Things to Do in Chiang Mai

About Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai sits in northern Thailand, surrounded by mountains and packed with over 300 Buddhist temples. Monks in saffron robes walk the streets each morning collecting alms while vendors sell khao soi—the local curry noodle soup that defines the city's food scene. The pace is slower here. Temple bells ring across red-tiled rooftops at dawn, and the city wakes up gradually. By evening, the night markets open, selling silver jewelry, silk, and handicrafts made by local artisans. Doi Suthep temple overlooks everything from its mountain perch. You'll climb 300 steps to reach it. The view alone justifies the effort—on clear days you can see the entire city sprawled below. The Old City sits inside a square moat. Ancient walls still stand in sections. Cafes and guesthouses now fill converted shophouses, and the area has become a base for digital nomads and long-term travelers. Outside town, elephant sanctuaries offer a better alternative to riding operations—you'll feed and bathe the animals instead. Hill tribe villages dot the surrounding mountains, where communities maintain traditional practices and sell woven textiles. Several waterfalls hide in the jungle canopy within an hour's drive. Cooking classes here start at the market, where instructors explain ingredients before you grind curry paste on stone mortars. Most classes teach four to six dishes in a half-day session. The food is excellent—much better than what you'll find in Bangkok's tourist areas. Chiang Mai works for a weekend or a month. The cost of living runs low, the food scene keeps improving, and the temples never get old.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Rent a scooter (150-200 baht/day) for ultimate flexibility exploring temples and countryside. Always wear helmets and carry an international driving permit. For Old City exploration, use red songthaews (shared trucks, 30-50 baht) or grab ride-sharing apps like Bolt for fixed pricing.

Money: Thai baht is king—many vendors don't accept cards. Withdraw from official bank ATMs (220 baht fee) rather than street machines. Carry small bills for temples, street food, and songthaews. Budget 1,000-1,500 baht daily for mid-range travel including meals and activities.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes and cover shoulders/knees before entering temples. Never point feet toward Buddha statues or monks. Women cannot touch monks or hand items directly—use a cloth intermediary. Dress modestly when visiting hill tribe villages and ask permission before photographing people.

Food Safety: Eat where locals queue—high turnover means fresher ingredients. Stick to fully cooked dishes from busy stalls. Avoid raw vegetables unless at upscale restaurants. Try khao soi, som tam, and mango sticky rice from established vendors. Bottled water is essential; ice is generally safe at restaurants.

When to Visit

Chiang Mai's cool season (November-February) offers perfect weather with temperatures 15-28°C, minimal rainfall, and crystal-clear mountain views—but expect 40-50% higher accommodation prices and crowded attractions. December-January peaks during Western holidays. The hot season (March-May) brings scorching 35-40°C heat and smoky burning season (March-April) with poor air quality, though hotel rates drop 30-40%. Despite discomfort, this period has authentic local experiences with fewer tourists. Rainy season (June-October) features daily afternoon downpours, lush green landscapes, and temperatures around 24-32°C. Hotels offer their best rates (50-60% off peak season), and morning activities remain largely unaffected by evening storms. Major festivals include Yi Peng Lantern Festival (November full moon), Songkran water festival (April 13-15), and Flower Festival (first weekend February). Digital nomads favor November-March for reliable wifi during storms. Adventure seekers should visit June-August for dramatic waterfalls and jungle treks. Budget travelers benefit most from May-September's lower prices, while luxury seekers should book November-February for optimal weather despite premium rates.