Chiang Mai
What you need to know before you go
Chiang Mai is a land of misty mountains and colorful hill tribes, a playground for seasoned travelers and a delight for adventurers. On a trip to this tranquil city, curious travelers can expand their horizons with Thai massage and cooking courses. Others will be bowled over by the variety of handicrafts and antiques. There are plenty of lively nightlife spots and excellent eateries specializing in local cuisine.
Chiang Mai is 700 km north of Bangkok, set in a verdant valley on the banks of the Ping River. The city was founded in 1296 as the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom and it still proudly wears its distinctive culture and long history for all to see. However, it's now a place where the past and the present seamlessly merge with modern buildings standing side by side with venerable temples. Despite its relatively small size, Chiang Mai truly has it all.
What to see & do in Chiang Mai
Featured stories & fun stuff8 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai
The best things to do in Chiang Mai include visiting some of the city’s beautiful temples and unique sites. The historical capital of the old Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is rich in culture. The Old City – an attraction in itself...10 Must-See Temples in Chiang Mai
Picking just a single page of must-see temples in Chiang Mai is quite a challenge – the city's not exactly short of them. There are over 300 wats scattered throughout the city and surrounding countryside. In fact, no other province...
Where & what to eat in Chiang Mai
10 Best Local Dishes from Chiang Mai
Mealtimes in Chiang Mai are often among the highlights of a trip. Like its art, language and cultural heritage, Chiang Mai food is distinct from its cousins to the south and east. A much more pronounced influence from Burma and...9 Great Restaurants in Chiang Mai
Great restaurants in Chiang Mai come in a variety of forms, representing a range of cultures and cuisines as well as catering to different budget preferences. Like any major city, there’s a fair number of swanky, high-end eateries boasting...
Where to shop & what to buy in Chiang Mai
5 Best Markets and Night Markets in Chiang Mai
Night markets offer the best shopping options in Chiang Mai. The range and diversity is excellent, and they're found dotted all over the city. If you're in town at the weekend then you have even more options to choose from...9 Best Places to Go Shopping in Chiang Mai
The best places to go shopping in Chiang Mai differ greatly from what you’d find in Bangkok. Forget designer labels...5 Best Malls in Chiang Mai
The best shopping malls in Chiang Mai offer an impressive choice of high-end lifestyle and fashion stores. Even with...
Where to go & what to do at night in Chiang Mai
8 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Chiang Mai
The best things to do after dinner in Chiang Mai range from chilling out at riverside bars to clubbing. Live acts are also big in the Chiang Mai nightlife scene yet not all are loud and raucous. Most of the popular bars in Chiang Mai feature live bands performing anything from classic blues and jazz to rock tunes. For partygoers...
Useful information
Getting Around Chiang Mai
Getting around Chiang Mai is fairly easy as many attractions are within easy walking distance of the main hotels and each other. Walking is a great way to appreciate the city's ancient charm. An afternoon spent wandering the twisting sois (alleyways) of the old city is a pleasant way to lose yourself amid genuine Thai life. If you don't wish...
neighborhoods in Chiang Mai
Old City
Good for:TemplesShoppingCafesWat Ket
Good for:TemplesFriendly peopleShoppingNimman
Good for:CafesRomanticFestivalsChumchon Fa Ham
Good for:ShoppingFestivalsHistoricalFifth Avenue
Good for:ShoppingTemplesFestivalsCity Home Place 4
Good for:ShoppingTemplesFestivalsNong Hoi
Good for:RelaxingFriendly peopleVararom Premium Kaew Navarat
Good for:ShoppingFestivalsFlowersPhu Fah Garden Home 2
Good for:ShoppingTemplesFestivalsThe Masterpiece Scenery Hill
Good for:Friendly peopleShoppingTemplesPrime Horizon
Good for:ShoppingTemplesHistoricalHai Ya
Good for:TemplesHistoricalToursBan Tem Sap
Good for:ShoppingTemplesFriendly people
