Chiang Mai is northern Thailand's cultural heart, where ancient Lanna kingdom traditions meet modern digital nomad culture. Over 300 temples fill the moated old city, while Doi Suthep mountain watches over all. Famous for its night markets, incredible street food, ethical elephant sanctuaries, and as Asia's top destination for remote workers.
Quick Facts
Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$35/day
Mid-range$75/day
Luxury$200/day
Known For
chiang_maithailandtemplesdoi_suthepnight_marketold_citylannadigital_nomadsthai_foodcooking_classelephant_sanctuarytrekkingmountainsbuddhismmonkssunday_marketnimmanwellnessmeditationhill_tribes
🇹🇠Country Information: Thailand
CapitalBangkok
CurrencyThai baht (฿)
Language
Thai ,
English (some in tourist areas)
Phone Code+66
Electricity220V (Type A, B, C, F)
Tap WaterNot recommended
Tipping
- Tipping is not customary in local eateries, but appreciated in tourist
- oriented restaurants (5
- 10% or rounding up)
- For taxis, round up the fare
- For hotel staff, 20
- 50 THB is appropriate
- For tour guides, 100
- 200 THB per day is appreciated
- For massage therapists, 50
- 100 THB is common
Money & Payments
- ATMs are widely available
- Credit cards are accepted in major cities and tourist areas but less so in rural areas
- It's advisable to carry some cash, especially outside major cities
- No black market for cash
Cultural Norms
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees)
- Remove shoes before entering temples and some homes
- Do not touch people's heads, as it's considered sacred
- Pointing with your feet is considered rude
- The 'wai' (pressing palms together and bowing slightly) is a common greeting and show of respect
- Losing your temper in public is frowned upon
- Avoid public displays of affection
LGBTQ+ Information
Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Thailand is generally tolerant towards LGBTQ+ individuals, and public displays of affection between same-sex couples are not uncommon. While there are no specific laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights, discrimination is not prevalent, and same-sex marriage is in the process of being legalized.
Alcohol & Drug Laws
- The legal drinking age is 20
- Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties for possession, consumption, and trafficking, including for small amounts of marijuana, which is legal for medical use but highly regulated
- Vaping and e
- cigarettes are illegal
Special Laws
- It is illegal to disrespect the monarchy
- It is illegal to litter
- Always carry identification documents
- Never touch someone's head
- Remove your shoes before entering temples or private homes
Common Phrases
NoMai (mâi) ไม่
YesChai (châi) ใช่
HelloSawasdee (sah-wah-dee) สวัสดี
Thank youKob kun (kohp koon) ขà¸à¸šà¸„ุณ
Excuse me/SorryKhor thod (kaw toht) ขà¸à¹‚ทษ
Climate
Three seasons: hot (Mar-May, up to 40°C), rainy (Jun-Oct, daily showers), cool (Nov-Feb, 15-25°C ideal). February-April brings burning season with serious air pollution from agricultural fires. Altitude (300m) makes it cooler than Bangkok.
Best Time to Visit
- Cool Season: November
- February (best time)
- Hot Season: March
- May (avoid March
- April smoke)
- Rainy Season: June
- October (afternoon showers)
- Burning Season: February
- April (poor air quality)
Getting There
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has many domestic flights from Bangkok (1 hour) plus international connections from Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Chinese cities
- Overnight train from Bangkok (12
- 14 hours) is scenic option
- Buses from Bangkok (10 hours)
- Airport is only 3km from old city
Getting Around
- Within old city: walking or bicycle is best
- Songthaews (red trucks) are cheap shared taxis
- 30 baht around town
- Grab app works for rides
- Motorbike rental popular but traffic can be challenging
- Car rental available for day trips
- Tuk
- tuks for short rides (negotiate price first)
Health & Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations up to date
- Hepatitis A recommended
- Typhoid for adventurous eaters
- Rabies if extensive animal contact
- Dengue possible
- use repellent
- Pharmacies well
- stocked and affordable
Staying Connected
- AIS, DTAC, TrueMove providers
- Excellent 4G/5G coverage
- eSIM works perfectly
- Tourist SIMs cheap and easy
- WiFi everywhere
Local Cuisine
Khao Soi
must_try
The iconic northern Thai dish - rich coconut curry soup with egg noodles, topped with crispy fried noodles, pickled mustard greens, shallots, and lime
Sai Oua (Northern Sausage)
must_try
Spicy grilled pork sausage packed with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime, and chilies. Smoky, herby, and utterly delicious. Best at markets.
Nam Prik Num & Ong
must_try
Northern Thai chili dips - Nam Prik Num (roasted green chilies) and Nam Prik Ong (tomato-pork) served with sticky rice and vegetables. Authentic local
Khao Kha Moo
must_try
Slow-braised pork leg on rice with boiled egg and pickled mustard greens. Rich, fatty, comforting. Usually served from morning stalls.
Mango Sticky Rice
must_try
Sweet sticky rice with fresh mango and coconut cream. Thailand's beloved dessert. Best when mangoes are in season (April-June).
Book in Advance
Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:
🔴 Must Book in Advance
Book 2-6 months in advance
Main events sell out quickly. Hotels book up during festival. Dates vary by lunar calendar.
🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead
Book 3-14 days in advance
Popular sanctuaries have limited daily visitors. Peak season fills up.
Book 2-7 days in advance
Popular classes fill up, especially in peak season.
Fun Facts
- 1. Chiang Mai has over 300 Buddhist temples within the city - more than any other Thai city.
- 2. The old city is a perfect square, built according to ancient Hindu-Buddhist cosmology representing the universe.
- 3. Chiang Mai hosted the first elephant sanctuary in the world, starting the ethical elephant tourism movement.
- 4. The city was founded in 1296 and served as the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom for over 600 years.
