Plan Your Chiang Mai Holiday: Best of Chiang Mai
Explore Chiang Mai
Essential Chiang Mai
Things to do
Food & drink
How to do Chiang Mai in 3 days
My favourite spots to grab a bite in Chiang Mai
- Cafe Arte187Chiang Mai is known for its great coffee culture, with beans sourced from nearby hill tribe farms. In the Jed Yod neighbourhood, try Cafe Arte. The smiling owner and barista, Pop—he’s the one with the long grey beard—serves incredible coffee. The ambiance, with chandeliers and fresh roses, is straight out of a Japanese anime film. Go for ham and cheese croissants in the morning, and keep an eye out for the seasonal apple pie.
- Hong Tauw Inn229For a hearty lunch, I usually head to Hong Tauw Inn. It's located in Chiang Mai’s trendy Nimmanhaemin neighbourhood, but it’s not like the flashier spots in the area. It’s homey, with fresh table linens, vintage clocks, and exceptional northern Thai food. My favourite is khanom jeen kaeng phed kai (fermented rice flour noodles with spicy red chicken curry). Don’t overlook the restaurant’s sai ua (grilled pork sausage flavoured with herbs), a regional speciality.
- Smiley Kitchen36In food-focussed Chiang Mai, locals love to frequent the city’s many Japanese restaurants. Smiley Kitchen, run by a woman from Hokkaido, stands out from the rest because it excels at Japanese home cooking. When you head here in the evening for the bento dinners, you’ll notice that the dining room is packed with Japanese expats, a sign that you’ve found the right place. A nice extra is a free, self-service herbal tea corner.
- Khao Soi Lam Duan - Fa Ham209Northern Thailand’s beloved coconut curry noodle soup, called khao soi, is usually topped with crunchy fried egg noodles, shallots, cilantro, pickled mustard stems, lime, and nam prik pao (sweet, spicy chili paste). For my biweekly khao soi fix, I follow the locals to Khao Soi Lam Duan, one of the oldest restaurants in the area. Get your thick and flavorful broth with juicy pork chunks and a refreshing, sugar-free, cold-pressed orange juice.
- B Samcook Home 16818Chef Samak Phoolsawat’s (everyone calls him Chef Boy) bold, refined take on Northern Thai cuisine at his modest B Samcook Home16 restaurant is making waves across the city, and for all the right reasons. Made from the freshest ingredients, these seven-course chef’s table dinners are a true delight, with Chef Boy explaining what goes into dishes like garlic pepper pork ribs and duck leg served with homemade mixed berry sauce.
- Grandma Thong's Kitchen1Driving outside the city to Grandma Thong’s Kitchen, you’ll feel like you’re visiting relatives you haven’t seen for a while. She and her husband serve Thai classics like tom yum goong (a spicy prawn soup) and tod man kung (shrimp cakes with a sweet and sour dipping sauce). Drop in with friends for a crash course on Northern Thai cuisine. Decorated with fresh orchids, the sharing platters taste as good as they look.
- Warorot Market (Kad Luang)1,172Thais head to this large indoor and outdoor market by the Ping River to shop for everyday items, so it’s a lot less touristy than the city’s night markets. Go early, grab a cup of black coffee from one of the stalls inside, and stroll around. You’ll find everything from fresh flowers to hand-embroidery clothing, but it’s also a great place for local snacks like deep-fried pork rinds and grilled sausages.
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Chiang Mai Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Chiang Mai
caroline08Australia
Walk. There are over 300 temples in Chiang Mai – so visually it is an interesting place for a wander. Allow time in your planning to just ‘be’ in the city, walk around, have a coffee, find a little bar, explore the many bookshops and local markets. Don’t fill all of your time with planned activities.
pjw5758
Chiang Mai has some wonderful tournaments during the year which are great times to visit, like the Cricket 8's around Easter, the town comes alive and the atmosphere is excellent. Also October/November for golf, there is an amateur golf tournament run by Golf Asian, another great week for a sports enthusiast. I enjoy going to both and will be back again this year for golf.
nannyre
Please be careful when you are crossing a street here as there is no "pedestrian right of way.” The vehicle will win and you will then perhaps need more than a pharmacy.
Kirsty S
Chiang Mai isn’t known as the “rose of the north” for nothing. Its beauty and charm are evident in almost every corner of the city and in the natural landscape that surrounds it. As such, it’s the perfect destination for couples looking for a combination of adventure, culture and relaxation, all set against a backdrop of some truly spectacular scenery.
D C
Chiang Mai has something for everyone: from temples to college-town nightlife and touristy bars; delicious street food to boutique restaurants; from luxurious spa treatments to adventurous excursions to nearby mountains, rivers, elephant parks, and hill tribes; from massage & massage training to muay Thai - as a spectator or as a participant!; from vegan restaurants to American comfort food; from hostels galore to luxury hotels...
JoshShoeString
Food, night markets, shopping, culture, handicrafts, history... what else would you want? It's all here in Chiang Mai.
What is the best way to get there?
flying
The most common way for foreign visitors to get to Chiang Mai is by air. It is possible to fly directly into the Chiang Mai International Airport from nearby Southeast Asian cities, but this is generally not an option. Most travelers will connect via Bangkok. Fortunately, air travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai can be extremely cheap.
For detailed information on getting to Chiang Mai, including alternative modes of transportation, please refer to this article.
Do I need a visa?
Thailand has many bilateral agreements in place with other nations that allow visa-free travel. To check if your country is on that list please check here.
If your country is not listed, you will need to apply for a visa at your nearest Thai embassy. You can check here for more information on visas.
When is the best time to visit?
Winter: Late November through to mid-February are the cooler months to be in Chiang Mai. You will find you may need a jacket and jeans at this time of year. Some of the pools in Chiang Mai can be quite cold if they don’t get the sun. The days are still warm and pleasant. From mid-February onward, it starts to warm up and it’s unlikely you’ll need warmer clothes unless you are going into the mountains.
Chiang Mai also, unfortunately, suffers from air pollution in certain months due to crop burning. Please check out our forums to keep up to date on the situation.
Get around
walk
There are more than 300 temples in Chiang Mai. Visually, it is an interesting place for a wander. Allow time in your planning to just “be” in the city, walk around, have a coffee, find a little bar, explore the many bookshops and local markets.
tuk-tuk
To get around town you will usually use a songthaew or a tuk-tuk. Songthaews are red trucks with bench seats along the back and a cover over the top. The rate is 20B per person (young children don’t pay). Flag one down and say where you want to go. If the driver says no, it is probably because they are not going in your direction or on a set route. You can also negotiate to hire a tuk-tuk by the hour or to do a specific trip. Negotiate with the driver. Tuk-tuks will charge you between 60B and 100B for trips around town. They seat three comfortably.
For more detailed information on getting around, you can refer to this article.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Indochina Time, GNT +7
What are the voltage/plug types?
220 Volts / 50 Hz. Plugs are Type A, B, C, F (World Plugs)
What is the currency?
Thai Baht
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes and no. The cards accepted can vary widely, but if you intend to visit street stalls or use tuk-tuks/motorcycle taxis, it is useful to have cash.
Is it easy to find a bank?
Yes.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Thailand, there is absolutely no mandatory requirement to tip anyone, but small gratuities for great service are very much appreciated.
Are there local customs I should know?
The King
The king is very highly regarded in Thailand, as evidenced by the pictures displayed everywhere. Do not say or do anything disrespectful of the king or the royal family, even to the extent of stomping on a Thai coin or banknote which has been dropped and is rolling/blowing away. (It bears an image of the King's head, and is highly insulting to be touched by your feet.)
Royal anthem
Before each performance at movie theaters, the Thai Royal Anthem — known as Phleng Sansoen Phra Barami (เพลงสรรเสริญพระบารมี) or sometimes more simply as "Kha Wora" — is played. It is mandatory to stand up while it’s playing.
Temples and Monks
When visiting temples, dress conservatively. Women particularly should wear long skirts or trousers and cover their shoulders and knees. Many temples do not permit photography.
Remove your shoes
Always remove your shoes when entering temples (the same rule applies when entering a person's home), and do not sit with your feet towards the Buddha. Sit either cross-legged or with your feet tucked behind you.
No nudity
Thai people are very modest in nature, and public nudity is frowned upon even on beaches.
Chiang Mai travel advice
Tour Options Overview
According to forum posts, Chiang Mai offers a variety of tour options ranging from cultural city tours to nature excursions. Travelers have highlighted walking and cycling tours through the Old City as enjoyable ways to explore local markets, temples, and cafes.
Nature and Trekking Tours
Some users recommended trekking tours to explore the natural beauty and local communities surrounding Chiang Mai. Private trekking tours are available and can be customized to exclude activities like rafting or elephant rides, focusing instead on experiencing the environment and culture.
Guided Cultural Tours
For those interested in cultural immersion, guided visits to hilltribe villages near Chiang Mai and Pai have been mentioned. However, it's important to approach these with sensitivity towards the ethical implications and the authenticity of the experience.
City Exploration
Exploring Chiang Mai itself, travelers have enjoyed self-guided tours, utilizing local markets and historical sites to gain a deeper understanding of the city. Night markets and culinary tours are also popular for experiencing the local lifestyle and cuisine.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Air Quality Overview
According to forum posts, Chiang Mai experiences significant air pollution, particularly noticeable during the dry season from February to April. Travelers have called out that during these months, the air quality often deteriorates due to agricultural burning practices and forest fires, causing haze and smoke that can obscure scenic views and affect breathing.
Health Concerns
Some travelers said that the poor air quality is especially problematic for individuals with respiratory issues or heart conditions. The pollution during this period has occasionally reached levels that are considered unhealthy by global standards, with PM2.5 concentrations significantly exceeding safe limits.
Visibility and Daily Activities
For many users, the air pollution has impacted visibility of the surrounding mountainous landscapes, a major attraction in Chiang Mai. However, despite the haze, several visitors reported still enjoying cultural and urban activities within the city, like visiting temples and markets, suggesting that short visits can still be worthwhile with proper precautions, such as wearing masks.
Local Responses
Local residents and some visitors have expressed frustration with the recurring air quality issues and have urged regional authorities to take stronger action against the sources of pollution. However, as of the last updates, substantive measures to address the root causes of the pollution during the peak times have been limited.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Availability and Pricing
According to forum posts, taxis are readily available at Chiang Mai airport with a fixed fare system for journeys into the city. Travelers have mentioned that the typical cost is around 150 to 200 Thai Baht.
Booking and Convenience
For many users, it is advised to book a taxi at the airport upon arrival. Some travelers suggested using the taxi ticket counter located inside the airport to secure a ride, ensuring a standardized fare and reducing the risk of being overcharged.
Alternative Services
Additionally, forum posts suggest the availability of app-based services like Grab or Bolt as an alternative to traditional taxis. Prices may vary, and it’s recommended to compare these services for the best deal.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Itinerary Recommendations
According to forum posts, a recommended itinerary for Northern Thailand includes spending a few days in Chiang Mai to explore local markets, temples, and participate in a cooking class. Following this, travelers have suggested a day trip to Doi Inthanon for hiking and nature exploration. It's advisable to allocate a full day for this since the park offers extensive trails and scenic views.
Travel Considerations
Travelers have called out the importance of managing travel times and distances between destinations in Northern Thailand. For instance, a trip from Chiang Mai to Pai involves a winding, mountainous road that takes about 3-4 hours. Therefore, it's recommended to plan for sufficient travel time to ensure a relaxed experience.
Additional Tips
For many users, visiting less touristy areas and integrating into local activities like market visits or nature hikes enhances the travel experience. Also, considering the travel logistics and time constraints, it's advised to limit the number of destinations to avoid a rushed itinerary.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Authentic Massage Recommendations
Some travelers recommended the Lanna Thai Massage School located at 47 Chang Moi Kao Road for authentic massage experiences, where massages are performed by teachers. Prices are approximately 250-350 baht per hour depending on the type of massage.
User-Preferred Venues
According to forum posts, The Home Massage and Spa offers a clean environment and reasonable prices, including free pickup services. Another highly suggested place is the massage school at Thai Massage Shivagakomarpaj (Old Medicine Hospital), noted for its excellent services.
Experienced Masseuses
For those preferring experienced masseuses, a massage place near the Iron Bridge, next to a 7/11, was mentioned. It is recommended for its older female masseuses who provide more skilled muscle work compared to younger practitioners.
None
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Event Timing and Duration
According to forum posts, the Chiang Mai Flower Festival occurs annually in February. The festival typically clears out by Sunday night, although some displays remain in the park afterward.
Activities and Attractions
Travelers have called out the plant displays and shops as significant attractions, with the parade and floats being secondary but still enjoyable aspects of the festival. There's also a beauty contest that adds to the festival's charm.
Visitor Experience
Some users mentioned that their unplanned visits to the festival turned out to be delightful, with activities such as float decoration that were particularly memorable for children. The festival offers a chance to see the city vibrant with flowers and partake in unique local activities.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Cooking Class Options
Several cooking classes in Chiang Mai are recommended by travelers on the TripAdvisor forum. Popular options include Grandma’s Cooking School, A Lot of Thai, and May Kaidee. Some classes are especially suitable for families and children, such as the Siam Home Cooking Class, which is noted for being very child-friendly.
Booking and Flexibility
Travelers have shared that it is usually easy to book a cooking class upon arrival in Chiang Mai, allowing for flexibility in planning. Some schools, like Smile Organic Farm Cooking School, offer convenient services such as hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Class Features
Most cooking schools offer half-day classes, which include a trip to local markets as part of the experience. Prices and specific dishes can vary, so it is advised to check the class menus and pick one that features dishes you are interested in learning to make.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Tour Options for Doi Inthanon National Park
According to forum posts, several tour options are available for exploring Doi Inthanon National Park. Some travelers mentioned hiring a driver for a day trip, covering major attractions like waterfalls and pagodas. Additionally, local hiking companies offer guided hikes, especially useful during the rainy season when some trails may be closed or too muddy.
Booking and Tour Details
For many users, booking tours through local operators in Chiang Mai is recommended. These tours can be tailored to include specific sights like the Kew Mae Pan trail, waterfalls, and visits to local villages. It's advisable to book these tours in advance, especially during peak travel months, to avoid the disappointment of sold-out tours.
Self-Guided and Group Tours
Several travelers have called out the option of self-guided tours where you can hire a car and explore at your own pace. Group tours are also popular, available from various operators who can customize the experience to include cultural and natural sites within the park.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?