Chiang Mai Travel & Vacation Guide

The Chiang Mai Art & Cultural Centre is located in a building from 1924. At this museum, you can find several exhibits including cultural activities. You can also visit the museum shop if you want to bring home one or two souvenirs or pop into the café for a well-deserved coffee break.

If you like shopping, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar downtown is a must. Imbibe the Thai culture while wandering around the streets where vendors sell everything from shoes to statues. This is definitely the place to go for souvenir shopping as you can find real bargains here. Do not forget to negotiate prices.

The Night Safari is split into two main areas: the Savanna Night Safari zone, inhabited by herbivores and prey animals (giraffes, zebras, antelopes, lamas and many more species), and the Predator Prowl zone, home to 200 different species including tigers, lions, wolves and some rare prey animals such as goats and wallabies. Pay a visit to the 2nd nocturnal safari of the world and experience the wildlife habitats.

The Chiang Mai Zoo covers a large area in Chiang Mai. To cover most areas as a visitor of the zoo, it is preferable to go on one of the buses that will take you around to the different exhibits. Here you can find interesting animals and flora all year round.

Embark on a spellbinding journey through Chiang Rai's artistic wonders, where architectural marvels abound in vibrant hues. Begin your exploration at the ethereal White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), a contemporary masterpiece that gleams like a vision from another realm, its intricate details and symbolic motifs inviting contemplation and awe. Next, delve into the mystical aura of the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), where shades of cerulean dance across ornate surfaces, evoking a sense of serenity and wonder. Finish your day at the enigmatic (and a tad bizarre) Black House (Baan Dam Museum), a surreal assemblage of darkened structures and curious artefacts, where shadows and light intertwine to provoke introspection and intrigue.

Ascend to the crown jewel of Chiang Mai's natural wonders at Doi Inthanon National Park, where mist-shrouded peaks and lush forests beckon adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Home to Thailand's highest mountain, the park offers a breathtaking panorama of cascading waterfalls, vibrant floral displays, and rare wildlife species thriving in their pristine habitats. Cross winding trails that lead to hidden treasures, from the ethereal beauty of the Siriphum Waterfall to the sacred pagodas of the summit, where panoramic vistas stretch to the horizon.

The Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is located on the mountain of Doi Suthep above Chiang Mai. This park is characterised by beautiful nature, wilderness and plenty of things to do. This is also the place to find the spiritual Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple. Only 4km from Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep lies the Doi Pui Mhong Village, which still offers great insight into Hmong tribe life.

Discover Elephant Nature Park, an extraordinary sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating endangered elephants. Through their innovative project, they offer a haven for these majestic creatures while providing visitors with the opportunity to witness their natural behaviours, from playful antics to tranquil bathing sessions. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the jungle surroundings, with volunteer opportunities, guided tours, and exhilarating rafting adventures, promising an unforgettable experience for all who venture into this remarkable refuge.

This low-key bar, tucked away in a street not far from Maya Mall, offers a wide range of drinks, live performances and an outdoor space to enjoy the night like locals do.

The Chang Phuak Gate Market is a daily open-air night market where you can try some local delicacies for very reasonable prices. Claimed to be one of the best street food markets in Chiang Mai, this is the perfect spot to experience traditional Thai food and mingle with the locals.

At Mix Restaurant & Bar you can choose various dishes from a bold menu consisting of food from all over the world. Sit in the cosy garden, have a drink and imbibe the romantic atmosphere.

If you're looking for some fun far from the hustle and bustle of the city the Ram Bar is the perfect place to head to. The venue offers live performances and is packed with talented dancers who light up the night for the guests. The venue is a straight-friendly gay establishment.

On the rooftop of the akyra Manor Chiang Maia, a 5-star hotel overlooking Chiang Mai, the Rise Rooftop Bar offers an extensive wine and champagne list along with one-of-a-kind and classic cocktails. Relax on the panoramic terrace on comfortable chairs or by the pool and enjoy the stunning view of Doi Suthep.

Chiang Mai's Sunday Night Market stretches from the Tha Phae Gate all the way through Ratchadamnoen Road and offers a wide range of goods and handcrafted artefacts by local vendors. It is also filled with restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. Hot tip: the market comes to life in the evening, offering live entertainment until around midnight.

A youthful and boisterous vibe is what you can expect from Tha Chang Café, where live music reigns and takes control of your hips. At Tha Chang Café you will find an extensive drink menu alongside a smaller food menu. Soak up the atmosphere of Tha Chang Café and live a night out among locals.

This ultra-popular venue dispenses dinner service, cocktails and live jazz played by the best musicians in town. Not only jazz, dance enthusiasts can swing on the floor with Latin music, every Tuesday night.

Central Airport Plaza is located at the airport and is a modern 5-floor shopping centre offering modern shops, handicrafts, cinemas and entertainment.

One of the largest shopping centres is the Kad Suan Kaew on Huay Kaew Road. The old and charming mall is located near the airport and offers everything from chemists to clothes and shoes. On the weekends you can come here for a popular night market.

The Chang Phuak Gate Market is a daily open-air night market where you can try some local delicacies for very reasonable prices. Claimed to be one of the best street food markets in Chiang Mai, this is the perfect spot to experience traditional Thai food and mingle with the locals.

A famous market is the crowded Sunday Walking Street starting at The Phae Gate running down the Ratchadamnoen Road. Vendors line up to sell a great variety of products like ethnic accessories. A selection of other markets includes the Kalare Night Bazaar, the charming Anusarn market and the Warorot Market.

The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is the most famous market that stretches along the Ping River downtown. Here you will find many vendors selling just about everything. This place is great for people-watching and for doing your souvenir shopping. It will be hard not to buy something here.

On the north of the city, just off the street, local vendors line up their stalls full of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meats. Flock of tourists from the world over come here to live one day like a local and to have an insight into the Thai lifestyle.

The area around San Kamphaeng is your spot for handcrafts and quality souvenirs. Come here for woodwork, furniture, fine silk scarves and clothing or take home a hand-crafted piece of ceramic.

Chiang Mai's Sunday Night Market stretches from the Tha Phae Gate all the way through Ratchadamnoen Road and offers a wide range of goods and handcrafted artefacts by local vendors. It is also filled with restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. Hot tip: the market comes to life in the evening, offering live entertainment until around midnight.

Chiang Mai has three seasons: the dry and cool season (from October to April), the rainy season (from July to October), and the dry and warm season (from April to June). That means the best period to explore Chiang Mai is definitely the dry and cool season; the temperature is pleasant enough to enjoy a long day of sightseeing. However, despite the high temperatures, reaching almost 40°C, many tourists decide to come during the middle of April to experience the Songkran festival, which celebrates the Thai New Year.

Visitors to Thailand typically need a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a visa (depending on their nationality), and a completed arrival/departure card, which is usually provided on the aeroplane or at the port of entry. Additionally, there may be specific entry requirements related to health, such as vaccinations or medical certificates, so be sure to check the latest visa requirements and entry regulations from the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country through official government channels before planning your trip to Thailand.

Chiang Mai International Airport is located less than 10 min by taxi from the city centre. The easiest way to reach the city is by taxi or a tuk-tuk. These can be found right outside the airport terminal. On the upper floor, you will find a transportation counter if you have any questions or need help.

Chiang Mai is a small city, hence very easy to walk around. The main means of transportation around the city are the tuk-tuks (motorbikes), songthaews (pick-up trucks) and trishaws (bicycles). The main bus station is located approximately 15 minutes from the Old Town. Here you will find an information desk if you need help.

The main means of transportation around the city are the tuk-tuks (motorbikes), songthaews (small buses) and trishaws (bicycles) which all function as taxis. You will come across regular taxis in busy places like the airport. Alternatively, you can order a ride through apps like Grab and Bolt, which work in a similar way to Uber.

In Thailand, the most common types of power sockets are Type A and B, which feature flat parallel pins and are familiar to those from the US and Canada, and Type C, which has two round pins and is widely used across Europe. Unique to the country is the Type O socket, boasting two round pins and a grounding pin, distinguished by its slightly thicker and wider pins. The standard voltage in Thailand is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz.

Some of the main pharmacy chains in Chiang Mai include Watsons, Boots, and Fascino. These chains have multiple locations throughout the city and offer a wide range of pharmaceutical products, over-the-counter medications, beauty, as well as personal care items.

Look for the red post boxes to send a letter. The post offices around town offer many different services and are generally open from 8am to 4:30pm.