Chiang Mai

Area: 20,170 km²
Population:  ~1,799,000 ( 2024)

GEOGRAPHY
Chiang Mai Province is located in the North of Thailand about 700km from Bangkok in the Mae Ping River basin and is on average at 300 m (1,000 ft) elevation, it borders Shan State ( Myanmar) to the North; Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun province to the East, Tak province to the South and Mae Hong Son to the West.  is the second-largest province by population and the largest by land area. about 70% area of Chiang Mai is covered by forest with alot of National Park.

WEATHER & CLIMATE
Chiang Mai has a tropical wet and dry climate, tempered by the low latitude and moderate elevation, with warm to hot weather year-round, though nighttime conditions during the dry season can be cool and are much lower than daytime highs.
Cool Season (Nov–Feb) – Pleasant temperatures (15–25°C), ideal for travel.
Hot Season (Mar–May) – Highs up to 40°C, best for waterfalls and early-morning hikes.
Rainy Season (Jun–Oct) – Monsoon rains, lush greenery, fewer tourists.

TRANSPORTATION
Chiang Mai is well-connected by air, train, bus, and car, making it easily accessible from Bangkok and other parts of Thailand, as well as international destinations. 
By Air (Fastest & Most Convenient) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is about 4kms from the city center operating multiple daily international and domestic flights

By Train: Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Overnight Train departure from Hua Lamphong Station (now mostly shifted to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal)

By Bus: You can get to Chiang Mai by daily bus or car from any provinces in Thailand or International provinces in Vietnam, Laos or Myanmar.

SEE & DO

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the most important temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Built in the early 19th Buddhist century, the beauty of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is marked by seven-headed serpent statues that line the stairs to the temple where a Chiang Saen style golden pagoda and all its exquisite Lanna architecture is situated

Wat Chedi Luang temple is home to Chiang Mai's largest Buddhist chedi built featuring 98 meters tall and 54 meters in diameter. The construction of the original chedi was completed in 1481 during the reign of King Mengrai. But the current Chedi Luang is an restoration according to the deconstruction of the chedi in 1545 due to an earthquake

Wat Phra Singh is in the western part of the old city center of Chiang Mai. The full name is Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan. The temple is on of the highlights in the core zone of the Chiang Mai UNESCO World Heritage project. You can easily spend at least an hour exploring the compound of Wat Phra Singh.

Chiang Mai Old City: Walking the streets of the old city is, of course, a must. Inside the old city square, you find plenty of pretty streets, boutique hotels, tiny coffee shops, temples, and many massage spots. Surrounded by a canal, I enjoyed strolling the inside as well as the outside of the ancient city walls

Local Markets: The local markets will show you all about the culture and daily life of the local in each city you visit, there are some outstanding markets in Chiang Mai you should visit; Sunday Walking Street Market -  The best night market for handicrafts & street food, Warorot Market (Kad Luang) – Authentic local market for snacks & souvenirs and Night Bazaar daily market – Great for shopping & people-watching.

Elephant Nature Park (ENP) is one of Chiang Mai’s most ethical and respected elephant sanctuaries, offering a cruelty-free experience where rescued elephants live freely in a natural environment. Unlike traditional tourist camps that exploit elephants for rides or shows, ENP focuses on conservation, rehabilitation, and education.

Doi Inthanon National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Thailand. It is famous for its waterfalls, few trails, remote villages, viewpoints, sunrise/sunset watching, birdwatching and the all year round cold weather on higher elevations. The main park entrance is about 70 km southwest from Chiang Mai city center.

Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai is part of a breeding program of tigers in Chiang Mai. Safe and controlled interaction with animals in the centre is an effective educational tool to encourage public awareness and understand of wildlife. The animals themselves have been socialized since birth and enjoy all the personal attention!

Kingdom Chiang Mai is a park and restaurant where you can play and touch with tigers and also have a good lunch here. At the Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai, You can choose to play and touch puppy tigers, small tigers and big tigers. There is friendly staff helping you with your choice. When you arrive over there, you can choose what tiger you want to see and touch (small, baby, big). Once you’re in the park and you get to a cage, there’s an instructor that guides you in and let you get close to the different tigers.

Bua Tong Waterfall and Jedsee Fountain Forest Park, though not as well-known among tourists, is a stunning natural destination in Chiang Mai. Its relative remoteness, about 1.5 hours from the city, has preserved its tranquility and charm, making it a hidden gem worth exploring. Buatong Waterfall has four distinct levels, each offering a unique experience. The creamy white rocks, contrasting with lush greenery, are a visual delight. The water’s mineral content gives it a crystal-clear, bluish hue. While there are no areas deep enough for swimming, visitors can cool off in the small pools at the base of the falls. Remember to bring a swimsuit to fully enjoy this refreshing escape.

Karen Longneck Hill Tribe Village:  In Thailand , around 400,000 Karen live at between 800m and 1800m up in the mountainous and densely forested regions of Mae Hong Son, due west of Chiang Mai. Most villages are remote from Thai civilization. Houses are made of teak or bamboo and usually constructed on stilts to provide space and shelter for livestock. The Karen villagers have few possessions and little if any furniture, usually sleeping on floor mats, cooking on open fires, and drawing washing and drinking water from a nearby river. They are predominately farmers of agricultural produce for their own use and are often referred to as ‘The farmers of the forest’. 

Pongyang Jungle Coaster Ziplineis a place where people can feel joy, happiness, and excitement all at once. Pongyang Jungle Coaster Zipline have 36 platforms on the zipline that are located above the lush, green jungles, as well as a unique jungle coaster and a novel jungle bike experience.
Although there are many options for activities here, the zipline is the main attraction, so you shouldn’t miss it. Another enjoyable experience is the Jungle Coaster, where visitors ride in twin-bob sledges through a railed toboggan at a speed of 40 km/h while suspended between 1 and 6 meters above the ground. This ride is so awesome, just picture a rollercoaster in the middle of a jungle!

EAT & DRINK
Chiang Mai is a food lover’s paradise, offering a mix of Northern Thai specialties, classic Thai dishes, and unique street food. Here are some must-try foods when visiting. Popular local dishes include Khao Soi, Khan Toke, Sai Oua, and Gaeng Hang Lay...

Khao Soi is a northern Thai noodle soup that uses wheat-based egg noodles and is served in a coconut milk curry broth. It's typically made with chicken or beef, and the bowl is topped with crispy deep fried noodles. Although it is sometimes called "Chiang Mai Noodles" in the West, it is not unique to, nor originated from, Chiang Mai. 
Add: Khao-Sō-i: 430 4 ถนน เจริญราษฎร์ Fa Ham, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand

Sai Oua  is a famous northern Thai sausage that’s infused with a beautiful blend of spices and herbs, which makes it some of the most flavor loaded sausage in the world – all wrapped up in that beautiful orange coil of meat.
Oftentimes they actually broil or bake the sausage nowadays (but at some ready to eat street food stalls they still grill them).
Add: street foods on in the restaurants in Chiang Mai

Nam Prik Noom (น้ำพริกหนุ่ม) – A green chili dip served with fresh and steamed vegetables, pork rinds, and sticky rice. Nam prik noom is one of the tastiest green chili dips you could ever eat. The dish originated in Northern Thailand, and it is one of the first things I’d recommend that any visitor to that region should eat, particularly in any of the amazing Chiang Mai restaurants
Add: Tong Tem Toh -11 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 13, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Gaeng Hung Lay แกงฮังเล is one of the most iconic dishes of Northern Thailand, and arguably one of the tastiest! Pork belly and pork ribs are slowly stewed in a WHOLE bunch of herbs and spices. The result is tender fatty pieces of pork that has been entirely permeated by the rich and aromatic sauce.
Add: Galae Restaurant- 65 - 1 Suthep Rd, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Laab is one of the most iconic dishes in Thai cuisine that is  popular in many Thai restaurants around the world. To me, it represents one of the best parts about Thai food - spicy, bright flavours loaded with fresh herbs. 
Add: Laab Bunker - 168 Chiang Mai-Lam Phun Rd, Tambon Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand

Street foods: Chiang Mai is also a paradise of street foods, there are lot of local specialities: 
Sai Krok Isaan  – Fermented sour sausage, often grilled and served with chili dip.
Moo Ping  – Grilled marinated pork skewers, usually eaten with sticky rice.
Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiaw  – Rice noodles in a rich, spicy tomato-based broth with pork or beef.
Khao Kha Moo  – Braised pork leg stewed in soy sauce and spices, served with rice and a boiled egg.
Grilled Banana  – Sweet and caramelized, a popular street dessert.

Som Tum Thai specifically refers to the Som Tum presented here that is made with shredded green papaya as the main ingredient. The crunchy shreds of unripe fruit are pounded together with garlic, Thai chilis, long beans, tomatoes, dried shrimp, and roasted peanuts. All of these ingredients are then combined with a salty, sour, and sweet dressing made with fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. This style of Som Tum is popular in central Thailand and features a nice balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. 
Add: Som Tam Udon-3, 2 Soi Tantawan, Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

Mango sticky rice is one of the most popular Thai desserts, both in Thailand and around the world. This dish combines sweet, coconut-flavored Thai sticky rice with ripe mango slices. It's finished with a drizzle of sweet coconut sauce and a sprinkle of crispy mung beans for texture.
Add: Mana's Best Mango Sticky Rice - Ratvithi Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Kanom Krok is a traditional Thai dessert made from rice flour and coconut milk, cooked in a special pan with small round molds. These mini pancakes have a crispy exterior and a soft, custard-like center, and can be topped with many different toppings for added flavor.
Add: Khanom Krok -45 Prapokklao Road, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

NIGHTLIFE - bars and cafe
Chiang Mai’s nightlife is more laid-back than Bangkok or Phuket, but it still offers a great mix of bars, live music, night markets, and cultural experiences. 

Zoe in Yellow: Bustling nightclub complex with DJs playing electronic & hip hop music & serving alcohol in buckets. Chiang Mai’s most famous backpacker bar with cheap drinks, DJs, and a party atmosphere.
Add: 1 Ratvithi Rd, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand 

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar  or just Night Bazaar is directly east of the city moat, between it and the Ping River, on Chang Khlan Road, between Tha Phae and Sridonchai Roads. It is known for its handicrafts and portrait paintings. There are also jewelry, toys, clothing, and technology such as CDs and DVDs
Add: Changklan Rd, Chang Moi Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

The Kalare Night Bazaar is situated about 1/3 of the way down from the top end of the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar on Chang Khlan Road. Look for the Kodak & 7 Eleven stores to find the entrance or go to the first side street past the 7 Eleven for the side entrance. Tucked away from the bustle of the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar the Kalare Night Bazaar is a less hectic haven for a rest and is host to many shops including artist studios, jewellers, tour operators, shoe & clothing outlets and many others. Essentially it is a large undercover arcade full of shops with an open food court and entertainment area. The food court is unusual in that it operates on a "Coupon Dining" system.
Add: 2 Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

North Gate Jazz Co-op is a bar with live music and performances every night with musicians from all over the world. The longest standing Jazz Bar in the city of Chiang Mai. The North Gate has become a music pillar for the community.
Add: 91/1-2 ถนน Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

The Riverside Bar: No visit to Northern Thailand is complete without experiencing the Riverside. Chiang Mai's legendary pub and restaurant. Subtle combinations of candle light, excellent cuisine, both Thai and western, exotic cooktails and a wide variety of draft beers make this a unique place to spend your evenings.
The Riverside sits on a quiet pretty stretch of the Ping River providing a courteous and first class service since 1984. This extraordinary dreamy setting for a romantic dinner ca also transform into a great party venue with live music from the areas hottest bands to dance to until the early hours.
Add: Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand

The Spicy Club: Spicy Nightclub is a renowned after-hours spot in Chiang Mai, attracting travelers and locals alike. Known for its late-night energy and Thai club culture.
Add: Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

Boy Blues Bar: Boy Blues Bar is a live music venue located in the Chang Moi Sub-district of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Situated above the Kalare Night Bazaar, it offers an open-air setting where patrons can enjoy nightly blues performances. The bar was established in 2010 by a Thai blues enthusiast known as Boy, making it the first place in Chiang Mai to feature blues music. The venue hosts live performances every night, with the best music typically starting around 10:00 PM
Add: Chang Moi Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

Surr Bar:  A Speakeasy Cocktail bar that blends the combination of dreams and reality into art. There are Signature Cocktails where guests can choose from paintings and their emotions and also Classic Cocktails served near the Rooftop Swimming Pool
Add:  8th floor, Art Mai Gallery Hotel, Soi3, Nimmanahaeminda Road, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Scorpion Bar, All welcome, Fun, Friendly staff & the best drink prices in the area. Located directly opposite the Loi Kroh Boxing Arena. Local & imported Whiskeys, Beers, Tap beer & Cocktails, Fast quick and tasty snack food available from our kitchen. Large spacious bar, indoor and large outdoor seating areas out front, great music, friendly and fun staff. See our Live pet scorpions. Sit at our 7 metre long bar, Play a Free game of Pool with friends or our staff, we have 2 x 8ft English Pool Tables, & Lounge area with Rooftop Bar. Australian & Thai owners 2 Large TV's for Sports, AFL, NRL Aussie, English & Euro football, Snooker, UFC and more. Level 3 - Lounge area and Rooftop Bar. Available to book for private parties or events
Add: 3A, 80/17 Soi, Loi Kroh Rd, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand

Do You Ever Social Club: The social club with music finely curated everyday, in the likes of indie and alternative bands.
Add: 56 Siri Mangkalajarn Rd, Suthep, muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Euphoria Cocktail Lounge: Welcome to Euphoria, the most luxurious cocktail bar in Chiang Mai. Come join us for a special experience, high-quality drinks served in a beautiful environment.
Add: 205 Sri Poom Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

THC Rooftop Bar nestled in the heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand,  emerges as an enchanting escape from the bustling streets, offering an extraordinary experience that seamlessly combines panoramic city views, tropical charm, and a culinary journey that celebrates Thai flavors. Perched atop a distinguished building, this rooftop sanctuary is a coveted destination for both worldly travelers and locals seeking an elevated escape. Join us on a virtual journey as we explore the allure and sophistication of THC Rooftop Bar, a haven that encapsulates the essence of Chiang Mai's cultural richness
Add: 19 Mun Mueang Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

 GREAT SHOT BAR CNX: Coffee Hours : 09:09am - 17:00pm Bar Hours : 17:00pm - Midnight GREAT SHOT BAR CNX offers a unique blend of cafe, bar, and art exhibition space. By day, visitors can enjoy specialty coffee drinks. By night, the atmosphere transforms into a stylish bar with creative cocktails. Local art is showcased throughout the venue, creating a dynamic and inspiring environment. coffee near me bar near me cocktail bar near me.
Add: Arak Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand