About Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai's moated old city, Doi Suthep temple and night markets make it Northern Thailand's cultural capital — cooler and calmer than Bangkok.
Best time
November–February for cool dry weather; November for Yi Peng/Yi Peng-adjacent festivals
Weather
Tropical wet/dry — hot March–May, cooler Nov–Feb, green rainy season mid-year
Airport
Chiang Mai International (CNX)
Getting around
Walk the old city; Grab for Doi Suthep and Nimman
Experiences
Things to do in Chiang Mai
1
Doi Suthep Temple
2
Old City temples (Wat Chedi Luang / Wat Phra Singh)
3
Sunday Walking Street Market
4
Elephant nature sanctuary (ethical)
5
Night Bazaar
6
Tha Phae Gate
7
Doi Inthanon National Park
8
Sticky Waterfalls (Bua Thong)
Budget travel
Free things to do in Chiang Mai
Doi Suthep Temple
Old City temples (Wat Chedi Luang / Wat Phra Singh)
Sunday Walking Street Market
Night Bazaar
Tha Phae Gate
Doi Inthanon National Park
Sticky Waterfalls (Bua Thong)
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Doi Suthep Temple
- Visit Old City temples (Wat Chedi Luang / Wat Phra Singh)
- Visit Sunday Walking Street Market
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Elephant nature sanctuary (ethical)
- Visit Night Bazaar
- Visit Tha Phae Gate
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Doi Inthanon National Park
- Visit Sticky Waterfalls (Bua Thong)
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
Khao Soi Khun Yai
Northern Thai · Legendary khao soi institution
- $
SP Chicken
Northern Thai · Local grilled-chicken favourite
- $
Huen Phen
Northern Thai · Old Town northern Thai classic
- $$
David's Kitchen
European / Thai · Long-running expat and local favourite
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
Mae Rim · Rice-paddy luxury resort
- $$$
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
Riverside · Ping River colonial-style favourite
- $$$
Rachamankha
Old City · Design hotel in temple surrounds
Shopping
- Sunday Walking Street
- Warorot Market
- Nimman shops
Nightlife
- Nimmanhaemin
- Riverside bars
- old-city cafés
Museums & culture
- Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
- Lanna Folklife Museum
Local foods to try
- Khao soi
- Sai ua
- Som tam
- Mango sticky rice
Hidden gems
- Wat Pha Lat
- Wat Umong
- Mae Kampong village
Travel tips
- Rent a scooter only if you are a confident rider
- Temple etiquette: covered shoulders and knees
- Sunday Walking Street is packed — go early
In pictures
Chiang Mai gallery
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Keep exploring
