The region of Southeast Asia is home to a wealth of breathtaking and fascinating travel destinations. In this guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand, I am going to show you why this mountainous city in the country’s north has long been considered one of the region’s top destinations. It is Thailand’s second largest city and is home to over 300 different Buddhist temples. Because of this, the city has been nicknamed the “Temple Capital of Thailand”.

In addition to the staggering number of spectacular temples to explore, the city also has some of the most delicious food in the world for visitors to enjoy. With daily markets around town, finding freshly cooked, authentic Thai food is never difficult. Not to mention, because Chiang Mai is one of the most affordable places to visit in the world, shopping and eating out every day won’t break the bank.

An All You Need Guide to Chiang Mai

In this guide, I am going to provide you will all of the information that you need to plan a successful trip to see Chiang Mai. I cover the best times to visit and the best ways to get there so that you can maximize what you are able to see and do on your trip.

I also outline all of the top things to see and do while you are there, as well as the best places to stay and eat. With the information in my guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand in hand, you can be confident that your trip to see one of Thailand’s most incredible cities will be one that you remember for the rest of your life.

At a Glance

Before you start making any travel plans, you will want to make sure to take care of all of the passport, VISA, and immunization requirements for your trip.   In addition, you will want to make sure you have a clear understanding of what languages they speak in Thailand so that you can plan any translation needs you might have.

You will also need to know what currency they use so that you can exchange currency before your trip if necessary. I have included some of this key information in my guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand below for you to review as you start to make your travel plans.

Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements

I have included a link to my Thailand Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements for Visitors Guide for you to review below.  This should help you navigate the legal requirements for visiting Thailand. It includes all of the important VISA, passport, customs, and immunizations requirements and recommendations for your visit. You will want to take special care in reviewing the immunizations section of this guide.

In addition to the immunization information in the guide above, I have also linked to a few supplemental health guides I have created below. I explain why I recommend getting the Rabies pre-exposure vaccination before traveling internationally. I also discuss how to protect yourself from tick and mosquito-borne illnesses when travelling. Even though Chiang Mai isn’t in a high-risk area for malaria, it is still good to protect yourself just in case.

Packing Tips

Outside of taking care of your passport, visa, and immunization requirements, the most important task for your trip is packing. In order for your trip to be a success, you need to make sure you pack the right clothing and gear for the weather and the activities you will be enjoying. To help make sure you are prepared, I linked to my packing resources for you to review in my guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand below.

Top Things to See and Do in Chiang Mai

Not only is there a wealth of incredible things to see and do in the Chiang Mai area, but there are things you shouldn’t miss in the extended area as well. If you want to get the most out of your visit to Chiang Mai, I recommend venturing out to see nearby Chiang Rai, some of the area’s incredible national parklands, and other areas of interest.

There is something for every type of traveler to see and do in Chiang Mai. The city is renowned for its many incredible Wats (the Thai word for “temples”), so exploring them is a must. The area is a foodie magnet, as the food in Chiang Mai is absolutely fantastic.

If these things don’t pique your interest, there is also a wealth of wildlife, cultural, and adventure activities to enjoy in the Chiang Mai area as well. In order to ensure you have all the top sights and activities on your itinerary, I have outlined the top 15 things to see and do in my guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand below.

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Visit an Elephant Sanctuary

If you love wildlife, then you will absolutely love visiting Chiang Mai. Being able to see Asian elephants is the highlight of many visitors’ trip when coming to Thailand, and Chiang Mai is one of the best places in the country to have this experience. However, before you plan your visit to an elephant sanctuary, you should make sure that the one you are visiting is ethical in their treatment of the animals.

One of the oldest and most ethical of the elephant sanctuaries in the Chiang Mai area is the Elephant Nature Park. Located on 250-acres of land, the park gives the elephants a large area to roam around and be themselves. The park allows feeding the elephants but does not allow the riding of elephants or the bathing of elephants.

In addition to this park, there are several other elephant sanctuaries in the area that I would recommend because they treat their animals ethically. I have included that list for you to review in my guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand below.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

In a city known for its many incredible temples, none are as renowned as the incredible Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Often referred to as “Doi Suthep”, is located roughly 9.3 miles outside of the city of Chiang Mai. It is widely considered to be the most popular temples in the area. In fact, many locals will tell you that you really haven’t visited Chiang Mai until you have visited this spectacular temple.

Doi Suthep was built in the early 19th century and is highlighted by the seven-headed serpent statues that line the staircase up to the temple. Once at the top, your breath will be taken away by the beauty of the Chiang Saen style golden pagoda and all of the decor. I consider this temple to be a must-see spot for anyone visiting Chiang Mai.

Wat Chedi Liam

Another of the incredible temples I want to cover in this guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand is the beautiful Wat Chedi Liam. The temple is located in Wiang Kum Kam, which is an ancient, fortified town that was constructed by King Mengrai of the Lanna empire. The town was the capital of the Lanna empire until 1296, which the town of Chiang Mai (meaning “new city”) was built just to the North.

If the temple looks like it is in great condition for being so old, that is because it was restored by a Burmese magistrate in the early 1900’s. It is at this time that some Burmese style alterations were made to the original Mon style of the temple. The clearest sign of the Burmese renovation is the mythological lion on the corner of the square base. This mythological lion can be found guarding many Burmese temples.

Wat Chedi Luang

While it isn’t as grand or as decorative as some of the other Buddhist temples in the Chiang Mai area, Wat Chedi Luang is certainly one of the most atmospheric you will see. Located on a large, sprawling compound, the temple was likely the largest structure in the ancient Chiang Mai area.

Luckily, this beautiful temple is in the process of being restored. As you walk amongst the temple grounds, you will see this work in progress. For instance, of the five elephant sculptures at the southern face, four are reproductions. However, the elephant on the far right is original. It is pretty cool to see history being restored and preserved.

One of the main attractions at the temple is the standing Buddha statue, known as Phra Chao Attarot. In the rear of the compound, you will also find a very large reclining Buddha and a Chinese-influenced seated Buddha in other pavilions.

Wat Phra Singh

Widely considered to be one of Chiang Mai’s most revered temples, Wat Phra Singh is an absolute must-see destination for those visiting the area. The temple’s most recognizable feature is the enormous, mosaic-covered sanctuary. However, that isn’t the only beautiful structure on the temple grounds. In fact, the entire temple grounds are full of breathtaking buildings and immaculately trimmed grounds.

Each year, Buddhist pilgrims flock to the temple to venerate the famous Buddha image known as Phra Singh (Lion Buddha). This Buddha, located in Wihan Lai Kham, which is a small chapel south of the chedi at the back of the temple grounds, is absolutely breathtaking.

When you explore the temple grounds, make sure note the orange clothes that are wrapped around the base of the temple’s main chedi. These are placed by devotees who visit the temple and illustrate the religious importance of this beautiful and holy place.

Doi Inthanon National Park

Of all the attractions that I cover in this guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand, the Doi Inthanon National Park may be my favorite. If you are a national park enthusiast, this park is an absolute must-see when you visit Chiang Mai. Even if you aren’t a die-hard national park fan, the stunning beauty of this park is something you won’t want to miss. Because it’s only a few hours’ drive from Chiang Mai, it’s also easy to visit.

Located in the mountains to the East of Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon is also known as the “Roof of Thailand” because of its high elevation. In fact, this park is technically part of the mighty Himalayan Mountain range, which is pretty cool. Knowing this, it isn’t surprising that the highest point in all of Thailand is located within the national park.

Among its top attractions are waterfalls, hiking trails, remote villages, and breathtaking views of the valleys below. Make sure you see the Siriphum Waterfall, the Two Chedis, and make a visit to one of the remote Karen hill people tribes when you make your visit.

Visit Tiger Kingdom

Another one of the incredible wildlife encounters that you can have in Chiang Mai is to get up close to one of the world’s premier predators. The amazing Tiger Kingdom sanctuary allows you to do just that. Like with the elephant sanctuaries, I did a fairly extensive amount of research before I visited Chiang Mai to make sure that they treat the animals ethically.

There are many reports online about the tigers being drugged or mistreated, but I didn’t see any evidence of that when I visited. In fact, the caretakers that I talked to at Tiger Kingdom seemed to care a great deal about the animals. Like myself, I could tell that they are passionate about animals and care about preserving this incredible species.

One thing I will say is that I did not feel comfortable getting into a cage with a large tiger. I have long been vocal about the dangers of interacting with large predators, whether here, in Africa, or elsewhere. We chose to interact with a 1-year-old tiger and that experience was incredible. If you do plan to visit Tiger Kingdom, I would suggest interacting with one of the younger tigers as it is safer.

Attend the Sunday Night Market

No guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand is complete without covering the city’s incredible Sunday night market. There are markets that you can visit every night, but these markets pale in comparison to the large walking market that is held every Sunday evening. Whether you are looking to do some shopping, grab a bite to eat, or just sit and people watch, the Sunday market is a can’t miss event in Chiang Mai.

In fact, I would say that some of the very best food that I have eaten in Asia was at the Sunday market in Chiang Mai. There are tons of food vendors at the market, and each is preparing fresh food. You can find almost any dish that you want, and it is all incredible. Then, do a little walking to look at the handmade crafts being sold at the different stalls or sit back with a beer and just enjoy the atmosphere. It really is incredible.

Take a Thai Cooking Class

Speaking of incredible food, taking a Thai cooking class is an incredible experience you can have in Chiang Mai. Whether you are craving Pad Thai, Panang curry, Tom yum, or any other traditional Thai dish, you will enjoy it more when you make it yourself. With all of these cooking tours, you are taught how to make these incredible dishes with instructor guidance.

Many of these tours are held at local residences on traditional farms, so the experience is extra special. For information on Thai cooking class tours for your visit, please see the link for “Culinary Tours” in the Recommended Tours in Chiang Mai section of this guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand below.

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) in Chiang Rai

While the city of Chiang Mai is renowned for its temples, it isn’t the only city in Northern Thailand with incredible temples to visit. In fact, one of my favorite temples that I toured when I made my visit was in the nearby city of Chiang Rai. Wat Rong Khun, which is more affectionately known as the “White Temple” is one of the most spectacularly beautiful temples you will see in Thailand.

The temple is made of sparkling glass and plaster, so it glistens in the sun. The amount of intricate work to create creatures, hands, and other incredible details in the temple and other structures is amazing. The temple was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, who is a famous Thai visual artist.

Like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, the White Temple is also still under construction. That means, each time you visit this incredible place, it may look a little bit different. There are several companies that offer day tours to see Wat Rong Khun and the other incredible temples of Chiang Rai. If you have the time, I definitely recommend it.

Visit a Karen Hill Tribe

For travelers that are looking for a cultural experience when visiting Chiang Mai, I would recommend visiting one of the remote Karen hill tribes during your stay. While the long neck tribes in the area have received a fair amount of media attention over the past few years, not all Karen hill tribes in Thailand follow those customs.

Some of the Karen hill tribes, like the one I visited, are very accustomed to Thai culture. Their kids go to Thai schools, and they speak the Thai language. However, some of the tribes are less open and accustomed to outsiders. That is why I would strongly recommend booking a tour if you want to visit one of these incredible tribes.

Our tour guide new the Karen tribe that we visited personally, had an established relationship with them, and were able to translate for us so that we could communicate. It was one of the most memorable experiences from my visit to Thailand and I would recommend it to other travelers in a heartbeat.

Visit the Golden Triangle

If you have time for a full day tour, one of the most interesting tours that I can recommend in this guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand is a visit to the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle is the name for the corridor where the countries of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Ruak and the Mekong Rivers.

Since the 1950’s, this has been one of the largest opium producing regions in the world. Thailand has long since cracked down on the opium production within its borders inside the region, but Myanmar is still the second largest opium producing country in the world after Afghanistan.

When you visit the Golden Triangle within Thailand, you will get to see the stretch of the Mekong River where the three countries meet. On my tour, we took a boat ride onto the river so that we could get a really good sense of what the region is like. We also had a chance to stop at the House of Opium. It is a museum that teaches about the opium production in the region and the Thai government’s work to stop it.

Hor Kham Luang (Royal Pavillion)

One of the most breathtaking places you will be able to see when you visit Chiang Mai is the stunning Ho Kum Luang. This royal pavilion is a sprawling palace complex that is located on a lush hillside just outside of the city. In addition to its beautiful gardens, the pavilion itself is an elaborately decorated building of Lana design. However, the highlight of visiting is definitely getting to see the enshrined emerald Buddha.

Wat Sri Suphan

In my opinion, the Wat Sri Suphan temple, which is otherwise known as the “Silver Temple” is one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. In fact, it may be one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in all of Asia. The temple’s unique beauty comes from the fact that it is entirely clad in silver.

That’s right, the entire temple is covered in this beautiful precious metal. And it isn’t just that it’s covered in silver, but all of the details that decorate the temple were handcrafted by skilled workers. Even if you aren’t a fan of history or temples, this is a temple that I think everyone should see. It truly is a unique wonder that is every bit as beautiful as advertised.

Wat Lok Molee

The final attraction that I would like to cover in my guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand is another of city’s beautiful temple structures. Located just outside the old walled city center, you will find the stunning Wat Lok Molee temple. What sets this temple apart is the importance that it played in connection to the Lanna royal family.

In fact, this temple holds the ashes of several of the royal family members, which goes to show just how sacred and important the temple is in Thai culture. During the Lanna period of Thailand’s history, this temple was the center for Buddhist teachings and attracted monks, scholars, and pilgrims from throughout Southeast Asia.

While it doesn’t get as much attention from travelers as some of the other temples I have covered in this guide, it is definitely worth visiting because of its beauty and cultural importance. I can think of few temples in the Chiang Mai area that are more representative of the Lanna Kingdom’s rich heritage.

How to Get to Chiang Mai

If you are traveling to Chiang Mai from outside of Thailand, you will fly into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) when visiting. Unless you are visiting from elsewhere in Southeast Asia, you will most likely need fly into Bangkok and then take a domestic flight to Chiang Mai.

For those who are visiting Chiang Mai from elsewhere in Southeast Asia, you are in luck. I have included a map and a table with travel times and frequency of direct flights from other cities in the region for you to review in my guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand below. If you can’t find a direct flight to Chiang Mai, you will need to be careful when booking your domestic flight.

There are two different airports in Bangkok, which can easily be overlooked when booking flights. Most international flights fly into the newer Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). While some domestic flights operate out of Suvarnabhumi Airport, many instead fly out of Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). This airport is across the city, and it takes roughly 50-minutes to drive between the two airports.

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Travel Time from Other Cities in the Region

City	Direct Flights	Flight Length (HR:MIN)
Bangkok, Thailand	49-53 per day	1:05
Luang Prabang, Laos	4 per week	1:10
Yangon, Myanmar	3 per week	1:20
Hanoi, Vietnam	1 per day	1:40
Phuket, Thailand	5 per day	1:55
Da Nang, Vietnam	3 per week	2:00
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	1 per day	2:05
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	2 per day	2:45
Singapore	1-3 per day	2:55
Vientiane, Laos	None	2:55
Hong Kong, China	2 per day	3:00
Siem Reap, Cambodia	None	3:55
Manila, Philippines	None	6:25
Jakarta, Indonesia	None	6:55

Best Times to Visit Chiang Mai

One of the most important things that you will need to consider when planning your trip to Chiang Mai is when you will visit. Like most other places, certain times of year are better than others for visiting Chiang Mai. There are essentially three different seasons in Thailand.

This includes the hot season (March thru May), the wet season (May thru October), and the cool season (November thru February). In order to assist you in determining the right time to plan your visit, I cover what you can expect in terms of weather in each of these seasons in my guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand below.

Average Temperature (°F)

From March until May, the temperatures in Chiang Mai and the rest of Thailand can be scorching hot. This is the hottest time of year in Chiang Mai, with high temperatures reaching into the upper 90’s Fahrenheit (or 37 degrees Celsius). Not to mention, the humidity can reach close to 100% during this time of year.

If you are looking for cooler temperatures when you visit Chiang Mai, I would target the cool season of November to February. However, you should be aware that December and January are the busiest months of the year in Chiang Mai, by far. This means there will be more crowds and higher prices for accommodations.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

The monsoon season (or the wet season) in Chiang Mai lasts from May until the end of October. During this period of the year, you can expect to see a lot of rain in Chiang Mai and the rest of Thailand. If you plan on visiting during this time of year, you should plan accordingly and bring rain gear.

Sometimes the monsoon season stretches into early December, but typically the rains mostly subside by November. For travelers who want to maximize the good weather during their trip, I would suggest targeting December or January. While these months are cooler and drier than any other months, like I mentioned previously, they are also the busiest and most expensive.

The Best Months to Visit Chiang Mai

As you can see in the chart below, the best months of the year to visit Chiang Mai, Thailand are the months of November thru February. While the months of December and January may have the ideal weather, they are also busiest and most expensive months to visit Chiang Mai, by far. For this reason, I recommend targeting the shoulder months of November or February for your visit.

If you plan your trip for the end of November or the beginning of February, you should miss the rainy season and hot season, but also avoid the crowds and more expensive prices for accommodations. While the rains can extend into December, most of the rain stops by the end of October and there are only occasional rain showers in November. This is especially true near the end of the month. Likewise, the really hot and humid temperatures don’t typically arrive until the end of February or early March.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

One of the most important decisions you will need to make when planning your trip to Chiang Mai is where you will stay. When you travel, the accommodations you choose are oftentimes amongst the biggest expenditures for your trip.  So, not only do you need to be comfortable where you are staying, but you also need to be comfortable with how much you are paying to stay there.

Finding the right accommodations for your trip involves looking at the amenities, the location, and most importantly, the price.  If you are starting to plan your trip to Thailand and want some hotel and hostel suggestions, I have included some great options at different price points in my guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand for you to review below.  As always, don’t be afraid to expand your search to room sharing sites such as Airbnb or VRBO if you aren’t finding a hotel or hostel that meets your needs.

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Where to Eat in Chiang Mai

When most people plan a trip, the primary focus is on how to get there, where to stay, and what to see and do.  What many travelers neglect to plan, is where to eat when you are there.  Granted, it is sometimes fun to be spontaneous when choosing a restaurant while traveling. It is also smart to get some recommendations when you arrive.

However, it can also be advantageous to have some ideas of restaurants you would like to try before traveling as well.  This way, you won’t miss out on a highly recommended culinary experience that you will regret.  To help you decide on some restaurants in Chiang Mai to add to your list, I have included a list of some highly recommended options for you to review in my guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand below.

Chiang Mai Restaurant Recommendations

Restaurant	Cuisine	Price
Thia Go (Viet Nam)	Vietnamese	$
Pakorn’s Kitchen	Thai, Veggie	$
B Samcook Home 16	Asian, Veggie	$$-$$$
Bodhi Terrace	Thai	$$-$$$
Le Grand Lanna	Asian, Thai, Veggie	$$-$$$
Parc Thai Eatery	Thai, Fusion, Healthy	$$$$

Recommended Tours in Chiang Mai

There is an abundance of amazing things to see and do in Chiang Mai and one of the best ways to experience those things is on a tour.  If you are looking for fun tours and excursions to fill out your trip, I have included some category links to recommended tours and excursions you can review in my guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand below.

Chiang Mai Photo Gallery

One thing that you will never be in short supply of when visiting Chiang Mai is interesting and beautiful things to photograph. I was able to capture a wealth of incredible photographs during my visit to Chiang Mai. I have included some of my favorite photos in a gallery for you to review in my guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand below.

If you would like to see more of my travel photography, I would also encourage you to give me a follow on Instagram. Putting this blog together to pass on my free guides, itineraries, and travel photography tips is a lot of work and your support in the form of a follow-on Instagram would be so very much appreciated!

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