2024 Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city and is the economic center of Northern Thailand. It is very different from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. It is known as the “Northern Rose” for its fresh and quiet atmosphere. The home of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is awash with a charming, classical atmosphere.
There are many quaint, beautiful temples inside and outside the ancient city. The unique Northern Thai-style pagodas are majestic and stylish in design, home to modest and friendly monks who are happy to speak with visitors.
There are many shops full of unique surprises along the criss-crossed streets, along with all kinds of restaurants, coffee shops and massage parlors. The lively night markets are a fascinating attraction that are a favorite among visitors.
Today's Weather
Mostly clear 21-30℃
Popular Attractions
Chiang Mai Night Safari
Wat Chedi Luang
Old City
Tha Phae Gate
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Cultural Arts｜Our teacher took us to participate in a Thai cultural arts event at the Chiang Mai Museum.
When I was studying Thai at the Faculty of Linguistics at Chiang Mai University, our teacher took us to a Thai cultural arts event. The event was held at the Chiang Mai Museum, which is rich in historical and cultural atmosphere. During this event, we not only learned about Thailand's rich and diverse cultural arts but also made many handicrafts ourselves. It was a very meaningful experience.
Galare Restaurant – Northern Thai Cuisine in a Natural Setting
Galare Restaurant is a local eatery in Chiang Mai known for its authentic Northern Thai cuisine and serene natural views. Located near the Mae Hia Botanical Garden, the restaurant offers a cool and relaxing atmosphere perfect for enjoying traditional local dishes. The recommended menu includes a variety of dishes such as Nam Prik Ong, Hang Lay Curry, and Khao Soi, all of which are delicious and traditionally flavored.
The restaurant's decor primarily uses natural materials, creating a warm and friendly ambiance. There is an outdoor seating area where diners can enjoy views of the mountains and lush green trees, making dining at Galare not just about the food but also about relaxing in a nature-friendly environment.
Chiangmai Solo Trip for Female traveller
#100WaysOfTravel
Can't rave enough Chiangmai. Easy and safe to travel around. Affordable food and attractions. Good weather for outdoor activity during the month of Oct. Must try curry noodle. Day trip to Chiangrai was worth it. Stayed in old town, walkable to various temples, attractions and night market. Don't want to walk, can use Grab or Bolt bike. Pretty safe even at night. Thanks Trip for the complimentary free airport transfer to hotel. #solotravel #chiangmai #chiangrai #awesomepic #deliciousfood #thailand
Must-Visit Spots in Chiang Mai
When visiting Chiang Mai, there are certain must-visit spots that you shouldn't miss. You can either take a songthaew or book a tour to get around. One popular destination for night tours is Doi Suthep. Visiting around sunset offers a chance to enjoy beautiful scenery. Climb up Doi Suthep and spend some time overlooking the city of Chiang Mai!
📍Doi Suthep
▫️Location: Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
▫️Hours: 18:00 - 00:00
Beautiful and Chill Northern Thai Cuisine in Chiang Mai
The famous Instagram-worthy Northern Thai restaurant in Chiang Mai, 'Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food,' offers both indoor (air-conditioned) and outdoor (semi-open, non-air-conditioned) dining areas. If the weather is not too hot, we highly recommend choosing the outdoor seating. Surrounded by flowers, plants, and woven decorations, the food tastes even better!
Recommended Dishes:
🌟 Must-try Crab Paste: The crab paste is fresh, sweet, and rich. One plate with four servings can be mixed with rice to make several bowls!
🌟 Fried Shrimp Cakes: Adorably shaped like round donuts, these fried shrimp cakes are tender, juicy, and bursting with shrimp flavor with every bite!
🌟 Stir-Fried Offal: The stir-fried offal comes with a plate of fresh vegetables. It can be mixed with rice or eaten with the vegetables, offering a savory and delicious taste.
🌟 Thai Curry: The curry is sweet and spicy, with chunks of meat and tender minced meat, making it a perfect choice to go with rice.
We ordered seven dishes this time, and the average cost per person was less than 200 THB. We were super full and satisfied! Highly recommended~
Wat Phra Singh Woramahaviharn, Chiang Mai
🙏🏻 Hello everyone, today I will take you to review a beautiful temple in Chiang Mai. We are now at Wat Phra Singh Woramahaviharn, a temple that is popular among locals and tourists for worship. If you come to Chiang Mai, you should visit this temple. It is beautifully decorated in Lanna style.
🙏🏻 There is a parking lot available in front of the temple, free of charge.
🙏🏻 Location: Wat Phra Singh Woramahaviharn is located in Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province. It is another popular temple among locals and tourists. The temple is open for worship and to admire its Lanna beauty every day during official hours.
DIY Hub 'Baan Kang Wat'
Another popular art community in Chiang Mai, Baan Kang Wat is a place where handmade shops gather to sell their products. There are also workshops available for creating content.
Baan Kang Wat is located behind Chiang Mai University, near Wat Ram Poeng, hence the name 'Baan Kang Wat'. It is considered a must-visit landmark in Chiang Mai.
A Dazzling Golden Temple: Doi Suthep
If you visit Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, you will be deeply impressed by the grand golden architecture. Especially, the golden pagoda at the center of Doi Suthep Temple shines brilliantly under the sunlight, creating a sacred atmosphere. As you walk slowly around the pagoda, observing the surrounding Buddha statues and intricate decorations, you can feel the deep history and culture of Buddhism. The splendor of the golden architecture combined with the serene tranquility allows you to experience a sense of peace.
📍Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Good Goods You Must Visit Before Leaving Chiang Mai
Good Goods is a place where you can buy various souvenirs from Chiang Mai. From dishes and crafts to food items, you can find a variety of goods infused with the essence of Chiang Mai. Additionally, it is located within the Jing Jai Market, so you can also explore the flea market, making it an even better place to visit. Highly recommended for souvenir shopping before you leave.
📍RX4W+9G5, Tambon Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
Per La Mer Cafe by Perfect.
🏡🌳🍰 Let's heal our hearts in Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai! This feel-good cafe will let everyone enjoy million-dollar views until you forget the time to go home. The cafe has updated its new zone, which is more spacious and closer to nature, with beautiful garden views to enjoy. It's shady, lush, and refreshing to the eyes from every angle. The new area also emphasizes privacy, allowing you to make the most of your relaxation time. Importantly, it's a Pet Friendly Space, which is great news for animal lovers like us.
But don't miss the photo spots! They are absolutely worth pinning on your map. The cafe has transformed every corner into a butterfly garden, making it doubly cute and vibrant. Content creators will fill their memory cards with photos for sure. 📸
As for the food menu, it's packed with no holds barred. From Thai, Chinese, European, to Northern Thai cuisine, each dish is served in generous portions. Let's take a look at some of the highlights:
🐟 Deep-fried Carp with Roe: A rare dish that you must try. The fish is crispy and golden, topped with plenty of fried garlic, and served with mango salad and seafood dipping sauce.
🍽️ German Pork Knuckle: This dish is huge and hearty. The giant pork knuckle is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, served with dipping sauce, pickled vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
🍽️ Northern Thai Appetizer Set: This set brings a parade of deliciousness, including Nam Prik Noom (green chili dip), Nam Prik Ong (spicy tomato dip), Sai Oua (Northern Thai sausage), crispy pork rinds, fried fermented pork, and boiled vegetables.
🦐 Stir-fried Shrimp with Chili and Salt: This dish is extremely satisfying. The plump shrimp are perfectly cooked and stir-fried with chili and garlic until fragrant.
🦑 Stir-fried Squid with Salted Egg: This dish is very creamy and well-balanced in flavor, with the full texture of salted egg in every bite.
🍝 Pad Thai with Fresh Shrimp: The noodles are chewy and well-seasoned, with a perfect balance of sour and sweet. For those who like it spicy, add a bit more chili and squeeze some lime for an irresistible taste.
After the savory dishes, order some desserts and drinks to cleanse your palate. This time, we ordered Banoffee Cake, Orange Cake, Chocolate Cake, Longan Cake, and finished with Hot Latte, Bael Latte, Orange Coffee, Red Longan, and Longan Milk Tea. Oh my! It's so refreshing that you can't miss it. 🍰🍮🥤
✨ Special Promotion: When you spend 2,000 THB or more on food, you will receive a cute bear doll to take home immediately.
🍾 The cafe also offers seminar and party services. If you're looking for a peaceful and private place with complete food and atmosphere, let 'Per La Mer Cafe' be your answer. You won't be disappointed. ☺️
🗺 Location: Mae Ram Subdistrict, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai
🕑 Monday - Friday 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
🕑 Saturday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Chiang Mai 5-Day Trip
🗺️【Itinerary】
Day 1: Chiang Rai
Day 2: Black, White, and Blue Temples, then back to Chiang Mai
Day 3: Private car tour to markets and mountain cafes
Day 4: Explore Chiang Mai Old City
Day 5: Return to Hong Kong
📍【Must-Visit Attractions】Mountain Cafes
🥘【Must-Try Food】Fried Pork Sausage
🏠【Accommodation Recommendations】
1. Mövenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai
📷【Photo Spots】Old City
📣【Tips】
Mooh Cafe
Mooh Cafe is located in Chiang Mai province. It offers a bright and warm atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and working. The decor emphasizes the use of vibrant colors and natural materials to create a friendly and nature-connected feeling. The menu is diverse, especially the drinks made from fresh ingredients, such as delicious coffee, homemade pastries, and light meals suitable for any time of the day.
One Nimman | Chiang Mai
One Nimman is a shopping mall and cultural center located in the heart of Chiang Mai. It features European-style architecture blended with Lanna elements, creating a beautiful and unique atmosphere. The building is characterized by its striking red brick structure and has a central courtyard often used for events or local handicraft markets. Inside, there are fashion and lifestyle stores focusing on craftsmanship and design, as well as restaurants, cafes, and art galleries that present a mix of contemporary and local culture.
Keep in Touch | Chiang Mai Café
Keep in Touch is a modern-style café located in Chiang Mai. It offers a warm and friendly atmosphere with simple yet modern and creative decor, making it an ideal place to relax or work. The café features a wide variety of beverages, including high-quality fresh coffee, freshly baked pastries, and deliciously flavored dishes. Every item is carefully selected to provide the best experience for customers.
I Love Flower Farm | Chiang Mai
I Love Flower Farm is located in Chiang Mai province. It is a perfect destination for nature and flower lovers, especially during the winter season when the flowers are in full bloom. Visitors can stroll through and take photos with a variety of brightly colored flowers, from vast flower fields to beautifully arranged flower gardens. The farm also features charming relaxation spots ideal for sipping coffee in a peaceful atmosphere amidst the scenic views of mountains and fields.
No.39 Café | Chiang Mai
No.39 Café is located in Chiang Mai and offers a cozy and warm atmosphere, perfect for relaxing or socializing with friends. The café is simply yet charmingly decorated, using warm tones and natural materials to create a homely feel. The menu is diverse, featuring freshly brewed coffee, freshly baked pastries, and carefully selected dishes, especially popular breakfast items and desserts.
What makes No.39 Café popular is the friendly and attentive service provided by the staff, making customers feel warm and happy during their visit. Additionally, the café has beautiful and comfortable photo spots, ideal for photography enthusiasts, especially in the morning when the sunlight creates an impressive ambiance. This café is a must-visit destination for tourists and locals looking for a relaxing spot in Chiang Mai.
Wat Jetlin in Chiang Mai: A Hidden Gem for Quiet Reflection
Located about 300 meters from Chiang Mai Gate towards the old city, Wat Jetlin (Wat Jat Lin) is a lesser-known artistic temple. It is not crowded with tourists, and you might spot a few foreigners quietly reading or strolling around.
Chiang Mai is known as an artistic city, and this temple perfectly embodies its fresh and serene atmosphere. With small bridges, flowing water, pigeons flying over the water, and a lakeside pavilion for visitors to rest, it offers a tranquil escape. The small lake is also home to many fish that visitors can feed. This quaint and artistic temple is a stark contrast to the grand royal temples of Bangkok, making it a unique and worthwhile visit!
I stayed at the hotel of my life in Chiang Mai.
I came to Anantara Chiang Mai 12 years ago, and I didn't expect it to be so well maintained. It was designed by Aman's royal architect Kerry Hill, and every angle is beautiful~
It's great for sunbathing by the pool~or reading by the pool
It's beautiful in sunny and rainy weather! The full screen of green ivy is so healing~
There is also a night ceremony, and the movie "The Disciple" was filmed here
The location is obviously better than Laya Ruins/Four Seasons, and it is very convenient near the ancient city
There is a night market at the door, and there is a Michelin recommended restaurant ekachan
The rooms are relatively large, and they all have terraces/balconies overlooking the garden
The afternoon tea and Ping River dinner atmosphere are very good
The mini bar is big enough~ The breakfast is very rich! I ate for 3 days and didn't get tired
cassandra.lucindra.nightingale CHIANGMAI FLOWER FESTIVAL
#flowerblossom
If you happen to be in Chiang Mai during the first week of February, don’t miss the spectacular Chiang Mai Flower Festival !
It is a grand annual celebration of blooms marking the end of the city cold season.
You will be dazzled by stunning sea of rare flowers, vibrant tulips in shades of yellow and pink, they are looking so fresh and captivating that they almost don’t seem real !
It is all thanks to the city cold climate, the flowers thrive well and are absolutely breathtaking.
Best part is, admission is FREE !
#100waysoftravel
#traveldiaries #travellerswonderland
#myhiddengems
Hidden Cafe in Chiang Mai: Dive into the Blue Pond and Live Music
One of the most impressive cafes in Chiang Mai, known for its delicious coffee and great atmosphere, is no.39☕️
📍no.39 cafe
Located about 15 minutes by motorbike or Grab from Chiang Mai Old Town, this cafe is known for its relaxing ambiance.🛵
What makes no.39 cafe unique is its beautiful blue pond, perfect for taking stunning photos, and the live music that keeps you entertained!🎵
Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
🛕 Nearby, you can also visit the famous Wat Umong temple, making it a great addition to your travel itinerary☺️
A Visit to Royal Park Rajapruek
Visited the Royal Park Rajapruek in Chiang Mai today. There's a different ticket price for Thais and non-Thais. Well, that's typical Thai practice. Foreigners pay 200 THB to enter. The garden is quite large, with various flowers to see. I chose to walk around, which allowed me to take a closer look and get some exercise. It's quite nice. There are signs and maps, so you won't get lost. It took me half a day to explore the entire place, and it was great!
Location Name: Royal Park Rajapruek (อุทยานหลวงราชพฤกษ์)
📍Address: 334, Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100
Hidden Temple in Chiang Mai That Few People Know About
Wat Pha Lat is a very beautiful temple located in a large forest. It is an ancient temple from the Lanna period, over 500 years old. It is situated in the forest along the way to Doi Suthep, not far from Chiang Mai city. It is very easy to get to, even small cars can reach it. This is another very beautiful and peaceful temple in Chiang Mai. Upon entering the temple grounds, it feels like a magical place, shaded by large and small trees, lush and cool with a refreshing atmosphere.
📍Wat Pha Lat (Skitakami)
Location: 101 Ban Huay Pha Lat, Moo 1, Suthep Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
The newly opened Liding World Hotel in Chiang Mai is so beautiful~ I highly recommend it!
Chiang Mai Elingta Resort is a Liding World Hotel and also a member of the Hyatt Group's Mr&Mrs Smith Alliance Hotel. The hotel's architecture blends the ancient Lanna style of Chiang Mai and the details of local temples. The golden teak structure forms a symmetrical and harmonious paradise~ The hotel is also close to the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, Wat U Mong. It's very quiet and peaceful!
Chiang Mai Elingta Resort also has an Ayurvedic health center, which offers various retreats, mindfulness meditation and personalized programs, as well as healthy meals and vegetarian options. It is very suitable for a relaxing holiday~ Chiang Mai is like a utopia~ Many people don't want to leave after they come here~ Wake up naturally every day in the sun, stroll leisurely in the ancient city, and start a leisurely holiday~ My love for Chiang Mai comes from the laziness and relaxation here.
The swimming pool in the courtyard of Chiang Mai Elingta Resort is very beautiful~ It's also very photogenic, with a natural internet celebrity temperament! The hotel's two bars are also good, and the cocktails are good-looking and delicious~ This time I stayed in a duplex pool suite, the first floor is the living space and bathroom, and the bedroom is on the second floor~ Whether it's indoors or the hotel's public areas, I think it's very beautiful, I highly recommend staying here when you come to Chiang Mai!
Third time in Chiang Mai | Must-try affordable breakfast, delicious and photogenic.
📍Nai To Congee Shop
This is a very unique breakfast shop. The decor is very retro and photogenic. The breakfast is delicious and cheap.
It is located near Tha Pae Gate. After breakfast, you can go to Tha Pae Gate to feed the pigeons.
🅿️Parking is available at the entrance
⏰Opening hours: 07:00-14:00, closed on Sundays.
We arrived at around 10 o'clock that day, and there were seats available, so we didn't have to queue.
It is said that there are usually many people, so try to go early.
☕️Order recommendation:
Chicken feet: soft and flavorful, melts in your mouth.
Pork porridge (with poached egg): tastes good, but not amazing. Very suitable for Chinese taste.
Pork rice: with poached egg, a bit spicy, I like it.
Fried rice noodles: full of wok flavor, delicious 😋
Toast: My daughter likes it very much, it's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Kids should like it.
🏡Environment: The dining environment is clean and comfortable, the decor is very retro, there are many small decorations that are very thoughtful, and it's very photogenic.
This hotel in Chiang Mai is simply a poor man’s paradise.
📍Book design hotel Book design hotel
I booked a standard double room for 2 adults and 1 child for 180 baht a night
Breakfast is not included, there are many breakfast restaurants nearby, and breakfast on three floors is very close.
✅ Location and surroundings
The hotel is just outside the ancient city, not far from it. It is convenient to take a taxi to go anywhere. Within a 5-minute walk there are self-service laundry, 7-11, breakfast shop, pharmacy, and horse-killing chicken shop. This 7-11 is the only one I have found in Thailand that offers a 49 baht 7 day phone card.
✅ Rooms, facilities
When I booked the room showed the room area of 24 square meters, the actual stay feeling should be about 35 square meters, I do not know if there is an upgrade. The decoration is very simple, mainly black and white. The room was very clean. Free snacks and drinks are available in common areas. There is a swimming pool with hammocks by the pool. The water in the swimming pool is so clear. There is its own coffee shop in front of the hotel. The coffee and snacks taste good and are not expensive.
✅ Hotel can rent motorcycles 🛵, from 250 baht ~
I stayed in two hotels on this Chiang Mai trip and loved them. I will share the photos of the other hotel with you.
❤️I'm the little deer's mom.
A parent-child travel blogger who loves to travel, take pictures, and share🌏
Loves taking pictures, documenting travels with girls.
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THE JOY OF STAYING AT BEAUTIFUL HOTELS
#mybesthotel
One of the things we always look forward to when traveling is staying in aesthetically pleasing hotels, where every detail, from the design to the ambiance offers a memorable and inspiring experience.
Melia Chiang Mai truly wowed us with its stunning curvy character. The decor, architecture and carefully curated furniture creates an elegant atmosphere.
A beautiful fountain at the entrance adding a touch of sophistication to the overall experience.
#100waysoftravel
#myhiddengems
#chiangmai
#staycation
Japanese Restaurant Jyube
🕰️Business Hours: 11:30-14:30, 17:30-22:30
🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: Japanese style, great atmosphere, worth a visit, excellent value, fresh ingredients, remember to make a reservation
📍Address: 40/5 Sridonchai Rd, A.Muang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
💰Average Cost: 200-300
💞Recommended Reason: Affordable prices, fresh ingredients🙏🇹🇭
Hidden in the alleys of Chiang Mai is the affordable Michelin-rated SP Chicken.
A must-try in Chiang Mai is the Michelin Bib Gourmand SP Chicken, specializing in northeastern Thai grilled chicken.
The main attraction is the charcoal-grilled chicken, priced at 190 THB for a whole chicken. The flavor is quite fragrant, and the dipping sauce enhances the taste. The meat is not dry, but there are many bones. It has a garlicky and savory taste, slightly different from Taiwanese kiln-roasted chicken.
We also ordered a steak to supplement our protein intake. It was a bit dry, but still tasty. The main selling point is its affordability.
There is no Chinese menu, only English. Many locals visit, and it might be sold out if you come after 2 PM.
ISSARA Coffee Space Chiang Mai.
ISSARA Coffee Space is a café located in a handmade goods store. The café features various artworks and has food available upstairs. From the second-floor balcony, you can clearly see Thapae Road and Wat Uppakut. The café offers both hot and cold menu items. If you order a dirty coffee, you can take the glass cup home. In front of the coffee counter, there are handmade items created by a group of designers and creators for sale to those who love handmade products. Overall, the atmosphere of the café is fun, and the coffee is fragrant and delicious.
Opening hours: Every day from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Location: 60-62 Thapae Road, Chang Moi Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai Province 50100
📌 https://maps.app.goo.gl/XWHAd9avHiJgePV78
Average price per person: 60-100 Baht
Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival
The Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival is my favorite Thai festival, bar none. The ancient city is adorned with lanterns everywhere, and there are activities all around the old town. Each temple hosts various events, and during the festival, temples that usually require tickets are open to all visitors for free. You can enjoy the lanterns, make wishes, and release floating lanterns and sky lanterns, which is a lot of fun. After that, you can visit the North Gate Night Market, South Gate Night Market, and the night market behind Chiang Mai University to enjoy some snacks and stroll around leisurely. The best place to watch the parade is at Tha Phae Gate, but it is also very crowded there, which is quite interesting. Additionally, I recommend my favorite temple, which is shown in the photo below with lanterns hanging everywhere.
Location Name: Wat Lok Molee (วัดโลกโมฬี)
Address: 298/1 Manee Nopparat Rd, Si Phum Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Restaurants in Chiang Mai