Hotel Sensai Nimman Chiang Mai - Adults Only
9.7Superb · 295 Reviews
Soi Sai Nam Phueng | Chiang Mai, 50200, TH
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About Chiang Mai
A stay in Chiang Mai brings moat-ringed temples, northern Thai food and craft traditions together with mountain scenery beyond the city. Choose a base near the old city, the Night Bazaar or Nimmanhaemin, then balance markets and temples with time outdoors.
Chiang Mai is the main city of northern Thailand, with a moat-encircled old city that retains much of its former wall and four gates. Its temples, architecture, festivals and handicrafts offer an introduction to northern culture, while markets and local dishes bring that heritage into everyday life. The city also makes a starting point for mountain scenery at Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon. This guide covers temple visits, markets, food and festivals, plus where to stay and how to reach and get around the city. Seasonal conditions matter: heat, rain and recurring smoke and haze can affect plans.
Where to stay
Hotels in Chiang Mai
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The Tippanet
9.9Superb · 276 Reviews
112 Thipanet Road Haiya Mueang Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai, 50100, TH
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The Inside House
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56 Samlarn Road Tambon Phra Sing Amphoe Muang | Chiang Mai, 50200, TH
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Puripunn Hideaway
9.5Superb · 186 Reviews
104/1 Charoen Muang Soi 2 Charoen Muang Rd. T. Wat Ket A. Muang | Chiang Mai, 50000, TH
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Asa Hotel
9.4Superb · 556 Reviews
36 Soi 2 Korkai Rat Chiangsan Rd Hai Ya Mueang | Chiang Mai, 50100, TH
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Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai
9.5Superb · 319 Reviews
150/1 Charoen Prathet Road Chang Klan | Chiang Mai, 50100, TH
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Places to stay by type in Chiang Mai
Places to stay in Chiang Mai
Hotels near landmarks
- Chedi Luang Temple524 stays
- Tha pae Gate485 stays
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar316 stays
- Wat Phra Singh300 stays
- Elephant Nature Park3 stays
Districts
- Nimmanhaemin336 stays
- Old City328 stays
- Wua Lai267 stays
- Night Bazaar / Chang Khlan255 stays
- Riverside / Wat Ket203 stays
- Chang Phueak132 stays
Hotel brands
Chiang Mai at a glance
Local currency
THB
(THB)
Local time
(GMT+7)
Suggested area to stay
Chang Khlan, Nimmanhaemin, Night Bazaar
History, culture and food in Chiang Mai
When to visit Chiang Mai
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: January, November and December
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Jan63
Pleasant weather (avg high 29°C)
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Feb51
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
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Mar26
Often avoided: extreme heat and seasonal smoke haze
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Apr23
Often avoided: extreme heat and seasonal smoke haze
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May20
Rainy (160 mm)
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Jun20
Typhoon season (Jun-Nov); impacts uncommon
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Jul10
Very wet (150 mm rain)
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Aug0
Often avoided: heavy rain
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Sep0
Often avoided: heavy rain
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Oct22
Typhoon season (Jun-Nov); impacts uncommon
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Nov68
Yi Peng and Loy Krathong
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Dec67
Pleasant weather (avg high 28°C)
Things to do in Chiang Mai
16 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 16 of 16 places ·
Best in the evening
2 places
Wua Lai Walking Street
Wua Lai Road
Near Chiang Mai Gate on Wua Lai Road, this market opens Saturdays from 17:00 to 22:00. Wua Lai is known for silverware craftsmen who make and sell handmade pieces.
Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center
The centre offers a traditional northern-style Khan Toke dinner with traditional dances and performances. It is a way to pair a meal with northern cultural performance.
Any time of day
14 places
Wat Chiang Man
King Mengrai built this temple in 1296, the same year Chiang Mai was established. It is a fitting stop for a first look at the city’s long temple history.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
This hilltop temple is 11 kilometres from the city centre and features a Chiang Saen-style golden pagoda, Lanna architecture and serpent statues. Walk up the seven-headed serpent stairs or take the electric tram, which runs 06:00–18:00; the tram costs 50 THB for foreigners, and the stated foreign adult entrance fee is 30.00 with no currency specified.
Wat Suan Dok
About 1 kilometre from Suan Dok Gate, this temple was built by King Kuena Thammikarat. Look for its relic chedi, Buddha images and Chiang Mai royal family mausoleums.
Wat Umong
This 700-year-old Buddhist temple has a small tunnel system. Its history and distinctive setting make it a different kind of temple stop from the hilltop shrine.
Tha Phae Gate
The ancient gate stands on the eastern wall and provides an entrance to the walled city. The moat surrounds the old city, making the gate a useful landmark when walking around its historic centre.
Tha Phae Walking Street
The Sunday market runs from Tha Phae Street toward Ratchadamnoen Road, with hill-tribe products, wood carvings and handicrafts. Look for local dishes including khanom chin nam ngiao and khanom chin nam ya.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
This market area has food, handicrafts, activities and performances, with goods including souvenirs, jewelry, silver, carved wood, paintings and clothing. Allow time to browse and eat as well as shop.
Warorot Market
Also called Waroros Market or Kad Laung, it offers local foods such as fermented pork sausages, green chili paste and processed fruits and vegetables. Ton Lam Yai Market, the flower market, is nearby.
Nimmanhaemin Road
Come here to see art products, taste local cuisine and experience Chiang Mai culture. It is also served by the R3 Red Line airport loop.
Bo Sang
Villagers have practised umbrella and parasol making here for at least 200 years. The craft uses materials including bamboo, cotton, silk and Sa paper made from mulberry bark.
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
The foothills are 6 kilometres from Chiang Mai city, with attractions along the approximately 16-kilometre route towards the summit. The park includes Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep and Bhubing Palace, and its natural areas support plant and animal life, especially birds.
Doi Inthanon National Park
The park includes Thailand’s highest mountain, at 2,565.3341 metres above mean sea level. It closes annually from May 1 through July 31; the foreign adult entrance fee is 300 baht and the foreign child fee is 150 baht.
Ang Ka Luang nature trail
Doi Inthanon National Park
At 2,560 metres high, this trail is at the top of Thailand and can be reached by car. It is within Doi Inthanon National Park, so plan around the annual park closure.
Mae Ya Waterfall
This 260-metre-high waterfall is in the southern part of Doi Inthanon National Park. The park’s seasonal closure also affects access to this area.
Chiang Mai itineraries, day by day
Culture and history
Three Days of Temples and Markets in Chiang Mai
Keep Old City landmarks together, head uphill to Doi Suthep, then finish with markets and a northern-style dinner.
For a first time in Chiang Mai, this three-day city stay suits visitors who want temple visits, market browsing and a mountain-side stop at an unhurried pace. Day one groups the Old City temples and moat; day two goes to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, then Nimmanhaemin Road and Wat Chet Yot. Day three takes in Warorot Market, Wat Gate and the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, with a Khan Toke dinner to finish. Arrange transport to Doi Suthep first, then check the dinner schedule before settling the evening. Tha Phae Gate suits Old City access, Nimman puts you near cafes and galleries, and the Night Bazaar area suits evening browsing.
Culture and history
Chiang Mai History and Market Stops in One Day
Start at Wiang Kum Kam, visit Wat Kuu Tao, then finish with an unhurried market browse.
This compact Chiang Mai day suits travellers who want a historic site, a temple and a market without trying to cover the whole city. Start early at Wiang Kum Kam, then travel by road to Wat Kuu Tao and finish browsing vegetables at Ton Payom Market. The pace moves from archaeological remains to a temple visit and an unhurried market stop, with room for outdoor time. Arrange your ride to Wiang Kum Kam first, since it is the opening stop beyond the city centre. If you are deciding what to do in Chiang Mai in one day, this focused route keeps the day varied without stacking on extra sights.
Culture and history
Chiang Mai Crafts, Markets and Outdoor Stops
Pair umbrella-making traditions and weekend browsing with a hot-spring stop, reservoir air and temple architecture.
This 2 days 1 nights Chiang Mai break suits travellers who enjoy local crafts, neighborhood markets and unhurried outdoor time. Day 1 is the longer outing: start early for Bo Sang Umbrella Village and San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, then fit in Jing Jai Market on a Saturday or Sunday. Day 2 is a gentler pairing of Huay Tung Tao Reservoir and Wat Chet Yot. Arrange transport for the craft stops outside central Chiang Mai first, and check the market’s opening days against your dates.
Culture and history
4 Days in Chiang Mai: Temples, Hills and Markets
Pair major temples with a mountain outing, green spaces and local markets over four full days.
4 days in Chiang Mai suits travellers who want major temple visits, a mountain outing and time in distinct local areas without packing every hour. The first two days focus on temples, followed by a full day of garden, reservoir and zoo stops; market browsing anchors the final day. Arrange transport to Doi Suthep in advance, then check market days before fixing your final-day timing. Keep the mountain day and the multi-stop outing on separate days to make the mix of walking and road travel easier to manage.
Culture and history
Chiang Mai Temples, Markets and Nature: 5 Days
Balance old-city temples and food markets with longer outings to a village and waterfall.
This Chiang Mai 5 day itinerary suits travellers who want temple visits, crafts and markets alongside a day focused on nature. The rhythm shifts between shorter city stops and longer road excursions, with time for museum collections and local food. Arrange the longer excursions first, especially the visits to Elephant Nature Park, Mae Kampong Village and Mae Ya Waterfall. Check the Sunday Walking Street schedule before filling the remaining evenings, then choose a base near the old city or Nimmanhaemin to suit your days.
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Nature
Doi Inthanon Nature Day Trip from Chiang Mai
A mountain-focused Chiang Mai day with waterfalls, a high-altitude trail and pagodas.
Made for travellers who would rather spend a full day among mountain scenery, waterfalls and nature trails than keep a city pace, this Doi Inthanon day trip from Chiang Mai links the park, Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail, Mae Ya Waterfall, Wachirathan Waterfall and the twin pagodas by road. Arrange round-trip transport from Chiang Mai before departure; it is the first thing to settle for a route with several stops. Check park and trail conditions before setting out, especially around the annual closure from May 1 through July 31. Tha Phae Gate and Nimmanhaemin are practical bases for the night before.
Shopping and markets
Chiang Mai Markets: From Lunch to Evening
A food-led Chiang Mai day that moves from Khao Soi Mae Sai to two market stops after checking dates and hours.
Built around food and evening browsing, this Chiang Mai night markets itinerary suits you if you want a compact day with three distinct stops rather than a packed sightseeing circuit. Start with Khao Soi Mae Sai, then head to Sunday Walking Street and finish among the stalls and zones of Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. The rhythm shifts from a meal to a market walk and later browsing. First, check whether Sunday Walking Street is operating on your visit date and confirm market hours; that check determines whether the route fits your day.
Shopping and markets
A One-Day Route Through Nimman’s Art and Shops
A walkable Chiang Mai day for creative browsing, shopping stops and a local produce market.
Made for travellers drawn to art, design shops and neighborhood food, this Nimman itinerary keeps the day focused on one part of Chiang Mai. Start on Nimmanhaemin Road among galleries, cafes and creative retail, then walk to One Nimman and MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center before finishing at Ton Payom Market. The rhythm shifts from browsing to a larger shopping stop and a produce-market visit, with time to wander rather than rush. Check the art stop’s opening schedule first; that is the main detail to arrange before you set the route and choose when to start.
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Food and drink
Chiang Mai Markets and Food Stops in One Day
A market-first day with northern Thai meals, one temple pause and an old-city finish.
For travellers who plan a day around local food and browsing, this Chiang Mai street food tour starts among Warorot Market’s snacks, then makes room for two khao soi meals and a restaurant stop. A temple visit breaks up the eating before the route finishes at Tha Phae Gate and the old city moat. The long road transfers come early; later stops link on foot. Arrange opening-time checks for every food stop before setting out, then let meals, browsing and breaks set a comfortable pace.
With the family
Two Days in Chiang Mai: Animals, Crafts and City
A family-paced Chiang Mai visit with animal time, a mountain village, craft stops and room for breaks.
This Chiang Mai family trip suits families who want a mix of animals, a hill-village visit, craft traditions and indoor city time without rushing every stop. Day one starts outdoors at Chiang Mai Zoo, continues up to Doi Pui Hmong Village and finishes with an easy shopping break. Day two moves from umbrella-making in Bo Sang to the Night Bazaar and Wat Gate. Arrange a taxi or ride-hailing car for the Doi Pui road legs first, and leave breathing room between visits. Check opening times before setting out, especially for the Wat Ket Museum.
Budget
Chiang Mai in One Day: Food, Shops and a Temple
Local noodles, a shop-and-food browse and Wat Gate make a practical one-day route.
Chiang Mai on a budget suits you if you want a local meal, time to browse and one temple visit without filling the day with extra stops. Start with khao soi at Khao Soi Mae Sai, linger over shops and nearby food venues at One Nimman, then finish at Wat Gate and the Wat Ket Museum. The rhythm is simple: one food stop, one browsing break and one cultural visit, with taxi or ride-hailing cars between the spread-out stops and walking where practical. First, check market hours before setting out, then decide how you’ll cover the road transfers.
Couples
Chiang Mai in 2 Days: Food, Culture and Views
A gentle city break with a meal stop, an easy browse and a mountain-side day out.
Chiang Mai for couples works well when you want a few thoughtful stops rather than a packed schedule. Day 1 pairs a meal at Huen Muan Jai with a relaxed browse around One Nimman, where nearby venues and Nimmanhaemin Road offer food and art-product browsing. Day 2 heads to Bhubing Palace, Chiang Mai Zoo and Wat Umong, with car rides linking the farther mountain-side stops. Arrange that Day 2 transport first, so the outing stays straightforward. For a base, compare Nimmanhaemin Road with Tha Phae Gate and the old city moat.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Chiang Mai
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Activity tour
Traveling Spoon Pad Thai and Papaya Salad Private Online Cooking Class
Free cancellationFind deals
Multi day tour
3 Days Red Car Road trip Chiang Mai to Laos Border
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Activity tour
Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class
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Standard tour
2024 Chiang Mai Heritage Sky Lanterns Festival Tickets（Nov 15）
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Chiangmai CAD Yi Peng Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival Ticket 2024
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Standard tour
Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary Observation and Bamboo Rafting
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Unstructured tour
Morning Cooking Class in Organic Garden | Chiang Mai
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Unstructured tour
Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai
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Before you go to Chiang Mai
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep from the city centre
- 11 km
- Doi Inthanon’s height
- 2,565.3341 m
- Airport Shuttle Bus route A1 fare
- 40 baht
- Foreign visitor tram fare at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- 50 baht
- Saturday opening hours for Wua Lai Walking Street
- 5–10 pm
- Tourist Police hotline
- 1155
How do you get to Chiang Mai from the airport or Bangkok?
Fly into Chiang Mai International Airport, take an airport shuttle or bus into the city, or travel by SRT Northern Line from Bangkok.
- Airport shuttle: Shuttle vans pick up at Gate 12 on the south side of the international passenger terminal. Route A1 costs 40 baht and runs along Nimmanhaemin Road, Huay Kaew Road and the moat; A2 costs 40 baht and passes the Night Bazaar and Chang Khlan Road hotels, while A3 costs 60 baht.
- Airport buses: The RTC city bus stop is outside the terminal, on the international side, on floor 1 in the public area. Municipal bus B2 runs between the Arcade bus terminal, Tha Phae Gate and the airport; B4 runs from the Arcade via Waroros Market and Night Bazaar to the airport.
- Taxi or limousine: Airport meter taxis collect an additional 50 baht as a driver gratuity. Airport limousine service has a fixed fare starting at 150 baht.
- From Bangkok: Flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai take just under an hour and a half. On the SRT Northern Line, Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat) is the departure station and Chiang Mai is the arrival station.
How do you get around Chiang Mai?
Use the airport bus loops for city stops, municipal buses for routes between the Arcade and key areas, and walking for the old city and markets.
- Airport bus loops: The R3 Red Line serves the airport, Wualai Road, Chiang Mai Gate, Tha Pae Gate, Chang Phuak Gate, Nimmanhaemin and Suan Dok. The R3 Yellow Line links the airport with Three Kings Monument, Tha Pae Gate, Waroros Market and Night Bazaar, among other stops.
- Municipal buses: B1 runs between the Arcade bus terminal and Kruba Srivichai via the railway station, Tha Phae Gate and Suan Dok. B2 connects the Arcade bus terminal, Tha Phae Gate and the airport, while B4 runs via Waroros Market and Night Bazaar to the airport.
- Walking: The moat and remaining wall mark the old city’s edges, with four main gates providing landmarks. Tha Phae Gate is on the eastern wall, and the Sunday market extends from Tha Phae Street toward Ratchadamnoen Road.
- Mae Ping River: A boat trip offers a way to observe ways of life beside the Mae Ping River.
Where should you stay in Chiang Mai?
For a first visit, consider Thapae or Night Bazaar for access to markets and the old city, or Nimmanhaemin for art and local food.
- Chang Khlan, Nimmanhaemin, Night Bazaar and Thapae are useful areas to compare when choosing a base. The old city’s gates and moat help orient you, while the Night Bazaar, Nimmanhaemin Road and Tha Phae Gate each offer a different starting point for exploring.
- Chang Khlan: Chang Khlan Road is served by Airport Shuttle Bus route A2, which follows Mahidol Road via the Night Bazaar and Chang Khlan Road hotels. The Night Bazaar offers food, handicrafts, activities and performances.
- Nimmanhaemin: Nimmanhaemin Road is a place to see art products, taste local cuisine and experience Chiang Mai culture. Airport Shuttle Bus route A1 and the R3 Red Line serve the area.
- Night Bazaar: Stay near the Night Bazaar for a market with food, handicrafts, activities and performances. Airport Shuttle Bus route A2 and the R3 Yellow Line serve the Night Bazaar.
- Thapae: Tha Phae Gate provides an entrance to the walled old city, making this a practical base for exploring its historic centre. The R3 Red and Yellow Line loops both serve Tha Pae Gate.
Which temples should you visit in Chiang Mai?
Start with Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for its hilltop setting and Lanna architecture, then visit temples in and near the old city.
- The old city is surrounded by a moat and still retains much of its former fortified wall and four main gates. Tha Phae Gate, on the eastern side, is a useful way into the walled centre. Wat Chiang Man dates to the year Chiang Mai was established, while Wat Suan Dok and Wat Umong offer different settings beyond the old city streets.
- For a temple visit, dress appropriately: sleeveless shirts, short pants, see-through tops and several other revealing or tight garments are prohibited. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is on Doi Suthep Hill, 11 kilometres from the city centre; visitors can climb the serpent stairs or take its electric tram. The temple is open daily, but check before you go for current details.
- Dress appropriately for visits to royal palaces: men should wear a sleeved shirt and long pants; women should wear a sleeved shirt and a skirt covering the knees or long pants. Avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, see-through clothing, close-fitting or ripped jeans, and flip-flops.
- Check before you go for current temple and tram details.
Where can you experience Lanna culture in Chiang Mai?
Browse the walking-street markets, try khao soi and local market dishes, and make time for a traditional Khan Toke dinner.
- Chiang Mai’s moat-encircled old city showcases northern cultural identity through its distinctive architecture, festivals, handicrafts and temples. Tha Phae Walking Street is a Sunday market on Ratchadamnoen Road, offering hill-tribe products, wood carvings and handicrafts. Wua Lai Walking Street is near Chiang Mai Gate and open on Saturdays from 17:00 to 22:00. The Night Bazaar offers local handicrafts, souvenirs, jewelry, silver, carved wood, paintings, clothing and food. Warorot Market offers local foods, including fermented pork sausages, green chili paste, and processed fruits and vegetables.
- Khao soi is an iconic dish in Chiang Mai’s Lanna culinary heritage. The Sunday market includes khanom chin nam ngiao and khanom chin nam ya. For a meal with a performance, the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center offers a traditional northern-style Khan Toke dinner with traditional dances and performances. Nimmanhaemin Road is a place to see art products, taste local cuisine and experience Chiang Mai culture.
- Plan market visits around their stated days: Wua Lai is open on Saturdays and Tha Phae Walking Street is a Sunday market.
- Try khao soi alongside the local dishes sold at the markets.
Where can you find mountain scenery near Chiang Mai?
Head to Doi Suthep for a mountain-side temple and to Doi Inthanon National Park for Thailand’s highest mountain, a nature trail and waterfalls.
- Doi Suthep-Pui National Park starts close to the city: its foothills are 6 kilometres away, and attractions lie along the approximately 16-kilometre route towards the summit. The park includes Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep and Bhubing Palace, as well as natural areas that support plant and animal life, especially birds.
- Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s highest mountain, at 2,565.3341 metres above mean sea level. At the top, Ang Ka Luang nature trail is 2,560 metres high and can be reached by car; Mae Ya Waterfall is in the park’s southern part. Plan around the park’s annual closure from May 1 through July 31, and note that alcohol is not allowed in Thailand’s national parks.
- Check the Doi Inthanon National Park closure dates before planning a visit.
- Do not bring alcohol into Thailand’s national parks.
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?
November to February falls in the national winter season, while February to April can bring recurring smoke and haze.
- Thailand’s hot season runs from mid-February to mid-May, the rainy season from mid-May to mid-October, and winter from mid-October to mid-February; monsoon dates can vary. In Chiang Mai, January averages about 29 C with 7 mm of rain, while April averages about 36 C with 50 mm and very high crowds. May brings about 160 mm of rain and June about 125 mm; August and September are wetter still, at about 220 mm and 210 mm. Smoke and haze recur from February through April.
- Loi Krathong and Yi Peng (November): Loi Krathong, also called Yi Peng in northern Thailand, is an important yearly festival. Loi Krathong is celebrated nationwide on the full-moon night of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar, normally in November.
- Songkran (April): The traditional festival falls on 13–15 April, with celebrations in Chiang Mai and destinations across Thailand.
- Chiang Mai Water Festival (April): The 2026 event was held 11–13 April at Wat Chedi Luang in Mueang District, Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival (February): The 2026 festival took place 13–15 February at Nong Buak Haad Public Park in Mueang Chiang Mai.
- Charming Chiang Mai Flower Festival (December–January): The third festival ran from 15 December 2023 to 1 January 2024 at the 82nd Birthday Anniversary Commemoration Park in Mueang Chiang Mai District.
Arrival card
Non-Thai nationals must submit a Thailand Digital Arrival Card online within 3 days before arrival, including the arrival date.
- It applies to entry by land, air or sea and is valid for one use on the expected arrival date.
- Transit passengers who do not pass through immigration do not need one; leaving the airport requires one.
VAT refund
Eligible purchases must total at least 2,000 baht, VAT included, per day per store.
- Shop at a store displaying the “VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS” sign and take the goods out of Thailand within 60 days.
- For total purchases of 20,000 baht or more, show the goods, P.P.10 form and original tax invoices to Customs before check-in; submit the refund request on the departure date.
Temple dress
Dress appropriately at temples; prohibited clothing includes sleeveless shirts, short pants and see-through tops.
- The prohibited list also includes vests, short tops, torn or tight pants, bike pants, mini skirts, pants skirts and sleeping suits.
Plugs and power
Thailand’s outlets are 220v at 50 cycles per second.
- Outlets generally take flat, two-pronged plugs; some have holes for round plug ends, and few have three holes for grounded plugs.
Emergency help
Call the Tourist Police hotline on 1155.
Alcohol rules
Alcohol may generally be sold from 11:00 to 24:00, and the legal drinking age is 20.
- Sales can be restricted during major religious days or other official periods announced by authorities.
- Alcohol is not allowed in Thailand’s national parks.
Park entrance
Doi Inthanon National Park charges foreign adults 300 baht and foreign children 150 baht.
- Doi Inthanon National Park closes annually from May 1 through July 31.
- Doi Suthep-Pui National Park charges foreign adults 100 baht.
Browse Chiang Mai stays
Near Chiang Mai
Straight-line distance from the centre of Chiang Mai.
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Getaways from Chiang Mai
Places people from Chiang Mai travel to, from our own travel research.
Frequently asked questions about Chiang Mai
How do I get from Chiang Mai airport to the city centre?
Take an airport shuttle, a city bus or a taxi from Chiang Mai International Airport. Shuttle vans pick up at Gate 12; route A1 costs 40 baht and runs along Nimmanhaemin Road, Huay Kaew Road and the moat.
How do I get around Chiang Mai?
Use the R3 airport bus loops, municipal buses or walking around the moat-encircled old city. The loops serve stops including Tha Pae Gate, while municipal bus B1 connects the Arcade with the railway station, Tha Phae Gate and Suan Dok.
Where should I stay in Chiang Mai for a first visit?
Thapae is a useful base for entering the walled old city, while the Night Bazaar puts you near food and handicraft stalls. Both areas are served by an R3 airport bus loop.
Where should I stay for nightlife in Chiang Mai?
Consider the Night Bazaar area for its market, food, activities and performances. Airport Shuttle Bus route A2 and the R3 Yellow Line serve the Night Bazaar.
Where should I stay on a budget in Chiang Mai?
Compare accommodation in Chang Khlan, Nimmanhaemin, Night Bazaar and Thapae, the areas identified for hotel stays. The available facts do not provide budget accommodation prices.
Which Chiang Mai temples should I visit?
Visit Wat Chiang Man for its history, Wat Umong for its tunnel system, and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for its hilltop setting and Lanna architecture. Wat Suan Dok is another stop near Suan Dok Gate.
What should I wear to temples in Chiang Mai?
Dress appropriately and avoid sleeveless shirts, short pants and see-through tops. The prohibited list also includes vests, short tops, torn or tight pants, bike pants and mini skirts.
How much does Wat Phra That Doi Suthep cost?
The electric tram costs 50 THB for foreigners, and the stated foreign adult entrance fee is 30.00 with no currency specified. The tram operates from 06:00 to 18:00.
What can I do in Chiang Mai besides visiting temples?
Browse the Tha Phae or Wua Lai walking-street markets, try khao soi, or take a boat trip on the Mae Ping River. Nimmanhaemin Road is another place to see art products and taste local cuisine.
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?
November to February falls within the Northern region’s winter season, while February through April can bring recurring smoke and haze. January averages about 29 C and 7 mm of rain.
When are Chiang Mai’s main festivals?
Loi Krathong and Yi Peng are associated with November, while Songkran falls on 13–15 April. Chiang Mai’s 2026 Flower Festival took place 13–15 February.
Can I visit Doi Inthanon National Park all year?
No; Doi Inthanon National Park closes annually from May 1 through July 31. The foreign adult entrance fee is 300 baht and the foreign child fee is 150 baht.
What is khao soi?
Khao soi is an iconic dish in Chiang Mai’s Lanna culinary heritage. The Sunday market also sells khanom chin nam ngiao and khanom chin nam ya.
How do I get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok?
A flight from Bangkok takes just under an hour and a half. On the SRT Northern Line, Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat) is the departure station and Chiang Mai is the arrival station.
How do I claim a VAT refund in Thailand?
Eligible purchases must be at least 2,000 baht, VAT included, per day per store, at a shop displaying the VAT refund sign. The refund request is made on the departure date, trip by trip.