About Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand and lies at about 316 m elevation in a valley ringed by mountains. It is much greener and calmer than Bangkok. The old centre, inside a square moat with remnants of the city wall, is full of temples, coffee shops and small guesthouses. Well-known temples are Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang and, above the city on the mountain, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. On Sunday evenings a long street is closed off for the walking market, and the night bazaar and cooking classes are popular too. In the surroundings you can hike, cycle and visit nature parks such as Doi Inthanon. It is a good base for exploring the north, and a city you will easily want to stay longer in. Choose ethical animal sanctuaries and be aware of smoke haze in the dry season.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: cool and dry, with chilly mornings in the hills. From February to April smoke and haze from agricultural burning can limit visibility; June to October is the rainy season, green and quiet. The Loy Krathong and Yi Peng lantern festivals take place in November. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
Chiang Mai has an international airport with flights from Bangkok; you can also come by night train or bus from Bangkok (about 10 to 12 hours). In town songthaews and tuk-tuks run. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Chiang Mai
- Old City and moat Inside the square moat lie dozens of temples and cosy lanes.
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep A temple on the mountain above the city with views over the valley.
- Sunday Walking Street On Sunday evenings the old centre becomes a large market of crafts and food.
- Doi Inthanon The national park with Thailand’s highest mountain lies within day-trip distance.
