Chiang Mai International Airport is the primary hub for flights to Chiang Mai in Thailand, and it is located only a few kilometres from the centre of the city. You can find cheap flights to Chiang Mai through one of the many economy airlines that fly to this airport. Passengers are able to access a number of services in this busy facility. Banking services include currency exchange bureaus and cash machines. There are several restaurants and shops to include duty-free offerings and local produce and silk vendors. Travellers waiting for Chiang Mai flights can access the Internet on wireless devices for free since this airport is a Wi-Fi hotspot.
If you did not arrange for local transportation when you booked airfare to Chiang Mai there are rental car agencies as well as reliable taxi stands in the airport. These are flat-rate taxis that will take you anywhere in the city for a reasonable fare. You can also take the city bus or hire one of the interesting local transports such as tuk-tuks or songthaews. These are cheap options that you can use for vicinity travel as well. Some tuk-tuks have colour-coded routes, and you can flag them down for a ride. You will need to haggle a price, but do not pay more than 150 baht (local currency) for a ride anywhere. You can also walk, or rent a scooter or bicycle to get around town.
Chiang Mai is home to a wealth of museums with art, history and natural exhibits. There are a number of ancient temples to see as well. If you visit any temples, make sure that you wear appropriate attire, and ask permission before taking any photographs. These temples are very sacred to Thai people. The oldest historical area of Chiang Mai is the walled central portion where there are numerous shrines and temples including Wat Jet Yod, Wat Suan Dok, and Wat Phra Jao Mengrai. Each has a unique historical and cultural significance. When you exit the walled portion you will find some well-known attractions like Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep with its gold covered chedi, which is a Thai pagoda. Nature lovers will enjoy the Elephant reserves and parks as well as the Dokmai Garden, the local zoo, and the lush landscaping of the Bhuping Palace.
You will be able to shop night and day in Chiang Mai in the extensive local markets. You can buy a variety of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and bargain electronics. You can haggle prices in open markets. If you like celadon pottery you should also check out the Mengrai Kilns. The only place in Thailand with more food options than Chiang Mai is Bangkok. Many tourists experience one of the Khantoke dinners while visiting. You can go to Chang Khlan Road to find a wide variety of cuisine in the Anusarn Market as well. The prices range from very cheap to up-scale, so you have a lot of choices for your dining experience. Loi Kroh Road is the main area to find bars and pubs that cater to tourists, and Moon Muang Road offers sports and go-go bars, which are frequented more by locals.