Welcome to my Chiang Mai travel guide, where you’ll find handpicked recommendations for accommodation, things to do, food and drink, unique experiences, and so much more.
But before diving in, I want you to know why I’ve created this guide.
I first visited Chiang Mai in 2014 as a bright eyed 17 year old on my first solo trip, and this city ultimately changed the trajectory of my life. It’s where I found my first remote job, launched my digital nomad career, and discovered the confidence to live unconventionally. After 10+ years and dozens of trips (my most recent being this month), Chiang Mai remains the place I keep on coming back to through every season of my life.
While most guides are written by people who’ve visited once or twice, this one draws from over a decade of exploring every corner of the city, watching it evolve, and building relationships with locals who’ve shown me places I would never have discovered otherwise. I’ve also spent significant time in the surrounding areas, especially the rice paddies, which is reflected in many recommendations throughout this guide.
This Chiang Mai travel guide covers all the classics you’d expect like the must-see temples, bustling markets, and incredible street food that put the city on the map. But what sets this guide apart is diving deep into the city’s thriving culture which is easy to overlook but impossible to forget: an incredible vintage scene, epic coffee culture, and live music tucked into every corner.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or looking to discover new sides of the city, I’ve organized this Chiang Mai travel guide by neighborhood and experience type, with honest reviews based on years of trial and error, so you can spend less time researching and more time exploring.
Chiang Mai Travel Guide at a Glance
Currency: Thai Baht (฿). $1 USD = ~ ฿32. Withdraw baht at ATMs with your debit card, and bring a bit of cash if you need to exchange (I use VK Money Exchange in the Old City).
Best Time to Visit: October to January for best weather, May – September for less tourists (rainy season), avoid February – April during burning season.
Staying Connected: I use an Airalo eSIM rather than a local Thai SIM card because it’s affordable and easier to top up.
Getting Around: Rent a scooter, take Grabs (Southeast Asia’s Uber), or use shared red trucks called songthaews. If you’re taking a bus or train to Chiang Mai, or want to visit nearby places like Pai or Chiang Rai, 12go is a reliable site for schedules and booking tickets.
Where to Stay: Lita Guesthouse, Astra Sky Tower, Hotel Ping Silhouette
Things to Do: Visit temples, shop and eat at markets, take a cooking class, swim in waterfalls
Shopping: Saturday & Sunday markets, Jing Jai market, Playworks, vintage stores
Where to Eat: Pari, Aoyjai, Khao Soi Maesai, Goro Japanese, Tua Craft Krub, night markets
Best Cafes: Building A, Baristro, A-roon, Thingamajiggy, CoolMuang
Table of Contents: Chiang Mai Travel Guide
My Map of Chiang Mai
Here’s a map of Chiang Mai with everything in this guide pinned so you can visualize things while planning your trip.
Chiang Mai Neighborhood Guide
To contextualize the following Chiang Mai travel guide, I figured I’d start with a neighborhood guide to give you a lay of the land. You can also check out the map above to get a feel for the city’s layout.
Old City Chiang Mai
The Old City of Chiang Mai is the historic heart, surrounded by ancient brick walls and a moat. Within the walls, you’ll find a charming mix of traditional temples, cozy guesthouses, and laid-back cafés tucked down narrow lanes. It’s the cultural area of Chiang Mai, easy to explore on foot, where you can hop from one temple to another, wander through weekly night markets, and find an abundance of places to stay for all budgets.
Nimman
The trendy Nimmanhamen district of Chiang Mai, lovingly dubbed Nimman, is the more cosmopolitan area of the city. It begins at the northwest corner of the Old City above the airport, and you’ll find lots of chic stores, upscale boutique hotels, nightclubs, and some of the best restaurants and cafes in Chiang Mai. It’s also home to a big mall called Maya, and One Nimman, an open air shopping center with weekly markets.
Ping River
This district stretches along the tranquil banks of the Ping River to the east of the Old City. It’s a more relaxed, scenic side of Chiang Mai, with leafy streets, lots of local markets, and way fewer tourists. You’ll find a blend of old teak houses and modern design, with easy access to the city and areas surrounding Chiang Mai. If you continue east for 15 minutes on a scooter, you’ll hit the rice paddies, and there won’t be another farang (foreigner) in sight.
Santitham
The area just north of the Old City is Chang Phueak. In my experience, this is one of the most authentic neighborhoods in Chiang Mai, where you can really experience the city’s true vibe, especially around Santitham. The area has a chill residential feeling with local temples, bustling markets and some of my favorite hole in the wall restaurants. I find Santitham perfectly positioned for exploring, with quick access to the highway network surrounding Chiang Mai. The accommodation tends to be more budget friendly guesthouses and apartments in between grandmas selling khao soi from carts on the street. It’s only a 15 minute walk to the center of the Old City, but here you’ll be staying among actual Thai families.
Changklan
This area stretches down Changklan Road from the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar toward the river in the southeast of the city. It’s pretty split between tourists and locals, with a couple of huge apartment buildings (the Astra condos) that are a mix of Airbnbs and long term rentals. The Night Bazaar is the main attraction in this area, which is what brings the tourists, but there isn’t much else going on. It’s a convenient place to stay if you want to be close to the train station or in a quieter area – so long as you don’t book something right next to the market.
Suthep
The Suthep area spreads west from the Old City towards the mountains and the airport. This Chiang Mai neighborhood is where it starts to feel a bit more suburban and green. You get the best of both worlds: close enough to head into town without a huge trek, but you can also wake up to quiet mountain views. I love staying out here when I need a break from the city chaos, but still have access to everything. You’ll find some beautiful boutique resorts, lots of student housing thanks to Chiang Mai University, and plenty of quiet streets with local cafes and restaurants that cater more to students than tourists. Being right next to the airport is also super convenient, and it’s right at the base of famous Doi Suthep and other mountain temples.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
I’ve stayed at dozens of properties in Chiang Mai over the years, ranging from budget guesthouses and hostels to upscale boutique hotels and resorts. These are some of my recent favorites:
Budget: Lita Guesthouse
I’ve mostly stayed at hostels in Chiang Mai, and Lita is by far my favorite because the dorms have single beds as opposed to bunks. It’s a chilled out spot next to the Chang Phueak night market, owned by Nakara, the coolest guy ever, who frequently hosts nights out, day trips, and BBQs. The dorms only have a few beds each (there’s one private room on the top floor), the location is great, the vibe is social but not party, and there’s an amazing view from the rooftop. I’ve stayed here for over a month, all in all, and loved every second.
Mid Range: Astra Sky River or Chiang Mai Eco Resort
Astra Sky Tower: If you’re looking for an Airbnb in Chiang Mai, the Astra Sky Tower Apartments are as good as it gets. This newer high rise is along Chang Klan Road, with a massive infinity pool on the rooftop, a sauna, a gym, and various fully equipped apartment options. It’s perfect for small groups and families or if you want more space than a hotel room. It’s only a couple of minutes on a scooter to the Old City and while it’s not traditionally Thai, it’s a convenient and practical stay.
Eco Resort: The Chiang Mai Eco Resort was the first place I ever stayed in Chiang Mai, back in 2014. I must admit, when I went to visit this year, the property isn’t as glamorous as it once was, but it’s still one of the best places to stay in Chiang Mai (maybe I’m just sentimental *shrugs*). There are numerous rooms with multiple beds – both bunks and singles – that have access to a gorgeous open air shared bathroom, making it ideal if you’re traveling in a group. There are also private ‘suite’ style rooms overlooking the pool, which are better for couples. The property is expansive, with gorgeous exotic grounds, a couple of places to eat (the food is incredible), and a small outdoor gym. It’s in a quieter area of Chiang Mai, across the river just past Wat Ket, and about 10 minutes from the Old City.
Luxury: Hotel Ping Silhouette
My boyfriend and I just stayed here for a week because I scored an incredible deal through Booking.com’s Genius Rewards Program (not sponsored, I just truly believe that it’s the best way to save on accommodation while traveling). We’re normally budget travelers, but this was a worthy splurge. The thoughtfully designed boutique hotel is right on the river with gorgeous grounds, attentive staff, and a cute pool area. I highly recommend booking a River Room, which is spacious with a stunning bathroom that opens out to a balcony. I loved having a soak in the deep tub and enjoying the view.
Lita Gusthouse Common Spa- Chiang Mai Eco Resor
- Hotel Ping Silhouette
What to Do in Chiang Mai
There’s no shortage of things to do in Chiang Mai, with new experiences, markets, and attractions cropping up every day. It can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to figure out how to spend your time, especially if it’s your first visit. But I’ve found that the best approach is to mix the obvious must-dos (yes, you should go to Doi Suthep) with the more local experiences that make Chiang Mai special.
While the city has changed plenty over the years, one central theme still rings true: Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s slower, sleepy destinations and one of the best things to do here is just kick back and chill. Some days I’ll temple hop like a proper tourist and others I’ll just sit in a café with a book, wander through a neighborhood market, or ride my scooter for hours along the rice paddies surrounding Chiang Mai. The city rewards both approaches, and there’s really no wrong way to explore it.
Here’s the quick list with detailed explanations in the dropdown below.
- Temple Hopping
- North Gate Night Market
- Baan Kang Wat
Temples in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has something like 300+ temples, which sounds completely insane until you start walking around and realize there’s one on every corner. Chiang Mai temples each have completely different personalities – some are total tourist magnets where people are fighting for photo space, while others feel so local you wonder if you should even be there.
While I took a tour of the most famous temples in Chiang Mai on my first visit in 2014, I’ve since had my most memorable temple experiences at places that aren’t in guidebooks – stumbling into evening chanting sessions, being invited in by monks, or just finding a quiet corner to sit and decompress.
These temples are my tried-and-tested favorites after a decade of exploration, but honestly, just follow your curiosity and you’ll discover your own hidden gems.
- Wat Ket
- Wat Umong
- Doi Suthep
Best Shopping in Chiang Mai
Shopping in Chiang Mai is one of the areas where the city shines brightest. There are next level markets, a thriving vintage scene, plus independent boutiques filled with unique finds. And if you need a break from all the treasure hunting, there are proper malls like Central Festival and Maya for big name brands and blessed air conditioning.
I’m a compulsive shopper and on my recent trips to Chiang Mai, I spent most of my time at markets and thrifting, especially since I’ve already done most of the cultural stuff. If you’re looking for souvenirs, unique keepsakes, vintage finds, or the cutest clothing, these are the best places to shop in Chiang Mai.
Markets // Vintage // More Shopping
Best Markets in Chiang Mai
These days, Chiang Mai markets are a far cry from what they were on my first visit. Way less elephant pants and so many more unique, handmade options and items you actually want in your house rather than more trinkets taking up space. There are also tons of new markets cropping up all the time, even pop ups. It’s a great way to see the creative side of Chiang Mai – people are doing lots of cool things in this city.
- Sunday Night Market
- Jing Jai Market
- Coconut Market
Secondhand & Vintage Stores in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai vintage stores are abundant and rival anything I’ve seen in major cities like Paris or NYC. I’ve scored everything from perfectly worn-in Levi’s to vintage band tees that would cost triple back home. You have your pick of classic thrift stores where you dig through bins or racks, and curated vintage where you pay a premium to have everything hand picked and displayed nicely.
These are some of my favorite spots with why I rate them below.
More Chiang Mai Shopping Recommendations
Chiang Mai is brimming with creativity, which shines through not only in the market scene but in local shops, too. There are boutiques everywhere, with the coolest in Nimman, the Old City, and outside of Thae Pae Gate. Expect everything from hand dyed textiles to modern takes on traditional Thai style and lots of little surprises.
My Favorite Restaurants in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai’s restaurant scene has evolved dramatically over the last 10 years. What started as mostly basic Thai joints and backpacker-friendly Western food has transformed into this incredible mix of authentic Northern Thai cuisine, innovative fusion spots, and legitimately good international restaurants that actually know what they’re doing.
The Thai food here is obviously next level, especially the Northern specialties like khao soi and pork soup that you can’t get properly anywhere else. But I’ve been equally impressed by how the international scene has developed. There are Italian places run by actual Italians, Japanese restaurants that would hold their own in Tokyo, and even some solid burger joints that I never expected to find.
The food markets get their own section below because some of the best meals I’ve had in Chiang Mai have been standing at a street cart or sitting at a plastic table surrounded by locals.
Thai Food
Japanese
Breakfast & Brunch
More Top Picks
- Khao soi
- Pari
- Me&B
- Khao-so-i
- Tacos Bell
- Thai BBQ / Hot Pot
Best Food Markets in Chiang Mai
What I love most about this city is how you’ll just randomly stumble across little night markets while walking around, usually packed with locals and zero English menus, serving some of the best food you’ll ever eat – just follow the smell of grilling meat! Some of Chiang Mai’s food markets only happen on certain nights, others pop up seasonally, and a few are so local that I’m still not entirely sure when they’re actually open.
My tip for eating at markets in Chiang Mai is to embrace the chaos and not be afraid to point at things you can’t identify. I’ve had countless incredible meals that started with me gesturing wildly at a bubbling pot or pointing to what the guy next to me was eating. Thai people are friendly, and even more so when you’re eager to try their local food. If you’re intimidated by the thought of going at it alone, there are tons of guided market tours that will take care of the ordering, all you have to do is eat!
- Saturday Night Market
- Northern Sausages
- South Gate Night Market
Chiang Mai Cafes & Coffee Shops
Chiang Mai’s café culture has transformed into an incredible scene of third-wave coffee roasters, Instagram-worthy spaces, and serious baristas. The city sits perfectly positioned in Thailand’s coffee-growing region, so many cafés roast their own beans from local farms up in the mountains. The cafes in Chiang Mai are also (mostly) catering to a large number of digital nomads in the city with reliable WiFi and lots of space to camp out, so don’t be afraid to bring your computer.
Below are my regular spots where you’re guaranteed good coffee and a nice atmosphere, if nothing else.
- Building A
- Imagine House
- Krisp
Best Bars in Chiang Mai
The Chiang Mai bar scene breaks down into a few distinct areas and vibes. You’ve got the Zoe in Yellow block, which is a cluster of interconnected bars and clubs in the Old City that’s been the main nightlife hub forever. It’s touristy but fun, and you can bar hop without walking more than a few steps.
Nimman has more upscale cocktail spots and a few proper nightclubs with cool DJ sets. There also the live music scene scattered throughout the city, from tiny jazz bars to bigger venues where local bands actually play incredible stuff.
Like with most tourist destinations, there are Thai bars (where locals hang out, usually way cheaper) versus the bars that cater to foreigners. The one downside is most places close pretty early – between midnight and 2am. But there are a few after party spots if you know the right places to look.
Getting Around Chiang Mai
The main forms of getting around Chiang Mai are scooter, Grab, red trucks, and walking. Some people also ride bicycles in Chiang Mai since the city center is pretty flat.
Scooters – Ridden by locals, expats, and tourists alike, scooters are by far the most popular mode of transportation in Chiang Mai. They’re also the most practical, given that scooters can navigate city traffic more easily and quickly than cars. Rentals cost anywhere between 150 and 400 baht per day, depending on the bike and the length of your rental. However, given the busy roads, scooters should only be driven by experienced riders. This definitely isn’t the place to learn how to drive one. I have a whole article dedicated to renting a scooter in Chiang Mai. Check it out if you’re considering this option.
Grab – Grab is Southeast Asia’s Uber, with multiple transport options available. If you don’t have experience driving a scooter but still want the benefits of riding one, you can call a Grab motorbike, where a local will pick you up and you’ll ride behind them. You can also call cars (and order food) on Grab the same way you can on Uber. Motorbike rides are often between ฿30 – ฿60 for short trips while car rides can be anywhere from ฿150 – ฿300+. Chiang Mai is a small city, so Grab is normally very affordable. From the Old City to the airport usually costs ฿150 in a car.
Red Trucks – Songthaews / Rod Daengs are the red trucks you’ll see driving around Chiang Mai and what I like to think of as the original Uber pool. These trucks are local shared transportation that will drop you anywhere in the Old City for 30 baht, while picking up other passengers along the way. They’re super practical if you’re visiting Chiang Mai with a group and you can rent them privately for longer trips outside of town. There are also yellow trucks that travel between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son if you’re planning to visit Pai.
Walking – Exploring on foot is the best way to really get to know Chiang Mai since you can see so much more than you would while zipping by on a scooter or stuck in a car. That said, the city’s sidewalks, or lack thereof, can make walking around sketchy, especially when you factor in crazy scooter drivers and cars on narrow streets in the Old City. If you plan on walking in Chiang Mai, bring good shoes and be alert.
Average Budget for Chiang Mai
For a budget conscious solo traveler, an average budget for Chiang Mai should be around 900 baht (~$27 USD) a day, which includes dorm accommodation, food, and transportation but no shopping. This is a pretty conservative estimate in my eyes even though there’s a bit of wiggle room, but you can definitely live for even less if you eat solely street food, walk everywhere, and score super cheap accommodation.
To be a bit more comfortable, I recommend an average budget for Chiang Mai of around 1500 baht per day, which will allow you to stay in a private room at a guest house or mid range hotel, eat at some sit down spots, and do a bit of shopping, splurge on massages, or go on excursions.
Prices also fluctuate seasonally, most things get more expensive during the cool season when tourism peaks, and you can find better deals during the rainy season if you don’t mind the occasional downpour.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect on average when planning your Chiang Mai budget:
Chiang Mai has definitely gotten more expensive since my first visit in 2014, though it’s still incredibly affordable compared to most popular destinations around the world. The biggest changes I’ve noticed are in accommodation and food. What used to be 200 baht for a decent guesthouse room is now closer to 400-600 baht, and even street food has crept up in price. The bargaining culture has also shifted quite a bit; vendors often have fixed prices and are less willing to negotiate, especially in touristy areas. Though you can sometimes still score deals on accommodation or scooter rentals if you’re staying longer or paying cash directly.
Luckily, the city still has plenty of free attractions and lots of ways to enjoy Chiang Mai on a budget. Temples are often donation based and even organized day trips rarely exceed 1000 baht (~$30). Whether you’re backpacking on 800 baht a day or living it up for 3000+ baht daily, Chiang Mai can accommodate pretty much any spending style.
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is late October through early January. After experiencing every season in the city, these cool, dry months are really perfect.
Avoid visiting Chiang Mai from late January to the beginning of April as it’s burning season. Farmers throughout Northern Thailand burn their fields, creating a thick cloud of smoke that makes Chiang Mai one of the most polluted cities in the world. I was in Chiang Mai in February and April of this year. The air quality was awful in February, but by April, with the start of rainy season, it had cleared up almost entirely.
This also aligns with Songkran, which is normally in the middle of April. It’s the Thai New Year and a huge water fight around the whole country to celebrate. If you’re thinking about a spring trip to Thailand, definitely think about April because Songkran in Chiang Mai is a true bucket list experience.
Late April through October is rainy season, which is a great time to visit for less tourists. The city is practically empty and prices are way lower for accommodation. The rain is on and off, and although it comes on strong and unexpectedly, it rarely lasts for the entire day. Don’t forget your raincoat!
- Songkran in Chiang Mai
- View of Chiang Mai
- Rice Paddies Near Chiang Ma
How to Get to Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is easily accessible by air via Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), by bus, or train. It’s an hour flight from Bangkok, or you can take a 10 hour night bus or a 12 hour night train.
I just booked a trip from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and it’s the second time it’s been cheaper to fly than take a train, even with a checked bag, so keep this in mind when planning your arrival in the city.
I always use 12go to check schedules and book tickets when traveling by bus, train, or boat in Thailand.
Flying into Chiang Mai is exceptionally convenient. It regularly takes me 15 minutes from landing to sitting inside a taxi coming off a domestic flight because the airport is so small and quiet.
Final Tips for Visiting Chiang Mai
These aren’t the obvious tips you’ll find in guidebooks, but rather some local advice that might come handy in a pinch.
Look Left!
When walking around Chiang Mai (and Thailand in general), remember to look left when crossing, as they drive on the left side of the road. If you plan on driving in Chiang Mai, a scooter or otherwise, remember to keep left and be aware of local driving laws like making a left on red (as well as license requirements).
Carry Tissue
Even some of the nicest places in Chiang Mai might not have toilet paper. Make it a habit to carry tissues in your bag or even stick a couple in your pocket so you have it when you need it most. Trust me on this one, I promise it’ll be used.
Cash is King
Many places in Chiang Mai are cash only. You can withdraw Thai baht at local ATMs or exchange it at counters throughout the city (my go to is VK Money Exchange for the best rates). Some places, you can use a card, but will likely incur a 3% fee. At markets, however, expect to deal in cash.
Leave the City Center
Some of the best places in Chiang Mai are beyond the city center. Once you leave the Old City and Nimman, you’ll discover tons of sleepy local neighborhoods that are what Chiang Mai used to be like back in the days. More local street food, fresh markets, and no tourists or traffic in sight. Head fifteen minutes north of the Old City and you’ll already be in the rice fields.
Learn a Bit of Northern Thai
The Chiang Mai dialect varies a bit from traditional Thai, and having a couple of words up your sleeve will make the locals fall in love. For girls, instead of saying ‘sawadee ka’ for hello, try ‘sawadee jiao’. Even a cheerful ‘jiao’ alone to the countryside aunties will be understood and heartfully received.
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