By Kylian Dev
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
A golden temple perched in the mist at 1,000m, with a panoramic view.
Destination guide · North
Chiang Mai: the 10 best things to do, where to stay and budget
The Rose of the North charms with its laid-back pace at the foot of sacred mountains and its 300 teakwood temples. The birthplace of Lanna cuisine and artisan coffee roasters.
- Best: November to February
- €25 - 45 / day
In short
Chiang Mai (North) — The Rose of the North, its teak temples and mountains. Best time to go: November to February; average temperatures 26°C. Budget: about €25 - 45 / day. Weather: 26°C • Cool nights (15°C) and mild days
RegionNorth
TypeCity & culture
Best seasonNovember to February
Avg. temperature26°C
Budget / day€25 - 45 / day
Thai nameเชียงใหม่
Must-sees
Top 10 things to do in Chiang Mai
The Rose of the North, its teak temples and mountains
Sunday Walking Street
The craft and food-stall market that transforms the old town.
Ethical elephant sanctuaries
Respectful, no-riding observation in the wild Mae Wang valley.
More things to do in Chiang Mai
- 4
The temples of the old city
TempleHalf dayInside the moat, Wat Chedi Luang and its ruined chedi, Wat Phra Singh and dozens of smaller Lanna temples are within walking distance. Go early, and dress with shoulders and knees covered.
- 5
A Thai cooking class
FoodHalf dayMany schools pick you up in the morning, visit a market with you and teach you five or six Thai dishes, often on a farm outside the city. One of the best-rated experiences in Chiang Mai.
- 6
Doi Inthanon National Park
NatureFull dayThailand's highest peak (2,565 m), with twin royal pagodas, waterfalls and the Kew Mae Pan nature trail. Bring a warm layer: it is cool at the top, especially from December to February.
- 7
The Saturday and night markets
MarketEveningBesides the Sunday Walking Street, the Wualai Saturday market and the Night Bazaar fill the evenings with crafts and street food. Ideal for your first evening.
- 8
Nimmanhaemin district
Culture2 to 3 hThe trendy area near the university: specialty coffee, galleries, small restaurants and a relaxed student vibe. A good base for digital nomads.
- 9
Wat Umong, the forest temple
TempleAbout 1 hA temple set in woods at the foot of Doi Suthep, with meditation tunnels dating from the 14th century. Quiet and shaded, a nice contrast to the busy old city.
- 10
Hiking in the hills around Mae Rim and Mae Taeng
ActivityFull dayOne- to three-day treks lead through forests and hill-tribe villages. Choose a small-group operator that works with the villages, and avoid tours that include elephant riding.
Great forTemples & CultureJungle & HikingYoga & Wellness
Weather
When to go to Chiang Mai?
26°C • Cool nights (15°C) and mild days. Month-by-month outlook:
- JanIdeal
- FebIdeal
- MarFair
- AprFair
- MayFair
- JunRain / monsoon
- JulRain / monsoon
- AugRain / monsoon
- SepRain / monsoon
- OctFair
- NovIdeal
- DecIdeal
IdealFairRain / monsoon
Budget
Budget in Chiang Mai: how much per day?
Plan on roughly €25 - 45 / day per person, excluding international flights.
Budget
25–45 € / day
Indicative split of a typical day (estimate)
Accommodation
~14 €
Food
~9 €
Activities
~7 €
Local transport
~5 €
Transport
How to get to Chiang Mai
Transport tip
Rent a scooter or hop on a red pick-up truck (Songthaew) for 30 baht a ride.
From Bangkok → Chiang Mai
Long haul: a domestic flight or night bus/train is usually easier
Flight
~582 km
Nearest destinations
Chiang Mai → Pai
Road
~85 km · ~1.5 h by road
Chiang Mai → Mae Hong Son
Road
~121 km · ~2 h by road
Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle
Road
~154 km · ~3 h by road
Where is Chiang Mai?
Accommodation
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
The best-known areas to base yourself:
Old City
Inside the moat, among the temples, everything walkable.
Nimman
Trendy café and coworking area, popular with digital nomads.
Night Bazaar / Riverside
Near the Night Bazaar and the Ping River, more upscale hotels.
See hotels in Chiang MaiPartner
Full guide: where to stay in Chiang MaiFood
What to eat in Chiang Mai
Khao Soi with mild curry and crispy noodles
Khao Soi with mild curry and crispy noodles
Sai Oua (handmade lemongrass sausage)
Nam Prik Ong with tomatoes and fresh herbs
Can’t decide?
Chiang Mai or…? Compare
Budget, weather, vibe and activities side by side.
Combine with
Similar destinations
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Chiang Mai
What are the best things to do in Chiang Mai?
The must-sees are Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Sunday Walking Street, Ethical elephant sanctuaries. Also worth your time: The temples of the old city, A Thai cooking class, Doi Inthanon National Park, The Saturday and night markets.
How many days should I spend in Chiang Mai?
Allow at least 2 to 3 days to see the highlights of Chiang Mai, more if you combine it with nearby destinations.
Build an itinerary with Chiang MaiWhat is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?
The best season is November to February. 26°C • Cool nights (15°C) and mild days. Where possible, avoid the monsoon months shown in the calendar above.
Thailand weather month by monthWhat daily budget should I plan for Chiang Mai?
Plan on roughly €25 - 45 / day per person (Budget), excluding international flights. Use the budget calculator to fine-tune it to your travel style.
Estimate my budget for Chiang MaiHow do I get to Chiang Mai?
Rent a scooter or hop on a red pick-up truck (Songthaew) for 30 baht a ride. From Bangkok, Chiang Mai is about 582 km away as the crow flies.
Bangkok to Chiang MaiWhich area should I stay in, in Chiang Mai?
The most popular areas are Old City, Nimman, Night Bazaar / Riverside. The choice mostly depends on the vibe you want: lively, family-friendly or quiet.
Full guide: where to stay in Chiang MaiPlan your trip