Chiang Mai Thailand

Expert Chiang Mai Travel Guide, Thailand

Our expert Chiang Mai travel guide offers all the advice for Chiang Mai travel you need, including the best things to do in Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai hotels to stay at. We also go into all the city details, offer you Thai language phrases you need, day trips from Chiang Mai, transportation, and more! travel guide for chiang mai | travel to chiang mai thailand | thailand travel guide | what to do in chiang mai thailand | where to stay in Chiang Mai thailand | #chiangmai #thailandtravel

As you journey through Chiang Mai, Thailand, your senses will be flooded—temple incense clouds, delectable mango sticky rice you’ll be dreaming about for weeks, steaming broths, meat skewers—so many things you’ll want more time to devour with your eyes and your nose and your stomach. We’ll get into all that and more in our EXPERT Chiang Mai travel guide.

Visiting Chiang Mai is definitely worth it. Here, you can experience the best Thailand has to offer (whether it’s food, nature, or culture) in one beautiful, accessible package.

Read our accompanying Chiang Mai itinerary as you prepare for your trip.

 

Before You Go

Chiang Mai Travel Guide

Chiang Mai is probably best known for its famous temples (with well over 100+ in the city), including Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Wat Chiang Man, and Wat Phra Singh. Chiang Mai is also renowned for its proximity to nature elephants, and laidback pace of life that’s popular with expats.

It’s easy to see why Chiang Mai, Thailand is one of the best honeymoon destinations in Asia.

Our Chiang Mai travel guide is going to unpack everything for you in an organized format that will answer all of your questions about traveling to Chiang Mai.

We’ll go into the city basics, including:

  • language, currency, transportation, food, voltage, population of Chiang Mai, weather in Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai air quality, Chiang Mai rental car, Chiang Mai airports, and more.

We’ll also discuss:

  • where to stay in Chiang Mai, what to do in Chiang Mai, the best day trips to take, and where to go next in our Chiang Mai travel guide.

 

Why We Made a Travel Guide for Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand is one of our favorite places in the whole world.

I studied in Chiang Mai, Thailand before I became a travel blogger, and it was this opportunity in the Land of Smiles that restructured my priorities and reaffirmed travel and exploration as my true passion.

Waterfalls, stunning treks, and other adventurous delights certainly have a heavy hand in my love for Chiang Mai, Thailand, in addition to the affordable cost of living in Chiang MaiThe cuisine is delicious and the people are warm and friendly.

There are so many amazing things to do in Chiang Mai, from stuffing your face on delicious street food, Chiang Mai trekking in the jungle, seeing a Muay Thai fight, ziplining in Chiang Mai, to bathing with elephants at a Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary.

I’ve been around here and there, but no matter where else I travel, Chiang Mai will always have a piece of my heart. That’s why we’re ecstatic to share ESSENTIAL advice for Chiang Mai travel in our Chiang Mai travel guide with you.

This ULTIMATE Chiang Mai Travel Guide will feed you all the juicy info you need to visit this belove northern Thai city.

A visit to Chiang Mai is truly an essential part of any Thailand itinerary, and this Chiang Mai travel guide will be an invaluable resource for your journey.

So get on now, and bury your nose in our Chiang Mai travel guide:

 

Chiang Mai old town temples - Wat Chiang Man

Wat Chiang Man

 

 

Language in Chiang Mai

Most people in Chiang Mai speak standard Thai.

A phrase that describes the way of life in Chiang Mai is mai pen rai, which is essentially the equivalent to “no worries” or “hang loose.”

 

Here are some basic Thai phrases you should learn:

If you’re a male speaker, use the “krap” ending.

If you’re a female speaker, use the “ka” ending.

Hello Sawadee (krap / ka)
Thank youkhop khun (krap / ka)
Yes Chai (krap / ka)
No Mai (krap / ka)
Sorry/excuse meKhor thoad (krap / ka)
Where is the restroom?Hong nam yoo tee nai (krap / ka)
restroom/bathroomhong nam ห้องน้ำ
I need a doctorPhom dong gaan hai mor maa raak sa (krap / ka)
Without beef/chicken/porkmai sai nua/gai/moo (krap / ka)
vegetarian
mangsawerat มังสวิรัติ

 

There are some older people who still speak the local Northern Thai dialect (also known as Lanna).

English is pretty common in touristed areas and restaurants. Many restaurants in these areas have menus in English, and most important street signs are written in Thai and English (as in the rest of Thailand).

If you venture outside of the tourist spots, you’ll find far less English.

And remember, mai pen rai, baby!

 

Currency in Chiang Mai

The Thai baht (฿ or THB) is the currency used in Chiang Mai.

💵  $1 US dollar ≈ 36.33 Thai baht

💶 €1 Euro ≈ 37.14 Thai baht

 

 

Chiang Mai Population

How many people are in Chiang Mai?

The population of Chiang Mai’s urban area currently stands at about 1.2 million people, making it the second largest city in Thailand.

 

 

Prices in Chiang Mai

Prices in Chiang Mai are very affordable, but can range widely, depending on if you’re paying tourist or local prices.

Local meals start at around 40THB ($1.10) for a dish, whereas if you eat at a western restaurant you can expect to pay at least four times that.

Local transport via songthaew starts at about 20THB for short rides, with the price increasing by distance. Tuktuks (40THB+) and taxis are more expensive, yet still affordable.

Accommodation prices range from less than $20 per night for basic rooms all the way up to over $200 per night for top-of-the-line luxury.

 

Voltage in Thailand

The Voltage in Thailand is a 230V voltage at 50hz.

The most common outlet type for electric plugs in Thailand is Type C, the most commonly used one around the world.

Some outlets for electric plugs in Thailand are a hybrid that can accommodate plug types A/B (North American), C, and O (a Thailand-only plug).

Travelers from countries that use over voltages (such as the United States) will need to bring a voltage converter if they want to use certain appliances (hair dryer, etc.).

If you need to adapt your plugs to fit in the local sockets, you can always find a plug adapter. We recommend this Universal Travel Adapter.

 

Chiang Mai Time Zone

Chiang Mai and the rest of Thailand are on Indochina time (GMT+7), which is seven hours ahead of London.

Thailand doesn’t observe Daylight Savings Time, so the time doesn’t change throughout the year.

 

Visit Wat Doi Suthep on your 3 day Chiang Mai itinerary

Weather in Chiang Mai

Due to its northern location and moderate altitude (about 300m), the weather in Chiang Mai enjoys a somewhat milder climate compared to much of Thailand.

Our Chiang Mai travel guide will now go into the seasons in Chiang Mai, including the best times for Chiang Mai air quality.

 

Chiang Mai is generally regarded to have 3 seasons:

The cool season from November – February, has temperatures ranging from 10c at night to 28C during the day.

Rain is rare during this season, making it the best time to visit Chiang Mai for outdoor activities.

 

The hot season (March – May) isn’t recommended as the best time to visit Chiang Mai because of the heat and poor air quality in Chiang Mai.

Temperatures rise to 32-40C during the day, and the local environment takes on a dry and dusty look.

With dust and smoke from fires in the area, this is the time of year when the air quality in Chiang Mai can take a hit, so we wouldn’t recommend visiting during this time, if possible.

 

The rainy season (June – October) is actually a pleasant time to visit Chiang Mai.

The monsoon rains wash away the dust and smoke of the dry season, and also bring down the hot temperatures a bit. Despite the name, it usually doesn’t rain all the time.

Instead, there will be short and intense downpours.

If you come prepared to deal with some rain, it’s a beautiful time to visit, and considered by many to be the best time to visit Chiang Mai. The landscape becomes more lush during this time, and the threat of rain keeps crowds lower.

 

 

 

How to Get to Chiang Mai

“The Rose of the North” is a compact city (though still the largest in Northern Thailand of about 200,000), and traveling to Chiang Mai is easy.

From Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Most people traveling to Chiang Mai will come through/from Bangkok.

You can easily get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok via plane, train, bus, or rental car.

Here’s some advice about Chiang Mai travel from Bangkok:

Chiang Mai Airports

There is one airport in Chiang Mai.

Whether you’re flying in to Chiang Mai from Bangkok or someone else, all arrivals to the Chiang Mai airport will come through the the International Airport in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai International Airport hosts incoming flights from throughout Asia and Thailand.

Flights within Thailand to Chiang Mai are very cheap and quick (as low as $10 and 1hr 15m from Bangkok), and are a convenient, affordable method to get to Chiang Mai.

Air Asia Chiang Mai flights are run by a discount airline, and are reliably affordable. Find Air Asia Chiang Mai flights here.

✈️  Learn other tips for finding dirt cheap flights in our guide, How to Find Cheap Flights.

 

The Secret to Cheap Flights

 


Headed to Thailand yourself? Check out this Thailand Visa Guide


Bangkok to Chiang Mai Train

Flights aren’t the only way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

You can take Bangkok to Chiang Mai train starting at around 580THB ($15.80) for the 2nd class sleeper with fan.

The ride is much slower than a flight, taking about 11 hours.

Buses to Chiang Mai

Buses to Chiang Mai are available from Bangkok and other cities throughout Thailand, and vary in duration as well as cost depending on the point of departure.

Chiang Mai Bus Terminals

There are three bus terminals in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai bus terminal 1, known as Chang Phueak Bus Station, is just north of the Old City.

Local city buses and buses running to nearby destinations in Chiang Mai province leave from here.

Chiang Mai bus terminals 2 & 3, also known as the Chiang Mai Arcade bus terminal, is located 3km east of the Old City.

Long-distance buses to places around Thailand, including Chiang Rai, Phitsanulok, and Bangkok, arrive and depart from here.

 

Tuktuks are one way to get around during your 3 day itinerary Chiang Mai

Tuktuks in Chiang Mai

 

How to Get Around Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a relatively small city, at less than 20 sq mi (40 km). So, it’s simple to get around the city.

From many locations in Chiang Mai, you can easily get a tuktuk, taxi, or shared songthaew to your destination.

You can also take a tuktuk tour of Chiang Mai.

When traveling in any foreign country, it helps immensely to have the name of your destination written in the native language, to show the driver where you’re going.

Local transport in Chiang Mai is very affordable (even as low as 30-60 THB per ride).

While there’s no Uber in Thailand, but the Grab taxi app functions the same way. It’s a convenient way to get exactly where you want to go, though it’s more expensive and requires a mobile connection.

Learn more about how to get around Chiang Mai on our Chiang Mai itinerary.

 

Chiang Mai Car Rent

Chiang Mai rental cars are affordable and available, starting at around $26/day. While a car is a fantastic option to get around Chiang Mai and its surrounding areas, be very careful driving in a foreign country.

Get a budget car rental for Chiang Mai. Prices fluctuate, so you can also compare Chiang Mai car rent prices at this site.

In Thailand, drivers drive in the LEFT lane (the opposite of America, where we drive in the right lane). This is particularly important to remember when turning onto any new streets—be sure to remind yourself LEFT LANE, LEFT LANE, every time you turn!

Drive safely and defensively, and be ready to adapt to different driving conditions than you may be used to at home.

For example, motorbikes are everywhere and you will have to get used to motorbikes zooming past all around you. Street lights also take much longer to to change than they do in the U.S.!

 

Chiang Mai Motorbike For Rent

Our favorite way to get around Chiang Mai is by motorbike. It’s fun, it’s incredibly affordable (starting at less than 200THB/day), and helps you experience the local way of life.

If you decide to rent a motorbike, we urge you to be safe and follow local laws and regulations.

Wat Chedi Luang as part of Chiang Mai 3-day Itinerary

What Chedi Luang

 

Neighborhoods of Chiang Mai

Our Chiang Mai travel guide will now breakdown the major neighborhoods to explore in Chiang Mai.

We will go over specific accommodation recommendations in the next major section: Where to Stay in Chiang Mai.

Travelers visiting Chiang Mai tend to focus on the neighborhoods of:

  •  Old City
  • Doi Suthep
  • Suthep
  • and Nimman

 

Old City

Chiang Mai Old City, found within a 1.5 sq. km moat and Chiang Mai gate, is the historic center of Chiang Mai.

A popular area for travelers to visit and stay in, the Old City houses some of the city’s oldest and most famous temples inside of the Chiang Mai moat.

These include Wat Phra SinghWat Chedi Luang, and Wat Chiang Man.

There are many day tours in Chiang Mai to show you around Old City. While it is pretty simple to navigate on your own, a tour can offer you information and education.

Old City also hosts a couple Chiang Mai night markets, including the Sunday Night Market and the Tha Pae Walking Street (both on Sundays).

You’ll also find a Saturday Night Market in Chiang Mai.

Be sure to take a Night Market foodie tour and catch a Muay Thai fight in or near Old City.

 

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is an essential recommendation on our Chiang Mai travel guide

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Doi Suthep

Doi Suthep offers some of the top sights in our guide to Chiang Mai.

Doi Suthep refers to both the mountain itself and the temple partway up the mountain, visible from much of Chiang Mai (known as Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep).

You can easily get a songthaew or taxi ride up to the Doi Suthep temple from many places in the city.

If you’re riding a motorbike while traveling to Chiang Mai, it’s fun to drive up from the city. Drive carefully, as there are some windy mountain curves.

The draw of Doi Suthep is the combination of the natural beauty of its surroundings and the splendor of the temple grounds, making it one of the most recommended sites in our Chiang Mai travel guide.

We recommend visiting the temple early in the morning, as it can get busy later in the day. You can even visit Doi Suthep at night.

Doi Suthep mountain is home to a national park as well (Doi Suthep National Park). Grab a ride down to the Montha Than waterfall trailhead, where you pay a 100 baht entrance fee (plus vehicle fee) to enter the park.

 

Montha Than Waterfall near Wat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Montha Than Chiang Mai Waterfall near Wat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, Thailand

 

Suthep

Our favorite part of Chiang Mai is the Suthep district, in between Doi Suthep and the Nimman district. We love Suthep’s winding, tree-covered alleys and proximity to nature.

 

Visit Wat Umong as part of your 3 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary

Wat Umong

 

Suthep is also home to two of our favorite Chiang Mai travel guide sites: the temples of the mysterious and lush Wat Umong and brightly shining Wat Suan Dok.

The buzzing Langmor Night Market near Chiang Mai University’s south gate is one of our most-loved places to eat street food in Chiang Mai, whether it’s sushi, steak, or Thai grilled chicken.

Suthep also has some beer gardens and cute cafes, such as No.39, a cafe with a beautiful pond and a slide.

 

Grab a drink at No 39 Cafe as part of your Chiang Mai itinerary for 3 days

No. 39 Cafe

 



Booking.com

 

Nimman

Nimman is an area to the northwest of the Old City. Popular with travelers and expats alike due to its cute and trendy cafes, restaurants, and hotels, the Nimman area is centered around Nimmanheaemin Road.

 

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

Since Chiang Mai is so affordable, accommodations can start as low as $5 or $6 a night.

$50 can go a long way towards getting a much nicer boutique hotel in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai also has some incredible luxury resorts if it’s within your budget, such as the Anantara Chiang Mai.

In any neighborhood you choose, you’ll find a variety of accomodations, ranging from local apartments in Chiang Mai, Thailand to cute boutique hotels. We always like to use Booking.com or Agoda in Chiang Mai, as well as in the rest of Asia.

Most travelers to Chiang Mai will stay in either the Old City or the Nimman area for their central locations.

 

Hotels in Chiang Mai Old City

Budget

Mid-Range

Higher End

Hotels in Nimman, Chiang Mai

Budget

Mid-Range

Higher End

 

 

We, personally, like to stay in the western Suthep district near the base of Doi Suthep for a quieter, more local experience closer to nature, but if you have limited time in Chiang Mai, it might not be the most ideal location for you.

But if you have more time, Suthep will offer you more of a local, laidback experience.

 

Hotels in Suthep, Chiang Mai

Budget

Mid-Range

Higher End

 

 



Booking.com

 

 

Lisu Lodge, Best hotels in Chiang Mai Thailand

List Lodge in Chiang Mai

Lisu Lodge

If you’d like to escape into nature, we definitely recommend a stay at the Lisu Lodge, an eco-lodge run by the local hill tribespeople, surrounded by verdant hills and scenic fields of rice and tobacco.

The Lisu Lodge is located outside the city, and will take you deeper into the stunning nature of northern Thailand.

 

Muay Thai vs kick boxing

Muay Thai fight at Thapae Boxing Stadium

 

Chiang Mai Nightlife

While Chiang Mai doesn’t have quite the wild nightlife scene of Bangkok or Pattaya, the city still has a couple poppin’ spots for nightlife that we’ll go over now in our guide to Chiang Mai.

If you’re traveling as a family and don’t want to hit the bars, you can take a Chiang Mai Night Safari.

Another family-friendly activity for nightlife in Chiang Mai is this Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show.

Backpackers flock to a corner of the Old City near the popular bar/club Zoe in Yellow. There are several bars in this area that play dance music and attract partiers. It’s definitely the top place to go for backpackers looking to party in Chiang Mai.

THC Rooftop Bar is also popular among backpackers (and study abroad students, I can testify), offering cheap drinks, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a taste of the local nightlife in Chiang Mai, check out RIM CURVED. This laidback spot is a great place to soak up local vibes, cheap beers, and a variety of Thai bar food. There’s often live music here, and a translated menu with some humorous translations (Bib egg freckles horse power frames, anyone?).

The lively Nimman area is popular with locals and foreigners alike. There’s lots of busy bars here, including Warm Up Cafe, featuring food, drinks, and DJs who play Western and Thai music.

Infinity and Tawan Daeng are loved by locals for their energetic dance floors and late-night parties, while hidden gems like North Gate Jazz Co-Op offer live music and a laid-back vibe.

You can catch a ladyboy show at the Chiang Mai Cabaret show every night near the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.

There are also nightly Muay Thai fights at stadiums around Chiang Mai.

 

Grab a bite to eat at Khao Soi Mae Sai as part of your Chiang Mai 3 day itinerary

Khao Soi, one of the Chiang Mai foods you MUST try

Chiang Mai Food

We can’t give advice for Chiang Mai travel without recommending some delicious local Chiang Mai food.

Comfortingly garlic and saltily sour, and (much like the Vietnamese food we’ve also written about), the Chiang Mai street food I’d limp toward after every wild night out taught me the meaning of food is love.

Chiang Mai may not have the kinds of lovely beaches you’ll find in Hua Hin, but it certainly has one heck of a culinary sea to dive into. 

Our favorite of the Chiang Mai foods are the northern speciality khao soi and khao ka moo (pork leg on rice).

A signature dish of Northern Thailand, khao soi is a coconut curry noodle soup topped with crispy noodles and served with lime, shallots, pickled mustard greens, and chili paste.

You can get khao soi around the city at various Chiang Mai street food vendors, but our favorite Chiang Mai restaurant to get it is Khao Soi Mae Sai, which is a Michelin-mentioned spot dating back to 1989 off of Huay Kaew Road.

We love to eat khao ka moo at the cowgirl foodstall featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show, “No Reservations.” You’ll find it at the Chang Phueak gate (run by a Thai woman in her famous cowboy hat), just to the north of the old city, where there’s a nightly food market that opens around 4-5 PM each evening.

 

Local Thai Chiang Mai restaurants are plentiful throughout Chiang Mai, and Western/foreign restaurants are easy to find, especially around Old City and Nimman.

 

Kaeng Rong Baan Suan

A notable Chiang Mai restaurant to try authentic regional northern Thai food is Kaeng Rong Baan Suan.

You’ll find the flavors are very different than Thai food we usually eat in America!

 

Kanjana Restaurant

Another favorite dining spot in Chiang Mai, Kanjana Restaurant is known for its authentic Northern Thai flavors and cozy ambiance.

Try their khao kan chin (steamed rice with pork blood), gaeng hang lay (Northern Thai pork curry), and sai ua (spicy sausage) served with fresh vegetables and dipping sauces.

 

Huay Tung Tao Lake Floating Hut Restaurant

Have a meal in a floating hut on Huay Tung Thao lake in Chiang Mai

Affordable feast in a floating hut on Huay Tung Thao lake

 

We also recommend the floating hut restaurant on Huay Tung Tao Lake for tasty Thai food at reasonable prices in a unique and peaceful natural setting. Our favorite thing to get here is whole fried fish.

Learn more about this restaurant on our Chiang Mai itinerary.

 

Have a meal in a floating hut on Huay Tung Thao lake in Chiang Mai

Floating hut restaurant on Huay Tung Thao Lake

 

Street Food Stands

If you get anything from this Chiang Mai guide, we hope it’s that you’ll explore some of the local food stands you’ll find in Chiang Mai.

There are day tours in Chiang Mai that can take you to markets, show you around, and help you translate, if that might help you feel more comfortable. This one, for example, takes you to a market to buy ingredients, and then shows you how to cook them.

 

Chiang Mai Gate Food Market

Open every evening, Chiang Mai Gate Food Market is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to sample a wide variety of Northern Thai dishes at affordable prices.

From stir-fried noodles and curry rice to grilled meats and fresh seafood, there’s something for everyone to stuff in their mouths!

 

Tom Kha Goong (Sour Shrimp Soup) in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Tom Kha Goong (Coconut Shrimp Sour Soup) in Chiang Mai, Thailand

 

Street Food in Chiang Mai to Try

Street food Chiang Mai vendors are widely available throughout the city.

In fact, a foodie venture exploring the street food in Chiang Mai is our absolute favorite thing to do in the city.

Chiang Mai noodles, curries, sweets and skewers are everywhere to be found, so don’t be shy!

 

More Chiang Mai street food to try is:

  •  pad see ew (stir-fried noodles)
  • kuaytiaw (or boat noodles, similar to pho)
  • sai oua (grilled spicy herb sausage)
  • khai jiao (Thai omelet)
  • khao niaow ma muang (mango sticky rice)
  • khao mok hai (Thai chicken biryani)
  • fried quail eggs
  • tom yum goong (sour soup with shrimp) or tom kha goong (coconut sour soup with shrimp)
  • pa thong ko (Thai donuts)
  • haw mok (fish custard—trust me, it’s DELISH)
  • rotee (we like the banana chocolate with condensed milk!)
  • pad pad boong (stir-fried morning glory)
  • if you’re up for an adventure in Chiang Mai, fried bugs!

Here’s a post you can check out to learn more about local Thai dishes.

 

Fried roaches, Chiang Mai, Thailand

We found fried bugs at some of the local outdoor food markets, and have seen fried bug trucks some by at night at local bars!

 

 

 

Visit the Wat Umong pond for your itinerary in Chiang Mai

Feeding the birds at the pond at Wat Umong

 

What to Do in Chiang Mai

Looking for the best things to do in Chiang Mai?

Get ready for an adventure in Chiang Mai!

If you’re planning a tight schedule, keep in mind that some places mentioned in our Chiang Mai travel guide are found in outskirts of the city or in nearby districts and will need some extra time allotted.

These include the Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, and Doi Inthanon, and the Sticky Waterfall in Chiang Mai.

We’ve included many of these on our 3 day Chiang Mai itinerary, so be sure to refer to that guide if you’d like more in depth information on some of the activities.

Without further ado, our Chiang Mai travel guide’s got a list for you coming right up of the best things to do in Chiang Mai.  Check it out in the next section!

 

Take the Monk's Trail to Wat Pha Lat from our Chiang Mai itinerary blog

Wat Pha Lat, reachable by the hiking the Monk’s Trail

 

Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Whatever you do on our Chiang Mai travel guide, it’s going to be incredible. 

Here’s a list of some of the top things to do in Chiang Mai to get you started!

 

Check out the Chiang Mai Ladyboy Cabaret as part of your 3 day Chiang Mai itinerary

Chiang Mai Ladyboy Cabaret

 

Chiang Mai Markets

If you’re a lover of local markets like us, make sure you check out Warorot Chiang Mai Market just outside the Old City’s eastern gate. You’ll find produce, fresh meat and seafood, and other typical Thai items here.

 

Warorot Market in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Warorot Chiang Mai Market

 

People of all walks of life, ages, everything, tunnel your entrance, a dash of images appearing between their limbs or lack thereof: buckets of slivering eels here, baby turtles there, a little flash of bloody fish heads, mouths hanging open like they’ve just watched the season finale of Stranger Things.

The Chiang Mai market of Warorot takes you through mounds of spices and fresh herbs, things you want to buy so you can stuff your face in them, sausages twisted into swirls, bags of sinister fungus, vendors assaulting you with eager eyes and desperate pleas. “Cheap-cheap” they all say, “just for you! Beautiful lady!” It’s local markets like these from which talented hands buy the ingredients for making the yummy food in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Outside the main area of the market, red trucks, or songthaews  honk in eternal cacophony, a sound grating further against the notes of howling tuk-tuks hailing you for their services, against the whine of whizzing scooters. It’s a feast for your senses!

 

Bird's-eye view of Warorot Market in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Bird’s-eye view of Warorot Market

Chiang Mai Night Markets

The sulfuric steam of durian fruit beckons you further, through pyramids of dragon fruit and sticky mango rice.

Try the rambutan. Peel its urchin-like skin, the soft spurs that tickle your fingers. Slurp on its sweet fruit, swirling your tongue ’round and ‘round, slimy and juicy and soft like a peeled grape, nibbling it off the seed. You can buy a kilo because it costs 20 baht in Thailand, less than one U.S. dollar.

Don’t miss a foodie tour of the Chiang Mai Night Markets.

 

Rambutan for 20 baht at Warorot Market, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Rambutan for 20 baht

 

The city is home to several night markets, most notably the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. The Night Bazaar is just outside the Old City’s eastern gate and has loads of vendors selling typical Thai souvenirs (like Red Bull and Muay Thai shirts). The bazaar is held every night from 5PM – 12AM.

There’s various other night markets scattered around Chiang Mai, mostly focused on street food. No matter where you’re staying, you’ll probably be able to find some street food at night close by, (as in the rest of Thailand).

 

 

Best Day Trips from Chiang Mai

There’s a bounty of interesting day trips nearby to Chiang Mai.

 

 

Trips From Chiang Mai

Our Chiang Mai travel guide’s got some inspiration for where to go next.

Chiang Mai to Pai

Beloved by backpackers, this town about 3 hours northwest of Chiang Mai offers a mix of laid-back vibes, partying, and natural attractions. It’s easy to get from Chiang Mai to Pai — private vans will take you there for about 150THB each way.

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

A trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand, will only take a short few hours.

Chiang Rai is most famous for its White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), and the borders with Myanmar and Laos. You can easily get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by bus, which takes about 3 hours and costs 165-260 THB.

There are also many affordable Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai tours that can pick you up from your accommodation in Chiang Mai, show you around Chiang Rai, and then return you back to your Chiang Mai accommodation at the end of the tour.

Arrange your tour from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai here.

Mae Hong Son

This small city near Thailand’s western border with Myanmar is surrounded by nature and offers an interesting viewpoint into life in Thailand’s frontier. Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son is about 6 hours on the bus, costing about 250THB.

You can arrange your own custom private Chiang Mai tour to Mae Hang Son here.

Wat Chalermprakiat

This extraordinary temple perched on top of karst mountains in Lampang province is unlike any other temple we’ve visited in Thailand.

 

 

Plan Your Thailand Trip

Refer to our other valuable travel guides to help you plan the rest of your Thailand trip.

ULTIMATE 3 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary

A seamless itinerary designed to maximize your experiences in the city of Chiang Mai.

 

Caring for the Elephants in Chiang Mai, Thailand

A Chiang Mai guide detailing our experience at the best ethical, non-riding Chiang Mai elephant experience in Thailand.

 

Luxury Hill-Tribe Eco-Lodge in Chiang Mai: A Review

Learn about our experience at the Lisu Lodge, an affordable luxury lodge run by members of the Lisu hill tribe.

 

Muay Thai in Chiang Mai, Thailand

A Chiang Mai travel guide with everything you need to know about Muay Thai in Chiang Mai, including where to watch a fight, and where to train so that you can learn the Thai martial art for yourself.

 

 


Headed to Bangkok instead?

Check out this post on Bangkok Street Food and make sure to read One Night in Bangkok!


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Our expert Chiang Mai travel guide offers all the advice for Chiang Mai travel you need, including the best things to do in Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai hotels to stay at. We also go into all the city details, offer you Thai language phrases you need, day trips from Chiang Mai, transportation, and more! travel guide for chiang mai | travel to chiang mai thailand | thailand travel guide | what to do in chiang mai thailand | where to stay in Chiang Mai thailand | #chiangmai #thailandtravelOur expert Chiang Mai travel guide offers all the advice for Chiang Mai travel you need, including the best things to do in Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai hotels to stay at. We also go into all the city details, offer you Thai language phrases you need, day trips from Chiang Mai, transportation, and more! travel guide for chiang mai | travel to chiang mai thailand | thailand travel guide | what to do in chiang mai thailand | where to stay in Chiang Mai thailand | #chiangmai #thailandtravel
Our expert Chiang Mai travel guide offers all the advice for Chiang Mai travel you need, including the best things to do in Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai hotels to stay at. We also go into all the city details, offer you Thai language phrases you need, day trips from Chiang Mai, transportation, and more! travel guide for chiang mai | travel to chiang mai thailand | thailand travel guide | what to do in chiang mai thailand | where to stay in Chiang Mai thailand | #chiangmai #thailandtravelOur expert Chiang Mai travel guide offers all the advice for Chiang Mai travel you need, including the best things to do in Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai hotels to stay at. We also go into all the city details, offer you Thai language phrases you need, day trips from Chiang Mai, transportation, and more! travel guide for chiang mai | travel to chiang mai thailand | thailand travel guide | what to do in chiang mai thailand | where to stay in Chiang Mai thailand | #chiangmai #thailandtravel
Our expert Chiang Mai travel guide offers all the advice for Chiang Mai travel you need, including the best things to do in Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai hotels to stay at. We also go into all the city details, offer you Thai language phrases you need, day trips from Chiang Mai, transportation, and more! travel guide for chiang mai | travel to chiang mai thailand | thailand travel guide | what to do in chiang mai thailand | where to stay in Chiang Mai thailand | #chiangmai #thailandtravelOur expert Chiang Mai travel guide offers all the advice for Chiang Mai travel you need, including the best things to do in Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai hotels to stay at. We also go into all the city details, offer you Thai language phrases you need, day trips from Chiang Mai, transportation, and more! travel guide for chiang mai | travel to chiang mai thailand | thailand travel guide | what to do in chiang mai thailand | where to stay in Chiang Mai thailand | #chiangmai #thailandtravel

 


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41 Comments

  • Reply
    What I’ve Learned from Traveling to 25 Countries | TLVSION ØF NOMADS
    at 8:52 am

    […] in life itself. One of my favorite stories that highlights this is not my own, but of a friend I studied abroad with in Thailand. It was her first time outside of the states, and the initial culture shock kept her around our […]

  • Reply
    Matea Pichet
    at 9:17 am

    Oh wow, I’m going to Thailand in December and I cannot wait to try all these amazing dishes. Maybe not the bugs though… Do you have any tips on what to do in Chiang Mai? Thanks xx

    • Reply
      televisionofnomads
      at 12:09 pm

      Oh how fantastic! I would highly recommend you put aside a few days and do a jungle trek if you have the time! As far as things more in the way of the city, Wat Doi Suthep is a must-see (there are a few little waterfalls on the way up the mountain), and Wat Umong is a beautiful hidden little gem tucked away in the foothills that I highly recommend. Wat Chedi Luang is pretty cool as well and that’s right smack in Old Town–in fact, you can wander around Old Town and see tons of different temples, but the ones I’ve named above are my favorite and (in my opinion) superior!

      • Reply
        Matea Pichet
        at 8:02 am

        Thank you so much for these tips! I’m noting this down. I’ll drfinitely have the time for the jungle 🙂

  • Reply
    jandreiventures
    at 10:32 am

    That’s an amazing experience in Thailand. I guess every traditions has it’s own root in history. The cockroach thing was really *uugghh! haha, but we have to understand also that long time ago, due to scarcity of food they opted to eat those insects to survive starvation. Now, only remnants of history are practiced, but that was still rich and simple way of living. More travels to hear from your blog.

    • Reply
      televisionofnomads
      at 12:05 pm

      Thank you so much for dropping by 🙂
      And no, I have never enjoyed any of the bugs I’ve eaten, but hey–they’re actually quite healthy for you! It’s just so difficult to get over the ick factor!

      • Reply
        jandreiventures
        at 12:20 pm

        Nahh. I will never dare to try one of those cockroaches. Ugghhh ha ha. It triggers me to goose bumps even just thinking about it. But Congratulations, you already eaten a bug lol

  • Reply
    Rashminotes
    at 9:03 pm

    Such an interesting post! Great read:)

  • Reply
    Candy
    at 10:31 am

    This post made my mouth water. Your descriptions, those pictures, all heavenly!

  • Reply
    Kristin
    at 4:56 pm

    Oh wow, this post captures EVERYTHING that I remember about Thailand so beautifully – the good, the unique, and the pungent! You make me want to go back there just to experience it all again!

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 4:59 pm

      I’m glad you think so! Thanks for dropping by! 🙂

  • Reply
    breaktheenigma
    at 10:43 pm

    Wonderful post! Absolutely love this really interesting piece! 😀 I only wish there was a way I could like it on WordPress 🙁

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 10:59 pm

      Why thank you!

  • Reply
    Tanja
    at 8:24 am

    Thank you for making my mouth water. I am off for some panang curry!

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 9:31 pm

      Mmmmm, Tanja! Enjoy it for me!

  • Reply
    T
    at 3:34 am

    I’m Thai-American (born in the US) and your post has made me “homesick” for a place I’ve visited extensively but never actually lived. I never realized that the “rambutan” you mention is the Thai luc noc — an absolutely favorite to eat and to play with! Thanks for a wonderful post; my mouth is watering.

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 8:04 am

      What a wonderful comment! Hopefully you can return soon!

  • Reply
    Vicki H
    at 1:59 am

    Great blog, your writing style is wonderful. I have a lot to learn about brevity in my writing style. Thanks for liking my post at http://www.henrysfoxhole.com

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 3:51 pm

      Thank you so much, Vicki!

  • Reply
    Michelle | michwanderlust
    at 11:21 am

    I’d like to make one suggestion for eating with chopsticks: don’t leave them sticking out of the bowl and try to lay them down flat across the top of the bowl instead. In Chinese culture it’s considered rude / bad luck to leave them sticking out of the bowl as they resemble joss sticks, and given the large numbers of Chinese in Thailand, they may have a similar view. Personally, I’m not superstitious, but I stick to the norms to avoid offending other people. If in doubt, I’d recommend just not doing it 🙂

    That said, I’m sure the Thais didn’t hold it against you as they knew you weren’t aware. I thought very long about whether to comment or not since it’s all in the past (I’m not sure how Koreans feel about it), but in the end I figured I may as well just for your future reference. I loved this post and your photos of the food, but there was something jarring about to me and it took me a few seconds to realise why. Please understand it’s just a visceral reaction for those of us who’ve been brought up to never do it.

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 11:38 am

      Thank you so much for your comment, Michelle! Yes, I have since learned of that custom of resting your chopsticks on the bowl rather than in it, but I definitely wasn’t aware of it 4 years ago when these pictures were taken. Still, I really appreciate you stopping by and spreading cultural awareness! Food etiquette and table manners can be such an important part of culture, and it’s often difficult for an outsider to know what they’re doing wrong without some help, so thank you!

  • Reply
    kristy
    at 11:39 am

    Love your pics of Thailand. My friends were missionaries there for 8 years and loved it! They still miss it and have found a Thai food restaurant here in Austin that they say is the best Thai food they have had since leaving. I think the food must make a great impression!

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 11:59 am

      It truly does, Kristy! How lucky your friends were to be able to have lived in Thailand and enjoy the incredible food for 8 years!

  • Reply
    Karan Mathur
    at 8:28 pm

    Nice post. Enjoyed reading it, you need to do one for Myanmar as well…

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 7:44 am

      We have yet to visit Myanmar, but if/when we get the chance to visit, we most certainly will write one!

  • Reply
    JinCotton
    at 10:32 am

    Baby Turtles!! :O

  • Reply
    Rose
    at 7:15 pm

    Makes me want to go!

  • Reply
    Visiting Chiang Mai and the Loi Krathong Festival - Erika's Travels
    at 9:02 am

    […] a combination of the city’s low prices, its delicious and plentiful street food,  its exotic sights and smells, its international vibe and its air of […]

  • Reply
    Dave T
    at 3:34 pm

    This is a nice article. My only correction is the fried bugs are not cockroaches which really aren’t eaten here. I think they’re probably MAENG DAA, a kind of beetle which has a very medicinal taste to it. Delish!

  • Reply
    Television of Nomads
    at 12:53 pm

    […] The Smell Guide: Chiang Mai, Thailand […]

  • Reply
    Television of Nomads
    at 4:31 pm

    […] The Smell Guide: Sights, Scents, & Food in Chiang Mai, Thailand […]

  • Reply
    Television of Nomads
    at 9:43 pm

    […] will you ever be in Thailand being offered water buffalo and water bugs again? Probably never. Take the plunge and eat those silk […]

  • Reply
    Television of Nomads
    at 3:48 pm

    […] of my favorite dishes in Thailand was the morning glory I’d seek nearly every day after […]

  • Reply
    Television of Nomads
    at 12:31 pm

    […] Looking for another experience post? Check out The Smell Guide: Chiang Mai, Thailand! […]

  • Reply
    Television of Nomads
    at 9:44 am

    […] never quite experienced this kind of homesickness. After all, I’d moved to Florida, Thailand, and Prague, and never really looked back while living in any of those places […]

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