Chiang Mai Travel Guide
Weather, best time to visit, and the best food, culture, nature and activities.
Typical prices
- Budget mealTHB 50.00≈ $1.50
- Mid-range mealTHB 250.00≈ $7.52
- CappuccinoTHB 60.00≈ $1.80
- Domestic beerTHB 70.00≈ $2.11
- Taxi (per km)THB 7.00≈ $0.21
- Public transport ticketTHB 25.00≈ $0.75
- Museum entryTHB 100.00≈ $3.01
- Mid-range hotel (night)THB 1,200.00≈ $36.10
Food & Drink
- SP ChickenThai · $
No-frills local favorite famous for its khao man gai (Hainanese-style chicken rice), always packed at lunch.
- Huen PhenNorthern Thai · $$
Long-running restaurant serving authentic Northern Thai (Lanna) dishes like khao soi and sai oua sausage in a rustic setting.
- Khao Soi Mae SaiNorthern Thai · $
Beloved local spot specializing in khao soi, Chiang Mai's signature curried egg-noodle soup.
- The Riverside Bar & RestaurantThai/International · $$
Long-standing riverside restaurant on the Ping River with live music and a mix of Thai and Western dishes.
- Ginger Farm KitchenNorthern Thai · $$
Farm-to-table restaurant serving Northern Thai food using produce from its own organic farm.
- Chiang Mai Gate MarketStreet food · $
Night market known among locals for som tum and other Northern and Isaan street food stalls.
- Zoe in Yellow
Popular backpacker bar complex near Loi Kroh Road with several connected bars and a lively courtyard.
- Sunday Walking Street (Ratchadamnoen Road)
Weekly night market through the Old City with food stalls, crafts, and street performers.
- Rooftop Bar at Anantara
Riverside rooftop bar with views over the Ping River and the mountains beyond.
Culture & History
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Sacred golden-spired temple on a mountainside overlooking the city, reached by a long naga-flanked staircase.
- Wat Chedi Luang
Historic 14th-century temple in the Old City with a massive ruined chedi that once housed the Emerald Buddha.
- Chiang Mai National Museum
Museum covering Lanna Kingdom art, history, and Buddha imagery from northern Thailand.
- Wat Phra Singh
One of the city's most revered temples, home to the highly venerated Phra Singh Buddha image.
- Major Cineplex Central Festival
Modern multiplex at Central Festival mall showing Thai and international films.
- Yi Peng Lantern Festival
Spectacular festival where thousands of khom loi paper lanterns are released into the night sky, held alongside Loy Krathong.
- Songkran (Chiang Mai)
Thai New Year water festival, celebrated especially intensely in Chiang Mai's moated Old City.
Nature & Outdoors
- Huay Kaew Waterfall
Small, easily accessible waterfall near Chiang Mai University, popular for a quick nature escape.
- Mae Sa Waterfall
Multi-tiered waterfall inside Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, popular for a scenic hike and swim.
- Doi Suthep
Iconic mountain overlooking Chiang Mai, home to the golden temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and forest hiking trails.
- Doi Inthanon
Thailand's highest peak, known for cool weather, twin pagodas, and cloud forest hiking trails.
Active & Fun
- Chiang Mai Muay Thai gyms (e.g. Lanna Muay Thai)
Well-known training camp offering Muay Thai classes for all levels alongside general fitness training.
- Grandview Water Park
Water park on the city outskirts with slides and pools, popular with families in the rainy-season heat.