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Chiang Mai

Temples, mountains and night markets in the north

Visa & entry checkerPlan a trip to Chiang MaiPlan a trip around Thailand
Best time to visit
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Currency
THB
Time zone
UTC+7
Country
Thailand

Photo: Nawit science, CC BY-SA 4.0

Northern Thailand's cultural capital, a moated old city of more than 300 temples, with mountains, elephant sanctuaries and cooking schools close by.

Largest cities
  • Bangkok
  • Chiang Mai
  • Pattaya
  • Phuket
  • Hat Yai

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country
Thailand
Capital
Bangkok
Province population
1.8M
Population of Thailand
65.9M
Country area
513,120 km²
Official language
Thai
Currency
Thai Baht (THB) · 1 USD ≈ 33.66 THB
Time zone
UTC+7
Calling code
+66
Drives on the
Left
Elevation
310 m
Plugs
A / B / C / O · 220V
Emergency numbers
1155 · 191 · 1669
Best time to visit
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High29°32°35°36°34°32°31°31°31°31°30°28°
Low14°15°18°22°23°23°23°23°23°21°18°15°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

  • ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$31
  • HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$78
  • LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$235
Plan a trip to Chiang Mai

Top things to do

  1. ≈ $3

    Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

    The golden temple on the mountain above the city, reached by 306 steps or a funicular; views on clear days.

    • Half day
    • Doi Suthep
  2. ≈ $2

    Old City temples

    Wat Phra Singh, the ruined chedi of Wat Chedi Luang and dozens of smaller temples inside the moat.

    • Half day
    • Old City
    • Good for kids
  3. ≈ $75

    Ethical elephant sanctuary

    A day observing and feeding rescued elephants; choose places with no riding or shows.

    • Full day
    • Northern hills
    • Good for kids
  4. ≈ $5

    Sunday Walking Street or the Night Bazaar

    Crafts and street food along Ratchadamnoen Road on Sunday evening, or the Night Bazaar any day.

    • Half day
    • Old City
    • Good for kids
    • Good in the evening
  5. ≈ $35

    Thai cooking class

    Shop at a local market, then cook curries, soups and noodles; many classes run on farms outside town.

    • Half day
    • Nimman
    • Good for kids
    • Indoors
  6. ≈ $45

    Day trip: Doi Inthanon

    Thailand's highest mountain, with twin royal pagodas, waterfalls and cool cloud forest.

    • Full day
    • Northern hills

Before you go

Entry and visas

All foreign visitors must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 3 days before arrival at tdac.immigration.go.th. Since 15 September 2026, visa-exempt entry allows a stay of up to 30 days for tourism only, normally limited to two entries per calendar year; business travel needs a visa obtained before you go. Other nationalities should apply through the official Thai e-Visa site. You may be asked to show funds of at least 10,000 Thai baht per person (20,000 per family) and onward or return travel.

Official website

From the airport

Chiang Mai Airport is 15 minutes from the Old City; flights from Bangkok take about 1 hour 10 minutes. Overnight sleeper trains take about 12 hours.

Getting around

Red songthaew shared trucks, Grab and bicycles in the Old City; rent a car with a driver for the mountains.

Local tips

  • February to April can bring smoke haze from crop burning; check the air quality.
  • Loy Krathong and Yi Peng lantern festivals in November are magical but busy.
  • Dress modestly at temples: shoulders and knees covered.
  • Evenings in December and January can be cool; bring a light jacket.

Areas worth knowing

  • Northern hills
  • Nimman
  • Old City
  • Doi Suthep
Official travel advice

The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on September 28, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.

Read the advice on GOV.UK

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Sources: Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) · Tourism Authority of Thailand