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 22-34℃
Popular Attractions
Chiang Mai Night Safari
Old City
Wat Chedi Luang
Tha Phae Gate
Miracle Cabaret Chiang Mai
Warehouse Noodles Santitham
This is a small noodle shop that is open all day, from morning till night. The shop offers both pork and beef noodles to serve customers. The broth is rich and flavorful, and the ingredients are carefully selected, making the noodles delicious and satisfying. No matter what time you come, you can always enjoy a meal here. Especially at night after a night out, having a hot bowl of noodles before bed is very refreshing. If you're looking for a place to have noodles before bed, we highly recommend this place. There's also plenty of parking, making it very convenient.
⏰ Open Daily
Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 23:00
📍 Located within Santitham Plaza, Mueang Chiang Mai District
Sāw Paed Thanwa ซาวแปดธันวา Popular Chiang Mai Breakfast Restaurant
Address - Chiang Mai Breakfast Restaurant
Atmosphere/Convenience: Located on a main road, easy to access, in the heart of the city. They only serve breakfast with a limited menu. The sausages are delicious. Next time, I'll try the American fried rice.
Average price per person - 95-215฿
🕰️Operating hours: 08:30-14:30
📍Address: 208 Phra Pok Klao Rd, Si Phum Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
This hotel was too scary, I couldn't sleep all night!
If you're looking for an affordable stay in Chiang Mai, the Chiang Mai Lotus Hotel offers great value for the price. I booked a 42-square-meter twin room for under 950THB, making it an economical choice for a short stay. The hotel features a spacious 50-meter swimming pool with a depth of 1.8 meters, perfect for a refreshing dip.
The hotel has a unique ambiance with its dim yellow lighting and mirrored decor, providing a distinctive experience. While the mirrors and lighting might not be to everyone's taste, they add a unique character to the hotel's atmosphere. The rooms are quite spacious, and the hotel is conveniently located for exploring the city.
For those who appreciate vintage charm and are looking for a budget-friendly option, this hotel is a solid choice. Despite its age, it offers a reasonable price-performance ratio that's hard to beat. If you're adventurous and not easily spooked, you'll find this hotel to be a fascinating and economical place to stay.
#ThailandChiangMai #ChiangMaiHotel #LotusHotel #ChiangMaiTravel
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.
Michelin-Recommended Northern Thai Cuisine in Chiang Mai
Ginger Farm Kitchen, located next to One Nimman Shopping Center in the Nimman area of Chiang Mai, boasts an American country style. The restaurant is adorned with dried flowers and bamboo decorations, complemented by warm lighting, creating a relaxed and leisurely atmosphere. 🥰
It is recommended to make a reservation in advance. If you don't have a reservation, the waiting time is about an hour. You can register first and then explore One Nimman and the surrounding markets to pass the time. 🤗
Dish recommendations:
🌟 Michelin-recommended crispy pork: The skin is fried to a crisp, and the inside is juicy. It comes with three types of salty and spicy dipping sauces, each with its own unique flavor.
🌟 Shrimp cakes: Every bite is full of rich shrimp flavor 🦐, crispy and crunchy.
🌟 Spicy seafood salad: Packed with squid and fresh shrimp, it's super spicy and sour, perfect for those who love tangy and spicy seafood.
🌟 Thai green curry: A must-have in Thai cuisine, this spicy and sweet curry goes perfectly with rice.
Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai – An Ancient Temple of Chiang Mai
Wat Suan Dok is an ancient temple built during the reign of King Kuena Thammikarat of the Lanna Kingdom. It holds significant religious and historical importance for Chiang Mai. The temple features a beautiful white chedi that houses sacred relics and a gateway built in the Lanna architectural style, making it a popular site for tourists and devotees alike.
Additionally, Wat Suan Dok offers a serene and peaceful environment perfect for meditation and spiritual practice. A walk around the temple allows visitors to experience the beauty and tranquility of this ancient Lanna temple, which has retained its grandeur. It also provides a sense of being part of Chiang Mai's rich historical heritage.
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.
One Niman: A Must-Visit Fashion and Lifestyle Hub
One Niman is a shopping center that perfectly blends fashion, food, and art. Located on Nimmanhaemin Road, a trendy area in Chiang Mai, the mall boasts a modern atmosphere with a variety of shops and fashion brands catering to both Thai and international tourists. This makes it a gathering spot for fashion lovers and shopping enthusiasts.
In addition to fashion stores, One Niman also features a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars, with plenty of seating areas and photo spots. It is a comprehensive lifestyle destination, ideal for those looking for a place to relax and have fun with friends or family in a unique setting.
Minimalist Cafe in Chiang Mai
Glin Cafe, a minimalist-style cafe in Chiang Mai's Chang Klan area, is beautifully decorated in a minimalist theme with white and cream tones contrasted with wooden furniture. There are both indoor and outdoor seating areas, with the outside area being shaded by trees.
The drinks and snacks are moderately priced and delicious. Highly recommended is the very rich cocoa. The croissants and cheesecake are also good, not too sweet. There are many beautiful photo spots in the cafe. Come and enjoy your time here.
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
Day and Night x La Bruen: Authentic Northern Thai Cuisine
Address: Khlong Chonprathan Road
Atmosphere/Location: 8/10
Highlights: Larb, Sai Ua
Average Price per Person: 100++ THB
Rating: 9/10
'Wan Yan Kham x La Bruen' in Chiang Mai is a local restaurant that combines a chill atmosphere with a variety of Northern Thai dishes. The menu includes items like minced pork larb, fermented pork sausage, grilled intestines, and crispy pork belly, which many recommend as must-try dishes. The food is flavorful and reasonably priced, with dishes around 60 THB each. Additionally, there is a wide selection of craft beers from both Thailand and abroad. The restaurant is located behind Chiang Mai University, near Wat Umong, making it easily accessible.
The interior is simply decorated but cozy, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal while enjoying a cold drink. It's perfect for groups of friends or families looking to experience traditional Northern Thai cuisine. The restaurant also offers parking. If you love Northern Thai food, this place is highly recommended.
Khom Chocolatier House: Premium Chocolate
Today, we introduce another popular destination for AirAsia flights: Chiang Mai. We will take you to a delightful chocolate shop, Khom Chocolatier House. This boutique chocolate shop in Chiang Mai focuses on creating high-quality chocolates using local ingredients. The shop is decorated in a warm and charming atmosphere, perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy drinks or desserts made from chocolate. They offer a variety of chocolate menus, including chocolate bars, hot and cold chocolate drinks, and desserts such as brownies, chocolate mousse, and more. Additionally, they have handmade treats with unique chocolate blends, providing a distinctive taste made from high-quality Thai cocoa. The shop emphasizes using local ingredients and artistic production, resulting in deep and unique flavors. Another impressive aspect is the friendly and knowledgeable staff who can recommend menus that suit customers' preferences. The shop's atmosphere is quiet and relaxing, decorated in brown and gold tones that match the chocolate theme, making customers feel warm and relaxed. It's an ideal place to sip coffee or enjoy chocolate. If you visit Chiang Mai, we highly recommend Khom Chocolatier House for chocolate lovers and those looking for a cozy place to relax.
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
A must-stay in Chiang Mai! The newly opened Chino Boutique Hotel on Nimmanhaemin Road is great for breakfast and afternoon tea.
Chiang Mai is really suitable for a relaxing vacation and slow life. In Chiang Mai, you can return to nature, go to Suthep Mountain, go to the highest peak in Thailand, Inthanon Mountain, breathe fresh air, go to Mae Tia Waterfall to marvel at the wonders of nature, go to the super fun Sticky Waterfall to play in the water, go to the night zoo to open your eyes... The rich and colorful vacation lifestyle in Chiang Mai has also given birth to a variety of boutique resort hotels. For example, the recently stayed Chino Nimmanhaemin Luxury Boutique Hotel, I really like the design here!
The hotel's interior design, characteristic decoration and color matching are all very good. There is also a very photogenic garden swimming pool, which is very popular. The best thing is of course the restaurant and service. Especially the breakfast that can be ordered separately, and the sparkling wine served at breakfast time, the slight drunkenness starts from the early morning, don't be too happy!
Those who have been to Chiang Mai know that Nimmanhaemin Road can be said to be a paradise for fashionistas. The whole street perfectly integrates the trend and tradition, and it can be said that it accurately captures the appetite of young people. Between the small streets on both sides of the main road, there are various characteristic restaurants and cafes, as well as many beautiful boutiques and lively bars! It is definitely the most convenient to stay in Nimmanhaemin Road when you come to Chiang Mai to play, whether it is shopping or eating and drinking. Or strolling in the ancient city, it is very convenient to live in Nimmanhaemin Road!
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☺️
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Restaurants in Chiang Mai