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Chiang Mai travel guide

Temples, night markets and ethical elephant sanctuaries

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Photo: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

11h 30mflight from London
CNXnearest main airport
27° in Aprwarmest month
19° in Deccoolest month

Chiang Mai is northern Thailand's cultural capital, a relaxed city with more than 300 temples inside and around its old moat. It's cooler than Bangkok in winter and surrounded by green mountains.

It's the base for trekking, cooking classes and visiting elephants at ethical sanctuaries where riding isn't allowed.

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What Chiang Mai is known for

  • Temples

    Over 300, including Doi Suthep.

  • Khao soi

    Curry noodle soup, a northern classic.

  • Elephants

    Ethical sanctuaries in the hills.

  • Yi Peng

    Lanterns filling the November sky.

Top things to do in Chiang Mai

  1. 1

    Doi Suthep

    A golden hilltop temple with city views.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    The old city temples

    Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.

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  3. 3

    An elephant sanctuary

    Choose a no-riding, ethical sanctuary.

    Find tours and tickets
  4. 4

    A cooking class

    Learn Thai dishes from market to plate.

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  5. 5

    The Sunday Walking Street

    A huge night market in the old city.

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  6. 6

    Doi Inthanon

    Thailand's highest mountain, with waterfalls.

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See all tours and tickets in Chiang Mai

Where to stay in Chiang Mai

Find a hotel in Chiang Mai

Best time to visit Chiang Mai

Best value: Mar. November to February: cool, dry and sunny. March and April bring smoke from crop burning.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
19.3 C19°J21.7 C22°F24.6 C25°M27.1 C27°A25.8 C26°M25 C25°J24.3 C24°J23.8 C24°A23.6 C24°S22.6 C23°O20.8 C21°N18.9 C19°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Chiang Mai, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 11h 30m from London to CNX, and flights from most UK airports.

Red songthaew shared taxis and Grab. Rent a scooter only if experienced.

Find flights to Chiang Mai (CNX)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Avoid elephant rides and shows.
  • March and April can bring heavy smoke haze.
  • Book Yi Peng lantern events through official organisers.
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Chiang Mai FAQ

How many days in Chiang Mai?

Three or four days.

How do I get there from Bangkok?

A one-hour flight or an overnight train.

More places in Thailand

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