Thailand · Region
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is northern Thailand's cultural capital, a moated old city of centuries-old temples set against forested mountains and a cooler, slower pace than Bangkok. It's also the country's springboard for trekking, hill-tribe villages, and the annual Yi Peng lantern festival.
Top attractions
attraction Chiang Mai National Museum: Travel Guide (4.2★)
The Chiang Mai National Museum, on the northern edge of the old city near Wat Jet Yot, is the best single stop for understanding Lanna history, Buddhist art, and northern Thai culture before or after exploring the temples. 4.2★ (951 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Royal Park Rajapruek: Chiang Mai Travel Guide (4.6★)
Royal Park Rajapruek sits in Tambon Mae Hia on the southwest edge of Chiang Mai, open daily 8am to 6pm. 4.6★ (8,317 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Wat Chedi Luang: Chiang Mai Travel Guide
Wat Chedi Luang, in the heart of Chiang Mai's Old City on Prapokklao Road, is a must-see for its massive partially-ruined 15th-century chedi and the city pillar (lak mueang) shrine in its grounds.
attraction Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan: Chiang Mai Travel Guide (4.7★)
Wat Phra Singh, in Chiang Mai's Old City on Samlarn Road, is one of the city's most important temples, home to the revered Phra Singh Buddha image and the exquisite Lai Kham chapel murals. 4.7★ (17,577 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Chiang Mai Travel Guide
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep sits on a forested mountain about 15 km (roughly 30–45 minutes by road) northwest of Chiang Mai's Old City, crowned by a gleaming gold chedi and wide views over the valley.
Where to eat
restaurant Best Khao Soi Chang mai: Where to Eat in Chiang Mai
Head to Best Khao Soi Chang Mai in the Phra Singh area (address: 1, Tambon Phra Sing, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, 50200) for a classic bowl of khao soi — the northern Thai curry-noodle dish topped with crispy egg noodles.
restaurant Garden to Table Chiang Mai: Reviews, Menu & Quiet Hours (4.9★)
A plant-filled Lanna kitchen inside Chiang Mai's Old City walls: what 4.9★ reviewers say, what to order, and the hours when the courtyard is quiet.
Hidden gems
hidden gem Hidden Village: Chiang Mai Travel Guide
Hidden Village Chiang Mai is a rustic, jungle-style café and photo-op garden in San Phi Suea, on the northeastern edge of Chiang Mai city, best visited on a weekday morning or late afternoon to avoid tour-bus crowds.
hidden gem Night Bazaar: Chiang Mai Travel Guide (4.3★)
Night Bazaar Chiang Mai is the sprawling evening market strip along Changklan Road, open nightly from 5pm to midnight. 4.3★ (27,379 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
hidden gem Three Kings Monument: Chiang Mai Travel Guide (4.3★)
The Three Kings Monument stands on Prapokklao Road in the centre of Chiang Mai's Old City, in front of the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre. 4.3★ (9,053 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Top-rated things to do in Chiang Mai
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Where to stay in Chiang Mai
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Plan your trip to Chiang Mai
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Frequently asked questions about Chiang Mai
How do I get to Chiang Mai?
Most travellers fly into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), just ~10 minutes from the old city, with frequent domestic connections from Bangkok and regional international routes. Overnight sleeper trains on the State Railway's Northern Line also run from Bangkok's Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Chiang Mai railway station, a scenic journey of roughly 10-14 hours; long-distance buses from Bangkok's regional hub offer a cheaper if slower alternative.
How many days should I spend in Chiang Mai?
Plan on ~3-4 days to cover the old city's temples, markets, and a nearby trekking or hill-tribe excursion, or a week if adding side trips to Pai, Chiang Rai, or Doi Inthanon National Park.
What is Chiang Mai known for?
Chiang Mai is northern Thailand's cultural capital, a moated old city of centuries-old temples set against forested mountains and a cooler, slower pace than Bangkok. It's also the country's springboard for trekking, hill-tribe villages, and the annual Yi Peng lantern festival.