Plan your visit to Chiang Mai with our Destination Guide. We welcome all visitors to Chiang Mai, and stand ready to help answer your questions and provide advice on attractions, tours, and itineraries.
Chiang Mai province sits in a large open valley that it shares with Lamphun province to the south. It also shares mountainous bordes with Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, and Lampang.
Chiang Mai City
Chiang Mai was established as the capital of an independent kingdom over 700 years ago. Today, as a province of present-day Thailand, it is well serviced with modern convenience but retains a relaxed atmosphere and palpable cultural richness. As you move further from the city you can experience undisturbed & traditional rural communities.
The city of Chiang Mai is centered on the Chiang Mai Old City which is roughly square in shape, and the major gates on each side aligned with the points of the compass..
Chiang Mai City Districts
Chiang Mai has limited public transport, so most hotels are within the following districts. Staying in one of these locations also ensures you have easy access to shops, restaurants and a selection of walkable attractions.
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
- Chiang Mai Old City
- Nimman District
- Silver (Wualai) District
Doi Suthep
If you only have time to visit one attraction in Chiang Mai, we strongly recommend the stunning Doi Suthep Temple on the mountain overlooking the Chiang Mai / Lamphun valley.
Considering travel time plus the time spent at attractions, you need a half day to see Doi Suthep. It can get crowded, so early morning and evening are good times to visit.
Doi Inthanon National Park
The highest peak in Thailand is accessible from Chiang Mai, in Doi Inthanon National Park. On a day trip to the national park you will experience the changing natural vegetation and crops at different altitudes. There is also a European-style garden at the Royal pagodas.
Other Attractions
While Chiang Mai is not well-served by public transport, a good system of ring-roads makes all of the outer suburbs within a 40 minute drive of each other.
The attractions on the outer edge of the city can all be added to itineraries that include old-city stops or Doi Suthep.
The Royal Park Rajapruek gardens are closer to the city and great for a relaxed morning stroll. These gardens were originally developed for an international horticulture exposition.
Mae Taeng District
Far North Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Province actually extends all the way north to the Myanmar border, separating Mae Hong Song from Chiang Rai in the far north. This is not a heavily visited area, but there are a number of points of interest if you are traveling between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai, or are otherwise in this area.
Food & Culture
The Chiang Mai Sreet Food Tour runs for a few hours in the evening, so we can arrange this for you as a stand-alone tour or as the final part of a full day itinerary.
One of the best introductions to Northern Thai culture is to spend an evening at a Khantoke Dinner. This a great way to experience the uniqueness of local culture through food, dance and music.
Transport to Other Provinces
If you plan to travel onward from Chiang Mai by independent means, there are several inexpensive bus services departing from the Arcade Bus Terminal on the Chiang Mai ring road. Travel between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is also possible by train.
Check route schedules and ticket prices using the search form above, or click through to detailed information below.
Chiang Mai Airport
Chiang Mai Bus Station
Chiang Mai Train Station
Chiang Mai Sports & Adventure Activities
ATVs, paintball, ziplines, bungee, water parks, white-water rafting – in Chiang Mai we have it all. We partner with safe and reputable operators and conduct periodic inspections of their facilities.
Fancy a round or 2 of golf? See our Chiang Mai golf course guide – we cater for both beginners and experienced golfers.
Other Destinations in Northern Thailand
Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son provinces are right next to Chiang Mai. If you would like to see some more remote areas of Nothern Thailand, please see our other destination guides: