Chiang Mai instantly became one of our favorite travel destinations in the world. It is at the very top of our potential retirement list given its rich culture, friendly people, amazing food, and great value. While Southern Thailand has some beautiful beaches, Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand is where you get to really experience the rich Thai culture and community.
First off, it is beautiful. Surrounded by lush forests and mountains, Chiang Mai is a great location for trekking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. The city is also a hub for meditation and yoga retreats, spas, and wellness centers. Thailand is also one of the most geographic arbitrage-friendliest places in the world, meaning you can live like a king for a very reasonable price.
Chiang Mai is also home to a vast number of sacred temples. Hop on a scooter and you can go temple-hopping for days. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Lanna, there is a unique culture and architecture in Chiang Mai that isn’t found in other parts of Thailand.
Aside from natural beauty, history, and culture, Chiang Mai is famous for its vibrant night markets. Different night markets for different days of the week, all with amazing street food, people, and handicrafts. If you are lucky enough to catch Loy Krathong or the Lantern Festival, you will be in for a real treat.
Here we will share everything you need to know to plan your trip to Chiang Mai, one of our favorite cities in the world! To learn more general tips about traveling to Thailand, check out our Destination: Thailand page. Interested in exploring the beautiful beaches and islands of the south, such as Phuket or Krabi? Check out our Southern Thailand travel guide.
HOW TO GET HERE
The easiest way to get to Chiang Mai is via air. You can either fly directly into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) or take a domestic flight from Bangkok. Domestic flights are relatively inexpensive.
If you are traveling on a budget, you can also get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok via train (12-15 hours) or bus (9-11 hours).
Once you arrive in Chiang Mai, there are plenty of transportation options available to get you to your final destination, including taxis, Uber, tuk-tuks (3-wheeled open taxis), and songthaews (red pick-up trucks).
WHAT TO DO
* = must do
*Explore the Old City
This is the historic heart of the city and is surrounded by a moat and ancient walls. It is home to temples, markets, and cultural landmarks that give you a glimpse into Chiang Mai’s rich history. The area is known for its preserved Lanna-style architecture, with beautiful temples and old wooden houses lining the narrow streets. Walk around and explore the charming streets, restaurants, cafes, and shops.
*Get a Thai Massage
If you’ve never had a Thai massage, they are totally different from Western massages. Clothes on with no oil, these massages focus on pressure points and stretching you into different positions. We got a relaxing 1-hour massage in the old city followed by green tea in the garden at Da Massage for only 250 Baht (~$6.50)! $
*Visit the Night Markets
Chiang Mai is famous for its night markets, where you can find delicious street food, handicrafts, entertainment, and more for a fraction of the cost! Here are some of the most popular ones:
- *Sunday Night Market: This is the biggest night market and runs through the middle of the Old City. It falls into temple courtyards and under tree canopies. Definitely the most beautiful night market, with lots of offshoot courtyards for food. Must experience!
- Wua Lai Saturday Night Market: This market is huge! Can get very crowded as it runs through a tight street. Tons of souvenirs, food, and a lively atmosphere. Just south of the Old City. Try the black sesame cakes!
- Chang Phuak (North) Gate Night Market is open daily from 6 pm until late and was full of more locals than tourists. We ate delicious pad thai for $1, coconut custard pastries, red bean buns, and fresh coconut. Find the lady with the cowboy hat to try one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite stands. $
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: Open daily, this night market is larger with more vendors and seems more tourist-oriented. A mix of food and goods, we were even greeted by a troupe of gorgeous ladyboys as we left. East of the east gate. $
- Chiang Mai (South) Gate Night Market: Open every night from 4 PM to 2 AM. Similar to North Gate Market, with a mix of local and tourist crowds. Yellow/red signage indicates halal. Find the little old lady who sells grilled bananas for 10 baht or the coconut pudding stand for some delicious treats. They are both located on the Northern street. $
Rent a Scooter
You can rent a scooter for a full day for cheaper than a roundtrip tuk-tuk ride across town. 24-hour rentals range from 200-350 baht/day (~$5-10). Just be very careful as driving in the city can be kind of crazy. Remember that in Thailand you need to stay in the left rather than right lane.
Wearing a helmet decreases your risk of dying from an accident by almost 50%! If you do not feel comfortable driving a scooter, just grab a tuk-tuk (three-wheeled open taxi)or hop on a songthaew (shared taxis in red pickup trucks).
*Visit a Buddhist Temple
Chiang Mai is home to over 300 temples, more than any other city in Thailand. This is because Chiang Mai was once the capital of the Lan Na Kingdom in Northern Thailand or kingdom of a million rice fields. With so many temples to choose from, it can be overwhelming and easy to get templed out. Check out this awesome post by Spiritual Travels author Nick Kembel for a nice breakdown of some of the best temples to visit in Chiang Mai.
- *Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan: This is the most popular temple in the Chiang Mai Old City. It is a beautiful temple complex with lots of greenery, beautiful Lan Na-style architecture, and home to the Lion Buddha. Serene, peaceful, scenic. Make sure to dress conservatively with covered shoulders and no shorts. Free to enter.
- *Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: This is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in all of Thailand. This temple was once the center of the Lan Na Kingdom. It is covered in gold with statues of deities and is absolutely breathtaking. Views of Chiang Mai are incredible too. Ask someone about the white elephant legend. Great day trip on a motorbike. Entry costs 30 Baht/person. $
- Wat Chedi Luang: About 10 minutes east of Wat Phra Singh, this temple complex was originally built in 1441, but has been rebuilt several times due to earthquakes and cannons. Be transported in time by these ancient ruins.
- Wat Suan Dok: This temple was built by a king in the 14th century as a home to the alleged shoulder bone of Buddha. It is very picturesque with lots of white chedis (stupas), located outside of the Old City nearby Chiang Mai University. This is also home to our favorite restaurant in all of Chiang Mai, the Pun Pun Vegetarian Slow Food.
- Wat Sri Suphan: Swing by this Silver Temple before hitting up the Saturday Night Market right next door.
- Wat Pha Lat: Take a hike up to this hidden jungle temple on top of a waterfall. The hike starts from behind Chiang Mai University. Check out details on hiking the Monks’ Trail on this post by Globotreks. You can also continue the hike all the way to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
- Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham: This unique temple complex is located underground beneath a forest. Best reached by tuk-tuk.
Experience a Festival
We were lucky enough to be in Chiang Mai in November for Loi Krathong, a full moon festival where locals release lotus-shaped rafts (called krathongs) into the water to carry away bad energy. Yi Peng, the Lantern Festival, also occurs around the same time of the year. These celebrations were vibrant, color, and so fun to be a part of. See if you can time your trip to coincide with one of Thailand’s many cultural festivals.
*Roam the hipster neighborhood Nimman
Nimman is a trendy and fashionable neighborhood located in the western part of Chiang Mai. It is known for its stylish cafes, boutique shops, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. The area has a bohemian and artsy vibe, attracting a younger crowd of both locals and tourists. Nimman is also a popular destination for digital nomads and expats.
*Visit an (Ethical) Elephant Sanctuary
Getting up close and personal with animals is one of the most exciting and enriching experiences you can have- but you want to do so responsibly. We visited Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, which is home to elephants that have been rescued from abuse and injury. The elephants here are able to roam freely in a natural environment and you can participate in their care by feeding and bathing them. It’s a wonderful experience! Other companies we considered were the Asian Elephant Projects and Elephant Nature Park.
When choosing to visit an elephant sanctuary there are several things you want to keep in mind. Choose a reputable sanctuary and make sure it is dedicated to the welfare of elephants. Do NOT support organizations that allow humans to ride on elephants as this is considered unethical. When visiting, respect the elephants and remember that these are complex, intelligent, emotional animals. Learn about elephant conservation so that you can support their protection in a productive way.
Explore the Coffee Scene
Chiang Mai has a thriving coffee scene that has gained popularity among locals and tourists alike. The city is known for its high-quality Arabica beans, which are grown in the nearby hills and mountains. There are numerous coffee shops and cafes in Chiang Mai, serving everything from classic Thai coffee to artisanal espresso drinks. Many of these coffee shops also offer locally-sourced food and desserts, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for coffee lovers. Check out our coffee section below for some of our favorite finds!
*Take a Thai Cooking Class
Thai food is one of the most popular cuisines worldwide- for good reason! It’s spicy, tangy, flavorful, and can actually be surprisingly simple to cook at home. Learn to make some of your favorite Thai dishes at one of Chiang Mai’s many cooking classes so that you show off at your next dinner party! We really enjoyed our 4-hour class + dinner with Thai Akha Cooking School. Not only did we learn over 10 recipes, but our host was hilarious and it was a great way to spend a date night. Highly recommend!
Go Boutique Shopping
Chiang Mai is known for its stylish and trendy shops, which offer a range of fashion items, from bohemian dresses to modern streetwear. The Nimman area is particularly popular for boutique shopping. To learn more, check out this post by The Blond Travels.
Chill at a Smoking Lounge
As of June 2022, marijuana was legalized in Thailand. You can buy cannabis products from dispensaries and some of them even double as smoking lounges. Our favorite was Old Town Dispensary in Nimman which has an awesome staff and swanky vibes. Wake N’ Bake has a great location in the Old Town with an awesome owner who hand-selects all products from young growers. Cannabis Cafe has a nice outdoor space with plenty of seating. You will find dispensaries popping up all over the city.
WHERE TO EAT HEALTHY
*Pun Pun Vegetarian: If the monks are eating here, you know it’s going to be good. Healthy vegetarian restaurant located in the Wat Suan Dok temple complex. Super cheap, super delicious without feeling heavy, with a very relaxing atmosphere, this quickly became our favorite healthy dining spot. We particularly loved #19 the mint and mushroom lime salad and #58 sweet and sour stir-fried tofu with pineapple. $
Free Bird Cafe: Vegan cafe and social enterprising restaurant where all profits support a learning center for Burmese refugees. A large food and drink menu full of healthy and organic options. There is also a little market and second-hand shop on site. This guilt-free meal was tasty and the service was excellent. Support a good cause and enjoy the atmosphere as well! $$
Goodsouls Cafe: 100% plant-based restaurant with delicious black sesame pancakes and even protein shakes for the gym rats. The green curry fried rice was our favorite. $$
The Salad Concept: Lots of healthy options, but definitely on the pricier side for Thailand. $$
Healthy junk: Healthy options, can make your own protein bowls. Good post-gym meal. $$
Fern Forest Cafe: More Western-style meal options but a nice outdoor setting and atmosphere. Great place for a meal or to just grab coffee/drinks. $$
WHERE TO EAT DELICIOUS
*Huen Phen: Many people argue this is the best kao soy restaurant in Chiang Mai… and we agree. Reasonable portions are mouth-watering and full of flavor. The papaya salad and fish curry were also superb. Super affordable pricing as well! FYI not too many vegetarian main dishes. $$
Kao Soy Nimman: Popular with tourists and locals alike, this popular restaurant has kao soy in every way! We even found a mushroom kao soy which was delightful. $$
*Night Markets: Chiang Mai’s night markets are world-famous for their street food and snacks. From traditional northern Thai dishes to international cuisine, these are a must-visit for any food lover. Scroll up for a list of some of the popular night markets in Chiang Mai. For some must-try snacks and dishes, check out our Destination: Thailand page.
WHERE TO COFFEE
*Thor-Phan Coffee Roaster: Super high-quality coffee shop with talented baristas. For the top experience, order a hand-ground single-origin coffee. Their cappuccinos have a decadent thick creamy foam. Great WiFi and a nice place to get some work done! $
Roastniyon Exclusive: This coffee shop was located right below our apartment complex. They had delicious high-quality brews with a nice interior to get some work done. Try the Ta Ton Yon, a cold espresso with tonic water, orange slices, and strawberry syrup. So refreshing on a hot day! $$
Nine One Coffee: Another gourmet organic coffee gem of Chiang Mai. Try the single-origin siphon coffees for a bougie and decadent experience. Rich and smooth with strong WiFi, easy to spend hours here. $$
Baristo Arts Coffee: Their menu is super interesting with coffee drinks we’ve never seen in the US. The menu is definitely pricier. $$
NOWHERE Coffee Brewers: Located in what feels like the more-hippy part of town. We have a feeling you could buy weed here before it was legal. Super chill vibes and excellent coffee for 80 Baht. The guys that run this place are super chill. $
*Roast8ry Lab: This place participates in international coffee competitions and boasts some award-winning brews. Friggin delicious Irish coffee. $$
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed at a pretty basic Airbnb in Nimman when we were in Chiang Mai. If you want the hustle-bustle of classic Chiang Mai, stay in Old Town. For a more hip, trendy neighborhood experience more popular with locals, we recommend staying in Nimman.
Here are some hotel options in the area:
- Akyra Manor Chiang Mai: This is a more luxurious boutique hotel in the trendy Nimman area, close to cafes, bars, and shops. This hip hotel is modern and has a rooftop bar and pool. Prices start at around ~$100 USD/night.
- River Art Hotel: This is a chic hotel also located in the NImman area. Colorful rooms, a rooftop pool, and a trendy cafe. Prices start around ~$50 USD/night.
- Rustic River Boutique Hotel: This more basic hotel is located in the Old City. It has vintage decor, a charming courtyard, and a rooftop terrace. Prices start around ~$40 USD/night.
MAP
Check out our Google Map with all of the recommendations listed above. If you found this post helpful in planning your Chiang Mai adventure, we would love to hear about it!
