Chiang Mai
Thailand's mountain capital trades Bangkok's chaos for slow afternoons in coffee shops, jungle waterfalls, and the country's best street food market at the Sunday Walking Street. The Old City is a moated square of 300 temples — wander, eat, repeat.
Planning Your Trip
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is November to February, when you'll find pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $30/day, mid-range travelers about $75/day, and luxury travelers upwards of $200/day — covering accommodation, food, transport, and activities.
A 3-day visit is ideal for Chiang Mai, giving you enough time to cover the major highlights while leaving room for spontaneous discoveries. Use our AI trip planner to build a custom itinerary tailored to your style and budget.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Local Tips & Insider Advice
- Skip elephant rides; visit Elephant Nature Park, an ethical sanctuary, instead
- The Sunday Walking Street is the best night market in northern Thailand
- Take a half-day cooking class — most include a market tour and cost ~$30
- Rent a scooter only if you're confident; mountain roads are unforgiving
Explore Chiang Mai
Top-rated places on the map
3-Day Sample Itinerary
Here's a suggested 3-day route through Chiang Mai that covers the highlights while leaving room for spontaneous discoveries. Customize this plan with our AI trip planner.
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Upcoming Events
Concerts, shows & sports happening in Chiang Mai
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