With no beaches in sight, you might be wondering if Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand is worth your time. One thousand percent, yes. A Chiang Mai holiday is jam-packed with soul-enriching experiences, culture, national parks, ornate Buddhist temples and bustling night bazaars. Chiang Mai has become a haven for hipsters, creatives and artistic culture, which was formally recognised in 2017 when Chiang Mai was declared a UNESCO Crafts and Folk Art Creative City. A modern province with a strong ‘Thais’ to the past, Chiang Mai is your invitation to gaze in awe at Wat Phra Singh (the Gold Temple) and lace up your sneakers to marvel at Doi Sutheo mountain, which is home to one Chiang Mai’s holiest Buddhist sites, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. For a culture shock of the best kind, head out to visit some of the tribe villages and get a glimpse of traditional hill tribe culture and life. After all of that adventuring, you’ll need a day or two rest in your resort. If there’s one thing we’re sure of, Chiang Mai is the kind of experience that you will remember long after you’ve returned home. Our team of experts are ready when you are!
- What is the difference between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai?
While both places share some similarities, they are pretty different in terms of their offering. When it comes to tourist-centric amenity, Chiang Mai trumps with its nightlife, markets and entertainment. There’s also awe-inspiring sights, quirky cafes and a thriving creative culture. Chiang Rai, on the other hand, is driven by industry rather than tourism and is suited to those who like to experience the culture of a country beyond the glossy brochure.
- How many days in Chiang Mai is enough?
If you’re planning on sticking to Chiang Mai, aim for three days to see the main sites. If, however, you’re planning on doing a little travel around Northern Thailand, you might want to allow a week or so.
- What is Chiang Mai famous for?
Ornate temples, incredible scenery, creativity, culture, history and, of course, mouth-watering cuisine.
- What to take on holiday to Chiang Mai?
Comfortable shoes for visiting the sites as well as light, breathable clothing. Pack light, trust us when we say you’ll be finding reasons to hit the shops.
- When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai is beautiful at any time of the year, however, the best time to visit is from October to February when the weather is generally pretty pleasant with low temperatures and humidity.
- Where to go on holiday in Chiang Mai?
For sightseeing, Old City is where you want to be as this is where you will find temples, shrines and a glimpse into Chiang Mai’s fascinating history. If it’s nightlife and cafe culture you seek, the Nimman Area is packed with students, digital nomads and Chiang Mai’s trendy bars and restaurants, while Night Bazaar is ideal for souvenir hunters. For a culture shock of the best kind, take a trip to the nearby hill tribes.
- What is there to do in Chiang Mai?
Step back in time at Old City, cafe hop, browse the bustling markets, visit the temples of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Phra Singh, visit the Elephant Nature Park, explore the jungle, try meditating, take a cooking class, to name a few.
- How do I go about cancelling my Chiang Mai holiday package?
Life happens - we get it! Read more here:
- How to find the best holiday package to Chiang Mai?
We've got that covered! Sign up to get the hottest deals sent straight to your phone & emails here. You can also check out our deals online, or speak to one of our Travel Experts.
/holidays/th-cmp-chiang-mai
