Chiang Mai

Sights

• Doi Suthep – A golden temple on the local mountain, reached by a naga staircase.
• Wat Chedi Luang – A massive, partly ruined chedi in the heart of the old city.
• Wat Phra Singh – The city's most important temple, in Lanna style.
• Old city and moat – A square old city with remains of walls and gates such as Tha Phae Gate.
• Sunday Walking Street – The whole old city turns into a market for crafts and street food.
• Nimmanhaemin – A trendy area with cafés, galleries and co-working spaces.

Food & nightlife

• Khao Soi – Curry noodle soup topped with crispy noodles – Northern Thailand's classic.
• Sai Ua – A spicy herb sausage from the north, fresh off the grill.
• Cooking class – Pound curry paste on a farm and cook your own dishes.
• Night Bazaar – An evening market with food stalls and live music.

Day trips

• Doi Inthanon – Thailand's highest mountain, with pagodas, waterfalls and cool air.
• Elephant sanctuary – Choose one without riding or shows – observe rather than use.
• Chiang Rai – The White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, and the Blue Temple.
• Pai – A laid-back mountain town reached by a winding road.

Good to know

When to go

November–February

Getting around

Red shared taxis (songthaew), tuk-tuks and Grab; the old city inside the moat is easy on foot.

Tipping

Service is usually included – rounding up is a nice gesture.

Power

Plug type A/B/C/O, 230 V – pack an adapter for Swiss plugs.

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Plan your trip to Chiang Mai together

Create a trip plan and the Travel Guide comes with it – with a map, ideas to suggest and saved for offline use.

Plan with Pickeed

More in Thailand

• Bangkok
• Phuket
• Koh Samui
• Krabi