Welcome to Chiang Mai, a city nestled in the heart of Northern Thailand, known for its vibrant culture, stunning temples, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s something for everyone in this charming city.
From exploring the ancient temples and historical landmarks to indulging in delicious street food and embarking on adventurous outdoor activities, Chiang Mai has it all. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through the best things to see and do in Chiang Mai, along with some insider tips to make the most of your stay in this fascinating city.
What To Know Before Visiting Chiang Mai
Best Time Of Year To Visit Chiang Mai
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is from November to February, during the dry and cool season. The weather is pleasant with clear skies, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city’s many temples and attractions. March to May can be quite hot and humid, while the rainy season from June to October may have occasional heavy downpours.
Amount Of Time In Chiang Mai
You can get a taste of Chiang Mai in just a weekend, but spending a week exploring the culture and surrounding area will leave you feeling more satisfied.
How To Get To Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai can be easily accessed through its international airport, which is served by several major airlines with direct flights from major cities in Asia, including Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Alternatively, travelers can take a train or bus from Bangkok or other nearby cities, which offers scenic views of the countryside and is a more budget-friendly option.
My Favourite Neighbourhoods In Chiang Mai
Old City
Nimman Road
Riverside
Where To Stay In Chiang Mai
Tamarind Village — This is my go-to in Chiang Mai. I love how historic and intimate the property feels, as well as its location right within the historic Old City walls.
Raya Heritage — Sister property to Tamarind Village, located a few miles up the road. It’s an incredibly stylish property overlooking the river that feels a million miles removed from the hustle and bustle of Old City.
Anantara Chiang Mai — Sleek property in the Riverside neighbourhood located right on the banks of Mae Ping. Many of the rooms here are both large and recently renovated, making it a great pick for families or those with mobility considerations.
Where To Eat In Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has a coffee culture rivaling that of cities like Paris and Rome.
Coffee Shops
+ Akha Ama Coffee
+ Carrotcoffeecnx
+ SELF
+ FOHHIDE
+ Cafe at Kalm Village
Casual
Arjun Saiyud’s Kitchen / Homestyle cooking from a mother-daughter duo with stunning plating. Save room for dessert, and order the sweet potato.
Mrs. Pa’s Fruit Shake / You’ll find this little fruit shack amongst a dozen other food trucks just across from the 7-11 at the South Gate. It’s beloved with locals, who claim she has the freshest fruit and creamiest smoothies in town.
Thapae East / Jazz nights and poetry slams – this is where the cool kids in Chiang Mai go at night.
Gin Udon / Little izakaya with some of the best hand pulled noodles I’ve had in my life.
Ginger Farm Kitchen / True farm-to-table dining located inside of the swanky One Nimman.
The Camellia Cafe & Music Bar / A great people watching venue on Nimman Road that’s popular with a younger crowd, especially on the weekends.
Fine Dining
Food For You Restaurant / Unexpectedly incredible dining pretty much in the middle of nowhere. Reservations are both essential and difficult to make unless you speak Thai, so ask a friend or concierge to help you out with this one.
Khaomao-Khaofang Imaginary Jungle / Did you ever go to Rainforest Café as a kid? Imagine that, but polished for adults with a Michelin nod.
THUUB Bar / Swanky speakeasy spot for cocktails and light bites with an interior design that’s richly evocative of Lanna heritage.
Kiti Panit / Newest restaurant by the owners of acclaimed Michelin restaurant Le Du that takes a contemporary look at traditional Lanna cuisine.
The Service 1921 / Very cool concept restaurant located in a building that was formerly the British consulate. The happy hour here is great.
Redbox / Buzzy restaurant featuring contemporary Thai dishes with influences from the chef’s background in Malaysia and Brunei.
Blackitch Artisan Kitchen / Seriously fine dining using fresh local ingredients and experimental techniques. If you’re a foodie, don’t miss this.
The Best Things To Do In Chiang Mai
Kalm Village / Design-forward new development in Old City that has a great mix of shopping with a focus on traditional craftsmanship and sustainability. There’s also a cool concept café, as well as regularly scheduled yoga classes and movie screenings.
Doi Suthep / An incredibly sacred mountain with an eponymous temple at the summit. I recommend coming here with a guide for context, as this is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Thai people, and participating in all the blessings and prayers.
Morning Market / Morning markets have a special energy that you should experience at least once. Find the Flower Market every morning on Prasanai Road along the river or the Thapae Gate market in Old City.
Huay Tung Tao Lake / Hang out like a local on a sunny afternoon. There are dozens of traditional restaurants lining the lake, and every local will tell you a different one is the best.
InClay / Stunning pottery studio that functions as both a retail and gallery space. The owner, Jirawong, also offers traditional ceramics classes.
Night Markets / There are actually quite a few night markets throughout Chiang Mai that you could explore. My favourite is the Tha Pae Walking Street Market, which comes alive once a week with all kinds of vendors and performers. If you can’t make that, the Night Bazaar runs every evening and encompasses an entire neighbourhood.
Temple Hopping / Chiang Mai is renowned for having more than 300 temples, many of them within the historic old city walls. I booked a guided tour through Tamarind Village which included riding through the old town by traditional samlor to the morning market, where we picked up some breakfast both for ourselves and the monks we were visiting.
Be Sure To Pack
- Slip on shoes, both for temples and some nicer stores – my favourites are the Gora Gora slides from Sanuk.
- Modest clothing – I felt most comfortable having either my shoulders or knees covered even outside temples.
- Athletic fabrics, it gets hot! I especially love everything from Abercrombie’s traveler line for a balance of polished and practical.
Leave Room In Your Luggage
- coffee beans
- silk
- hill tribe silverware
- tea
- ceramics
