Things to Know Before Visiting Chiang Mai 🇹🇭
Chiang Mai feels like the calm, zen sibling to Bangkok’s wild energy — the kind who drinks herbal tea, does sunrise yoga, and still somehow convinces you to go ziplining through a jungle. It’s peaceful but never dull; ancient but buzzing with modern life. If you’ve ever dreamt of slow mornings with mountain mist, golden temples, and markets that smell like lemongrass and coconut, this northern Thai city might just steal your heart (and your waistband comfort).
Where Is It?
Chiang Mai is in northern Thailand, nestled in the Indochinese foothills. It’s the country’s cultural capital — a city built around a moat and ancient walls, dotted with over 300 temples. Once the seat of the Lanna Kingdom, it’s now a favourite for travellers wanting a slower pace, cooler air, and a taste of Thai tradition without the Bangkok bustle.
How to Get There & Get Around
Chiang Mai has one main airport, Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), which serves passengers both domestically and internationally. We flew direct from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, a quick one-hour flight that’s easier than surviving a Bangkok traffic jam.
You can also arrive in Chiang Mai from Bangkok by overnight train (12–14 hours) for a scenic but slow adventure, or by bus if you enjoy testing your patience.
Once you’re there, everything’s relatively close and easy to move around by foot, but if you’d prefer wheeled options, here they are:
🚕 Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber) is an extremely affordable option offering both cars and scooter options.
🚚 Songthaews (red trucks) — the main local transport and a fun adventure, but a little harder to get your head around navigating.
🛵 Scooter — Feeling adventurous? Scooter rentals are affordable, but navigating traffic can be challenging for beginners.
Seasons & Best Time to Go
We visited in March, and it was hot — we’re talking high-30-degree days with a hefty side of humidity. But it’s still one of the better months for sightseeing before the heavy rains kick in.
Cool Season (Nov–Feb): crisp mornings but warm days, and clear skies. The best time for trekking, sightseeing, and outdoor cafes.
Hot Season (Mar–May): temperatures can reach 40 degrees. Dry, dusty, and smoky due to burn-offs in the mountains — fewer crowds though!
Rainy Season (Jun–Oct): lush landscapes, afternoon downpours, and cheaper stays.
☀️ Best for weather: November to February.
💸 Best for budget: June to October.
How Long to Stay
We spent four weeks in Chiang Mai, soaking up its slower rhythm and endless cafe scene. For most travellers, 3–5 days hits the sweet spot — long enough to explore temples, night markets, and also sneak in a jungle trek or elephant sanctuary visit.
If you have extra time, Chiang Rai and Pai make excellent add-on trips.
Best Area to Stay
Chiang Mai is compact but diverse, and choosing the right base sets the tone for your stay.
Old City: surrounded by the moat — full of temples, cafes, and local life.
Nimman (Nimmanhaemin): trendy, modern, and packed with boutique cafes, co-working spaces, and smoothie bowls.
Santitham: local vibe, fewer tourists, budget-friendly.
Riverside: quiet and scenic, with luxury stays and romantic spots.
We based ourselves in Nimman, where every street smells like coffee and coconut. It’s hip, walkable, and the perfect spot to pretend you’re productive while actually eating pancakes. For first-timers or those staying shorter periods, Old Town is where you should base yourself.
What to Do
Chiang Mai’s charm lies in its balance — part ancient city, part modern haven. Expect temples, nature adventures, markets, and food that’ll ruin the local noodle place back home forever. Here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss:
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: the iconic temple on the mountain. Climb 300 steps or take the funicular, and you'll be rewarded with sweeping city views.
Sunday Walking Street Market: starts at Tha Pae Gate and boasts endless food, crafts, and street performers. Look for the lady at one of the corners selling homemade ice-cream sticks — we still talk about these regularly.
Elephant Nature Park: a sanctuary for rescued elephants — ethical and educational.
Useful Tips
💬 Three words to learn: Khob khun ka/krap = thank you || Sawasdee ka/krap = hello || Chang = elephant, or beer (depending on context).
💳 Money: Chiang Mai is card-friendly, but it's a good idea to carry cash for street food vendors (Thai Baht).
📱eSIM: Airalo offers great eSIM plans, perfect for a few days’ data. Just be sure to set it up before you arrive.
💡 Bonus tip: Download Grab before you arrive and carry a light jacket for the rainy season — even when it’s hot.
Our Real Costs
($AUD based on two people over 4 weeks — 2025)
✈️ Getting there: $95 (one-way from Bangkok)
🏠 Accommodation: $58 per night (Airbnb with pool)
🍜 Food: $22 per day
🚇 Transport: $2 per day (scooters are super cheap on Grab)
🎟️ Activities: $70 total (we enjoyed a Thai cooking class — recommend!)
📱 Data: $8 total (eSIM)
Our Thoughts
Chiang Mai won us over in the slowest, most wonderful way. It’s the kind of place that sneaks into your heart — one temple, one mango smoothie, and one sunset at a time. We loved the slower rhythm, friendly locals, and the feeling that you could just be here, without rushing to the next thing.
Would we return? Sure, but maybe in December, when it’s cool enough to walk without melting and festive lights sparkle over the moat. Until then, we’ll be dreaming of Thai milk tea and khao soi.