Chiang Mai
Thailand
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Wat Chedi Luang
- Wat Phra Singh
- Doi Inthanon
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
About Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai lies in a mountain-ringed valley on the Ping River in northern Thailand. Founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, it is today the cultural hub of the region.
Hundreds of temples in the moated, walled old city, night markets, handicrafts and the forested mountains around it shape its character.
Natural phenomena and seasons
- Monsoon rains (May–October) — May–October is monsoon season: short but heavy downpours, high humidity and occasional flooding. Keep your plans flexible for transport delays.
How many days do you need?
Allow three or four days: one for the old city temples, one for Doi Suthep and the Nimman district, and one for Doi Inthanon National Park. Spend evenings at the night markets; Chiang Rai or Pai need extra days.
Where to stay
- Old city — Walking distance to temples; the Sunday Walking Street market is held here.
- Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) — Cafés, restaurants and modern hotels.
- Riverside and Night Bazaar area — Along the Ping River, close to the evening scene.
From the airport to the city
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is only a couple of miles southwest of the old city. The ride into town by taxi or ride-hailing is short.
Getting around
Public transport is limited; red shared pickup trucks (songthaews), tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps are the usual options. The old city is easy to explore on foot or by bicycle.
Good to know
- Air pollution can rise late in the dry season (roughly February to April) due to agricultural burning.
- Cover shoulders and knees at temples and remove your shoes.
- The Yi Peng lantern festival takes place in November. The currency is the Thai baht.
Useful links
- Tourism Authority of Thailand tourismthailand.org
- Chiang Mai International Airport chiangmai.airportthai.co.th
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: November–January. The warmest month is April (average high 93 °F); the wettest is August (9.7 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 78.4 | 0.65 | Ideal |
| February | 85.1 | 0.37 | Good |
| March | 91.2 | 0.81 | Very hot |
| April | 93.4 | 2.90 | Very hot |
| May | 89.1 | 7.22 | Good |
| June | 86.0 | 5.54 | Good |
| July | 84.2 | 7.26 | Good |
| August | 82.2 | 9.69 | Cool or rainy |
| September | 81.5 | 9.33 | Cool or rainy |
| October | 80.1 | 5.53 | Good |
| November | 78.3 | 1.21 | Ideal |
| December | 76.3 | 0.52 | Ideal |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- New Year's DayJanuary 1
- Chakri Memorial DayApril 6
- Songkran FestivalApril 13
- Songkran FestivalApril 14
- Songkran FestivalApril 15
- Coronation DayMay 4
- Queen Suthida's BirthdayJune 3
- King's BirthdayJuly 28
- The Queen Mother's BirthdayAugust 12
- King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial DayOctober 13
- King Chulalongkorn DayOctober 23
- King Bhumibol Adulyadej's BirthdayDecember 5
- Constitution DayDecember 10
- New Year's EveDecember 31
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyThai Baht (฿)
- Dialling code+66
- Plugs & voltageType A, B, C, O · 230 V · 50 Hz
- EmergencyPolice 191 · Ambulance 1669 · Fire 199
- DrivingOn the left
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.