Chiang Mai Travel Guide

Travelling to Thailand: mind these Ps and Qs

For all the excitement people show about travelling to Thailand, some don't even bother to make an effort to be careful about their conduct when they're on someone else's home turf. Contrary to common belief, Thailand is...more

LUXURY HOTEL, CHIANG MAI

The best luxury hotels in Chiang Mai

As a popular tourist destination and Thailand’s ‘second city’, Chiang Mai has myriad accommodation options to choose from.

HOTELS, CHIANG MAI

5 happening new boutique hotels in Chiang Mai

You can’t go very far in Chiang Mai, Thailand’s ‘Rose of the North’, without coming across cool, new boutique accommodations. Home to Doi Suthep mountain to the west of town and the Mae Ping River in the east, Chiang Mai...more

BOUTIQUE HOTEL, CHIANG MAI

The best boutique hotels in Chiang Mai

Known as the ‘Rose of the North’ and Thailand’s cultural capital, Chiang Mai is famous for its artists, traditional handicrafts and unique sense of style. This focus on design and beauty is evident throughout the city’s ...more

BUDGET HOTEL, CHIANG MAI

The best budget stays in Chiang Mai

​While Chiang Mai has its fair share of incredible luxury hotels and resorts, it also has a wide range of budget accommodation options that won’t break the bank. The city’s cheaper hotels, guesthouses and hostels aren’t ...more

HOTELS, CHIANG MAI

Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa

Another luxury hotel located in the Wat Gate (Wat Ket) neighbourhood, Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa’s appeal comes from its emphasis on contemporary Lanna design noticeable throughout all its buildings, offerings and deco...more

RESTAURANTS, CHIANG MAI

5 hot spots for Northern Thai food in Chiang Mai

Thailand is known for its incredible range of food. You can easily order famous Thai dishes, such as phad Thai and green curry, served throughout the country, but each region also specialises in its own sets of dishes ba...more

RESTAURANTS, CHIANG MAI

10 of Chiang Mai’s best restaurants

Trying to list the best places to eat in Chiang Mai is nearly impossible – the city is filled with yummy options from 30 baht street-side satay to multicourse meals and 5-star restaurants. It has just about everything an...more

CAFES, CHIANG MAI

7 crowd-pleasing cafes in Chiang Mai

Nestled in the hills of the north, Chiang Mai is the coffee capital of Thailand in more ways than one. Not only are coffee beans grown in the surrounding mountains, but a thriving student and expat scene have spurred a b...more

RESTAURANTS, CHIANG MAI

10 vegetarian restaurants in Chiang Mai you must visit

Thailand is a relatively easy place to eat vegetarian—most dishes are a mix of meat and vegetables and it’s simple to substitute tofu for meat or leave the meat out all together. That said, most Thais aren’t vegetarian a...more

RESTAURANTS, CHIANG MAI

MahaNaga

The Chiang Mai branch of the popular Bangkok restaurant is situated in a gorgeous traditional wooden Thai house along the Mae Ping River just north of Fahaam Temple. The food served at MahaNaga features traditional Thai ...more

RESTAURANTS, CHIANG MAI

Food4Thought

It might take you a couple tries to find Food4Thought, it’s in a funny back street close to the intersection of Canal Road and Huay Kaew Road, but you’ll be happy once you have. Situated in a house and garden off of Huay...more

SIGHTSEEING, CHIANG MAI

7 unconventional temples in Chiang Mai

Thailand’s glittering Buddhist temples are the historical heart of the community’s social, educational and religious life and still play an important role in today’s modern world. Devoted Thais will head to temples, know...more

THINGS TO DO, CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai’s top attractions

Known as the ‘Rose of the North’, Chiang Mai is a little city that’s big on culture, art, food, spirituality, nature and simply enjoying life. With a history spanning more than 700 years, when Chiang Mai was first establ...more

SIGHTSEEING, CHIANG MAI

Wat Chedi Luang

Another important temple, Wat Chedi Luang was one of the first temples built in Chiang Mai and is home to the city pillar, which is thought to house Chiang Mai’s guardian spirits and help protect the city. First built ar...more

SIGHTSEEING, CHIANG MAI

Wat Phra Singh

A classic example of Lanna (Northern Thai) architecture and art, you may have noticed Wat Phra Singh as you made it to the end of the Sunday Walking Street on Ratchadamnoen Road, make sure you go back during the day for ...more

SIGHTSEEING, CHIANG MAI

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

You’ll find Wat Phra That Doi Suthep highly recommended in most Chiang Mai guides and for good reason— the temple, set atop Doi Suthep Mountain on the west side of town, is one of the most well-known in Thailand. With it...more

THINGS TO DO, CHIANG MAI

5 child-friendly activities in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai’s popularity as Northern Thailand’s leading tourist destination just keeps on growing, and for good reason. The welcoming capital of the north has a little something for everyone, whether you’re one or 99. Not...more

SIGHTSEEING, CHIANG MAI

5 national parks around Chiang Mai

​Northern Thailand is known for its misty, jungle-covered hills, refreshing waterfalls, mysterious caves and natural beauty. Outside of the city of Chiang Mai you’ll soon come across bright green rice fields, glittering ...more

SPAS, CHIANG MAI

10 super spas in Chiang Mai

Thailand is known for its famous traditional Thai massages and there are a range of massage shops and spas in Chiang Mai. While it may seem ideal to splurge on a massage on the beach in the southern islands or retreat fr...more

THINGS TO DO, CHIANG MAI

5 exciting adventure activities in Chiang Mai

Though it may be well known for its hundreds of gorgeous Buddhist temples, tantalizing street food and laid-back attitude, there are still many things to do in Chiang Mai. It isn’t just a place to rest and relax; it can ...more

SPAS, CHIANG MAI

Dheva Spa and Wellness Centre

In the world of luxury spas, the Dheva Spa and Wellness Centre at the stunning Dhara Dhevi resort manages to take things to the next level. Here no detail has gone unnoticed and, while the treatments are top-notch, the f...more

SPAS, CHIANG MAI

Deep Relax Spa

This mid-level spa in Chiang Mai’s Old City is the perfect spot to be if you’re looking for a lovely experience but don’t want to be dropping money on luxury treatments. Deep Relax offers a wide selection of basic spa tr...more

BAR, CHIANG MAI

Top 10 bars in Chiang Mai

Between the large student population, expat community and plenty of travellers always moving through, Chiang Mai is home to a wide array of bars and pubs. While the northern Thai city doesn’t have quite the high-intensit...more

BARS, CHIANG MAI

The Service 1921 Restaurant & Bar - Anantara Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is home to an impressive amount of luxury hotels and if you want to splurge on an upscale experience, why not grab a drink at one of their trendy bars? The Service 1921 Restaurant and Bar at the Anantara Resor...more

BARS, CHIANG MAI

HOBS

Thailand is known for its three most popular, domestic lagers―Singha, Chang and Leo―but if you are thirsty for something with a little more flavour (all the Thai beers are pretty mild and even often drunk with ice) head ...more

BARS, CHIANG MAI

THC Rooftop Bar

Another backpacker friendly spot, THC Rooftop Bar is kind of like a rasta beach bar, without the beach. Located opposite Tha Pae Gate, the bar calls out to backpackers with its low tables, well-worn mats and triangle pil...more

BARS, CHIANG MAI

Warm Up Cafe

Warm Up Cafe could quite possibly be Chiang Mai’s most well known party spot. Trendy students come here to sip on SangSom and sodas, discerning travellers sneak in knowing it’s a local hotspot, and quite a few Bangkok ce...more

SHOPPING, CHIANG MAI

7 shopping malls in Chiang Mai

It’s true, Bangkok has some of the best shopping in the world, but Thailand’s capital isn’t the only place in the country where you can shop till you drop and snag some specials. The northern city of Chiang Mai certainly...more

MARKET, CHIANG MAI

The top 10 markets in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is one of the best places in Thailand to stock up on traditional Thai handicrafts, tailor-made clothing, unique souvenirs and specialty food items from one of its many markets. While travellers are often famil...more

MARKETS, CHIANG MAI

Warorot Market

You can find literally anything within the Warorot Market complex (that’s technically made up of several different markets that have fused together). From live frogs and eels to reams of fabric and clothing, fishing nets...more

MARKETS, CHIANG MAI

Sunday Walking Street

Probably Chiang Mai’s most well-known market, the Sunday Walking Street runs every Sunday evening going late into the night. Starting at Tha Pae Gate with street stalls and a food court then running the length of Ratchad...more

MARKETS, CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai’s Student Markets

There are two markets close to Chiang Mai University that are particularly popular with the town’s student population and filled with cheap clothes, cheap food, and plenty of cheap accessories and other trinkets. One of ...more

MARKETS, CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai Gate Market

The fresh market at Chiang Mai Gate (the south gate in the Old City) will look completely different depending on what time you visit. If you want to experience a truly local aspect of life in Chiang Mai, head to the mark...more

SIGHTSEEING, CHIANG MAI

6 popular day trips from Chiang Mai

Situated in the beautiful northern Thai hills, Chiang Mai is not only an interesting destination itself but an excellent jumping off point to explore northern Thailand.

SIGHTSEEING, CHIANG MAI

5 Weekend outings around Chiang Mai

​One could stay in Chiang Mai for weeks, even months, and still not see all the sights the city has to offer or take part in all the activities the northern Thai hills hold. Weekends in particular are excellent for explo...more

SIGHTSEEING, CHIANG MAI

Doi Suthep

Doi Suthep is a mountain located on the west side of town. It isn’t just a recognisable landmark but a national park as well.

SIGHTSEEING, CHIANG MAI

Chiang Rai

Located about three hours away, you should really spend more than a day in the city of Chiang Rai, but if you’re pressed for time you can still quickly see some of the region’s main highlights.

SIGHTSEEING, CHIANG MAI

Suan Buak Hat

​Despite being surrounded by lush jungle and plenty of greenery, there aren’t many green spaces within the city of Chiang Mai itself. Suan Buak Hat park, nestled in the southwest corner of Chiang Mai’s Old City, is one o...more

ITINERARY, CHIANG MAI

48 hours in Chiang Mai

When it comes to Thailand, many people fly into bustling Bangkok then escape down to the country’s southern islands for plenty of sand, sea and sun. Just seeing the ‘Big Mango’ and relaxing on the beach is a mistake, esp...more