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Representative view of Chiang Mai, Thailand
City
🇹🇭 Thailand · Southeast Asia

Chiang Mai

Old-city temples, northern mountains and a slower pace.

Budget level
Very affordable
Best months
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Ideal stay
3–5 days
Best for
Culture, Nature, Food

Overview

A walled old town ringed by forested hills — the base for northern Thailand's nature and craft scene.

Plan & book

Compare flights, stays, activities and transport for your trip to Chiang Mai.

Flights

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Where to staywith Kiwi

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Tours & activitieswith KKday

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Car rentalwith Getrentacar

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Airport transferswith Welcome Pickups

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Why go to Chiang Mai

  • Cool-season weather is the country's most comfortable
  • Strong café, craft and cooking-class culture

Budget

Chiang Mai is very affordable by Thailand standards. Across Thailand, mid-range travellers typically spend about $75–$110 per person per day.

Country-level planning estimate, excluding flights. See the full Thailand budget breakdown.

Practical information

  • Air quality can be poor during the Mar–Apr burning season

Things to do in Chiang Mai

  • Doi Suthep early in the day
  • Ethical elephant sanctuary visit
  • Sunday walking street market

When to go to Chiang Mai

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Plan 3–5 days here. Highlighted months are the best fit for most travellers.

Getting around

  • Domestic flights link Bangkok with the north and the southern islands quickly
  • Trains and long-distance buses cover the country affordably, including overnight services

Suggested itineraries

  • North and Andaman

    14 days

    City, mountains, then west-coast islands.

    Route: Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Krabi

Thailand guides