About Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the largest province (changwat) of Thailand by area. It lies in upper northern Thailand and has a population of 1.8 million people. It is bordered by Chiang Rai to the northeast, Lampang and Lamphun to the south, Tak to the southwest, Mae Hong Son to the west, and Shan State of Burma to the north. The capital, Chiang Mai, is 685 kilometres (426 mi) north of Bangkok. Older towns stood on the plain before it. The city was the capital of the Lan Na kingdom from its founding in 1296.
Places to visit in Chiang Mai
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Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Religious · 4 mi from centreA golden hilltop temple overlooking Chiang Mai and one of the most sacred sites in northern Thailand. Climb the dragon-lined staircase of over 300 steps or take the funicular, and dress with covered shoulders and knees.
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Wat Chedi Luang
Religious · 4 mi from centreA temple in the old city centered on a massive ruined brick chedi, partly destroyed by an earthquake centuries ago. Stop by the monk chat area, where novices practice English with visitors.
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Wat Phra Singh
Religious · 3 mi from centreAn important temple in the old city, known for its classic Lanna-style chapel and fine murals. Visit during the Songkran festival in April, when a revered Buddha image is paraded through the streets.
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Tha Phae Gate
Historic · 4 mi from centreThe best-known surviving gate of the old city walls, framed by remains of the moat. It is the starting point for the busy Sunday Walking Street market that runs along Ratchadamnoen Road.
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Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Market · 4 mi from centreA sprawling evening market east of the old city selling handicrafts, clothing and street food. Bargain politely, and compare prices at a few stalls before buying larger items.
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Wat Umong
Religious · 4 mi from centreA peaceful forest temple at the foot of Doi Suthep, famous for its old tunnels lined with Buddha images. Go early in the morning for quiet and bring mosquito repellent for the wooded grounds.
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Doi Inthanon National Park
Nature · 36 mi from centreA national park around Thailand's highest mountain, with waterfalls, cloud forest and twin royal pagodas near the summit. Bring a warm layer, as temperatures at the top can be surprisingly cold.
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Elephant Nature Park
Nature · 27 mi from centreA sanctuary north of the city that cares for rescued elephants and does not offer riding. Book a day visit well ahead, as numbers are limited and transport from Chiang Mai is included.
Things to do in Chiang Mai by type
88 tours, tickets and experiences across 9 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Art & culture 34 experiences Chiang Mai Countryside -
Day Trips & Excursions 29 experiences Best of Lampang: Temple, Market and Elephant Conservation Center -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 19 experiences Chiang Dao Cave Trekking Small Group Tour – Full Day -
City tours 13 experiences Chiang Mai Evening City Tour by EV Tram -
Gastronomy & nightlife 10 experiences A Taste of Chiang Mai with Michelin Guide - Street Food tour -
Travel Services 6 experiences Departure Miracle Airport Lounge at Suvarnabhumi - Ticket with Transfer -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 6 experiences Ancient Chiang Mai with Elephants care -
Classes 5 experiences Cooking Class with Organic Farm in Chiang Mai at Mama Noi -
Tickets & Attraction Passes 2 experiences Chiang Mai Old City UNESCO Listing Temples - Half-Day Tour
- 3-6 hours 20
- Over 6 hours 20
- 1-3 hours 10
- Flexible 1
- Couples 4
- Senior 4
- Youth 4
- Families 3
- Private 40
- Small group 30
- Wheelchair accessible 1
Top experiences in Chiang Mai
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 88 available.
Doi Suthep and Hmong Hill Tribe Village
From $37 per adult
Chiang Mai Night Safari - Ticket
From $43 per adult
Doi Suthep and Wat Pha Lat at Sunrise – Half Day Tour
From $26 per adult
Local Market Visit and Traditional Northern Thai-style Dinner with Cultural Performances
From $40 per adult
Doi Inthanon National Park – Full-Day Tour
From $38 per adult
Chiang Mai Michelin Street Food Master - Half-Day Tour
From $37 per adult
Chiang Mai by Night: Temple, Market, Food Tuk Tuk Tour
From $63 per adult
Elephant Bathing and Pratad Doi khum - Half-Day Tour
From $95 per adult
Ancient Chiang Mai with Elephants care
From $85 per adult
Discover Chiang Rai Temples: White Temple, Blue Temple and Red Temple - Tour
From $49 per adult
The Executive Lounge VIP Departure Service International
From $47 per adult
The Executive Lounge VIP Departure Service Domestic
From $36 per adult
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
Popular hotels in Chiang Mai, out of 1,249 properties you can book.
Duangtawan Hotel Chiang Mai
From $52 per night
Melia Chiang Mai
From $302 per night
Bossotel Inn Chiang Mai
From $77 per night
Cmor by Recall Hotel (SHA Plus)
From $54 per night
Shangri-La Chiang Mai
From $356 per night
Smile Lanna Hotel
From $192 per night
De Chai the Deco Chiang Mai Hotel
From $108 per night
Yaang Come Village
From $203 per night
U Chiang Mai
From $209 per night
U Nimman Chiang Mai
From $173 per night
Khum Phaya Resort and Spa
From $118 per night
Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa Chiangmai
From $78 per night
Best time to visit Chiang Mai
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Chiang Mai is December to January, when average daytime highs are around 81–82°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Chiang Mai weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 89° 75° 17%
- Thu 22 Oct 88° 72° 19%
- Fri 23 Oct 90° 74° 18%
- Sat 24 Oct 91° 75° 10%
- Sun 25 Oct 90° 76° 20%
- Mon 26 Oct 88° 76° 82%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Thai baht (THB)1 US dollar ≈ ฿33.6
- Language
- Thai
- Calling code
- +66
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Asia/BangkokUTC+7
- Capital
- Bangkok
Getting to Chiang Mai
These are the airports closest to central Chiang Mai. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- CNX Chiang Mai International Airport5 mi (8 km) from the city centre
Chiang Mai travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Chiang Mai is December to January, when average daytime highs are around 81–82°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
What is the weather like in Chiang Mai?
April is usually the warmest month in Chiang Mai, with average highs of 98°F (37°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 62°F (17°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 521 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (8 km) from the centre of Chiang Mai.
What currency is used in Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai uses the Thai baht (THB). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ฿33.6.
What time zone is Chiang Mai in?
Chiang Mai uses the Asia/Bangkok time zone (currently UTC+7). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
What are the best places to visit in Chiang Mai?
Top sights in Chiang Mai include Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and Tha Phae Gate. A golden hilltop temple overlooking Chiang Mai and one of the most sacred sites in northern Thailand. Climb the dragon-lined staircase of over 300 steps or take the funicular, and dress with covered shoulders and knees.
What are the top things to do in Chiang Mai?
Popular experiences you can book in Chiang Mai include Doi Suthep and Hmong Hill Tribe Village, Chiang Mai Night Safari - Ticket and Doi Suthep and Wat Pha Lat at Sunrise – Half Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 88 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Chiang Mai?
The most popular types of experiences in Chiang Mai are art & culture (34), day trips & excursions (29), outdoor activities & adventure (19) and city tours (13). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Chiang Mai?
Popular areas for hotels in Chiang Mai include Chiang Mai City. Well-reviewed options include Duangtawan Hotel Chiang Mai and Melia Chiang Mai.
How many hotels can I book in Chiang Mai?
Destina Holidays currently lists 1,249 properties in and around Chiang Mai, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
