Chiang Mai is a vibrant and culturally rich city that offers a unique blend of ancient history, modern amenities, and natural beauty. As the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is home to over 300 Buddhist temples, with the most famous being Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which offers stunning views of the city.
Average Cost of Hotels in Chiang Mai
Trip.com offers discounts of up to 20% on 1907 boutique hotels in Chiang Mai.
- There are 34 five-star hotels in Chiang Mai at an average price of 222 USD per night.
- There are 149 four-star hotels in Chiang Mai at an average price of 73 USD per night.
- There are 813 three-star hotels in Chiang Mai at an average price of 37 USD per night.
- There are 388 two-star hotels in Chiang Mai at an average price of 18 USD per night.
There are many well-known chain hotels in Chiang Mai. Hotels under the Holiday Inn brand are a good choice. Duangtawan Hotel Chiang Mai is one of the most popular hotels in Chiang Mai. Many tourists also stay at Dusit Princess Chiang Mai.
Top Attractions for First-Time Visitors
- Chiang Mai Night Safari: It is a spectacular nocturnal wildlife park, offering a unique and immersive experience for visitors to explore the fascinating world of animals in their natural habitats during the night.
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: This is a stunning Buddhist temple located on a mountain overlooking the city. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site and offers breathtaking views of Chiang Mai.
- Old City: The Old City of Chiang Mai is a square area surrounded by walls and moats. It's home to over 30 temples, charming guesthouses, restaurants, and small shops.
- Wat Chedi Luang: This historic temple is one of the most important in Chiang Mai. The massive chedi was partially destroyed in an earthquake, but it's still a sight to behold.
- Chiang Mai Zoo: Home to over 400 different species of animals, the Chiang Mai Zoo is a great place for families. It's also home to two adorable pandas.
Transportation in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai offers various options for getting around the city, such as buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, songthaews (shared pick-up trucks), and motorbike rentals.
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): This is the main airport serving Chiang Mai. It is the fourth busiest airport in Thailand and offers both domestic and international flights. Airlines operating at CNX include Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, and Nok Air, among others.
- Chiang Mai Railway Station: This is the main railway station in Chiang Mai. It is operated by the State Railway of Thailand and offers train services to various destinations, including Bangkok, Nong Khai, and Ubon Ratchathani. The station has several facilities, such as ticket counters, waiting areas, and food stalls.
Better to Know Before Visiting Chiang Mai
- Weather: Chiang Mai has a tropical climate with three main seasons: hot, rainy, and cool. The hot season is from March to June, the rainy season from July to October, and the cool season from November to February. The best time to visit is during the cool season.
- Language: The official language is Thai, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
- Currency: The official currency is the Thai Baht. Credit cards are accepted in most places, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for local markets and street food stalls.
- Dress Code: When visiting temples or religious sites, it's important to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees.
- Health and Safety: Tap water is not safe to drink in Chiang Mai. Always drink bottled water. Also, be aware of the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus. Use mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves and pants if possible.
- Festivals: Chiang Mai is famous for its festivals, especially Yi Peng (the lantern festival) and Songkran (the water festival). If you're planning to visit during these times, book your accommodation well in advance.
Must-try Food in Chiang Mai
- Khao Soi: A delicious curry noodle soup made with egg noodles, coconut milk, and a choice of protein (chicken, beef, or tofu). Topped with crispy noodles, pickled mustard greens, and lime.
- Sai Oua: Northern Thai spicy sausage made with ground pork, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and other spices. Often served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables.
- Som Tum: A spicy green papaya salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, dried shrimp, and a tangy, spicy dressing.
- Gaeng Hang Lay: A slow-cooked pork curry with a rich, flavorful sauce made from tamarind, ginger, garlic, and various spices.
- Laab: A spicy minced meat salad made with ground pork, chicken, or beef, mixed with herbs, lime juice, fish sauce, and roasted rice powder.
- Nam Prik Ong: A spicy tomato and minced pork dip, served with fresh vegetables and sticky rice.
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during the cool season, which runs from November to February. During this time, the weather is cooler and more comfortable, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) and cooler evenings. This is also the peak tourist season, so attractions and accommodations may be busier and more expensive.
Another good time to visit Chiang Mai is during the shoulder season, from late February to April, when the weather is still relatively cool and dry, but the crowds have started to thin out. However, be aware that the air quality can be poor during this time due to agricultural burning, especially in March and April.
Average Temperature
• January to March: 28.62°C during the day, 20.79°C at night
• April to June: 31.74°C during the day, 26.29°C at night
• July to September: 29.65°C during the day, 25.62°C at night
• October to December: 27.29°C during the day, 21.79°C at night
Average seasonal Rainfall
• Spring: 10.3 cm
• Summer: 114.6 cm
• Autumn: 189.5 cm
• Winter: 62.47 cm
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