{"id":5651,"date":"2025-02-12T15:34:50","date_gmt":"2025-02-12T14:34:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/?page_id=5651"},"modified":"2026-02-20T12:49:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T11:49:33","slug":"chiang-mai-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/chiang-mai-travel-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Chiang Mai"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
If there’s one city in northern Thailand<\/a> <\/strong>that every traveler should include in their itinerary, it\u2019s Chiang Mai, the ancient capital of the Lanna kingdom. Known as \u201cThe Rose of the North,\u201d the city attracts tourists from all over the world, who are captivated in one way or another by its temples, surroundings, nature, markets, or the wide variety of activities available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If Chiang Mai is on your bucket list, this is your ultimate guide. We\u2019ll provide you with tips on how to enjoy this city without breaking the bank. Since we’ve lived here for several months and had time to discover many things, we\u2019ll also recommend a few extra cool activities for your vacation!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chiang Mai <\/strong>is a city where you can spend as many days as you want. If you extend your stay and don’t limit yourself to the typical things to see in Chiang Mai in just 2 or 3 days, you’ll always discover another hidden temple, a street in the old town you haven’t explored yet, a hidden caf\u00e9 in a leafy garden, or a new restaurant where you can try a dish you’ve never had before.<\/p>\n\n\n Its cultural richness, shaped by the coexistence of various ethnic groups and influences from Laos, Myanmar, and China, makes it one of the most significant cities in Thailand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chiang Mai is located in northern Thailand, and the seasons are marked by the monsoon:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In major Thai cities, healthcare ranges from public hospitals to private international clinics, where treatment costs can be considerably higher. For a broader explanation of coverage considerations, you can explore travel insurance options for Thailand<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mobile coverage in Thailand is generally reliable, especially in urban areas. If you prefer having data available at all times rather than depending on public Wi-Fi, you can review eSIM options for Thailand<\/a><\/strong> before your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the largest city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is well connected to other cities in the country, the southern islands, and even internationally. You can reach Chiang Mai by plane, train, or bus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The international airport is located just a few kilometers from the city center. The plane is the option many people choose when coming from the south or the islands, thanks to the numerous flight deals to Chiang Mai<\/strong> offered by various airlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the arrivals area of the airport, there\u2019s a mini taxi office called “TAXI METER” (despite the name, they don\u2019t use meters), offering fixed rates to various parts of Chiang Mai. A ride to the city center costs around 150 Baht.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The railway line runs between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. A convenient way to travel to or from the capital is on one of the daily night trains. Sleeping in one of the bunks is quite an experience, saving you the cost of a night\u2019s accommodation while arriving at your destination in the morning, ready to make the most of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once at Chiang Mai train station, you can take a songthaew (shared taxi) to the city center for around 30 Baht.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Arcade Station (bus terminals 2 and 3) is the busiest station, so you\u2019ll likely arrive here if traveling by bus. Like other stations, you can either take a songthaew or negotiate a tuk-tuk to reach your accommodation, with prices generally starting at 100 Baht.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on your starting point, we\u2019ll suggest the best options. The most common routes to Chiang Mai are from Bangkok, Sukhothai, or Ayutthaya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you have many options. We recommend taking the night train, which not only saves you a night\u2019s accommodation but also offers a unique experience while being the most environmentally friendly<\/strong> transport option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buses run from both Old and New Sukhothai to Chiang Mai, but unfortunately, online booking isn\u2019t available yet. That\u2019s why we recommend booking your tickets to your next destination as soon as you arrive in Sukhothai. You can do this directly at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We share our experience of the bus journey from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai in the article: \u201cA Good Bus to Travel from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you prefer to book a private taxi (which is more expensive), we\u2019ve included a link for you to book in advance: \u201cBook a Taxi from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai<\/a><\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The options for getting to Chiang Mai from Ayutthaya are similar to those from Bangkok, except that there are no flights available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can travel directly from Kanchanaburi to Chiang Mai by bus, without passing through Bangkok. We discovered a new VIP Bus, and we wouldn\u2019t trade it for anything!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019d like, you can read about our experience on the VIP Bus<\/strong>, which you can reserve using the button above.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Wat Phra That Doi Suthep<\/a><\/strong> is one of our favorite temples in Thailand due to its beauty and location. It\u2019s a must-see when visiting Chiang Mai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s something about it that exudes spirituality, and it\u2019s no wonder why it\u2019s popular with travelers, especially because of the international Buddhist center where Vipassana meditation courses are offered.<\/p>\n\n\n Wat Phra Singh<\/a><\/strong> is Chiang Mai\u2019s only royal temple and one of its most beautiful. Famous for its golden stupa, it\u2019s always busy with both tourists and locals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, it is a complex made up of several buildings: the Wihan Lai Kham, Wihan Luang, Ubosot, Ho Trai, and Chedis.<\/p>\n\n\n Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan<\/a><\/strong> Temple is more famous for what it lacks than for what it has. Once home to the world-renowned Emerald Buddha, it originally stood 82 meters tall but now reaches only about 50 meters due to earthquake damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite this, the majestic Wat Chedi Luang remains a must-see in Chiang Mai.<\/p>\n\n\n Wat Chiang Man<\/a><\/strong> is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, built at the same time the city was founded. Today, it is a complex housing several buildings: Ubosot, Vihara, Chedi, a library, and the monks’ quarters.<\/p>\n\n\n Known as the “Tunnel Temple,” Wat Umong<\/a><\/strong> sits at the foot of Mount Suthep. Over 700 years old, it is surrounded by a peaceful, serene atmosphere, and it also houses a significant meditation center<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n Often overlooked by visitors, Wat Suan Dok<\/strong> is one of the most famous temples in Chiang Mai. According to legend, it houses a relic of the Buddha himself, closely related to that of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.<\/p>\n\n\n Chiang Mai\u2019s Night Bazaar<\/strong> is undoubtedly the city\u2019s most popular market, particularly with visitors. Here, you can find t-shirts, jewelry, souvenirs featuring elephant prints, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n It\u2019s the perfect place to buy a souvenir from your trip to Thailand. The market is open daily from 6 PM to midnight and is easily accessible on foot from the historic center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also known as Kad Luang<\/strong>, Warorot Market is the largest food market in northern Thailand. Located in the heart of Chinatown, it offers a wide range of local foods and items, much like a department store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just a couple of blocks north of the Night Bazaar, Warorot Market is easy to reach on foot.<\/p>\n\n\n It is open every day from 7 AM to around 6 PM, and in the evenings, local food stalls pop up in the surrounding area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This lively night market is ideal for having a drink while sampling local dishes. It\u2019s open daily from 4 PM to midnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s the perfect spot to relax and have dinner after exploring the nearby alleys full of stalls at the Night Bazaar.<\/p>\n\n\n Chiang Mai is filled with coffee shops, great for meeting up, relaxing, or getting some work done. But these aren\u2019t just ordinary cafes. They are themed establishments where cappuccino and americano share the menu with iced coffees, ice creams, and desserts.<\/p>\n\n\n Some are super modern, seemingly designed for Instagram photos, while others feature beautiful gardens, like the Clay Studio Coffee<\/strong><\/a>, which feels like you\u2019ve stumbled upon ancient ruins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The only downside: the amount of plastic and straws used to serve iced coffees\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chiang Mai is a city of contrasts, and while the old town is steeped in history and culture, the Nimmanhaemin district<\/strong> is all about modernity and entertainment<\/p>\n\n\n\n Home to the Maya shopping center and located west of the city walls, the area is packed with trendy restaurants, charming cafes, and bars offering live music, all centered around Nimmanhaemin Street.<\/p>\n\n\n No en vano se ha ganado la fama (casi mundial) de ser el barrio hipster de la ciudad, y mientras los turistas lo recorren, los n\u00f3madas digitales, que han acudido embelesados a la ciudad, se re\u00fanen en los espacios de trabajo de coworking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Santisook Dogs and Cats Rescue Foundation<\/strong> is a small group of Thai volunteers dedicated to helping stray dogs and cats in Chiang Mai and surrounding areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their mission is to improve the quality of life for animals by working with local communities to find solutions to the issues surrounding stray animals and their coexistence with humans.<\/p>\n\n\n They operate two shelters: one for cats in Doi Saket and one for dogs south of Chiang Mai. If you\u2019d like to help or volunteer (whether you\u2019re a vet or not), you can find more information in the article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the slogan “Let’s paint a brighter future,” the Elephant Parade<\/a> store sells plaster elephants and acrylic paints so you can create your own work of art, all while raising awareness about the plight of real elephants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Twenty percent of the profits are donated to elephant welfare and conservation projects.<\/p>\n\n\n There are a couple of shops in Chiang Mai, and the best part is that they offer a space for you to paint right there, with plenty of examples and designs for inspiration. Outside the shop, you’ll often find a larger painting by an artist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We may not be artists, but we do have our own little elephant, and we’re creating our own design. It’s a lot of fun and makes for a unique and original souvenir!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\tBEFORE YOU GO<\/h2>\n\t
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BEFORE YOU GO<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Chiang Mai City<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When to Visit Chiang Mai<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Travel Tip<\/strong>: Check out our article on the best time to visit Thailand<\/a><\/strong> for month-by-month climate information.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSecurity and Travel Insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Internet & Connectivity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Get to Chiang Mai<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
By Air<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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By Train<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
By Bus<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
From Bangkok<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Desde Sukhothai<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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From Ayutthaya<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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From Kanchanaburi<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\n\tWHAT TO SEE \/ DO<\/h2>\n\t
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WHAT TO SEE \/ DO<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Wat Phra Singh<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Wat Chiang Man<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Wat Umong<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Wat Suan Dok<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Night Bazaar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Warotot Market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ploen Rudee Night Market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chiang Mai Coffee Shops<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nimmanhaemin Neighborhood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Santisook Dogs & Cats Rescue Foundation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Elephant Parade<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\n\tTOURS<\/h2>\n\t