CITY GUIDE
Chiang Mai travel guide: temples, mountains and markets
Northern Thailand’s laid-back capital, with 300 temples, cool mountain air, night markets and the best khao soi you’ll ever taste.
Chiang Mai feels a world away from Bangkok. The old city is ringed by a moat and ancient walls, with golden temples on almost every street, and the mountains are only half an hour away.
It’s the place for cooking classes, ethical elephant sanctuaries, jungle waterfalls and the magical Yi Peng lantern festival in November. Here are the sights we’d put at the top of your list.
On this page: Quick facts · Top attractions · Nightlife · Shopping · Where to stay · Getting around · Itinerary · FAQ
Quick facts
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | November to February (cool and dry). Avoid March and April, when smoke from crop burning can be bad. |
| How many days | 3 to 5 days |
| Getting there | 1-hour flight from Bangkok, or the overnight sleeper train (about 11–13 hours) |
| Getting around | Grab, red songthaew trucks, rented scooters |
| Don’t miss | Yi Peng lantern festival (November full moon) |
| Local dish | Khao soi, a coconut curry noodle soup |
Top things to do in Chiang Mai
From the temple on the mountain to the night bazaar, these are the experiences that make Chiang Mai special.
1. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Chiang Mai’s most famous temple sits on a mountain 15 km from the city, with a shining golden chedi and views across the whole valley. Climb the 306-step naga staircase or take the small tram.
- Opening hours: Daily about 6:00am–6:00pm
- Entry: About 30 THB for foreigners (tram extra)
- Getting there: Red songthaew from Chiang Mai Zoo or Grab, about 30–40 minutes
Our tip: Go early in the morning for cooler air and clearer views, and combine it with Wat Pha Lat on the way up.
2. Wat Pha Lat
A peaceful jungle temple halfway up Doi Suthep, with mossy stone statues, a waterfall and a viewpoint over the city. Reach it by the Monk’s Trail, a steep 40-minute hike through the forest.
- Entry: Free (donations welcome)
- Getting there: Monk’s Trail from the end of Suthep Road, or by car on the Doi Suthep road
Our tip: Wear proper shoes for the Monk’s Trail; it gets slippery after rain.
3. Wat Phra Singh
The most important temple inside the old city, with classic Lanna architecture and the revered Phra Singh Buddha image. Its small Viharn Lai Kham chapel has beautiful old murals.
- Opening hours: Daily about 6:00am–6:00pm
- Entry: About 40 THB for the main chapel
4. Doi Inthanon National Park
Thailand’s highest mountain (2,565 m) is a full-day trip from Chiang Mai. See the twin royal pagodas, the Wachirathan waterfall, cloud-forest walking trails and hill-tribe villages.
- Entry: About 300 THB for foreign adults
- Getting there: About 2 hours by car; join a day tour or hire a driver
Our tip: Bring a jacket. It can be cold at the summit, especially in the early morning.
5. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Every night, Chang Klan Road fills with stalls selling clothes, crafts, art and souvenirs, plus food courts and live music. On weekends, the Saturday (Wualai Road) and Sunday (Tha Phae Gate) walking streets are even better.
- Opening hours: Daily about 5:00pm–11:00pm
- Entry: Free
Our tip: Haggling is expected, but stay friendly. Starting at about 60% of the asking price is normal.
6. Royal Park Rajapruek
Large, beautifully kept gardens with a grand Lanna-style pavilion, international garden displays and orchid houses. It’s a relaxing half-day, especially from December to February when the flowers are at their best.
- Entry: About 200 THB for foreigners, including the tram
- Getting there: About 20 minutes by car from the old city
7. Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall
A unique waterfall where the limestone rock is so grippy you can walk straight up the cascades. It’s a fun, unusual half-day trip into the countryside.
- Entry: Free
- Getting there: About 1 hour north of the city; hire a songthaew or driver for around 1,000–1,500 THB return
Our tip: Go on a weekday to avoid the crowds, and bring a change of clothes.
Prices and opening hours were checked in 2025–26 and change often. Please confirm with the official site before you go. Some links on this site may be affiliate links; see our Affiliate Disclosure.
Nightlife in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai’s nightlife is relaxed and friendly, with live music in the old city, trendy bars in Nimman and riverside venues.
North Gate Jazz Co-Op
Chang Phueak Gate, Old City
A tiny, packed bar with brilliant live jazz and jam sessions. The crowd spills out onto the street.
Good to know: Tuesday jam nights are especially fun.
Zoe in Yellow
Ratchaphakhinai Road, Old City
A cluster of open-air bars and a dance floor, the centre of the old city’s backpacker scene.
Good to know: Gets busy after 10:00pm.
Warm Up Cafe
Nimman Road
One of Chiang Mai’s longest-running clubs, with live bands and DJs and a mostly local crowd.
Good View
Charoen Rat Road, riverside
A big riverside restaurant and bar with live music every night. Great for groups.
Nimman bars
Nimmanhaemin Soi 7 to 13 and One Nimman
Cocktail bars, craft beer and rooftop venues in Chiang Mai’s trendiest district.
Shopping in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the handicraft capital of Thailand. Look for silver, wood carvings, ceramics, textiles and hill-tribe crafts.
Sunday Walking Street
Tha Phae Gate and Ratchadamnoen Road
The city’s biggest market, stretching through the old city, with crafts, art, clothing and street food.
Good to know: Sundays from about 4:00pm to 11:00pm. Very crowded after 7:00pm.
Saturday Walking Street
Wualai Road
A smaller market on the silversmiths’ street, with handmade jewellery and a lovely silver temple, Wat Sri Suphan.
Good to know: Saturdays from about 4:00pm.
Warorot Market (Kad Luang)
Near the Ping River
The local market for dried snacks, northern sausage, fabrics and cheap goods. Great for food gifts.
Baan Kang Wat
Near Wat Umong
A peaceful artists’ village with studios, small shops, cafés and a Sunday morning market.
Bo Sang and San Kamphaeng
About 30 minutes east of the city
Villages famous for hand-painted paper umbrellas, silk and handicrafts. You can watch artisans at work.
Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center
Nimman
A modern mall with a cinema, supermarket and a rooftop with mountain views.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
| Area | Best for | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Old City | Temples, cafés and walking everywhere | Budget to mid-range |
| Nimman | Trendy cafés, bars and malls | Mid-range |
| Night Bazaar / riverside | Shopping, restaurants, river views | Mid-range to luxury |
Getting around
- Grab and Bolt: cheap and easy for most trips.
- Red songthaews: shared pickup trucks. Tell the driver where you’re going and agree the price before you get in (usually 30–50 THB per person in town).
- Scooters: about 200–300 THB a day. Only ride if you’re experienced and have the right licence and insurance.
A 4-day Chiang Mai itinerary
| Day | Daytime | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Old city temples: Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Man | Night Bazaar or the Sunday Walking Street |
| Day 2 | Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat, then Doi Suthep | Dinner and bars in Nimman |
| Day 3 | Ethical elephant sanctuary or a Thai cooking class | Khao soi and a massage |
| Day 4 | Doi Inthanon day trip or the Sticky Waterfall | Riverside dinner |
Frequently asked questions
When is the lantern festival in Chiang Mai?
Yi Peng is held on the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month, usually in November, at the same time as Loy Krathong. Check the exact dates each year and book hotels early.
Is it worth visiting an elephant camp?
Only choose sanctuaries that don’t offer riding or shows. Look for places where you watch, feed and walk with elephants, and read recent reviews before booking.
How do I get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Flying takes about 1 hour and is often cheap. The overnight sleeper train is a fun experience and saves a night’s hotel. Buses take around 10 hours.
Is Chiang Mai cheaper than Bangkok?
Generally yes. Food, massages and mid-range hotels are usually cheaper than in Bangkok or the islands.
