Plan 3–4 days for Chiang Mai, plus a day trip to Chiang Rai or Doi Inthanon if you can.
Top things to do in Chiang Mai
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the golden mountain temple above the city.
- Old City temples: Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and silver Wat Sri Suphan.
- Sunday Walking Street and the Saturday market on Wualai Road.
- A Thai cooking class on a farm outside the city.
- An ethical elephant sanctuary where you watch, not ride. See how to choose an elephant sanctuary.
- Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain, with waterfalls and twin pagodas.
- Khao soi, the city’s famous curry noodle soup.
See all 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai, or
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
| Area | Best for |
|---|---|
| Old City | Temples, first visit, walking |
| Nimman | Cafés, nightlife, modern hotels |
| Riverside | Quiet luxury, river views |
| Night Bazaar area | Shopping, central transport |
| Mae Rim / outskirts | Resorts, nature, rice fields |
More in where to stay in Chiang Mai.
Getting around
The Old City is easy to walk. For longer trips, use Grab or Bolt, or flag a red songthaew (shared pick-up truck), which usually costs around 30–50 baht per person within the city; agree the price first. Renting a scooter is popular, but you need an international licence with a motorcycle endorsement and a helmet.
Getting to Chiang Mai
From Bangkok, flights take about 1 hour 15 minutes and are often cheap. The overnight sleeper train takes 11–13 hours and is an experience in itself; buses take about 10 hours. Compare options in Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai Airport is only 10–15 minutes from the Old City by Grab or taxi.
Best time to visit Chiang Mai
The cool, dry season (November–February) is the best. Yi Peng and Loy Krathong (around 24–25 November 2026) fill the sky with lanterns; see our Yi Peng lantern festival guide. March and April are hot and often smoky; the rainy season (June–October) is green and quieter. Details: best time to visit Chiang Mai.
Visa and before you go
From 15 September 2026, citizens of most visa-exempt countries can stay up to 30 days without a visa. All foreign visitors must complete the free online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 3 days before arrival.
Chiang Mai guides
- 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai itinerary: 3, 4 or 5 days
- Where to stay in Chiang Mai
- Best time to visit Chiang Mai
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai: flight, train or bus
- Ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai day trip from Chiang Mai
- Yi Peng lantern festival
More of Thailand: our Bangkok and Phuket travel guides.
FAQ: Chiang Mai travel
How many days do you need in Chiang Mai?
Three to four days, or five with day trips to Chiang Rai or Doi Inthanon.
Is Chiang Mai better than Bangkok?
They’re different: Bangkok is a huge, energetic capital; Chiang Mai is calmer, greener and cooler. Most first-timers visit both.
Is Chiang Mai safe?
Yes, it’s one of Thailand’s safest cities. Take care on scooters and mountain roads.
What should I wear to temples?
Cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering temple buildings.
Plan your trip to Chiang Mai
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