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Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting?: 12 Reasons to Visit Chiang Mai

Lauren West

Is Chiang Mai worth visiting? Does a bear poop in the woods? Does traveling solo make you a badass? The answer to all 3 is heck yes!

Chiang Mai is good for the soul. You’ll find soul everywhere you look—in the warm smiles greeting you, the nature surrounding you, the food nourishing you. Reasons to visit Chiang Mai are all over our 3 Day Chiang Mai itinerary, and surely the millions of travelers to this Northern Thai city agree.

For more information about transportation, currency, voltage, language, and anything else, read our Chiang Mai travel guide.

So is Chiang Mai worth visiting? Let’s get deeper into it.

 

Before You Go

Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting?

People ask, “is Chiang Mai worth visiting?” as it’s a good 400 miles from the Thailand capital, Bangkok, where most flights into the country go.

So why visit Chiang Mai? Well, Chiang Mai is a whole ‘nother world than Bangkok.

Considerably smaller and less dense than Bangkok, Chiang Mai stands out for its more laid-back vibe.

While Bangkok is a bustling metropolis with skyscrapers and heavy traffic, Chiang Mai retains a charming provincial feel with its historic Old City and surrounding natural landscapes that make the extra flight, bus, or train to Chiang Mai worth it.

So yes, Chiang Mai is definitely worth visiting. But why is Chiang Mai so popular?

 

Why is Chiang Mai so popular?

Well, for one, Chiang Mai locals, expats (of which there are many), and visitors enjoy a more relaxed mai pen rai (“no worries”) lifestyle.

It’s cheap—monthly rent can easily be $150-200 for a comfortable apartment and a Thai meal is $1-3. Plus, there are tons of chances for exploring and adventures in Chiang Mai.

The breathtaking natural beauty, from jungles and waterfalls to rice paddies and mountainous terrain are just some of the many reasons to visit Chiang Mai.

Overall, Chiang Mai’s distinct cultural heritage, natural beauty, and laid-back atmosphere set it apart from Bangkok and offer travelers a unique and memorable experience in Thailand. A great way to see the city is a Chiang Mai tuktuk tour.

If you’re wondering, “is Chiang Mai worth visiting?” we’ll break it down further for you.

And after you realize Chiang Mai is an incredible destination that brings you so much more into the heart of Thailand than just a quick stop in Bangkok, check out our Chiang Mai travel guide to plan your trip.

Here are 12 reasons why Chiang Mai is worth visiting!

 

 

What Chedi Luang in Old City

 

Rich Northern Thailand Cultural Heritage

Chiang Mai is known for its distinct cultural identity influenced by its location in Northern Thailand and its history as the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom.

You can see this heritage in the city’s architecture, cuisine, language, and traditions, which have a different flavor from those found in central or southern regions of Thailand.

Explore the many centuries-old temples vibrant markets, and traditional ceremonies that embody Chiang Mai’s cultural heritage to get a feel for why Chiang Mai is worth visiting.

Wander through the ancient streets of the Old City Chiang Mai is known for, surrounded by moats and crumbling city walls, and discover hidden temples, charming cafes, and boutique shops.

And don’t miss wandering the incredible Wiang Kum Kam Ancient City.

While not unique to Chiang Mai, Muay Thai is certainly alive and well here, too.

 

Muay Thai fight at Thapae Boxing Stadium

 

Hotels in Chiang Mai Old City

Budget

Mid-Range

Higher End

Temperate Climate

Chiang Mai is known for a cooler and more temperate climate compared to Bangkok’s hot and humid conditions.

The higher elevation of Chiang Mai contributes to milder temperatures, especially during the cooler months from November to February, making Chiang Mai worth a visit to escape the heat of Thailand’s capital.

Check out our Chiang Mai travel guide for more weather information.

 

When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?

The dry season in Chiang Mai typically lasts from November to April, with December to February being the coolest months.

During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it the best time to visit Chiang Mai.

Daytime temperatures range from comfortable to warm, averaging around 25-30°C (77-86°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, especially in the mountainous areas surrounding Chiang Mai.

 

Elephant Sanctuaries

A huge reason why travelers visit Chiang Mai, is its many ethical elephant sanctuaries.

Elephant sanctuaries take these beautiful and intelligent animals from abusive tourist traps and incredibly hard manual labor jobs like logging, providing a more humane living environment for them. These sanctuaries are part of what Chiang Mai is known for.

Watch our vlog at this elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai below:

Visiting an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai allows you to interact with rescued elephants in a more natural habitat, learning about their behaviors and forming meaningful connections.

Many visitors feel that Chiang Mai is worth visiting just to participate in activities like feeding, bathing, and walking alongside these majestic creatures, knowing that their visit supports ethical conservation efforts.

 

Lush Natural Landscapes

Unlike Bangkok, situated in a flat delta region, Chiang Mai is surrounded by lush mountains, dense forests, and fertile valleys.

This proximity to nature is one major reason why you should visit Chiang Mai, with opportunities for outdoor activities, which we’ll get into more in the next section.

If you love nature, you can even roll up your sleeves and get farming in Chiang Mai!

You can also take a boat cruise on the Mae Ping River to enjoy the scenery.

Here are some of the best places to experience Northern Thailand’s natural wonders that Chiang Mai is known for:

 

Lisu Lodge in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Lisu Lodge

The Lisu Lodge is a unique eco-friendly retreat nestled in the lush countryside, offering authentic Lisu tribe cultural experiences, comfortable accommodations in traditional-style cottages, and immersive nature activities such as trekking, cycling, and interacting with local communities.

The Lisu Lodge is an incredible place to stay in Northern Thailand that will fully make you understand the answer to the question, “is Chiang Mai worth visiting”!

 

Floating hut restaurant on Huay Tung Thao Lake

 

Huay Tung Tao Lake

Located just outside of Chiang Mai city, Huay Tung Tao Lake is a tranquil reservoir encircled by lush mountains and forested hills that Chiang Mai is known for.

Rent bamboo huts or floating rafts, enjoy a leisurely boat ride, or dig in to a delish meal at one of the floating restaurants while taking in the scenic views.

Affordable feast in a floating hut on Huay Tung Thao lake

Mae Sa Valley

Mae Sa Valley is northwest of Chiang Mai city, and known for winding roads, lush forests, and rushing streams.

Visit Mae Sa Waterfall, Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, and various adventure Chiang Mai parks offering zip-lining and ATV riding.

You can book an affordable van to Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden here.

You can even eat at a restaurant right near the beautiful river. After all, these stunning natural eateries are part of what Chiang Mai is known for.

Mae Sa Valley is also on the way to Mon Jam (Mon Chaem), a hilltop town offering breathtaking panoramic views of lush green mountains and terraced fields, as well as many Chiang Mai glamping options. We’re glamping experts, ourselves, so we love the chance to check it out in other countries!

 

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

 

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

One of the top answers to the question, “Is Chiang Mai worth visiting?” is the famous Doi Suthep temple, the best temple in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai is known for the sacred temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, resting proudly above the city.

Beyond this temple, the summit of Doi Suthep mountain offers panoramic views of the city below, with serene forest trails that make Chiang Mai worth visiting.

You can even visit Doi Suthep at night.

You can easily get a ride up to Doi Suthep from many points in Chiang Mai via songthaew or taxi.

Waterfalls in Chiang Mai

There are also several beautiful waterfalls on Doi Suthep that are totally worth exploring, and it’s pretty mind-blowing that these are so close to the city.

Monthathan Waterfall (Namtok Monthathan) is my favorite, and you can also visit Huay Kaew Waterfall (Namtok Huay Kaew).

 

Monthathan Waterfall

 

Sticky Waterfall in Chiang Mmai

The Sticky Waterfall in Chiang Mai, also known as Bua Tong, is a unique natural attraction located approximately 60 kilometers northwest of Chiang Mai city in northern Thailand.

What sets Sticky Falls apart is its unusual surface, which features limestone rocks covered in a layer of algae that creates a grippy texture.

This remarkable feature allows visitors to climb directly up the waterfall without slipping.

Surrounding the waterfall, lush tropical forest provides a picturesque backdrop for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

 

 

Perfect for Adventures

Chiang Mai is worth visiting for adventure junkies, or just people looking to try something new.

You can go cycling in the countryside, ride an ATV in Chiang Mai, or go rock climbing.

Also, you can get adventurous on a Chiang Mai Zipline, or go white water rafting in Chiang Mai on the Mae Taeng River.

Trekking

My top recommended adventure activity is a Chiang Mai Jungle Trek to explore the lush jungles, remote hill tribe villages, and scenic landscapes.

You can do easy day hikes or multi-day expeditions, with options to visit waterfalls, caves, and traditional Karen, Hmong, or Lisu villages along the way.

 

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Hot Air Ballooning

You can also soar above the picturesque landscapes of Chiang Mai on a hot air balloon ride with panoramic views of mountains, rice fields, and rural villages below. If you’ve never ridden in a hot air balloon, now’s your chance. And if you’re scared of heights—don’t worry, it’s not as scary as you think!

A bucket list item that fully answers, “is Chiang Mai worth visiting”!



Booking.com

 

Good Base for Exploring Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai is also worth visiting as it makes an ideal base for exploring northern Thailand, with a central location and excellent transportation links.

Some attractions within easy reach of Chiang Mai include the quaint villages of Pai and Mae Hong Son, renowned for their tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty.

It’s easy to get from Chiang Mai to Pai — private vans will take you there for about 150THB each way.

And, you can arrange your own custom private Chiang Mai tour to Mae Hong Son here.

Additionally, the picturesque town of Chiang Dao, with its impressive limestone caves and serene mountain scenery, is just a short drive away.

Here are more trips you can take that make a visit to Chiang Mai worth it:

 

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

You can go from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, known for its stunning White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and Golden Triangle area where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge. You can even do an independent Chiang Rai road trip.

There are also 26 daily buses from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, so there are many opportunities to return home after a day trip.

The bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is very comfortable, and takes about 3.5 hours.

Arrange your tour from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai here.

 

Doi Inthanon National Park

Known as the “Roof of Thailand,” Doi Inthanon National Park is home to the highest peak in the country.

Find lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and verdant rice terraces reminiscent of Sapa in Vietnam and Tegalalang in Bali that make it totally worth a visit to Chiang Mai.

 

Thriving Food Scene

Is Chiang Mai worth visiting—MAMA. Let me cut you off. This is what I’ve been waiting for. The food ALONE is why you should visit Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai’s food scene is renowned for its bold flavors and unique ingredients of northern Thai cuisine, from aromatic curries and spicy salads to flavorful street food and traditional snacks.

You can even take a cooking class like Mama Noi Thai Cookery Class or Galangal Cooking Class in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai is also full of adorable coffee shops and cafes, with our favorites being No. 39 Cafe and Clay Studio Coffee. Unfortunately Clay Studio Coffee is still renovating, but Chiang Mai has so many coffee shops you’re sure to stumble upon so amazing ones just by exploring.

 

No. 39 Cafe

 

Here is some the best food in Chiang Mai, including a famous food stall featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show:

 

Khao Soi

The best food in Chiang Mai is khao soi. Literally, Chiang Mai is known for its khao soi.

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

One of the best places to try khao soi in Chiang Mai is Khao Soi Islam, known for its rich and flavorful broth.

Our personal favorite spot is Khao Soi Mae Sai, which is a Michelin-mentioned spot dating back to 1989 off of Huay Kaew Road.

 

Khao Soi

 

Street Food Stalls

Chiang Mai is worth visiting for its bustling street food scene offering an array of tantalizing treats, from grilled skewers and crispy fried snacks to fresh fruit smoothies and sweet desserts.

Sometimes they’re nothing special on the outside, but these little hole-in-the-wall stands sure are bursting with soul.

You walk past one and you see nothing more than some little make-shift shack with patio furniture that the flies never leave alone, with yellowed grainy menu pictures peeling off the windows.

But if you stop, and walk in and point to one of those faded pictures, watch your food be made before you by some loving hands and then you take a bite—you’ll realize you’ve found a gem. A cheap, hole-in-the-wall, amazing gem.

Always appreciate street food stalls!

There are 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 day tour, for example, takes you to a market to buy ingredients, and then shows you how to cook them!

Head to Warorot Market (Kad Luang) or the Night Bazaar for a wide selection of street food stalls offering local favorites like sai ua sausage, som tam (papaya salad), and grilled meats.

 

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Cowgirl Food Stall

When Anthony Bourdain visited Chiang Mai, he featured the cowgirl food stall on his show “No Reservations.”

Located near the Chiang Mai Gate, this street food (run by a Thai woman in her famous cowboy hat) stall serves up hearty dishes like gaeng hunglay (Northern Thai pork curry) and larb kua (spicy minced meat salad).

But you absolutely can’t miss the khao kha moo (braised pork leg)!

 

Chiang Mai Ladyboy Cabaret

Fun Nightlife

I studied in Chiang Mai for a semester, and let me tell you, fun was had. But you don’t have to be a college student to have a blast out on the town in Chiang Mai—there really is something for everyone.

Be sure to check out the Chiang Mai Nightlife section of our Chiang Mai Travel Guide for more info on the nightlife this city is known for.

For those seeking a unique cultural experience, ladyboy shows at venues like Chiang Mai Cabaret Show showcase dazzling performances and colorful costumes.

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.

 

 

Art and Handicrafts

What is Chiang Mai known for? For one, it has a vibrant arts and crafts scene.

You’ll find traditional crafts, contemporary art, unique handmade souvenirs, and antiques in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Center and Nimmanhaemin Road are two places in Chiang Mai to explore the art scene.

You can also join this Sankampaeng Arts & Craft tour.

Here are some other areas of Chiang Mai to explore the arts and crafts scene Chiang Mai is known for:

Baan Kang Wat

Located near Wat Umong, Baan Kang Wat is a creative community and arts village with artisan workshops, galleries, cafes, and boutiques offering handmade goods, including ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and paintings.

Wualai Walking Street

Every Saturday evening, the Wualai Walking Street transforms into a bustling night market with local arts and crafts from surrounding villages like handmade silverware, textiles, wood carvings, and other traditional crafts.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Beyond its bustling street food stalls and souvenir shops, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar also features a section dedicated to arts and crafts like handmade textiles, paintings, wood carvings, and other artisanal products within the lively atmosphere of the night market.

This is also a great place to find antiques in Chiang Mai.

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

 

Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai

Festivals and Events

Chiang Mai is also worth visiting during the Thai festivals like the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Songkran, or the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, which transform the city with their festivities. Here are the best:

Yi Peng Lantern Festival

Also known as the “Lantern Festival,” Yi Peng is celebrated annually on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month (usually November).

Thousands of paper lanterns are released into the night sky, symbolizing the floating away of misfortunes and making wishes for the future. It’s actually an incredible experience seeing it in real life—it really is unlike anything I’ve ever seen!

Buy tickets here.

Songkran Water Festival

Songkran is the Thai New Year festival, celebrated from April 13th to 15th each year.

Chiang Mai is worth visiting during this time as it’s one of the best places to experience Songkran. The city comes alive with water fights, parades, and traditional ceremonies.

Locals and visitors take to the streets armed with water guns and buckets to splash water on each other in a playful and festive atmosphere.

Chiang Mai Flower Festival

Held annually in early February, the Chiang Mai Flower Festival features elaborate flower displays, floral parades, and garden exhibitions highlighting a wide variety of blooming plants and flowers. The main events take place at Buak Haad Park in the heart of Chiang Mai city.

 

Wellness and Relaxation

Chiang Mai is also worth visiting for its wellness activities like traditional Thai massages, yoga retreats, meditation classes, or soaking in natural hot springs.

I’m always ready for a $6 Thai massage, mama!

Thai Massage

Old City, Nimmanhaemin Road, and the Night Bazaar offer a bunch of options for budget-friendly thai massages.

Yoga Retreats

Some popular yoga retreats in Chiang Mai include the Yoga Tree, and Hidden House Yoga.

Flow Yoga Chiang Mai Studio offers full-day and half-day yoga and meditation experiences.

 

Wat Umong

Meditation Classes

Wat Phra Singh, Wat Umong, and Wat Suan Dok are a few temples where you can join meditation classes led by experienced monks or meditation teachers.

A Thai woman named Amora also runs amazing meditation classes.

Luxury Spas

Cheeva Spa, the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and Anantara Spa offer a range of luxury treatments and facilities, including massages, facials, body scrubs, and hydrotherapy pools.

Natural Hot Springs

Relax in natural hot springs located just a short drive from Chiang Mai city center.

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs offer hot spring pools where you can soak in the mineral-rich waters and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

 

Warm Hospitality

While Chiang Mai has so many special qualities, every time someone asks me, “what is Chiang Mai known for?” the first thing I mention is the hospitality.

Experience the renowned Thai hospitality firsthand as you interact with friendly locals, partake in cultural traditions, and feel welcomed wherever you go in Chiang Mai. This is what Chiang Mai is known for.

You’ll find hospitality in little rickety food stands run by the kindest women you will ever meet, who will greet you with beaming smiles. They are the purest symbols of the glorious soul that makes Chiang Mai worth visiting.

 

Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting?: Final Words

At my favorite food stand I visited in Suthep during my time studying in Chiang Mai there was a young girl about the same age as me.

“Sawatdee ka,” we’d exchange, as I stood at the counter clutching my beginner’s Thai Language textbook, trying to order stir-fried morning glory or tom kha (coconut milk sour soup).

She’d giggle politely at me trying to pronounce “mai sai nua,” asking for my dish to have no meat, standing there in my university school-girl uniform, hair curling wildly in the humidity.

I’d go visit her almost every day after class, though more of our conversations were exchanged with hand gestures and laughs than words. I’d hand her my 35 baht, settle into one of those shaky plastic stools, and wait for whatever incredible dish I had picked at random that day.

Inside that little restaurant was the answer to that question, “is Chiang Mai worth visiting?”—the warm hospitality and delicious food cooked with caring, speedy hands and smiles.

This, for me, always has been the soul Chiang Mai is known for.

And I hope you visit this amazing place for yourself so that if anyone ever asks you, “is Chiang Mai worth visiting,” you’ll smile, and know exactly what the answer is.

 

Plan Your Thailand Trip

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

 

Expert Chiang Mai Travel Guide

Everything you need to know to begin planning your trip to Chiang Mai.

 

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 to learn the Thai martial art for yourself.

 

 

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