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About Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, Thailand's 'Rose of the North,' is a captivating blend of ancient Lanna culture and modern vibrancy. Nestled among misty mountains, this province offers travelers serene temple complexes like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep perched on a mountain peak, and the historic Old City surrounded by moats and crumbling walls. Beyond the city, lush jungles, elephant sanctuaries, and hill tribe villages provide authentic cultural encounters. Chiang Mai is famous for its night bazaars, exceptional northern Thai cuisine like khao soi, and as a hub for yoga, meditation, and digital nomads. The annual Yi Peng Lantern Festival transforms the sky into a magical spectacle. Whether exploring vibrant markets, trekking to waterfalls, or learning traditional crafts, Chiang Mai delivers an unforgettable, deeply cultural Thai experience.
Major Hub
Things to do in Chiang Mai
Sticky waterfall ATV and White water rafting Adventures
4 in 1 Elephants Long Neck Rafting and Sticky Waterfall Tour
Chiang Mai 4WD Hilltribe Coffee: Jungle Trek, Roast & Brew.
From THB 3,800
5.0 (118)
Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai
From THB 950
5.0 (95)
LIFECYCLING - Half Day City Bike Tour
From THB 1,299
5.0 (76)
Online Thai and Akha Cooking Class
From $34.88
5.0 (74)
Safety whitewater rafting in Chiangmai by Khampan Rafting
From THB 1,690
5.0 (72)
1 Hour Deep Tissue Thai Massage with Balm - Free Transportation
From THB 750
5.0 (71)
Motorbike Food Tour in Chiang Mai
From THB 2,500
5.0 (57)
1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang
From $144
5.0 (56)
Morning Thai cooking class
From THB 900
5.0 (50)
Private Dinner Cooking Class with Benny in Chiang Mai
From THB 3,100
5.0 (42)
Sticky Waterfall Raft and Bamboo Combo Adventure
1.5 Hours Traditional Thai Massage with Herbal Compress - Free Transportation
From THB 1,100
5.0 (41)
The Best Full Day Tour: Doi Suthep, Wat Phalat, Sticky Waterfall
From THB 1,980
5.0 (35)Places to visit in Chiang Mai
ปากะญอ รีสอร์ท
Pakayor Resort, San Kamphaeng Sai Mai Road, Ban Roi Phrom, 50130, Thailand
ลีลารีสอร์ท
Lila Resort, ชม.2049, Ban Buak Khrok, 50140, Thailand
V Heritage
V Heritage, Chiangmai-Lamphun Road Soi 10, Ban Sao Hin, 50000, Thailand
บ้านพวงเพชร
Baan Puang Petch, Outer Ring Road, Pa Bong, 50000, Thailand
เรือนเจ้าคุณ โฮมสเตย์
เรือนเจ้าคุณ โฮมสเตย์, Charoen Muang Road, San Kamphaeng, 50130, Thailand
Him Doi House
Him Doi House, 31/1, Chiang Mai-Doi Saket Road, Doi Saket, Ban Choeng Doi, 50220, Thailand
PC House
PC House, Soi 4, Ban Payang Ngam, 50220, Thailand
Phoo Na Resort and Resturant
Phoo Na Resort and Resturant, 184, Ban Pamai Daeng Soi 8, Ban Pa Mai Daeng, 50220, Thailand
Ban Na Loam Resort
Ban Na Loam Resort, Ban Pamai Daeng Soi 9, Ban Pa Mai Daeng, 50220, Thailand
Tong Inn House
Tong Inn House, Rat Uthit Road Soi 2, Chiang Mai City Municipality, 50100, Thailand
Mapping Hostel
Mapping Hostel, 68, Chiangmai-Lamphun Road, Chiang Mai City Municipality, 50100, Thailand
Kim House
Kim House, Charoenprated Road, Chiang Mai City Municipality, 55520, Thailand
Night Bazaar
Night Market, Changklang Road, Chiang Mai City Municipality, 55520, Thailand
Baan Chonpakorn
Baan Chonpakorn, Charoenrajd Road, Chiang Mai City Municipality, 55520, Thailand
ศูนย์หัตถกรรมกระดาษสาและร่ม
Sa Paper & Umbrella Handicraft Centre, Charoen Muang Road, Ban Nong Kong, 50130, Thailand
Travel Tips for Chiang Mai
Getting Around
Songthaews (red shared taxis) are the most common and affordable option; negotiate fares. Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are available for shorter trips. Grab (app) works well for ride-hailing. Renting a motorbike or bicycle is popular for exploring independently, but traffic can be chaotic. Local buses and shared vans connect to outlying areas. Walking is excellent within the Old City.
Best Time To Visit
November to February (cool season) is ideal with pleasant temperatures (15-30°C) and clear skies, perfect for outdoor activities and festivals like Loy Krathong/Yi Peng. March to June (hot season) is very warm; April is hottest but includes Songkran (Thai New Year water festival). July to October (rainy season) sees lush greenery and fewer tourists, but daily showers may affect trekking.
Local Customs
Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering homes and temple buildings. Avoid touching people's heads or pointing feet at Buddha images. The traditional greeting is the 'wai' (palms together). Tipping is not customary but appreciated in tourist areas (10% in restaurants if no service charge). Respect monks; women should not touch them or hand objects directly.
Safety Information
Chiang Mai is generally safe. Exercise normal precautions: secure valuables, especially in crowded markets. Be cautious with motorbike rentals; wear helmets. Avoid isolated areas at night. Common scams include gemstone purchase schemes, inflated tuk-tuk prices (agree on fare first), and fake tour operators. During burning season (Feb-April), air quality can be hazardous; check levels and consider masks if sensitive.
Health Information
Medical facilities in Chiang Mai city are excellent, with private hospitals like Chiang Mai Ram and Bangkok Hospital offering international standards. Common concerns include traveler's diarrhea, mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria in rural areas), and air pollution (smoke season Feb-April). Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date; consider Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis for longer rural stays. Drink bottled water and use insect repellent. Pharmacies are widely available.
Languages Spoken
ThaiNorthern Thai (Kham Mueang)English (tourist areas)
Quick Facts
Currency
Thai Baht (THB)
฿
฿
Timezone
Asia/Bangkok +07:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+66
Electricity
Driving Side
Left
Population
1.78 million
Area
20107 km²
Government
Provincial Administration
ISO Code
TH-02
Emergency Contacts
Also known as: Chiêng Mài, Čiang Mai, ಚಿಅಂಗ್ ಮೈ, ချင်းမိုင်, Чиангмай, Чіанґмай, Xương Mại, เชียงใหม่, Si Chiang Mai, チェンマイ, Чијанг Мај, Chiang Mai City Municipality, 清迈, Chiềng Mai, 치앙마이, Chiang Mai, เทศบาลนครเชียงใหม่, चिआंग माई, Phrao, phraw, พร้าว