Ultimate Chiang Mai Travel Guide
Nestled in the north at the base of green mountains and among fields of flowers is Chiang Mai. This gem of northern Thailand is a tourist hotspot of fantastic food and Thai culture. It also acts as a gateway to the other northern cities and towns such as Chiang Rai and the secluded Pai. In and around Chiang Mai you will see many examples of historic culture, modern comforts, and lively sights. This is perfectly represented by Chiang Mai itself - the center of the city is surrounded by a historic fortress of walls and gates while everything outside these walls is a taste of modern Thai life. The dishes and sights of northern Thailand are truly unique and any trip to Thailand would not be complete without a stay in Chiang Mai.
Guide Contents:
Arriving in Chiang Mai
Your First Days in Chiang Mai
All About Chiang Mai
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Arriving in Chiang Mai
The best way to get to Chiang Mai is a direct flight from Bangkok. This is by no means the cheapest but is by far the most convenient with flights only taking about 2 hours. The other options to get to Chiang Mai are a bit cheaper, but because Chiang Mai is close to the northern border of Thailand, buses and trains can take anywhere from 10-20 hours to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Getting from Chiang Mai Airport to The City
For travelers that just arrived at Chiang Mai airport and want to reach the city, there are a few transportation services available. The city is just 5 km away from the airport so it shouldn’t be much of a hassle getting to where you need to go. Here are some of the best ways to get from the Airport to Chiang Mai.
Airport Bus
The airport bus can be a great for budget-friendly trips as it takes you from the arrival hall of the airport to various places in the city center at a cost of just 10 baht. The good news is that they charge the same fare no matter where you get off the bus, but the not so good news is that you won’t be able to go straight to your hotel. These may not be an option if you are staying outside of the most popular areas.
Taxi
The taxi is the most convenient way of getting to the city and there are two types of taxi you can hire. The most common airport taxi will charge you a flat fee based on the destination in the city. This flat fee is relatively affordable, sometimes around 150 baht. You can also find Taxis that may run the meter, but there is as an airport service charge that will be applied, so a metered ride may not necessarily be cheaper.
Shared Ride
Shared rides are another popular and affordable way of getting to the city. They are usually two-rowed bench seat trucks and can be easily found right outside the arrival hall of the airport. They charge a small fee of around 40 baht to get you to almost any destination in the city. Like minivans, you may have to wait for them to get enough passengers, but you do have the option to pay more and make it a private chartered experience.
How to Get Around Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has various safe and cheap ways to get around the city – but if this is your first time visiting and you are used to Bangkok, you might have a hard time trying to find a Taxi. Here are the best ways to get around Chiang Mai
Songthaew (Rot Dang) in Chiang Mai
The most common way to get around are songthaew that locals call "Rot Dang," which are converted trucks that are easily available around the city. These trucks have two rows of padded seats in the back (Songthaew translates to “Two Rows”). They are most often painted a deep red red (Rot Dang translates to "Red Car") so they can be easily identified. Songthaew usually have set routes, like busses, and can be as cheap as 10 baht per person. If you want to pay extra they can take you anywhere and everywhere in the city, but the price for this will involve some negotiation.
Taxi and Motorbike Taxi in Chiang Mai
Unfortunately, Taxis are not a good way to get around the city. You will find a small number of them are available at the airport, bus stations, shopping malls and hotels, but they don’t cruise the city streets. You won’t be able stand around outside of a restaurant expecting to flag down a Taxi – you will probably need to look around for a Songthaew or Tuk-Tuk.
Ride Sharing in Chiang Mai
The mobile ride-sharing apps can be one of the easiest ways to travel around the city. The big downside with using these is that you will have to download the apps and add valid payment methods – which might be a challenge for some because Thailand's number one ride sharing app, GRAB, is not available in many other countries. Your own apps from your home country may not be usable in the region either.
Tuk-Tuk in Chiang Mai
Normally we would not recommend Tuk-tuks in Thailand because they are not the best way to get around. Chiang Mai is the exception to this. Because Taxis are hard to find and Songthaew generally involve waiting or walking, you will want to take advantage of Tuk-tuks when you find them. Prices on these can vary from driver-to-driver, so you may need to negotiate. Expect to pay around 60 baht for shorter trips and the prices go up from there.
Hiring a Private Driver in Chiang Mai
Finding a driver requires you to ask around. Your hotel may be able to help you hire one which should provide the easiest and safest route. You can also try asking the Motorbike Taxi, Tuk-Tuk, or Songthaew drivers – although the language barrier could make this difficult. Once you do find one you can expect to pay a few hundred baht to have your own personal driver for a couple hours. You can also hire them for an entire day trip at a negotiable rate. Prices will vary but try and keep in mind that you are asking them to not work their normal job that day and instead drive you around, so don’t think you can negotiate them down to a rock-bottom rate. Some people may not like the idea of being with a complete stranger all day, but hiring a driver is very common and a good option if you want to go outside the city.
Your First Days in Chiang Mai
Changing Money in Chiang Mai
Finding places to change money in Chiang Mai doesn’t take long because there are a number of branches of all the main Thai banks and there are also independent money exchange offices that can be found in the city and shopping centers.
The first option most will have are the money exchange counters at the Chiang Mai airport. These are operated by the banks and will be some of the worst exchange rate you will pay – convenience can be the highest tax. Because of this, it is recommended you exchange only enough to cover transportation and a few meals, then leave the rest of your budget to exchange in the city for better exchange rates. Not all of the independent money exchangers offer good exchange rates though, so take notes of the different rates as you see them and compare them to the current exchange rate before selecting the place to exchange money.
If you want to know more, check out our complete money changing guide for the best tips and tricks on changing money wherever you are in Thailand.
Get to Know Chiang Mai
There is a lot to see and do in Chiang Mai. The historical city of Chiang Mai is a diverse place - the beautiful old city and the gorgeous green landscape it is set in can be awe-inspiring to first-time visitors. The always breathtaking mountains surrounding the city offer a lot of delightful temples, gardens, homestays, farms, and even hot springs. Inside the city there is delicious food, unique museums, historic sites and temples, fantastic spas, beautiful gardens, shopping, and so much more to enjoy.
Chiang Mai also has some of the best street markets in Thailand in the form of the always buzzing Night Bazaar nestled close to the Ping River and the evening markets that regularly set up within the walled city center. If you are willing to walk off the beaten path, there are also tons of food and smaller markets frequented by locals.
The Old City Chiang Mai
This area is both the center of the city and the center for tourism in Chiang Mai - having more restaurants, bars, hotels and hostels, cafes, shops, and massage parlors than any other place in the city. The options of things to see and do here are seemingly endless. You will also find many, many temples scattered throughout the Old City which make for a great afternoon spent walking and taking in the sights. We also recommend enjoying the occasional leg and foot massage when you get tired.
Tha Pae Gate Chiang Mai
Tha Pae Gate is one of the more attractive landmarks for tourists in Chaing Mai. This area has an expansive public square which hosts multiple events, including water-fights at Songkran, lantern-lighting during Loy Kratong/Yi Peng, and regular live music and cultural shows all around the year. Other noteworthy dates are Makha Bucha and the Flower Festival. Multiple tracks from The Pae Gate leads to Chiang Mai’s other main attractions such as the numerous temples in the Old City, Night Bazaar, and the Riverside area.
Ping Riverside Chiang Mai
The Ping Riverside areas represent the modest grace of Thailand’s second city and avoids the usual cluster of five-star hotels along its riverbanks - instead it has affordable eateries and live music locations within walking distance. It is easy to get a sense of the local life if you take just a little time venturing beyond the Nakhon Ping and Nawarat bridges. We recommend hiring a local to drive you around these neighborhoods for a couple of hours – stopping at restaurants and markets. It is hard to beat a local's knowledge and you won't find a better way to experience the local life.
Nimmanhaemin Road Chiang Mai
Nimmanhaemin Road is Chiang Mai’s trendiest area and is known as the epicenter of Chaing Mai. Unique handicrafts, clothes, antiques, accessories, and a bit of everything can be picked from this place. The adjacent Huay Kaew Road has a night market which is frequently packed with teenagers and students shopping for the modern fashions at low prices. This road also has various cafes, restaurants and bars. Close to this area is the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium. Muay Thai fights are a good way to spend the evening for those that are interested. The ticket to enter costs around 200-400 baht.
All About Chiang Mai
Food in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has outstanding cuisine, and the food is one of the most popular tourist attractions. A distinct inspiration of old trade routes from Burma, China, and other Asian countries is obvious in northern Thai cuisine. This results in mild curries and substantial usage of ginger and turmeric. Although you can find any Thai dish in Chiang Mai, the typical foods of the region use a lot less coconut milk when compared to the rest of the country. The most popular local dishes instead focus on herbs, textures, and preparations that draw out distinct flavors of the region. Here are some of our favorite dishes to eat while visiting Chiang Mai.
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Khao Soi
Khao Soi (Egg Noodle Curry) is THE most famous dish in all of Chiang Mai. It is a rich and mildly spicy yellow curry egg noodle soup topped with a chicken leg, presented with pickled cabbage, spring onions, and slices of lime. Khao Soi is absolutely a must-try when visiting and we wouldn’t think you were crazy if you wanted to eat it every day.
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Khan Toke
Possibly tied in local popularity with Khao Soi is Khan Toke, which is not a single dish but a platter of many of the most famous northern foods and a basket of sticky rice. This platter almost always includes a few staples; Sai Oua (Grilled Herb Sausage) is a northern-style sausage prepared from ground pork and a variety of aromatic spices and herbs including lemon grass and kafir lime leaves. Nam Prik (Chilli Dip) comes in the red and green variety and the duet is the best among all the northern-style chili dips. The green chili dip is called Nam Prik Noom and is prepared with roasted spur chili peppers, while the red chili dip named Nam Prik Ong is tomato-based and reminiscent of mildly spicy spaghetti sauce. Khan Toke also contains a spread of boiled/steamed vegetables and crunchy fried pork skin. The best part is that once you find your favorite food in Khan Toke, you can keep an eye out for it when you travel because almost everything can be ordered as street food or found in restaurants ala-carte.
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Laab
Laab(or Larp/Larb) is a spicy and slightly sour minced meat dish that can be found all over Thailand. What sets it apart in Chiang Mai is that northern people take their Laab a little more seriously. Here you will find more spices and herbs – and for the more adventurous – you can also find variations with blood or innards. However adventurous you may be, we highly recommend you enjoy some Laab more than once or twice because you can find it everywhere and it is absolutely delicious.
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Nam Ngeow(Yeow)
This stew of fresh vegetables and meat served atop rice noodles with crispy pork skin and condiments is different than the other Kanom Jeen (rice noodle) dishes of Thailand. Instead of being a slightly heavy curry made up of coconut milk, this one is a bit lighter and taste a bit brighter. This dish can be on the spicy side, but because dried chilis are commonly used in the recipe, you may not be able to ask for less spice (“phed noy” in Thai).
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Quick Thai Favorites
This food may not find it onto the list of most popular food for tourists, but here are some foods and snacks that Thai people like to eat or buy while traveling to Chiang Mai:
Fried Pork Skin: Pork is one of the most popular meats of Thailand, but there is something about the fried pork skin of Chiang Mai that keeps Thai people coming back for more.
Gaeng Hung Lay: This delicious northern Thai dish is a ginger, tamarind, and pork belly curry.
Hor Mok: A custard flavored with curry that is steamed and served in small pockets or wrapped leaves. Most often containing fish, you can also find these with other fillings such as squid.
Sai Oua and Nam Prik Ong/Noom: Even though we already talked about these dishes above, we absolutely have to include them here as well. These are the most popular things Thai people love to order while in Chiang Mai.
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Hotels in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai offers many different types of hotels and hostels. Although you won’t find anywhere near as many 5-star resorts compared to other destinations in Thailand, you definitely won’t struggle to find the perfect place to stay. Prices can range from about 90 baht a night for a group hostel to around 1,000-2,000 baht a night for a clean and modern 4-star hotel.
The amount of hotels in an around the Old City means you are spoiled for choice, with seemingly hundreds upon hundreds of options to choose from. If luxury is your jam, you can find a handful of premium locations in and around the city such as the Anantara Chiang Mai and 137 Pillars.
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Guesthouses and Homestays can be a fantastic option for those wanting a more authentic Thai experience. These rented homes or rooms provide you with a place to stay and someone who will prepare and serve your meals for you. Some can start as cheap as $6 USD per night. Because each guesthouse is run by a family or individuals, you can find a large variety in house styles. From city living, to countryside life, and even farm or jungle stays. These are a great option for a more relaxed stay that places you away from the bustle of the usual hotel scenes. Because of their quiet and catered approach, guesthouses are a good choice for families and laid-back travelers.
Chiang Mai Excursions and Sights
The Chiang Mai area has many spectacular locations of cultural and natural beauty which should be visited to fully enjoy this cultural capital of Thailand. The attractions are practically endless, but here are some of our favorites.
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Doi Suthep
Doi Suthep is a persistent part of life in Chiang Mai. A Thai proverb goes, "If you haven't tasted Khao Soi or seen the view from Doi Suthep, you haven't been to Chiang Mai." This mountain top temple is one of the most popular attractions to tourists. The temple located just outside the city and can be reached by hiking, renting a motorbike or via the communal cabs - the whole trip can take around two hours because the drive is short. A large, steep staircase flanked by long, flowing dragon statues leads to the temple and the main entrance is guarded by statues of two giants. The temple itself is decorated with multiple representations of Bhudda, elephant carvings and detailed dragon statues. A small museum is also present in the premises of the temple. This temple is a popular place for visiting Thai locals who come to pray or make good on promises made in return for granting good fortune.
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Doi Inthanon
It is the highest peak in Thailand surrounded by a national park having variety of natural wonders. The tourists can enjoy mountain hiking and trekking here. Moreover, a leisurely round around the park can also be an interesting activity. There are several other attractions in this place including multiple waterfalls, hill tribe village and two pagodas constructed to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. To see the sites, a driver can be hired or a motor bike can be rented, because it is impossible to make a way through the entire park on foot. It is only two hours’ drive apart from the city, so if one leaves early, a full and satisfying day on the mountain can be enjoyed.
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Elephant Sanctuaries
These parks are built with a goal to provide elephant rescue centers and to give elephants a natural home. Once the suffered or labor animals come to this park, they are treated respectfully and gently. A day spent in this park can be a humbling experience as one comes to know about the behavior of elephants. You get the opportunity to walk among them, feed them, give them a mud bath, and even swim with them. You can choose between half-day and full-day trips. The price includes a ride to and from your hotel as well as a catered meal.
Elephants in the wild can be extremely dangerous, but the ones found in sanctuaries have spent their lives around people and have been trained by their previous owners. For as gentle as these giants can be you should also be mindful that they are very large and very strong creatures. Even though they will almost certainly not try to harm you, you don’t want to get stepped on or knocked over. There is no need to be afraid of the elephants at sanctuaries - just give them the respect and mindfulness they deserve.
The Flower Fields Around Chiang Mai
Overlooked by many foreign tourists, the Chiang Mai area is covered with many gorgeous flower fields throughout the year. You will need to do your research before you go because depending what time of year you visit there may be different flowers in bloom, but you will be rewarded for you efforts with dreamy and picturesque sights and photos. One of the more popular flower fields is the I Love Flower Farm and they are only open seasonally and may require reservations. Take an afternoon while in Chiang Mai to swim in a sea of Hydrangeas, Chrysanthemum, Verbena, or Baby's Breath - you won't regret it.
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The Giant Chiang Mai Tree House
This is probably one of the best places to enjoy a beautiful view and coffee in all of Thailand. The Giant gives visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of the northern forests while sitting among the treetop canopies and taking in a sweeping view. The coffee and fruit drinks are quite good, and they have a menu of Thai dishes, pizza, pasta, and dessert. Unfortunately, this fantastic location requires a truck or capable car to drive you out of the city and deep into the mountains, so we recommend choosing a close-by homestay or guesthouse property and spending at least a night or two to enjoy the gorgeous and breathtaking mountain landscape around Chiang Mai.