Chiang Mai Travel

Chiang Mai Weather Overview

Chiang Mai has a tropical savanna climate, tempered by the low latitude and moderate elevation, with warm to hot weather all year round. Nighttime conditions during the dry season can be cool though. Chiang Mai has a particularly chronic problem with burning (and resulting haze) in March. The mountain views disappear as the Ping River valley chokes under a dusty haze that can often be a health hazard.

Generally speaking, the weather of northern Thailand is far more temperate than that of central or southern Thailand. Northern Thailand, with its mountainous terrain and location in the Asian interior, brings cooler temperatures and less humidity. However, there is still quite a bit of precipitation during the rainy season and the weather gets very chilly once you head up into the nearby mountains.

Check the below table for the general idea of Chiang Mai weather throughout the year.

Best time to go to Chiang Mai

The ideal time to visit Chiang Mai is between October and April. Weather during this period is mostly cool and pleasant with light breeze, which is also why it’s peak tourist season. Another good time to visit Chiang Mai is during the festivals when the city is at its vibrant best. Here's a monthly break up of season and events so that you can plan your trip better?

Below is the best time to visit Chiang Mai for some special occasions or activities.

• Honeymoon. During the cool dry season from November until mid-February is ideal. The lantern festival is on in November which makes for a romantic experience.
• Wedding. November until mid-February is seasonally cool and dry with a warm and comfortable temperature. Rain showers are unlikely, so outdoor weddings won’t be threatened by bad weather.
• Elephant sanctuary. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, the rainy season of late April until late October is ideal. Elephant sanctuaries are extremely popular in Chiang Mai and visiting during this season means less crowds and more time with the animals.
• Lantern festival. Yi Peng, also known as the Lantern Festival, involves releasing lanterns into the sky that symbolises letting go of ills and misfortunes. It’s held on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month which is typically mid-November.
• Water festival. Songkran is a famous festival in Thailand which celebrates the New Year and brings in the most tourists. The official date of the New Year is April 13th but the water activities last until the 15th. Splashing water onto loved ones acts as a wish for a year of blessings, but recently the festival has turned into a giant water fight with water guns and all.
• Flower festival. The first weekend of every February Chiang Mai hosts a three-day Flower Festival. There are ceremonies, beauty pageants and gardens are filled with flowers found only in the Chiang Mai area.

Chiang Mai Seasonal Weather Guide

Cool season in Chiang Mai

This is the best time to go and explore Chiang Mai (weather wise). From November to February the temperatures are lower, during the day it is around 25°C and during the night it can be as cold as 13°C. If you travel up to the mountains, for example, Doi Inthanon, you might experience temperatures as low as 3°C.

During this season rain is rare, so humidity is low. You will find it very comfortable when walking around the city, but you may feel really chilly if you decide to ride a motorbike and you may need a jacket. The sky is blue, without clouds. Another good thing is that you don't need to turn on the air conditioning at night.

Travel Essentials

It is wise to bring all-weather gear along; particularly if you intend hiring a motorcycle to get around, or if going on a mountain trek. However, don’t leave out your summer clothes, as midday temperatures can climb up to 30°C.

Bring your photography gear if you love taking pictures; this is the best season to get stunning photos of Chiang Mai. It is recommended to go early in the morning if you are going to tourist spots because it will be crowded.

Festivals and Events

If you plan a trip in November, you will catch the Loy Krathong festivities, and in February you will see the Chiang Mai flower festival.

Loi Krathong Festival: Thai people launch their Krathong (traditionally a small container made of leaves which holds a small portion of food, like a traditional Thai dish or dessert and a candle) on a river, canal or a pond, making a wish as they do so.

This festival takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, hence, the exact date of the festival changes every year. In the western calendar, this usually falls in the month of November.

Chiang Mai flower festival: It takes place on the first weekend of February. Displays of yellow and white chrysanthemums and damask roses, a variety found only in Chiang Mai, abound. The focus of this Chiang Mai festival is at the public garden of Suan Buak Haad.

Hot season in Chiang Mai

March to June is the hottest and driest time in Chiang Mai. Tourists still visit Chiang Mai during this period; it's a good time to look for deals on hotels and flights. Even if the temperature during the day is high you can spend the afternoon in the pool and head out after sunset.

Temperatures can rise up to 40°C and rain is rare. The main problem at this time of year is smoke and dust in the air from burning fields. Nights during the hot season don’t bring much relief either. Remember to rent a room with air conditioning if you are planning to stay during those months.

Travel Essentials

It is very important to drink lots of water and bring bottles of water while you are traveling. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are also important for you to bring as the weather can be very hot in the middle of the day. Cotton shirts, shorts, and flip flops are the gear you might wear during this season.

Festivals and Events

Songkran (Thai New Year): The Songkran festival lasts for three days in April, and the roads around the old part of the ancient city become one giant water party for that time. Songkran in Chiang Mai is probably the most fun, compared to any other city in Thailand.

Inthakhin Festival: The Inthakhin takes place mainly at Wat Chedi Luang. Every year, citizens of Chiang Mai convene for a week-long worship ritual, believed to be the annual blessing for the city. Go after sunset to witness a magnificent offering ceremony or wait until the last day, when this festival culminates in a procession around the Old City moat.

Rainy season in Chiang Mai

July to October is the wettest season in Chiang Mai. Rainy season does not necessarily mean it rains all day; precipitation often comes as a quick, short blast of nature. Temperatures are slightly lower than in the preceding months but it is seriously humid.

The rainy season is otherwise a pleasant time to visit the north. The rains bring respite from the heat, and the landscape returns to its strikingly gorgeous shade of green. Rainfall is usually heaviest in September, with an average precipitation of 250mm.

Travel Essentials

Umbrella and raincoat should be in your luggage if you are planning to visit during the rainy season. It is also recommended to have mosquito repellant handy. Don’t risk going into rural areas, as there may be flooding; it is better to stay in or near the city.

Learn about how to plan your trip well during Thailand rainy season.

Festivals and Events

Rocket Festival: The rocket festival usually falls in July. The main purpose of the rocket festival is to pray for rain at the beginning of a new planting season. The fun part is the rocket contest, in which the scores are awarded based on how high and straight the rockets fly.

Elephant sanctuary: If you don’t mind getting a little wet, the rainy season from July to October is ideal for a visit. Elephant sanctuaries are extremely popular in Chiang Mai and visiting during this season means less crowds and more time with the animals. Find out the best elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Current Weather & 7-Day Forecast

CHIANG MAI WEATHER

Chiang Mai itself offers plenty of things to do in the way of cooking classes, temple visits, street food, and culture. But beyond its boundaries, you'll find natural perfection, awe-inspiring animals, and unique communities deep in the mountains.

Explore the sights with our list of top attractions in Chiang Mai:

1 Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

This mountaintop temple is a must-see in Chiang Mai. Wat Doi Suthep's central shrine contains a much-revered seated Buddha and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. You can reach the temple by hiking up the mountain (a sweaty but surely memorable endeavor), renting a motorbike, or hopping into a songthaew (red trucks that essentially operate as communal cabs). The drive is a short one, so you can do this whole trip in about two hours. At the base of the staircase leading up to the temple, you'll find vendors selling souvenirs, antiques, and snacks. Brace yourself for the climb because the staircase is steep, but the effort is well worth it. Statues of two demons guard the entrance to the temple precinct. Generally only two of the six gates leading to the gallery and the chedis are open. The gallery is adorned with statues of Buddha in the Chiang Mai and Sukhothai styles. The temple itself is ornate, with many representations of the Buddha, detailed dragon statues, and elephant carvings. There is also a small museum on the premises.

On a clear day (and most of them are clear, unless you're visiting during the rainy or burning seasons), you can look out over the entire city and spot the chedis atop other wats poking out among the clustered buildings. If you're wearing shorts, you will be required to put on a sarong-like wrap to cover your legs. It is advised to cover your shoulders and your legs at least past your knees when visiting any temple. There is a small fee to enter the temple complex.

2 Doi Pui

This small Hmong village is admittedly more tourist oriented than authentic. Yet there is a small exhibit of a traditional hill tribe home and information on the history of the many groups that have settled in the Thai mountains in past generations. If you're feeling particularly touristy, you can dress up in ethnic garb for a photo shoot, and there are many small shops where you can purchase hand-woven textiles, handmade jewelry, tea, and other goods.

You can also explore a large garden with a diverse array of plants and enjoy breathtaking views from the village. Stop for lunch at one of the small restaurants overlooking the greenery below and order a hot bowl of khao soi, Chiang Mai's most famous dish. It's a good idea to add this to your itinerary the same day you visit Doi Suthep, since you only need to drive a bit farther into the mountains to reach Doi Pui. Enjoy the ride; it's a beautiful one.

3 Doi Inthanon  

This is the highest peak in Thailand, and the national park that surrounds it is filled with some of the many natural wonders that make the country such a draw in the first place. You can do some trekking and hike the mountain, or take a more leisurely route around the park. Several waterfalls and a hill tribe village are other attractions, along with two pagodas built to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. You'll want to either hire a driver for the day or rent a motorbike and see the sites on your own, as you won't be able to make your way through the entire park on foot. But it's only about a two-hour drive from the city, so if you leave early, you can get in a full and satisfying day on the mountain.

4 Wat Chedi Luang

Ruins aren't exactly a rare sight in Chiang Mai, or in Thailand generally, for that matter. But there's something about Wat Chedi Luang that is particularly beautiful and haunting. Constructed in 1401, the imposing structure was damaged during an earthquake in 1545. But it remains remarkable today, and you can still see the massive elephant carvings that adorn it.

Beneath a huge gum tree on the left of the entrance to the precinct stands a delightful little temple, the Lak Muang. Built in 1940 on the site of an earlier wooden building, the shrine is the abode of Chiang Mai's guardian spirit (Lak Muang).

According to tradition, if the great tree should fall, disaster will overtake the city. The temple is something to behold at any time of day, but it's particularly lovely at night, when it is all lit up.

5 Wat Prasingh

This temple stands at the heart of the Old City, which is where travelers spend much of their time. Amid the sois, or alleys, and heavy motorbike traffic, Wat Prasingh rises at the end of Rachadamnoen Road. It is the largest wat in the city and dates to 1345, when an ancient king built it in his father's honor. The father's ashes are still buried on the grounds - but don't let that spook you from visiting. The decadent structures are impressive, and it's an especially great place to check out on Sundays.

The wat's most sacred shrine is a small building called the Phra Viharn Lai Kam, erected during the reign of King San Muang Ma (1385-1401) to house the famous, now sadly headless, Sukhothai-style figure known as the Phra Singh Buddha. According to tradition, the Buddha, in the familiar "calling the earth to witness" pose, came to Thailand from Ceylon, finding its way first to Ayutthaya and then to Kamphaeng Phet, Chiang Rai, Luang Prabang, and back again to Ayutthaya before, in 1767, arriving in Chiang Mai, where it has been ever since (but there are doubts as to the relic's authenticity). Head to Wat Prasingh in the early afternoon, and you'll have a chance to browse a market on the grounds, perusing creative souvenirs and sampling fresh juices and teas after visiting the temple.

Location: End of Rachadamnoen Road

6 Chiang Mai Gate Market

This is the place to find the best street food in Chiang Mai. Every night, vendors set up at the Chiang Mai Gate and sell everything from pad kra pow (spicy meat and basil dish) to the perfect dessert of fresh mango sticky rice topped with coconut milk. Do yourself a favor and order a smoothie from Mrs Pa. Her stand is located directly across from the 7-Eleven and says Pa's Smoothies on the sign. Your best bet is to let her mix up a concoction of her devising; you can never go wrong this way. The market is held seven nights a week, but it's best to go on weeknights since there are fewer vendors on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

7 Sunday Walking Street

If you're wondering where to get your street grub on during the weekend, fear not. Chiang Mai has a market for every occasion. The Sunday Walking Street is a must for eating and shopping in Chiang Mai. Go early, though, if you're not one for crowds. The main market thoroughfare is Rachadamnoen Road, which begins just behind Thapae Gate, where you'll find vendors selling handcrafted lamps, dolls, soaps, jewelry, clothes, Christmas ornaments, local handicrafts, and just about every other keepsake you can imagine. As you reach the end of the first block of Rachadamnoen, you'll find yourself flanked by two temples. The courtyards of both are filled with food stalls offering a grand mix of pad Thai, Japanese curry, sushi for 15 cents a piece, samosas, fried bananas, and dumplings. The market stretches the length of the road, and if you're interested in doing any shopping at all, leave yourself several hours to wander, shop, and eat. Also make sure to be patient, as the throngs can make it slow going when it comes to browsing.

The Saturday Walking Street on Wualai Road is a slightly tamer, and slightly less crowded, version of the Sunday market. You'll find it just behind the Chiang Mai Gate, and it's a great place to pick up hand-woven clothing, pillow covers, purses, wallets, and other items sold by members of local hill tribe communities.

8 Night Bazaar

This is a great spot for shopping, if you are prepared to do some haggling. Because the Night Bazaar attracts many tourists, you'll want to be on your guard against getting ripped-off. But there are some great finds here, from clothes and scarves to carvings and housewares. When you're finished shopping, you can take in a muay Thai boxing fight at the stadium on the premises. Muay Thai fights are a big part of local culture, and can add an exciting element to your stay in Chiang Mai. Entrance to the fights is usually between 200 and 400 THB.

Location: Chang Klan Road

9 Elephant Nature Park

There are many elephant camps around Chiang Mai, but all are not created equal. Many have been criticized as treating the animals poorly and overworking them. Elephant Nature Park is not one of these places. Visitors are invited to spend a day volunteering with the elephants, feeding them, and bathing them in the river. Most of the elephants are rescues, having suffered as show or labor animals. Once they come to ENP, they are no longer workers and are treated gently and respectfully.

A day spent here is an eye-opening experience, as you get to spend time up close with the elephants and learn about their plight. The cost of volunteering includes transportation and lunch, and the money goes toward maintaining the grounds and providing for the animals. Be sure to book in advance, as the volunteer spots do fill up ahead of time.

10 Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls

You'll definitely want to spend a day outside the city checking this place out. The wooded area surrounding the falls is serene and peaceful, but the real draw is the fact that you can walk up the falls. The limestone is "sticky" even as the water runs over it, so you can climb up and down to your heart's content. It's a real treat and provides a welcome complement to some of the more traditional tourist activities. Aim to go on a weekday, since the place is fairly crowded on weekends. For between a few hundred and a thousand Thai baht, you can hire a songthaew or tuk-tuk driver to take you out and back.

11 Huay Tung Tao

This is a perfect place to laze away a day under the Thai sun, surrounded by hills and with a lake to swim in at your leisure. This reservoir is popular with locals and expats. You can rent a hut on the lake for the equivalent of a few dollars and a huge tube to lounge on in the water for a small fee. Don't worry about packing lunch because you can order fresh fish and other dishes from the local kitchens. And it's only about 10 kilometers from the city, so it makes a perfect day trip. You can hire a driver and negotiate a pickup and drop-off rate. It's worth purchasing an inexpensive Thai SIM card, so you can give the driver a call if you need to make adjustments to your meeting times.

12 Art in Paradise, Chiang Mai

At Art in Paradise, you can surf a big wave, ride a magic carpet, and stand amid an erupting volcano, or at least look as though you are. This illusion art museum displays 3D art that has an incredibly realistic effect, providing plenty of fantastic photo opportunities. The collection includes more than 130 photos divided into different zones, such as the underwater world, wildlife, Ancient Egypt, and European cities. Pose for photos in the scenes of your choice for fun mementos of your visit.

Meal times in Chiang Mai are often among the highlights of a trip. Like its art, language and cultural heritage, Chiang Mai food is distinct from its cousins to the south and east. A much more pronounced influence from Burma and China is evident in northern cuisine, resulting in milder curries and the heavier use of ginger and turmeric. Khao Niao (sticky rice), instead of steamed rice, is the main staple at every meal and goes very well with a range of nam prik (chilli dips) unique to northern cuisine.

#1 - Khao Soi

Khao Soi is the one dish that you absolutely must eat in Chiang Mai. If you only have one meal in Chiang Mai, it should be Khao Soi. If you only have two meals, then you should eat Khao Soi again. Hopefully, you have at least four meals because Chiang Mai has four ‘not to miss’ spots to eat Khao Soi.

For the uninitiated, Khao Soi is a soup flavored with yellow curry and coconut milk, loaded with boiled noodles and then topped with fried noodles. Although Khao Soi is traditionally prepared with chicken or beef to comply with Muslim dietary rules, newer Chiang Mai restaurants, like Khao Soi Nimman, add various proteins like seafood and pork.

Each Chiang Mai restaurant provides a unique version based on the cook’s upbringing and preferences. Our favorite Khao Soi spots are Khao Soi Khun Yai, Khao Soi Lam Duan, Khao Soi Mae Sai and Khao Soi Nimman, Do yourself a favor and try all four.

Pro Tip: Be sure to add condiments to your bowl of Khao Soi. Popular sides are chopped shallots, pickled mustard greens, spicy roasted chili paste and lime juice.

Where to try?

• Khao Soi Khun Yai is located at Sri Poom 8 Alley, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
• Khao Soi Lam Duan is located at 352/22 Thanon Charoenrat, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
• Khao Soi Mae Sai is located at29/1 Ratchaphuek Alley, Tambon Chang Phueak, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand.
• Khao Soi Nimman is located at Nimmanhemin Soi 7, Chiang Mai, Thailand

#2 - Khao Kha Moo

Khao Kha Moo is a popular Chiang Mai dish, and nobody does it better than the famous “cowboy hat lady” at the Chang Phuak night market. We dare you to find a better value for a dollar than this plate of succulent stewed pork leg served over rice with an egg and flavorful sides like pickled mustard greens and garlic chili sauce.

It’s no wonder that crowds line up each night for the dish loved by locals and made famous by Anthony Bourdain. It’s a winner!

Where to try?

• Khao Kha Moo Chang Phuak is located by the North Gate at Thanon Manee Nop Parat, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Mai, Thailand

#3 - Noodles

We could eat rice noodles every day and never tire of their taste and texture. Perhaps that’s an exaggeration, but we’re willing to accept such a challenge in Chiang Mai where rice noodles are a staple served with all kinds of herbs, vegetables and proteins.

It’s easy to find Pad Thai in Chiang Mai. Though more of a Bangkok specialty, the national dish is also popular in Thailand’s second biggest city, especially at street vendors and fast dining establishments. Everybody loves Pad Thai, typically prepared with stir-fried noodles, peanuts and shrimp.

While in Chiang Mai, we expanded our noodle repertoire to include Pat Sii-Yew made with wider rice noodles and soy sauce as well as Pat Kii Mao, a spicier noodle dish with veggies. If you’re looking for a meat-free option, noodles are often a good way to go.

Where to try? Noodles are available everywhere in Chiang Mai – yet another reason that we love Chiang Mai.

#4 - Roast Chicken

In many cuisines, chicken is a bland, one-note dish. This approach is not the case in Chiang Mai where cooks flavor chicken as much as any other protein with cooking styles that vary by restaurant and by technique. We found our favorite Thai roast chicken dishes at Cherng Doi Roast Chicken, Kiet Ocha and SP Chicken.

Where to try?

• Cherng Doi Roast Chicken is located at Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand in the Nimman neighborhood.
• Kiet Ocha is located at 41 43 Intaworos rd., Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
• SP Chicken is located at Samlan Rd Soi 1, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.

#5 - Elevated Street Food

Eating in Chiang Mai never bored us with the city’s variety of good food and eateries. We stumbled into Arroy Dee for Pad Thai on our first night and then returned several times to enjoy other delicious Thai food, with Chiang Mai dishes like Khai Jiao (crispy omelets deep-fried in oil) and loaded Tom Yum Soup.

Any time we wondered where to eat in Chiang Mai, we came back to this shack for some of the best food in Chiang Mai. Arroy Dee translates from Thai to delicious or yummy, which is no exaggeration here.

Where to try?

• Aroy Dee is located “under the tree” on Sirimangkalajarn in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

#6 - Night Market Food

Night markets are wildly popular from the huge weekend Chiang Mai night bazaar inside the walls to Chang Puak by the Elephant Gate where the “Cowboy Hat Lady” sets up shop every night. We tried a lot of the Chiang Mai night markets, and our favorite was the Sum Meut Market a/k/a Hiding in the Dark Market. Open three nights a week, this smaller market outside of the Tops grocery store has it all including two of our local street food favorites – meat on a stick and Khanom Krok.

#7 - Meat on a Stick

We love to eat meat on a stick when we travel. Each cuisine takes this grilled staple and adds its own twist. People in Chiang Ma typically grill sausage so that it’s spicy, sour and full of flavor. When you walk around a night market, eating meat on a stick is a must eat Chiang Mai food option unless you’re a vegetarian.

#8 - Khanom Krok

We stumbled upon Khanom Krok at the Sum Meut Market for the first time. The vendor laughed when we asked for hot sauce. It turns out that Khanom Krok are coconut rice pancakes and are best eaten as dessert. The version that we liked best incorporates sweet corn into the coconut pancake. As a bonus, this Chiang Mai local food is vegetarian-friendly.

We didn’t look for western food to eat in Chiang Mai, but it’s hard to miss the many cafés sprinkled throughout the expat neighborhoods. Since there’s only so much spicy food that we can eat, we eventually drifted into local favorites that cater to westerners with dishes that we would normally find on brunch menus back home.

Many of the best cafés in Chiang Mai are located in the Nimman neighborhood close to our Airbnb apartment. We recommend both Larder Cafe & Bar and Rustic & Blue for their cool vibes and authentically prepared western comfort food. Or, if you’re feeling homesick, grab a burger at Beast Burger 0r some pizza at Why Not? – both serve solid versions of popular Western fare.

Where to try?

• Beast Burger is located at Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200.
• The Larder Cafe & Bar is located at 3/9 Sukkasem Rd | Suthep, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
• Rustic & Blue is located at Nimman Soi 7, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.
• Why Not? is located at Nimman Soi 11, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.

#9 - Chiang Mai Drinks

Drinks are everywhere in Chiang Mai from juice to beer and everything in-between. Though we drank our fair share of lager beer in Chiang Mai, we fell in love with the city’s coffee and smoothies.

Coffee

Since there’s a happening Chiang Mai coffee scene, we originally planned to try different a coffee bar every day both for the experience and for our Chiang Mai guide. We started our noble venture at Akha Ama and were pleased with our cappuccinos.

However, we hit trouble at Ristr8to Lab. Ristr8to’s coffee drinks were so good that they tainted our visits at other coffee bars. Though we found some other excellent Chiang Mai coffee bars like Ming Mitr Coffee, Nimmanian Club and Nine One Coffee, we eventually abandoned our plan and just went to Ristr8to Lab every day for guaranteed coffee bliss.

Where to try?

• Akha Ama is located at 9/1 Mata Apartment, Hassadhisawee Rd, Soi 3, Changphuak, Muang Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
• Ming Mitr has multiple locations in Chiang Mai.
• Nine-One Coffee is located at Moo 2 30 Tumbon Pamiang, Doi Saket 50220, Thailand
• Ristr8to Lab is located at 14 Nimmanhaemin rd soi 3 Suthep Mueang เชียงใหม่ 50200, Thailand.

Smoothies

We kind of love smoothies. How happy were we when we realized that not only are they readily available in Chiang Mai but they’re also cheap? After taste testing several, and by several we mean a lot, we can report that mango is the official smoothie flavor for the 2foodtrippers.

Smoothies are available all over Chiang Mai. We drank this one at The Larder Cafe located at 3/9, Sukkasame Rd, Suthep, Chiangmai, 50200, Thailand.

#10 - Chiang Mai Cooking Class

Taking a cooking class is a great way to delve into a city’s cuisine while traveling. The folks in Chiang Mai have clearly embraced this concept, and taking a Chiang Mai cooking class is one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

We spent a day cooking and eating Chiang Mai cuisine including Khao Soi. During the class, local Chef Panphalin Puntira (Lin) patiently demonstrated and taught local cooking techniques while sharing stories about Lanna Thai culture and her fascinating life.

We enjoyed the small group setting and vibe of this class and would recommend it to anybody wanting to learn more about Lanna cuisine. 

For first-timers, staying in—or near—the Old City (also referred to as “the square” as it’s boxed in by a moat) is often preferred. But repeat visitors find the bucolic countryside the best way to experience the destination. Here are some of the best hotels in Chiang Mai—from budget-friendly boutique properties to luxurious resorts.

Budget options

Hop Inn Chiang Mai 

Add: 1 Soi Saijai, Huay Kaew Road,Chang Phueak Sub District, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chang Phueak, 50300 Chiang Mai, Thailand

Set in Chiang Mai, less than 1 km from Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Centre, Hop Inn Chiang Mai offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. The property is around 1.3 km from Chang Puak Market, 1.3 km from Nimman Haemin and 2.2 km from Chang Puak Gate. The rooms have a balcony.

At the hotel, every room includes a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. The units will provide guests with a fridge.

Speaking both Thai and English, staff at the reception can help you plan your stay.

L'NER chiang mai 

Add: 64/12 ซอย ระแกง2ก ตำบล หายยา อำเภอ เมือง, Hai ya, 50100 Chiang Mai, Thailand

Featuring a restaurant and free WiFi, L'ner chiang mai is set in Chiang Mai, 800 m from Chiang Mai Gate. Less than 1 km from Elephant Care & Grand Canyon Jumping, the property is also a 10-minute walk away from Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Guests can make use of a bar.

All rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV.

L'ner chiang mai offers a terrace.

OYO 1015 Once More Hostel 

Add: 96/2-3 Ratchiangsaen Road Muang , Phra Sing, 50100 Chiang Mai, Thailand

Attractively situated in the Phra Sing district of Chiang Mai, OYO 1015 Once More Hostel is situated 700 m from Elephant Care & Grand Canyon Jumping, 800 m from Wat Sri Suphan and less than 1 km from Chiang Mai Gate. With a shared lounge, the 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is 1.9 km from Three Kings Monument, and within less than 1 km of the city centre.

At the hotel, each room is equipped with a wardrobe. At OYO 1015 Once More Hostel rooms include a TV with cable channels.

Languages spoken at the 24-hour front desk include Thai and English.

Gord Chiang Mai 

Add: 29/8 Ratchamanka Rd. Soi 6 T. Phra Singh, Phra Sing, 50200 Chiang Mai, Thailand

A 5-minute drive from Chiangmai International Airport, Gord Chiang Mai offers spacious rooms with a flat-screen TV. Its facilities include a restaurant, free Wi-Fi and free private parking.

Guestrooms at Gord come with modern décor, large windows and wooden flooring. Each well-appointed room is fitted with a refrigerator and an en suit bathroom with a hot shower.

With a 24-hour front desk, the non-smoking hotel provides free bicycle rental services. Room service is also available upon request.

Breakfast is served at the hotel’s restaurant. Fresh coffee and light snacks are available at the coffee corner.

Mid-range options

Your Space Hotel Prasingh 

Add: 135 Intha Warorot rd., Prasingh, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Si Phum, 50100 Chiang Mai, Thailand

Conveniently situated in the centre of Chiang Mai, Your Space Hotel Prasingh provides air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a garden. This 3-star hotel offers a tour desk and luggage storage space. Guests can have a drink at the snack bar.

At the hotel, every room is equipped with a wardrobe. At Your Space Hotel Prasingh each room is equipped with a desk and a private bathroom.

The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at the accommodation.

NORN Nimman13 Boutique Hotel Chiang Mai 

Add: 8 Nimmanhaeminda Road Lane 13,Suthep,Mueang District,Chiangmai 50200, 50200 Chiang Mai, Thailand

Situated in Chiang Mai, 200 m from Nimman Haemin, NORN Nimman13 Boutique Hotel Chiang Mai features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. Boasting a 24-hour front desk, this property also welcomes guests with a restaurant and an outdoor pool. The property is 2.6 km from Chang Puak Market and 3.3 km from Wat Phra Singh.

All rooms at the hotel are fitted with a seating area. At NORN Nimman13 Boutique Hotel Chiang the rooms come with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.

à la carte and American breakfast options are available each morning at the accommodation.

POR Santitham 

Add: 41/1 Changpuek Soi 4 Si phum Amphoe Muang, Si Phum, 50200 Chiang Mai, Thailand

Located in Chiang Mai, less than 1 km from Chang Puak Market, POR Santitham provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking and a garden. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel features family rooms.

Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area and a private bathroom with a hairdryer, a bidet and a shower. The rooms will provide guests with a desk and a coffee machine.

A continental breakfast is available daily at POR Santitham.

Le Naview @Prasingh 

Add: 12 Samlan Rd., T.Prasingh, A.Muang, Si Phum, 50200 Chiang Mai, Thailand 

Located in Chiang Mai, 500 m from Wat Phra Singh, Le Naview @Prasingh provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel features family rooms.

A à la carte breakfast is available daily at the hotel.

Deluxe options

Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts Hotel 

Add: 30 Prapokkloa Road, Phra Sing, 50200 Chiang Mai, Thailand

Set in Chiang Mai, 400 m from Chiang Mai Gate, Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts Hotel offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. This 4-star hotel offers a tour desk and ticket service. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a concierge service and free WiFi.
à la carte and American breakfast options are available every morning at the hotel.

Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts Hotel offers a sun terrace.

The Wing Boutique Hotel 

Add: 8 Ratchamanka Road Soi 7 Tambon Phrasing, Phra Sing, 50200 Chiang Mai, Thailand 

Attractively set in the Phra Sing district of Chiang Mai, The Wing Boutique Hotel is situated 700 m from Chedi Luang Temple, 800 m from Wat Phra Singh and 1 km from Three Kings Monument. This 4-star hotel offers a shared lounge and an ATM. The hotel features a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi.

The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. At the hotel, rooms are fitted with a private bathroom with free toiletries.

Guests at The Wing Boutique Hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast.

The accommodation offers a sun terrace.

Hyde Park Chiangmai 

Add: 59 Soi Chiangkhum Sirorod 2, Muang Chiangmai, 50200 Chiang Mai, Thailand

Situated just 2 km from the old town of Chiang Mai, Hyde Park Chiangmai offers comfortable rooms with free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk and security system. Free parking is also provided for those who want to explore the city and its must-see destinations.

Spread over 5 floors, the guestrooms feature warm tones and are fully furnished. The rooms come with air conditioning, a satellite flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower facilities.

During their stay, guests can work out at the fitness centre or enjoy a relaxing swim at the indoor pool. For children, there are also a shallow pool and a garden area.

Pingviman Hotel 

Add: 92 Sam Lan Rd., T.Phra Sing A. Muang, Phra Sing, 50200 Chiang Mai, Thailand

Boasting an outdoor pool, Pingviman Hotel offers Thai-style rooms in Chiang Mai. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

All rooms are equipped with a 48-inch flat-screen cable TV and a DVD player. The tastefully-furnished rooms feature wood-carving furnishings and a spacious bathroom with a bathtub.

Facilities at this hotel include a business centre, a fitness and laundry services. There are also a tour desk and business facilities.

Pingviman Hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Saturday and Sunday Night Markets, while Chiang Mai International Airport is a 15-minute drive away. Wat Phra Singh is 700 m away.

Traditional Thai cuisine, international specialities and the buffet breakfast are all served at Pingpirom Restaurant. Refreshments are available at the pool bar.

By Flights

The most popular and convenient way to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok is to fly there (airport code: CNX).

There are multiple daily flights to Chiang Mai from Bangkok on Thai Airways, Air Asia, and Nok Air.

The flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes around 1.5 hours, and depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book, can cost less than $50 each way. Thai Airways often offers very competitive rates to destinations ​served by budget airlines, so make sure to check with them before booking on another carrier.

The best part of flying to Chiang Mai is that Chiang Mai International Airport is just 10 minutes away from the center of the Old City. Also, the airport is very small and easy to navigate, so it’s very possible to be sightseeing within an hour of landing.

By Bus

The cheapest way to get to Chiang Mai is by either government-run bus or private bus (often called a "tourist bus," “VIP bus,” or "luxury bus").

Buses to Chiang Mai take about 10 or 11 hours and cost around 250 baht for a fan-cooled, government bus. If you take one of these, it will make frequent stops and you are not guaranteed a seat.

First-class government buses are slightly more expensive, go non-stop to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, and are very comfortable. They have reclining seats, and often a movie and snack are provided.

Government buses depart from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (at Mo Chit) at least a dozen times per day.

VIP and luxury buses depart from various parts of the city, including the Khao San Road area, at least a few times per day.

Buses arrive at Chiang Mai’s Arcade Bus Station, which is a few miles from the Old City. If you are planning on taking the bus, consider that bus accidents are far more frequent in Thailand than plane or train accidents. Every year there are dozens of incidents where buses have run off the road in the mountains and many of the accidents result in severe injury and deaths.

Note: If you opt for a night bus from the Khao San Road area, be aware that petty theft on these buses has been a problem for decades.

By Train

If you’re a train buff or just want to relax and take in the scenery while getting to Chiang Mai, consider taking a train.

There are around six trains each day that make the trip from Bangkok’s Hualumpong Station, and you’ll have your choice of everything from inexpensive third class seats to private sleepers on overnight trains.

The trains are very slow considering the distance — the slowest takes about 15 hours to make the 470-mile journey. But if you’re traveling during the day, you’ll get to enjoy some nice scenery. If you’re traveling by night, you’ll at least get to enjoy people watching and maybe even a beverage in the dining car.

When buying a train ticket, you'll need to choose which class:

• Third-class seats are hard, wooden benches in fan-cooled carriages and might make for tough going for all but the most intrepid and least sensitive travelers.
• Second-class seats offer more cushioning. If you are taking an overnight train and get a second-class sleeper, the seats open into flat beds with linens provided by train personnel. You'll have to choose between taking a top or bottom bunk. Top bunks are cheaper, however, they don't offer enough room for tall travelers to stretch out completely.
• First-class sleepers are private carriages shared by two people. If you want to arrange a sleeper, make your plans and get tickets well in advance. These seats sell out weeks — and sometimes even months — in advance. Though the trains are generally reliable, they do break down more frequently than they should, which can add hours to an already long journey.

Note: Unless you're traveling as a couple and want the privacy, a second-class sleeper suffices for many travelers. If you're traveling solo and opt for a first-class sleeper, you'll have to share the relatively intimate carriage with a stranger.

By private car

If you’re comfortable driving in Thailand, consider making the trip with your own wheels and renting a car.

Much of the first part of the drive from Bangkok is on flat, fast, very well-maintained highways. As you get into the northern part of the country, the terrain becomes more mountainous, but the roads remain very easy to drive. Though it’s a long trip to do in one day, if you stop in Lopburi or Sukhothai for a night, you’ll get a chance to see an interesting part of Thailand that many tourists miss.

If you do make the drive, try to schedule things so that you’re not driving in the mountains after dark. Even well-traveled routes sometimes lack sufficient lighting and there are frequent accidents.

Note: You'll be driving on the left in Thailand, along with interpreting new kinds of road signs and dealing with heavy traffic. Thailand consistently has one of the highest road fatality rates in the world. Only attempt the drive if you're comfortable with the pace of driving in Southeast Asia!