Chiang Mai

• Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders: this quirky and well-organized museum will capture the imagination of any nature lover.
• Wat Phra Singh: the most important temple within the Old City with some beautiful buildings.
• Wat Chedi Luang: this temple features the city’s largest stupa, which is a focus for Buddhist festivals.
• Wat Phan Tao: the lovely, teak viharn of this temple was once used as a royal residence.
• Wat U Mong: this forest monastery on the city’s fringe has several unusual features, such as subterranean tunnels.
• Wat Sri Suphan: located in the silversmiths’ part of town, with an ordination hall made entirely of silver.
• Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre: a good place to get an overview of Northern Thai history and culture.
• Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center: beautiful old stilted houses and an evening dinner with traditional dance.
• Chiang Mai Zoo: few foreign visitors think of a trip to the zoo, but it’s a great spot for a day out, especially with kids.
• Chiang Mai University: a good place to meet students and get a feel of Thai academic life.
• Wiang Kum Kam: this ancient city just south of Chiang Mai was once the capital of the north.
• Chiang Mai Walking streets: Meet the locals and pick up bargains at the Saturday and Sunday Walking Streets.
• Wat Chiang Man: the oldest temple in the Old City houses some ancient and precious images.
• Wat Jet Yod: outside the city center, this temple has a striking chedi that is decorated with bas reliefs of angels.
• Wat Ketkaram: to the east of the Ping River, this temple has a museum of intriguing local object.
• Wat Suan Dok: set in a huge compound, this is a good place to go to chat with monks.
• Wat Ku Tao: hidden in the backstreets, this place is famed for its strange-shaped chedi.
• Wat Mahawan: a lavishly decorated temple on Chiang Mai’s main street.
• Wat Bupparam: a temple with a mix of modern and ancient decoration.
• Wat Phuak Hong: an Old City temple with a brick chedi of great age.
• Three Kings Monument: a monument to Chiang Mai’s founder and his allies in the heart of the Old City.
• Kruba Srivichai Monument and Huay Kaew Waterfall: Two of Chiang Mai’s less-known attractions to the west of the center and at the foot of the mountain.
• Chiang Mai University Art Museum: A modern exhibition space showing the works of Thai and international artists.
• Suan Buak Haad: (Buak Haad Park) - the only public park in the city center is a good spot to relax.
• Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: probably the best place in town to hunt for souvenirs, apart from the walking streets.
• Wat Chiang Yuen: this rarely visited temple shows strong Burmese influence in its architecture.
• Chiang Mai National Museum: the collection of local artifacts here is hardly worth the trip out of town.
• Chiang Mai Night Safari: an expensive entertainment center where you can see tiger shows or a cabaret or ride an elephant.

Orientation

Chiang Mai is the economic, cultural, and social center of northern Thailand, and is one of the largest cities in the country with a population of over 200,000 permanent residents. This figure swells considerably when you add the 5 million or so visitors who arrive each year.

The city sits in a broad valley that is flanked by hills running north to south. The main part of the city is to the west of the Ping River, which also runs north to south, and to the west of the city is Doi Suthep, considered the city’s guardian mountain.

The main focus of attention for visitors is the Old City with its surrounding moat and remains of the city walls. Here you’ll find some of the city’s most important temples, as well as stilted wooden houses lining narrow lanes that are surprisingly free of traffic.

The city’s business center is usually recognized as the area between the Old City and the Ping River. This is where you’ll find the Night Bazaar as well as lots of specialist shops, some five-star hotels and hundreds of restaurants.

The area east of the Ping River is the part of town that was developed by foreign missionaries, so there are lots of schools and hospitals, as well as the railway station. The east bank of the Ping River, with its sunset views over Doi Suthep, is home to some of the city’s most popular restaurants and bars.

The area around Nimmanheimin Road to the west of the Old City is the city’s most fashionable district and is always abuzz with students from Chiang Mai University, which is located at the foot of Doi Suthep. This is also the location of Chiang Mai Zoo, and if you continue west along Huay Kaew Road, it takes you right to the top of Doi Suthep.

Exploring Chiang Mai doesn’t end there. Once you’ve got your bearings in the city center, it’s time to rent a motorbike and explore further afield - go up to Doi Suthep Temple or cycle south to Wiang Kum Kam, spend a day in an elephant camp or an evening at the Night Safari.

Chiang Mai is the kind of place where people plan to stay a few days and end up staying a few weeks as they’re having so much fun, so be prepared to be flexible in your plans when you arrive.

For eight months of the year, Chiang Mai’s weather is the same as the rest of Thailand - hot and humid. From November to February, however, the northern region experiences cooler temperatures and lower humidity than most other parts of the country because of its mountainous topography. Though Chiang Mai sits in a valley, it is over 300 meters above sea level.

During this cool season the climate is idyllic, with bright sunny skies and fresh breezes, making it a joy to get out and about. You’ll even need to wear a sweater or jacket at night sometimes. However, this is also the high season for tourism, meaning that hotels bump up their prices and tourist attractions are often crowded.

In recent years, the hot season (March to June) has brought dangerous levels of smog to the city, particularly in March, so this is a month to avoid if possible. From April to June, the weather is dry, and the hills of the north are less attractive than during the rains.

The rainy season usually lasts from July to October, though recent climate shifts have brought the rains as early as April, so you should be prepared for anything. The rainy season is a great time to go touring the north, as the hills are lush and green, the rice paddies shimmer in the valleys, and waterfalls are at their best. It’s also a good time for discounts on hotel rooms.

However, flooding often occurs throughout North Thailand in September or October, sometimes affecting the city as well. The first areas to become inundated are both sides of the Ping River south of Nawarat Bridge, which includes the Night Bazaar area, so keep this in mind when choosing a hotel at this time of year.

Festivals & Events

There are festivals here throughout the year, including the Chiang Mai Flower Festival in February, Songkran in April and Loi Krathong in November, the last of which features parades, floats, food, and plenty of fireworks. The biggest festival is the watery Songkran celebration in April, when you should prepare to get soaked. It’s a great city for events, if you are fortunate enough to be able to visit Chiang Mai during one of the scheduled events.

Around five million visitors come to Chiang Mai each year, and there is something in and around the city to please everyone between the ages of 8 and 80. The temples, museums, and historical sites will appeal to culture buffs, while the clubs, go-go bars, and pubs lure those who like to party. There’s also plenty to occupy kids, such as elephant camps, a Night Safari and zoo in the hills around town.

Chiang Mai has some beautiful temples and the northern style of temple architecture is quite distinctive; you might not want to visit all of them (there are hundreds), but a short list would include Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. For an overview of the city’s long history, head for the Arts & Cultural Centre in the heart of the Old City.

Most Westerners are fascinated by the range of fruits and vegetables on sale at fresh markets throughout Thailand, and a walk through somewhere like Somphet Market, included in our Old City city walking tour, brings you up close and personal with Chiang Mai’s fun-loving inhabitants. Make sure you’re in town at the weekend to join the throngs at the walking streets on Wualai Road (Saturday) and Ratchadamnoen Road (Sunday).

If it’s action you’re after, the choices are almost limitless. Take your pick between trekking to hilltribe villages, flying through the forest canopy on a zipline, riding an elephant bareback, white water rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking and even bungee jumping. These activities are best arranged by pre-booking online or through a local tour operator.

After your exertions, you may be in need of pampering your body at a spa, and Chiang Mai offers a range of places offering to do the pampering, from simple backstreet massage shops to luxurious spas with all the buzzers and bells.

Just one more reason why Chiang Mai is so popular is that it has a reputation as the best place in the country to study skills like Thai cooking, massage and meditation. Again there’s a huge range of choices, from half-day cookery workshops to month-long meditation retreats.

And when the sun goes down, there’s no need to retire to your hotel room and wait for the next day’s fun. Go shopping in the Night Bazaar, enjoy a Northern Thai meal in an atmospheric restaurant, or take in few rounds of a Thai boxing bout at one of the entertainment centers. If you still have energy to burn, then hit one of the city’s hot nightspots like Monkey Club or Infinity, both located off Nimmanheimin Road.

Cultural Experiences

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Visit the iconic temple on the mountain, offering stunning views of Chiang Mai and a rich history.
• Old City Temples: Explore historic temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, each showcasing beautiful Lanna architecture.
• Sunday Walking Street: Enjoy the lively market with local crafts, street food, and cultural performances every Sunday evening.
• Bo Sang Umbrella Village: Discover the traditional craft of umbrella making and watch artisans at work.

Natural Experiences

• Doi Inthanon National Park: Hike to Thailand’s highest peak, explore stunning waterfalls, and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna.
• Elephant Nature Park: Spend a day at an ethical sanctuary, learning about and interacting with rescued elephants.
• Mae Sa Waterfall: Relax and swim at this picturesque multi-tiered waterfall in Mae Sa Valley.
• Doi Pui National Park: Trek through lush forests and visit a Hmong hill tribe village.

Urban Experiences

• Night Bazaar: Shop for local handicrafts, clothing, and enjoy delicious street food at this bustling evening market.
• Chiang Mai Night Safari: Experience a nocturnal zoo with tram rides to see animals in a naturalistic environment.
• Warorot Market: Explore this local market for a true taste of Chiang Mai, with fresh produce, local snacks, and traditional clothing.
• Chiang Mai Old City: Wander the charming streets, visit historic sites, and enjoy the relaxed ambiance.

Unique Experiences

• Chiang Mai Grand Canyon: Enjoy swimming, cliff jumping, and relaxing at this unique water-filled quarry.
• Cooking Classes: Learn to cook traditional Thai dishes with local ingredients at one of the many cooking schools.
• Hot Springs at San Kamphaeng: Soak in natural hot springs and enjoy the serene surroundings.
• Flight of the Gibbon: Experience an exhilarating zip-lining adventure through the jungle canopy.

Weird and Wonderful

• Insect Museum: Discover a fascinating collection of insects, including rare and exotic species.
• Silver Temple (Wat Sri Suphan): Visit the unique silver-covered temple, where you can see silver craftsmen at work.
• Khum Khantoke: Enjoy a traditional Lanna dinner and cultural show, complete with dancing and music.
• Monk Chat Programs: Engage in conversations with Buddhist monks to learn about their lives and beliefs.

Special Interest

Chiang Mai is the major hub for travel around northern Thailand. Its international airport handles dozens of daily flights from around the country and several Asian destinations. The train reaches its terminus in Chiang Mai, and there are buses arriving hourly from every corner of Thailand.

By air

Most people fly in to Chiang Mai from Bangkok as it takes between 8 and 14 hours to make the journey by bus or train, while the flight from Bangkok takes just an hour. There are at least 20 flights a day, operated not only by Thai Airways but also by Air Asia, Nok Air and other budget airlines. The airport is small and just a few kilometers southwest of town, with metered taxis providing the easiest and most comfortable transfer option. Be sure to pick up a slip at the taxi desk in Arrivals.

By bus

Chiang Mai is around 750km by road from Bangkok and traveling here by bus is the least favorable option. The main station is Bangkok’s northern Mochit Station and there are services every 30 minutes or so. Travel time is 8-9 hours and fares are around 500B-800B. Don’t be tempted to take the local, cheap bus which takes 13 hours. VIP buses are the best bet and have the most legroom. Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station is three kilometers northeast of town on Kaew Nawarat Road.

By train

The journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train is an enjoyable experience and offers the chance to see something of the countryside as well as meet other travelers. The overnight train is a good option as it also saves you hotel costs for one night. There are half a dozen services per day, ranging from the slow, Rapid service up to Special Express. Sleeper cars can be had on some trains but must be booked in advance. Second class, air conditioned sleepers are the best deal at around 700B and make the journey in 12 hours. The train station is two kilometers east of the city center and is well served by songthaew.

While Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second city, it is nothing on the order of Bangkok’s congested madness. The city center is compact and getting about is easy. You can walk just about everywhere, if your hotel is close enough to town, and may never need to use public transport once. When it gets too hot or it rains a lot, there are however many options.

Metered taxis provide the best city access from the airport and are 120 baht to town. You can also use them within the town, but you’ll need to phone (tel: 053279291) to book one - you can’t flag them down on the street.

The red pickup trucks, called songthaew, are the de facto form of transport for locals. They run on set routes for the most part and you just jump on the back. The little three-wheeled tuk-tuk provide faster point to point travel.

Exploring the Old City is best done on foot or by bicycle as the narrow lanes carry little traffic. Get hold of a map and follow our walking tour or take an improvised stroll; you can get your bearings on any street corner where street signs indicate the road and lane.

Taxi

Metered taxis are available in Chiang Mai, but they are less common than other forms of transportation. It’s advisable to agree on a fare before starting your journey if the meter is not being used. Taxis can be booked through hotel desks or hailed on the street.

Ride Share

Ride-sharing services like Grab are popular in Chiang Mai, offering a convenient and reliable way to get around the city. The Grab app allows users to book cars or motorbikes, see estimated fares, and track their driver in real-time. Payment can be made via the app or in cash.

Songthaews

Songthaews, or red trucks, are a common and affordable mode of transport in Chiang Mai. These shared taxis operate on fixed routes, but they can also be hired for private trips. Simply flag one down, tell the driver your destination, and negotiate the fare if you’re going off-route.

Tuk-Tuks

Tuk-tuks are a quintessential part of the Chiang Mai experience. These three-wheeled vehicles are great for short trips within the city. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey, as tuk-tuks do not have meters.

Motorbike Rental

Renting a motorbike is very cheap - as little as 100B a day for a basic 100cc model - and given the tropical climate, many visitors opt to hit the northern hills on a motorbike and feel the wind in their hair. However, this option is really only for experienced riders, as any accident can bring a sudden end to an enjoyable vacation. Be careful not to touch the exhaust pipe with your leg after the engine has been running, especially if wearing shorts, or you’ll be left with the tell-tale scar of a newbie in Thailand.

Car Rental

If you’re planning to travel around the north, it’s well worth considering renting a vehicle, which will allow much more flexibility in your itinerary. Roads are generally in good condition, and the mountainous northwest toward Pai and Mae Hong Son is particularly popular. You can be out of Chiang Mai within minutes and there are now three large ring roads around the city, two of which have underpasses (the Superhighway and the First Ring Road).

Chiang Mai is served by popular car rental companies Budget, Avis and Hertz and also has many private operators. Checking the car over carefully before signing forms is necessary as many people get charged for little scratches that they didn’t cause. Figure on 1,000B-1,500B per day for a standard Toyota sedan or 2,000B for a 4WD.

Walking

The Old City is best explored on foot, with its narrow streets, ancient temples, and vibrant markets. Walking allows you to discover hidden gems and experience the city’s charm up close. Most of the major attractions within the Old City are within walking distance of each other.

Bus

Chiang Mai’s local bus service, known as RTC Smart Bus, operates on several routes covering key areas, including the airport, Old City, Nimmanhaemin, and major shopping centers. These buses are air-conditioned, affordable, and equipped with free Wi-Fi. Tickets can be purchased using the RTC app or directly on the bus.

Boat Tours

While Chiang Mai does not have a ferry system, the Mae Ping River offers leisurely boat tours. These tours provide a unique perspective of the city, passing by traditional houses, local farms, and offering stops at attractions like the Thai Farmer’s House and riverside temples.

Without doubt, Chiang Mai has the best accommodation in Thailand in terms of variety and value. Prices are climbing steadily, but are nowhere near Bangkok levels. At the top end, there are some dreamy, luxurious resorts both in and outside the city costing 10,000B a night and over. However, you can also find a comfortable, well-equipped room within walking distance of the Night Bazaar, restaurants and nightlife for less than 2,000B, even in the high season.

For a little more, say 3,000B-5,000B, you can snuggle into a boutique resort in a secluded lane in the city center. On the budget level, there are hundreds of family-run guesthouses offering basic rooms at 200B-400B, and a growing number of budget hostels, which offer dorm beds for as little as 100B.

You can often get away with just turning up and booking your accommodation on the spot in Chiang Mai, but it pays to book in advance during the high season (November through February). The top-enders are also best booked online for better discounts.

As to which part of the city to stay in, we have divided the city into seven areas, each of which has a different feel to it. Here’s a quick introduction to each:

• The Old City: This is probably the most popular area to stay in Chiang Mai, and for good reason. It’s central, so easy to get around to the sights, but it’s also very atmospheric with narrow lanes, stilted houses, hidden temples and surrounding moat and walls. There are a few top-end and several mid-range places here, but most accommodation is of the budget variety. Rajpakinai Road and the lanes (soi) off Moonmuang Road on the east side of the Old City are lined with cheap options.

• Between the Old City and the Ping River: This is the busiest part of town, but it’s also a very popular base as it’s convenient for shopping, eating and transport. You can find cheap guesthouses and budget hostels here, though most places are more up-market, whether they are backstreet boutique hotels or 15-story monoliths run by the international chains such as Le Meridien.

• East of the Ping River: Apart from Charoenrat Road, which runs beside the river and is lined with restaurants, shops and hotels, the east side of the river is a residential area, so can be a peaceful place to stay. There are some appealing accommodation options at all levels here, though it’s not so convenient for seeing the city’s top sights.

• South of the Old City: This is also a residential area, apart from the small silversmiths’ workshops off Wualai Road, though few visitors choose to stay here. Nevertheless, we’ve listed a couple of places that stand out for good value or an enchanting ambience.

• North of the Old City: This is a busy part of the city with several schools, colleges, offices and shops, and its main road, Chang Puak, is often jammed with traffic. Though there are a few hotels and serviced apartments in the area, there’s nowhere that stands out as a great deal.

• West of the Old City: The area around Chiang Mai University and Nimmanheimin Road is comparable to Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok in that it is crammed with fashionable shops, atmospheric restaurants and hot night spots. There’s not much budget accommodation out this way, but there are several appealing mid-range and top-end options. The only problem is it’s a bit too far from the city center to walk there.

• Outside the City Center: Many visitors want a rural experience while in North Thailand, and there are several resorts in the hills around Chiang Mai that offer just that. Of course the downside is that you’re far from the action, but most places offer a shuttle service into town, and you get to wake up hearing nothing but birdsong.

Luxury Hotels

Luxury hotels in Chiang Mai are abundant, especially in the Riverside, Nimmanhaemin, and Old City areas. These hotels offer top-tier amenities, exceptional service, and beautiful settings, making them ideal for those seeking a premium experience. Expect to pay $150 to $500+ per night

Best Bets

• 137 Pillars House: A luxurious boutique hotel set in a beautiful colonial-era building, offering spacious suites and top-notch amenities.
• Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai: A five-star hotel with elegant rooms, a large outdoor pool, and a central location near the Night Bazaar.
• Anantara Chiang Mai Resort: A serene riverside resort featuring contemporary rooms, a riverside restaurant, and a tranquil spa.

Mid-Range Hotels

Mid-range hotels in Chiang Mai provide a balance of comfort, affordability, and convenience. These hotels are well-distributed throughout the Old City, Nimmanhaemin, and Chang Klan Road areas, offering modern amenities and easy access to key attractions. Prices can range from $50 to $150 per night

Best Bets

• De Lanna Hotel: A charming hotel in the Old City with modern amenities, a beautiful courtyard, and a swimming pool.
• Rimping Village: A cozy boutique hotel near the Riverside, known for its friendly service, comfortable rooms, and peaceful garden setting.
• The Rim Resort: A boutique hotel in the Old City offering Lanna-style architecture, comfortable rooms, and an inviting pool area.

Budget Hotels

Budget hotels in Chiang Mai are plentiful, providing affordable and clean accommodation options for budget-conscious travelers. These hotels are mainly located in the Old City, Tha Phae Gate, and Chiang Mai Gate areas. Prices can range from $10 to $50 per night

Best Bets

• Green Tiger House: An eco-friendly guesthouse in the Old City offering clean, comfortable rooms and a vegetarian café.
• Mad Monkey Hostel: A vibrant and social hostel with dorms and private rooms, a pool, and a great atmosphere for meeting fellow travelers.
• Sunny Hostel Chiang Mai: A budget-friendly hostel located near Tha Phae Gate, offering basic but clean accommodations and friendly service.

Family Friendly

Family-friendly hotels in Chiang Mai are designed to cater to the needs of families traveling with children. They offer amenities such as swimming pools, kids’ clubs, family rooms, and babysitting services. These hotels are primarily found in the Old City, Riverside, and Nimmanhaemin areas, providing convenient access to family-friendly attractions. Expect to pay around $50 to $200 per night

Best Bets

• Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai: Features a large outdoor pool, a kids’ club, and family rooms, making it ideal for families seeking luxury and convenience near the Night Bazaar.
• Anantara Chiang Mai Resort: Offers spacious family suites, a serene riverside location, and activities like cooking classes and cultural tours.
• Eastin Tan Hotel Chiang Mai: Located in the Nimmanhaemin area, this hotel provides family rooms, a kids’ club, and easy access to trendy cafes and shops.
• Rimping Village: A cozy boutique hotel near the Riverside, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, spacious rooms, and peaceful garden setting.
• U Nimman Chiang Mai: Located in the vibrant Nimmanhaemin area, this hotel offers family rooms, a rooftop pool, and is close to shopping and dining options.

Business Hotels

Business hotels in Chiang Mai cater to professionals needing modern amenities, meeting facilities, and convenient locations. These hotels are found in the Nimmanhaemin, Chang Klan Road, and Old City areas, providing easy access to business districts and entertainment venues. Prices can range from $70 to $200 per night.

Best Bets

• Eastin Tan Hotel Chiang Mai: Located in Nimmanhaemin, this hotel offers modern rooms, meeting facilities, and convenient access to business districts and entertainment.
• Le Méridien Chiang Mai: A centrally located hotel near the Night Bazaar, featuring contemporary rooms, a business center, and excellent meeting facilities.
• Holiday Inn Chiang Mai: A well-equipped hotel offering spacious rooms, business amenities, and a convenient riverside location.

Unique & Cool Hotels

• The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai: A stunning resort modeled after an ancient Lanna kingdom, featuring luxurious villas and extensive grounds, offering a truly royal experience.
• The Chiang Mai Treehouse: Unique treehouse accommodations in the Mae On District, providing a rustic, nature-immersive experience with stunning forest views.
• The Artel Nimman: A boutique hotel in the trendy Nimmanhaemin area, known for its artistic design and modern, minimalist rooms.
• The Inside House: A colonial-style boutique hotel in the Old City, featuring elegant suites with private pools and vintage decor.
• Villa Mahabhirom: Luxurious, antique teak wood villas set in lush gardens, each villa is a historical house transported from different parts of Thailand.

Eating out in Chiang Mai is one of the city’s greatest pleasures, not only because of the diversity of cuisines on offer, but also because prices are much cheaper than in any other tourist destination, such as Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui.

There is a huge number of restaurants here, from extremely cheap street stalls specializing in a particular dish such as som tam (green papaya salad), to hole-in-the-wall Thai eateries, expat burger joints, Thai-Western fusion restaurants, as well as some exclusive venues serving gourmet delicacies.

One advantage of the city is that it is so small that you’ll find plenty of options near your hotel or guest house, so you won’t even need to take a taxi to eat. Simply wander around the local area until you see somewhere you like.

Do try the food stalls that set up in the evening around any of the city’s markets, such as Somphet Market on Moonmuang Road. And don’t forget food courts, which you can find in places like the Kalare Food Court opposite the Night Bazaar on Chiang Klan Road, where there’s also free entertainment on offer in the evening.

One thing you musn’t miss is to taste some local Northern specialities like khao soy, which features crispy wheat noodles over a coconut curry broth mixed in with chicken or pork. It’s a lunchtime favorite (and difficult to find after dark); a bowl will set you back around 30B. Other popular northern dishes are kaeng haeng lay (curried pork belly with ginger) and kaeng khae kai (a spicy chicken and vegetable curry).

A good way to sample northern Thai cuisine is to sign up for a khan toke dinner, which includes a cultural show featuring traditional dances. The Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center is the most reliable venue for such an experience.

Northerners generally prefer to eat sticky rice (khao niao) rather than steamed rice; this is rolled into small balls in the fingers and dipped into various dips such as nam prik num, a fiery, gooey blend of eggplant and chilli.

As with accommodation, we’ve grouped recommended restaurants according to area so you can see what options are available near your hotel.

Chiang Mai is a sizeable city of 200,000, yet it is also compact and the majority of its nightlife is limited to a few areas, so it’s easy to check out the options. There is nothing here in the order of Bangkok or Phuket’s in-your-face entertainment options, but there is something for everyone, with hundreds of bars, pubs, karaoke joints, and nightclubs.

As with dining and shopping, Chiang Mai nightlife is laid back and easy going and is not going to break the bank either. Beer is reasonably priced here, there are rarely cover charges for the nightclubs, barring the cheesy mega-Thai-style discos, and there is lots of choice for everyone.

The main areas to kick your heels are along Loy Kroh Road (between the Old City and the Ping River), the block north of Rajwithi Road (inside the Old City), along Charoenrat Road (east of the Ping River), and along Nimmanheimin Road and its many lanes (west of the Old City). For a more Thai mood, head for JJ Market, about 2km north of the Old City on Assadathorn Road, where a string of cafes and bars buzzes after about 10pm, especially on weekends.

It’s best to leave the shopping until you get to Chiang Mai if on a Thailand-wide trip. The selection and prices here are much better than anywhere else in the country, particularly for handicrafts. You also don’t get the general bustle that can blight a shopping escapade in the capital.

You can buy everything from local handicrafts such as silk, silverware, lacquerware, ceramics and wood carvings, to hilltribe dolls, T-shirts and copy watches.

As to where to go to buy these products, the options are almost as diverse as the products themselves. The city’s most famed shopping area, the Night Bazaar along Chang Klan Road, is a tourist attraction as well as a shopping zone, and while a bit over the top, there are still bargains to be had. It is essentially one street of stalls along either side of the road and a huge, three-story building packed with shops in the center. It opens from around 5pm to 11pm nightly.

However, the Night Bazaar has become less popular since the Saturday and Sunday Walking Streets on Wualai and Ratchadamnoen Roads began attracting visitors. They open from around 4pm to 11pm and vendors sell a bemusing array of hand-made crafts such as musical instruments and eye-catching clothing. To make the experience more enjoyable, snacks and drinks are on sale and massage chairs tempt strollers to take a break.

If you’re curious to see local handicrafts being made using traditional methods, head along the road east from Chiang Mai to San Kamphaeng; this road is often dubbed ‘the handicraft highway’ as it is lined with workshops and showrooms producing all types of products. We have recommended a few worth visiting. If you’re specifically looking for wood carvings, make your way to Ban Tawai, a village about 15km south of Chiang Mai, while if it’s silverware you’re after, check out the shops along Wualai Road.

When you need to escape the heat, it’s time to do as many locals do and spend a few hours in Chiang Mai’s shopping malls, of which Central Kad Suan Kaew and Central Airport Plaza are the two main ones. The former is on Huay Kaew Road just outside the northwest corner of the Old City, while Airport Plaza is to the southwest of the Old City, on the road leading to the airport.

There are a few areas in the city with concentrations of boutiques selling up-market clothing and accessories, artwork and home decor items. These are Charoenrat Road on the east bank of the Ping River, Tha Pae Road and Nimmanheimin Road to the west of the Old City.

When shopping on the walking streets and in markets, you’ll be expected to participate in some friendly bargaining to secure a discount, but don’t try this in the shops as prices are fixed.

Resources