Explore Chiang Mai

Walk, cycle or take a rickshaw down the small quiet lanes within the old town. You will be able to see the remnants of the old city wall. Whether you bargain your way to the best finds in the famous Night Bazaar or hop on an elephant’s back, Chiang Mai will entice you every time.

Quick Facts

Chiang Mai is located at an elevation of approximately 310 meters above sea level.
The city sits on the Mae Ping River basin approximately 700 kilometers from Bangkok, Thailand. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, the terrain is mainly comprised of jungles and mountains. These are home to many fascinating hill tribes.

Currency

The national currency of Thailand is the baht.

Dress

Light clothing for the summer months and a sweater for the cooler months are sufficient. Suits are appropriate for business occasions. Shorts and T-shirts are frowned upon in government offices. Modest dress is required when visiting temples.

Tipping

A service charge of 10% is usually added automatically to all hotel and restaurant bills in the city. If not, a 10% tip is appropriate for waiters.

Weather

A tropical city, Chiang Mai enjoys warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The April to June summer temperatures range from 35°C to 40°C (95°F to 104°F), while the October to February winter temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).

Transportation

Chiang Mai's city center is easy to navigate. Rental car, vans and motorbikes are widely available. You may travel around Chiang Mai via taxi, train, Song Taew, tuk-tuks, rickshaws and car.

Taxis: Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive, though dense traffic in the centre can make even short distances a long trip. Taxis cost approximately THB 34 for the first two kilometres, then about THB 3.4 for each kilometre thereafter.

Train: The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has a computer reservation system for sleeping berths on rapid and express night trains. There are reclining seats on the faster 'sprinter' service. The lower sleeping berth in second class (air-conditioned or fan) is a little more comfortable than the upper. Rapid and Express trains have dining cars, and vendors sell drinks and snacks.

Song Taew (Red Taxi): Song Taew (Red Taxi) is the common transportation in town. Passengers can hop in and out as they wish. Simply tell the driver the destination and negotiate the price before boarding. Fares start from THB 15 (depending on the distance).

Car Rental: All major car rental companies such as AVIS, Budget and Hertz, are ready to provide suggestions on travel itineraries. Thai car rental companies are also available. The easiest way to locate a car rental company is to ask at the airport or the hotel.

Tuk-Tuks: A noisy, motorized three-wheeler with covered seats, the tuk-tuk is really only suitable for short journeys. Tuk-tuks cost from THB 30 to 40 per vehicle with higher fares late at night. Prices must be agreed beforehand.

Attractions

Chiang Mai Zoo and Night Safari - Chiang Mai Zoo is the first and only zoo in Northern Thailand where visitors can encounter animals in their natural habitat. The Night Safari is located at Doi Suthep – Pui National Park. The area covers 324 acres consisting of mixed deciduous and dry dipterocarp forest.

Elephant Camps - Tamed elephants have served Thai people for centuries whether in the battle, in ceremonial parades or transport. Nowadays it is difficult for elephants to survive in the wild. Hence, elephant camps were launched to protect, breed and nurture these animals. Chiang Mai is famous for housing many elephant camps. This includes Mae Sa Elephant Camp, Mae Wang River Elephant Camp, Mae Taman Elephant Camp as well as Chiang Dao Elephant Camp.

Wat Chedi Luang - Wat Chedi Luang, is an ancient temple that is famous for housing the precious object of Thailand, the Emerald Buddha.

Wat Chiang Man - Wat Chiang Man is a temple that is located at Chang Puak Gate. It was built by the very founder of Chiang Mai – King Mengrai – about seven centuries ago.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep - Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a sacred temple in Thailand. It is located 15 kilometres off Chiang Mai. This 14th century temple is perched on Suthep Mountain (Doi Suthep). The temple offers a breathtaking panorama of the city. Its soaring stairway is flanked by two exquisite handrails portraying multi-headed mythical crocodiles.

Wat Umong - Wat Umong was built in the 14th century, at the foothill of Suthep Mountain. It has a unique criss-crossed maze of tunnels.

Arts & Culture

Chiang Mai National Museum - Chiang Mai National Museum is the main regional museum of the north. Chiang Mai City Museum showcases Chiang Mai‘s historical background and cultural heritage. It has a centre for studying the history, art and culture of Chiang Mai.

Shopping

Baan Tawai - At Baan Tawai, 20 kilometres off Chiang Mai, visitors can watch antique reproduction first hand. Fine wood carvings and furniture can be bought on site.

Central Airport Plaza - Central Airport Plaza near Chiang Mai Airport houses a refreshing Central Aquarium. The mall also has classy department stores and boutiques as well as the multi-screen cinema, Major Cineplex.

Ratchadamnoen Road - At Ratchadamnoen Road (Sunday Walking Street), some vendors appear in glamorous costumes adorned with their specialised ornaments. Thai creativity is richly embedded into their handmade goods which include silver items, Thai silk, painted mirrors and candle holders. Pancakes and meatballs are among a variety of delectable treats cooked on site. These delicious delicacies envelope the atmosphere with their irresistible aromas.

Warorot Market - For a genuine Thai experience, visitors can drop by the Warorot Market, to the north of the Night Bazaar. There you will find Ton Lamyai (Flower Market) as well as Wet Market selling fresh fruits, vegetables and meat.