textiles, street food, and live music makes it one of those markets you just have to visit.
If you have time, make the half-day trip out to Bor Sang village, about 9km east of the old city. It’s known almost exclusively for its handcrafted paper umbrellas, made by artisans who’ve been at it for generations.
The name “Bor Sang” has become so synonymous with these umbrellas that it is essentially a cultural emblem of Chiang Mai itself. It’s so big on its umbrellas that an umbrella festival is held yearly in January, featuring parades, exhibitions, and a “Miss Bor Sang” pageant.
4. Hang out with a monk
One of Chiang Mai’s most unique experiences doesn’t involve sightseeing, but rather sitting down for a conversation.
You can spot monks typically working around temples in Thailand but also pretty much elsewhere in the city. Their iconic saffron robes are hard to miss, and if you’ve ever been curious about the lifestyle of a monk, now you can get to know them a little more personally.
There are five temples in Chiang Mai that regularly offer “monk chats”, and most sessions are free, though donations are appreciated. The experience is pretty much what it sounds like! You and a monk sit down together, and you get the chance to ask them questions. They are open-minded and generally willing to talk about whatever pops into your head.
Philosophy? Culture? Religion? What they do for fun? Ask away!
If you’d rather arrange one in advance, you can also book a session through Backstreet Academy, a social impact platform that helps locals earn an additional income.
5. Cooking class on an organic farm
Bring a taste of Thailand home by learning to make classics like green curry and mango sticky rice.
There are plenty of options to choose from, depending on how much you want to spend and how many dishes you wish to learn. But if we had to single out one experience, it would be Grandma’s Home Cooking School. You will be picked up from your accommodation and experience a visit to a local market before you head out of town.
Instead of working from pre-prepped ingredients, you’ll learn to identify Thai herbs and pick them straight from the garden before you cook.
You’ll choose your own curry paste to blend from scratch (red, green, or yellow), work your way through a full Thai meal, and leave with enough food packed up for dinner too. Book your spot on GetYourGuide.
6. Floating restaurant at Huay Tung Tao Lake
It’s a mystery why this lake isn’t more popular with visitors, but this is part of its charm. It still feels like a local experience, and that isn’t easy to find, especially not a mere 20 minutes away from the city centre.
Those who come here tend to make a day, or at least half a day, which in Thailand means one thing: lots of food!
There are plenty of great restaurants bordering the lake, but a favourite is the one where you feel like you are floating on water.
Made from bamboo and safely anchored to the shore, you can enjoy your som tam and curry in your own hut whilst ‘floating’ on the lake. We recommend Hui Tueng Thao Floating Raft Restaurant.
You can also swim or rent a pedalo if you want to be out on the water. If dry land is more your thing, you can rent a bike and ride along the shore on the dedicated cycle path.
Songthaews will bring you to the lake, but it’s worth negotiating for the return journey too, so you don’t get left here after sunset.
7. Thai massage by an ex-con
There are plenty of places to get a massage in Chiang Mai, but two spots let you get a good one while supporting the rehabilitation of women in the city’s prison system.
The therapists train for hundreds of hours and earn a Ministry of Public Health certification, so they know what they’re doing. They are also friendly and welcoming, and most of them speak a little English.
If you have never had Thai massage, it’s a combination of pressure points and yoga-style stretches. At some places, you will get to wear an attractive pair of pajamas.
Dotted across the city are Lila Thai Massage, which hire ex-prisoners and offer a range of treatments, with foot massages being especially popular.
Another popular option is the Chiang Mai Women Correctional Institution Vocational Training Center, where treatments are offered by current inmates as part of their rehabilitation. The guards are on duty, but the experience is relaxing as well as being more unusual than your average Thai Massage in Chiang Mai!
Day trips from Chiang Mai
While Chiang Mai’s markets and temples could easily fill your itinerary, it’s the surrounding mountains and rivers that make the city such an excellent hub. The following activities are all within a 2-hour drive radius.
1. Brave the rapids in the Thai jungle (~1 hr north)
One of the best ways to experience the countryside north of Chiang Mai is by white-water rafting on the Mae Taeng River. Depending on the season, the rapids vary from Class III to Class IV – enough for you to have an adrenaline-filled ride without needing rafting experience.
The rafting sections vary in length, though going down the 10-kilometer section will ensure a full day’s worth of fun.
💎 Our pick: This Whitewater Rafting & Waterfall Trekking Tour on GetYourGuide combines a thrilling run down the Mae Taeng River with a jungle hike to a waterfall.
- You’ll trek through the jungle on paths winding along the river, with birdsong, running water, and Chiang Mai’s vibrant flora around you.
- Cool off with a jump in the waterfall before strapping on your gear.
- Then, hop in your raft for your trip down one of Thailand’s best white water rafting experiences.
2. Climbing Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls (~90 min)
90 minutes north of Chiang Mai in the Sri Lanna forest, you will find some of the best waterfalls in the region. They may not be the tallest or have the most tiers, but they have a natural quirk that makes them the most fun to climb.
As the water tumbles down over the rocks it deposits a mineral residue, which hardens and feels like a scouring pad under your foot. Algae, which makes rocks so slick, can’t grow here and the scaly nature of the mineral means that your feet grip to them as you climb. In fact, the name they go by more often than not is Sticky Waterfalls.
How to get there
You need your own transport, find a group who is travelling there to share a Songthaew. Parts of the waterfall are quite steep, so it can be a challenge and you will definitely find yourself with a few sore muscles the next day! Avoid the shaded areas, as they tend to be more slippery than sticky.
There are open-air restaurants near the entrance; climbing makes for hungry work, so you’ll probably want lunch afterward.
You can also join this cycling tour to the Sticky Waterfall. You’ll get to your starting point by river long tail boat and then go by mountain bike through the jungle (supported by a vehicle). This is a really fun trip for families.
3. Go spelunking in Chiang Dao (~1.5 hr)
For a great day trip from Chiang Mai, consider heading north to the rural Chiang Dao area – about 1.5 hours from the city.
The main draw is the Chiang Dao Cave complex, one of the region’s most interesting natural marvels.
The limestone cave is estimated to be 250-300 million years old and sits at the base of Doi Luang Chiang Dao – the third-highest mountain in Thailand and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and the only region in the country covered with sub-alpine vegetation.
Local legend surrounds these caves. It says a hermit named Phrom Ruesi lived here for 1,000 years and hid magical treasures within (including a gold Buddha). The catch: Anyone who takes even the smallest stone from the caverns will be lost forever in the cave’s labyrinth.
This guided day trip is a great way to do it. It offers all the gear and know-how you’ll need on this adventure.
You’ll kayak through the Chiang Dao Valley along the Ping River and experience the beautiful Thai wilderness with its bamboo trees, riverbanks, and lush green overhead jungle canopy, before arriving at the caves.
The sleepy town of Chiang Dao is a nice place to visit in and of itself; a place to escape the city and enjoy some small sights like hot springs, viewpoints, and waterfalls. Don’t miss our guide to Chiang Dao town.
4. Spend a day with the elephants (Elephant Nature Park, ~1 hr+)
Elephants are Thailand’s national animal, though only a couple of thousand now remain in the wild. The best way to encounter these beautiful creatures is at an ethical sanctuary and that means one where you never ride them.
Riding looks harmless, but getting an elephant to accept a rider relies on a brutal training process that breaks the animal’s spirit through isolation and beatings.
Camps with the best welfare programmes will not offer any riding, but instead, they let you observe the elephants as they roam, feed them, and watch them bathe and play in the water.
A park that is well worth visiting and which is recommended to book at least a month in advance is the Elephant Nature Park, which offers day and week visits and volunteering opportunities.
Book at least a month ahead; spots fill fast, and numbers are capped, so it never feels crowded. The staff are excellent, and the day is as educational as it is fun. It’s not cheap, but the money helps rescue other elephants who are being exploited.
5. Visit Doi Inthanon National Park (~2 hr)
Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s highest mountain and is one of the most rewarding day trips you can do from Chiang Mai. It’s a 2-hour drive on steadily winding roads, so the easiest way to do it is to hire a car. (Note that public transport won’t get you between the sites once you’re inside the park.)
Start by taking the Kiew Mae Pan Nature Trail, a ~2.8 km loop that climbs through the fairytale forest and out onto the ridge above. The views are the kind that make you stop and stare, and you’ll probably need to catch your breath because it takes a good two hours.
Two things to plan around: the trail closes from June to October for the rainy season, and even when it’s open, you can’t walk it alone; you need a local Hmong guide. You can hire one on the spot at the trailhead – Approximate — rates updated daily per group.
From the ridge you can see the twin pagodas dedicated to the former King and current Queen Mother of Thailand, which should be your next stop before heading to the summit.
Waterfalls are ten a penny in Chiang Mai, but if you have time, make a detour to Sriphum Waterfall – the tallest in the region and extremely photogenic. You can opt to explore independently, or you can visit the National Park with this day trip, which includes a stop at Doi Inthanon Summit – the highest point in Thailand.
When to visit Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai’s climate is one of its underrated selling points; it’s cooler and drier than most of Thailand for much of the year. But it isn’t consistent year-round. One season in particular can make or break a trip.
☀️Temperate season (November to Mid-February)
This is probably the nicest time to visit Chiang Mai and definitely the most popular.
That’s because the weather is almost always reasonably cool – often 80-85 F (27-30 C) in the heat of today and a brisk 50 F (10 C) at night. It can even get as cool as 37 F (3 C) in the mountains around the town, so you should definitely bring a warm jacket if you’re visiting during this season.
Temperate season is also by far the tourism peak season, though, especially during the Lantern Festivals in mid-November. This will result in busier streets and, at times, higher rates for tourist-oriented services.
My personal favorite time to visit is January, which has fantastic weather and sees the blooming of cherry blossom flowers to the Northwest of Chiang Mai.
🌫️ Smoky season (late February to May)
Chiang Mai undergoes its infamous smoky season (aka “Burning Season”) from late February through April. During this time, the town’s air quality degrades to downright dangerous levels, and the weather becomes unbearably hot and sticky. March is almost always the worst month.
There are a few reasons for the extraordinarily bad air quality during Chiang Mai’s smoky season, including:
- Local farmers burning harvested fields to make space for the next planting season.
- Forest fires due to very hot weather, Chiang Mai’s particularly dry climate, and lots of farmland.
- The mountains and forests that surround Chiang Mai completely create a screen that keeps in smoke.
Note: April has one very compelling reason to visit anyway: Songkran. Thai New Year (April 13) turns Chiang Mai into a giant water fight for 3 days straight.
It’s rooted in a cleansing ritual, but mostly it’s just chaos and fun. There will be music, street parties, and everyone armed with water guns or buckets. You will get soaked. Repeatedly. By strangers. And it’s quite fun. So if you’re set on visiting during smoky season, time it around Songkran.
🌧️ Rainy season (June to October)
The rainy season in Thailand during June, July, August, and September tends to bring with it comfortable temperatures averaging 76-86 F (25-30 C).
It also rains nearly every day during this season. Many tourists think of this as a deal-breaker in terms of trip planning, but I actually think the rainy season is a very underrated time to visit Chiang Mai for a few key reasons, including:
- It often only rains for an hour or two in the afternoon. You can tell when the rain is coming because the wind picks up and acquires a brisk chill for a few minutes before the rain starts. That’s your cue to duck into one of Chiang Mai’s many stylish cafes for a while and order a coffee or a Thai tea.
- Even if you are caught outside in the rain, the rain in a tropical climate like Thailand does not feel nearly as cold or chilly as it does in Western countries with dryer climates.
- After the rain, the rich farmland around Chiang Mai is at its greenest and most fertile.
- Also, after the rain, the air feels cleaner.
- The rainy season has significantly fewer tourists than the temperate season, so you’re less likely to encounter oppressive crowds, and some tourist attractions offer lower rates.
Getting to Chiang Mai
By plane (quickest)
Chiang Mai is an immensely popular vacation spot for both domestic and foreign tourists, so every major airport in Thailand and even many major airports elsewhere in Southeast Asia have flights directly to there. Flying from Bangkok takes about an hour, from Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, or Surat Thani in the south it’s around 2 hours.
By train (most scenic)
The train is a great way to become familiar with Thailand’s scenery. It takes you through some really stunning rural scenes, making for a fascinating and immersive trip to Chiang Mai on Thailand’s Northern Line. Make sure you take a train during the day so you can see the incredible landscape as it flies by your window. Be sure to check our guide to travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train.
There are two options for train tickets: standard routes and express routes. The express route is not much more expensive, and I definitely recommend the inexpensive upgrade.
Not only does the train make fewer stops, but the cars on the express route are newer and have AC as well as optional upgrades to sleeper berths and first-class cabins.
By bus (most affordable)
The bus is the best way for budget travelers to get to Chiang Mai because Thai buses are very inexpensive, and the roads in the country tend to be pretty good. Thailand’s inter-city buses are also spacious enough, although I’d recommend going for the train if you get claustrophobic easily.
Once you’re in Chiang Mai, you’ll have many other nodes in northern Thailand within reach. Below are some of the most common onward destinations from Chiang Mai:
| Time from Chiang Mai to… | By car/bus | Approx distance |
|---|---|---|
| Pai (see options) | 2 hrs, 45 mins | (80mi/130km) |
| Chiang Dao (see options) | 1 hr, 10 mins | (44mi/70km) |
| Soppong | 4 hrs, 15 mins | (115mi/185km) |
| Doi Inthanon National Park | 2 hrs | (55mi/89km) |
| Chiang Rai (see options) | 3 hrs | (120mi/193km) |
| Sukhothai (see options) | 4 hrs, 30 mins | (120mi/193km) |
How to get around in Chiang Mai
One of my favorite things about visiting Chiang Mai is just how easy it is to get around town. The way the roads and thoroughfares around town are laid out is extremely intuitive and orderly, and that helps limit traffic, so there are never really any slowdowns.
The best ways to get around as a tourist in Chiang Mai are:
- Bicycle (best way to see the city): Chiang Mai is a fantastic bike town since it has a great mixture of rural backroads in quiet suburban streets. Also, like I said, there’s very little traffic in Chiang Mai, which is especially nice when you’re biking around.
- Rental car (best for day trips): Since Chiang Mai is such a hotspot for Western tourists, lots of Western car rental companies like Hertz and Avis have offices there and they make it easy for foreign tourists to rent a car. You can also search DiscoverCars for deals in Chiang Mai from all available car rental providers.
- Motorbike rental (popular with backpackers): Driving a motorbike might be scary for the first few minutes, but it’s pretty much like riding a high-powered bicycle once you’re used to it. There are lots of motorbike rental agencies in Chiang Mai, and most of them only require an ID from your home country. Most hotels rent motorbikes as well.
- Songthaew (the classic red truck bus): Songthaews are the pickup truck-bus hybrids popular in most of urban Thailand outside of Bangkok. There is a quick and inexpensive way to get around as long as you’re in the Old City, but they don’t operate in other parts of Chiang Mai.
- Tuk-Tuk (signature experience, but tourist-priced): Tuk-Tuks are a Southeast Asian taxi alternative famous around the world. They’re fun to ride, but they’re a bit expensive and are also only available in the central part of the city.
- Grab & Bolt (easy, hassle-free rides): The two main ride-hailing apps in Chiang Mai work just like Uber. Both are reliable, so it’s worth installing both so you can compare prices. Bolt tends to be slightly cheaper where available. A trip from the airport to the Old City runs around Approximate — rates updated daily.
What’s next on the map after Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is not the only spot in the area worth checking out. The mountainous terrain and numerous hill tribes in Northern Thailand give it a unique feel. Some of my top recommendations for places you can visit after Chiang Mai include:
- Pai if you’re looking for a more tranquil small-town setting.
- Chiang Dao if you want to explore the cave system and do some jungle trekking while staying in civilization.
- Soppong for a more rugged caving adventure.
- Doi Inthanon National Park to see Thailand’s luscious forests, climb the country’s highest peak, and have a real adventure out in nature.
- Chiang Rai if you’re headed for Laos since it’s on the way to the border. It also has some amazing temples.
- Sukhothai if you’re headed back to Bangkok. Those who love ruins or learning about ancient history will especially love it here.
