Fact checked by

Erin Medlicott

Thailand’s beloved northern capital of Chiang Mai attracts nearly 2 million foreign tourists a year — double the entire metropolitan area population of just under one million people!

Even with horrendous traffic, the vibe and pace of life in Chiang Mai is far slower and more relaxed than that of Bangkok. The mountain setting enhances the charm of the city, enveloping visitors even when they cannot see the lush surroundings.

Chiang Mai is widely recognized as a cultural hub, featuring an overwhelming number of beautiful temples waiting to be explored. Moreover, the city offers various cooking, massage, and language schools. The large population of artists, writers, and creative individuals — both Thai and foreign — residing in Chiang Mai has even contributed to its consideration for UNESCO Creative City status.

Orientation

While the city sprawls beyond its borders, most tourist activities in Chiang Mai are centered around the ‘old city’ enclosed within the city walls. Forming a perfect square, a moat surrounds the old city, with Tapae Gate on the east side serving as the epicenter for tourism.

Tapae Road acts as the primary artery into the city, running east through the gate to the Ping River. Thanon Chang Khlan branches off Tapae Road, leading you to Chiang Mai’s famous night market, located about a 20-minute walk from the gate. This area is bustling with shops and restaurants.

Venturing into the inner parts of the old city, you’ll find a confusing labyrinth of small sois (streets) and shortcut alleys housing pleasant cafes and hidden gems.

Getting Around in Chiang Mai

Anyone in decent physical condition can navigate Chiang Mai on foot; however, be prepared for broken sidewalks teeming with pedestrians, street carts, and unpredictable obstacles. Alternatively, consider hopping into one of the many circulating songthaews (truck taxis) or a tuk-tuk.

The journey from Tapae Gate to the night market takes approximately 20 minutes on foot. Some temples and attractions outside the city do require transportation. If you’re comfortable driving amidst the traffic, renting a scooter is an affordable option. Bicycles are available for rent from many guesthouses.

Chiang Mai Accommodation

Accommodation options in Chiang Mai range from cozy family-run guesthouses located on serene streets to luxurious high-rise hotels. Visitors will generally discover a larger selection of budget-friendly places to stay in Chiang Mai compared to Bangkok or Thailand’s islands.

During the Songkran water festival and the Loi Krathong festival, Chiang Mai experiences a surge in visitors; consequently, finding accommodations within the old city can be extremely challenging without prior arrangements.

Eating in Chiang Mai

With an abundance of cooking schools, creative influences, and Lanna/Burmese culinary traditions, Chiang Mai offers an incredible food scene.

You’ll find numerous vegetarian eateries, organic juice shops, and various international food options. The most economical and delightful way to experience local cuisine is by sampling street food from the vibrant markets and food carts. Notable spots include the large market area and numerous street carts near Chiang Mai Gate in the city’s southeast corner, along with offerings found on Moon Muang — the main road just inside Tapae Gate.

Markets in Chiang Mai

• The Night Bazaar: This bustling night market is located on Thanon Chang Khlan outside the city moat, attracting many visitors. However, high prices and a crowded atmosphere can make it less appealing. The bazaar opens around 5 p.m. and closes at 11 p.m.
• Weekend Markets: The weekend markets draw crowds, featuring many locals socializing and enjoying small treats and snacks. The Saturday market is hosted on Thanon Wualai at the old city’s southern edge, while the Sunday market begins at Tapae Gate and extends into the old city, often showcasing more local vendors.
• Warorot Market: Situated outside the old city near Thanon Chang Moi and Tapae Road, Warorot Market is roughly a 20-minute walk from Tapae Gate. Here, you can find local goods at considerably lower prices and fewer tourists, operating from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To avoid getting scammed at the markets, negotiation is essential! Familiarize yourself with the art of haggling to ensure fair prices.

Chiang Mai Attractions

While you can spend days simply exploring Chiang Mai temples for free, numerous activities also cater to those interested in attractions beyond the city, often including complimentary transportation.

From a zoo and various theater/dinner performances to adrenaline-pumping adventures like the Gibbon Experience zipline or Jungle Bungy jump, you may find yourself running out of time and money before exploring all the options!

Lastly, trekking and visiting hilltribe villages remain popular activities nearby, with various treks ranging from easy one-night excursions to extended journeys.

Chiang Mai Nightlife

Chiang Mai does not precisely fall under the category of a ‘party’ city. Although certain clubs may obtain special permissions to remain open later, the city ordinance mandates that bars close at 1 a.m. Additionally, alcohol purchases from minimarts are prohibited after midnight, while many areas around the moat and Tapae Gate have been designated as ‘no alcohol zones,’ attracting hefty fines.