Essential Tips for Visiting Chiang Mai, Thailand

There’s so much more to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s Rose of the North, than first meets the eye. Though firmly on the Thai travel circuit, Chiang Mai often comes in third for visitors determined to see Bangkok before heading south to the tropical islands. Those who trek north, however, are significantly rewarded. Here, countless historic temples, street stalls, jungle-covered hills, artisan workshops, street markets, and more coffee shops than you ever thought were possible are packed into a relatively small area – the Old City is just one square mile.

A few days here can stretch into a week… and then two… or more. Lucky enough to call Chiang Mai home for nearly a decade, I still find it endlessly captivating. Here’s what to know before traveling to Chiang Mai to start making the most of your stay as soon as you arrive.

1. Chiang Mai is Both a City and a Province

As is typical for Thailand, the province name also serves as the name of its largest hub. This is important to keep in mind while arranging transportation or accommodation.

2. You’ll Likely Want to Stay Longer Than You Expect

A few days isn’t enough to uncover Chiang Mai’s charms, which often lie in its daily rhythms. Therefore, plan to stay for at least five nights or even more, if possible. Between exploring town and squeezing in a couple of day trips, there are plenty of ways to fill your stay. Moreover, time your visit to stay over the weekend since some of the city’s night markets only happen on Saturdays and Sundays.

3. Keep at Least One Day Open

Spending a leisurely morning over elaborate coffee concoctions at a picturesque cafe, treating yourself to a two-hour massage, fitting in a cooking or yoga class, or simply enjoying a slow day – Chiang Mai natives and transplants take their reputation for appreciating “slow living” seriously, and you should, too. Consequently, keep at least one day unscheduled to wander, enjoy the relaxed pace, and stay open to whatever opportunities may unfold.

4. Plan to Eat Well

Eating may be Thailand’s national pastime, but Chiang Mai’s bounty of nearby farms harvesting fresh produce, countless street stalls, and affordable prices take it to a new level. You’re never far from another satisfying snack, memorable meal, or refreshing beverage.

5. Try Northern Thai Delicacies

Known for using lots of herbs, spices, and pork, northern Thai food has a unique flair you won’t find elsewhere. You’ve probably heard of kôw soy, the Chiang Mai specialty of egg noodles topped with a rich curry broth and pickled garnishes, but that’s just the beginning. Look for various unique dishes, including sai oui sausage, spicy green chili dip known as nám prík nùm, roasted tomato and ground pork chili dip called naam prik ong, and sticky rice noodles topped with a spicy, tomato-based broth.

6. Make Time for Markets

There’s truly a market, or talat, happening morning, noon, and night. Various fresh markets open before dawn and close by late morning, while others open in the afternoon and early evening for the after-work rush. Markets such as Talat Muang Mai, a wholesale produce market, stay open all day and are particularly busy late at night when farmers arrive from the surrounding hills.

As the sun sets, a number of Chiang Mai night markets pop up, offering clusters of street food stalls, many of which have been present for a decade or more. These markets are popular spots for locals, Thai tourists, and foreign visitors alike.

7. Holidays in Chiang Mai are Extra Magical

Celebrations such as Songkran, Thailand’s New Year in April, and Loi Krathong in November, are widely celebrated with parades around the Old City, elaborate decorations, city-wide events, and numerous photo opportunities. Loi Krathong in Chiang Mai is particularly beautiful, thanks in part to the added northern holiday of Yee Peng, characterized by countless illuminated paper lanterns released into the sky.

8. Dress (Relatively) Modestly

Even during the hottest season, Thailand maintains a relatively modest approach to clothing, particularly for women. This is especially relevant in the north, away from the beaches and often less tourist-centric than Bangkok and the islands. “Polite” dress, meaning covered shoulders, chests, and thighs, is required for visiting temples and is generally appreciated in everyday life. Therefore, while everyone tends to keep things casual, showing respect through modest attire can garner more respect in return.

9. Good Doctors and Dentists are Easily Accessible

While you hopefully won’t need medical attention, if you do, you can easily find quality healthcare. Hospitals such as Chiang Mai Ram serve both locals and expats and are located conveniently in the center of town. Dental clinics are also plentiful and welcoming to new patients, making it an excellent place for check-ups or cleanings.

10. Be Aware of the “Smoky Season”

Chiang Mai experiences three main seasons: hot, rainy, and cold. However, it also often deals with what locals refer to as the “smoky season.” Typically starting in February and lasting until the rainy season begins, Chiang Mai can have smoky skies and poor air quality due to slash-and-burn agriculture. While each year varies depending on weather patterns and regulations, if visiting during this time, you should be prepared for some pollution.

11. Traffic is Calmer, But Expect Police Checkpoints

Getting around Chiang Mai is comparatively easier than larger cities like Bangkok, thanks to tuktuks, local red trucks (shared taxis), and generally calmer traffic. However, if you’re zipping around town on a motorbike as a foreigner, you may be stopped at police checkpoints if you do not have a valid Thai motorbike license. If you are issued a ticket, remain polite and calm while paying the fine to continue your journey. Always remember to wear a helmet, as it is required by law.