Chiang Mai Travel Guide | All the things you should know

Chiang Mai is one of our favourite cities in Thailand. The largest city is located in the country’s north and is one of the most popular among travellers, backpackers and expats. We stayed in Chiang Mai longer than we planned because we loved it, and that’s why we came up with an insightful Chiang Mai travel guide.

The most popular city in northern Thailand offers many activities to travellers attracted by the cheap lifestyle and endless possibilities. One of the cultural hubs of ancient and new Thailand booms in delicious food markets, over 300 temples, relaxed vibes and many day trips all around.

These are the main reasons why digital nomads every year decide to spend some time in Chiang Mai, and that attracts tourists. Coffee shops are perfect for working remotely, and with delicious food for a reasonable price, living in Thailand is very affordable. Chiang Mai has something that attracts people to stay longer, and for us, it was the same, so just plan some extra time on your trip. We crafted a perfect guide to Chiang Mai, covering as many aspects as possible. This is the kind of wish list we hoped to find before travelling to Chiang Mai.

Yes, we love Chiang Mai and the cool vibes of this city in the north of Thailand. Even though Chiang Mai hasn’t got any beaches, and neither is close to one, the waterfalls around are the best to refresh in the hot, humid summer. So rent a scooter or hop on a red bus, ready to discover.

The city might be perceived as a party place for somebody, and it is definitely a crazy location, especially if you hang out at Zoe in the centre of the old town. However, Chiang Mai is also a Digital Nomads hotspot, where mingling and making connections leverage your network.

If you stay in the old town, you will easily get everywhere. There are many fantastic spots within 10/15 minutes of walking. Life is affordable, and you will get an excellent lifestyle within 1000 baht or better £20 | $25 | € 22. Of course, the accommodation can raise your budget, but the cheap accommodations start from 300 bahts for a hostel; however, prices are much lower in the low season.

To simplify the topic of the best time to visit Chiang Mai, we have divided it into three different times of the year. For many travellers, the best time to visit Chiang Mai is from November to March. This is because these five months are the coolest and driest months of the year in Northern Thailand.

However, November 2022 was tough, as the temperature rose significantly without rain.

The average daytime temperature in Chiang Mai during the above period is around 28°C. However, for a few days at night could be chill, especially if it rains, but the temperatures will never drop below 20°C at night. 

Let’s see in detail the temperature in Chiang Mai for every season:

November to March | This is the coolest and driest time of the year in Northern Thailand and is perfect for travelling. The temperature in Chiang Mai is ideal for a day of exploring, with an average of around 25°C (77°F) / 30°C(86°F). The city at night drops the temperature significantly, but it will never go below 20°C (60°F). If you are staying outside Chiang Mai, you might want to carry a sweater with you, especially exploring Pai. Expect just a few rainy days.

April to May | From April to May, you will experience the hottest months in Northern Thailand. During the day is impossible to walk around as the temperature can quickly soar up to 40°C (104°F). We suggest packing a lot of sunscreens, as it is expensive here and gets impossible to find in grocery stores during these months. The best way to deal with the hot, humid weather is to stay in a pool and AC cafes all day.

June to October | This is the beginning of the rainy season, and you will not travel to Chiang Mai just for leisure. The average temperatures drop to 26°C (79°F) and at night, after the rain below 18°C (64°F). The period is very long and doesn’t give many chances of a clear day to go sightseeing. However, if you are lucky, it might rain for a few hours and then clear, but on some occasions, the monsoon season hits badly, raining for days.

SONGKRAN | The most famous festivity in Chiang Mai is Songkran, which is a national holiday celebrated all around the country. This is the Thai New Year celebration. However, with the popular water fights, Chiang Mai became the most fun place in Thailand. Songkran is a fantastic time to visit Chiang Mai. Roam around the Old Town, Nimmhan Area with water bottles and water guns and have fun; locals, tourists, and expats get into the street for a day of partying. Songkran is celebrated in April.

LOI KRAHTONG FESTIVAL | Loi Krathong, the Thai Festival of lights, is one of the most well-known events in Chiang Mai and attracts large crowds. The release of many lanterns in the shape of stars into the clear sky is one of Loi Krathong’s most breathtaking sights. With candles thrown into nearby rivers, nearby fireworks, and lights in the air, The Loi Krathong is sure to make a lasting impression on you. To enjoy this moment, you must travel to Chiang Mai in November. The Festival of lights is also held in Bangkok in the same period.

FLOWER FESTIVAL | If you travel to Chiang Mai in February, you can’t miss the Chiang Mai Flower Festival. The city bloom in coloured flowers, with excellent exhibitions taking place all over the city. The best place to enjoy the Flower Festival is at Buak Had Public Park, which organises various competitions and displays.

POY SANG LONG FESTIVAL | There is the Poy Sang Long, a traditional Thai festival in mid-March. The ritual is held by generations and introduces young boys to the Monasticism life. The major celebrations are across the many temples in Chiang Mai, and the best to watch is at Wat Pa Pao.

It’s easy to get to Chiang Mai from everywhere in Thailand. The Northern Capital, once the kingdom of Lanna, is served by an internal airport with connections from Bangkok and other top hot spots in Thailand daily.

After spending a few days in Bangkok, we arrived in Chiang Mai by sleeper train, but there are many other cheap options that you can consider.

From Bangkok to Chiang Mai

SONGTHAEW | Songthaews is the most popular transport way in Chiang Mai. The traditional red bus is a pickup truck running up and down Chiang Mai province. However, another songthaew can take you outside Chiang Mai city, all around the province and are yellow instead of red. If you are going around Chiang Mai, you show up at the side of the road and flag them. The trip usually costs 30 Baht per person, but for further away locations, they might ask more, and you have to bargain.

BUSES | We have yet to see many buses around while staying in Chiang Mai, but it is a new thing in town. The bus is the cheapest way to get around, with a fee of just 20 Baht per person. In addition, you can find AC, free wi-fi, and a clean atmosphere on board.

BICYCLE | Anywheel is a brand-new dockless bike-sharing programme in Chiang Mai. You can ride a bike in Chiang Mai for 10 Baht or opt for a monthly pass for 200 Baht. You might also ask for a bike rental or complimentary bicycles when booking your hotel.

TUK-TUK | Everywhere in South-East Asia, you can ride a tuk-tuk, which is quite an experience. However, the Tuk-tuk in Chiang Mai is more expensive than a songthaew. Expect to pay anything between 80 and 150 Baht. However, Tuk-tuk drivers are keener to bargain compared to songthaew.

Other ways to travel around Chiang Mai

GRAB AND BOLT | We personally love Bolt more than Grab, and find the first cheaper. However, Grab, and Bolt is the most popular private ride app.

It operates just like Uber and is one of Southeast Asia’s most widely used modes of transportation. We downloaded both apps before landing in Bangkok and used them to get transport from BKK – Suvarnabhumi to our guest house.

SCOOTER RENTAL | Renting a scooter in Chiang Mai is straightforward. We can suggest the place where we rented the scooter, and our cute Scooby took us everywhere. Chat Current gives us a good deal, renting per day at just 250 Baht.

Make sure that you have a valid driving licence and international permit, as it is usual to find road blocs, often targeting tourists.

CAR RENTAL | Renting a car is not typical but is perfect if you want to go for some day trips. If you plan to visit Chiang Rai and Pai while in Chiang Mai, renting a car is the alternative to sharing transport. Renting a car is more expensive and not worth it if you stay within the city. Finding parking space in Chiang Mai is pretty hard.

Thailand Visa

As of 2022, almost 2023, if you hold a US, UK or European passport, you don’t need a visa to enter Thailand. However, the visa on arrival is subject to a few restrictions. The time to stay in the country has been changed again. From April 2023, Thailand has changed to 30 days visa instead of the 45 previously agreed in October 2022.

If you want to stay longer in the country, you must apply for a visa. To be eligible for a visa on arrival, you should have proof of onward flight or proof that you are exiting from Thailand within the visa timing. We proved that we were going to cross the land border with Laos and it was okay for Singapore Airlines.

Chiang Mai is Budget Friendly

We found Chiang Mai very affordable and in line with our lifestyle and expenses budgeted. Digital nomads love Chiang Mai for this exact reason and prefer the Northern City to Bangkok.

ACCOMMODATION | With a broad mix of budget-friendly accommodations, you can choose your lifestyle and needs. From pricey hotels to budget-friendly guest houses, the average spends for a night in Chiang Mai goes from 250 THB (£6 | $ 7 | €7) for a hostel to 1000 TBH (£24 | $29 | €27). 

DAILY COSTS | The average cost for food and grocery is affordable, making Thailand one of the cheapest places in the world for eateries. We love Thai cuisine, and fresh products, noodles, lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, shrimp, and sources are served at low prices everywhere. We found it cheaper to eat at a restaurant than grocery shopping and cook at our place. The average cost meal for two people in some of the best restaurants we have been to was about 200 TBH (£4.73 | $5.72 | €5.5). Very affordable and yummy.

Retrieve Cash at ATMs

Cash is the king in Thailand, but there is a way to make the fees cheaper when you withdraw from ATMs. Travelling a lot, we found ways to lower the fees for retrieving cash abroad. When withdrawing money at an ATM, always let your bank deal with the exchange rate.

In some cases, you have to click on decline set exchange. Stats want that many people travelling abroad are unaware that card providers charge more when you pay in GBP rather than local currency.

To get the best out of your travel money outside of the UK, we suggest you always pay in local currency. In Chiang Mai, you can pay for your coffee at Amazon or other chains and even the grocery at 7/11 by card without purchase fees.

The majority of the shops and markets accept only cash

If it is your first time in South East Asia, you should be aware that most shops and street markets only accept cash. However, we suggest you withdraw the maximum amount at the ATM because when you don’t accept the local bank exchange but make your bank deal with it, there is a fixed fee of 220 TBH.

Following our Chiang Mai travel guide, you will discover more ways to save money while in Thailand.

It’s better to have a sim card before travelling to Thailand

When we arrived in Thailand, it was easy for us to book a Bolt. However, after a long flight, the last thing we wanted was to deal with unreliable wi-fi and spend time roaming around the airport to get the best connection. You can order a e-sim online and travel stress-free once you land in Thailand.

Driving a bike or car is easier than in Bangkok

The scariest thing in Bangkok was crossing the road as bikes and cars took the whole street. We thought a lot about renting a bike in Bangkok, but due to heavy traffic, we always thought twice and have yet to do so. So instead, driving a motorbike in Chiang Mai was fun, and we did enjoy our escape to the waterfall, temples outside the city skirt and a few national parks surrounding the northern Capital.

It might seem scary initially, but believe us, we had fun, and it was fine to drive after practising for a bit. Locals drive fast, but you can stay on the left like many and will survive. To better write this Chiang Mai guide, we rented a scooter, and it was fun, although I wasn’t driving in ages, and Ale never got at the back of a motorcycle.

Be aware of scams and tricky situations

Even though we felt very safe in Chiang Mai, there are several precautions that travellers need to take while on holiday.

Always keep your valuables locked up and out of sight; petty theft is the most common type of crime in Chiang Mai. Also, keep an eye on your valuables while in local markets, as pickpocketers might be in action. However, we spoke with many friends and solo female travellers, which felt safe and without problems touring Asia.

When you rent a bike, the rental company might try to charge you even if there isn’t any damage. Always take plenty of photos and videos of the vehicle before riding it for the first time. Ask for the price first when hopping on a taxi, red bus or tuk-tuk. To request assistance, dial 191 for emergency calls.

Make copies of all of your personal documents, and store them in a secure cloud online. The documents we have as copies are passports, IDs, and driving licences. Make aware your family and friends of the movements, so you will be on track if something happens.

It is cheaper than Bangkok

We found Chiang Mai cheaper than Bangkok. Even though we spent more time in Chiang Mai, we found life here very affordable, to the point that we extended our stay for two extra weeks, counting the days in Pai and Chiang Rai.

From food to transportation, life gets cheaper in Chiang Mai, and the quality of life improves. We walked a lot more in Chiang Mai, so we spent less on transport. Having an accommodation in the Old town might cost a little more, but it gives you the freedom to roam around walking.

Street food markets are very affordable, and you will always get a cheaper option in Chiang Mai, just walking on the side street. It’s the case when you visit the famous night bazaar and then step into the less-known Anusarn Market, Chiang Mai, just a few metres away.

Within accommodation costs, grocery, activities, bike rental and a few other expenses, our Chiang Mai 3 weeks trips cost us about 1,400 TBH per day as a couple. Making the calculation, Chiang Mai costs us 700 Baht per person, meaning £16.50, $20, €19 per day. On average, staying on a budget, you will spend £5 to £10 extras to stay in Bangkok.

Local traditional food for pennies

Thai cuisine is among our favourites, which means a lot to someone who hasn’t eaten Asia food until a few years ago. In Chiang Mai, you can find delicious food made with love and fresh local ingredients. They love to put garlic, holy basil, cilantro, and lemongrass to enrich flavours and colours.

Indian, Malaysian, Indonesian, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodian influences can be found in Thai cuisine. But like any country, there are regional differences between dishes, and we loved northern variations. In recent years, with Digital Nomads stable staying in Chiang Mai, the restaurants have started to produce mixed dishes that can be less spicy or not. The perfect combination is made to serve Thai food for western travellers with less tolerance.

Some of Thailand’s best street cuisine can be found in Chiang Mai, where entrees such as khao soi cost 25–50 THB and snacks cost 10–20 THB. A casual sit-down Thai restaurant typically charges between 60 and 95 THB for a meal.

Western cuisine is more expensive, with a typical dish costing between 150 and 195 THB. However, we have been to KFC at Maya Mall and the whole meal for two, including drinks, was 250 Baht.

A cute and walkable old town

As said, our first accommodation in Chiang Mai was within the city’s old walls. The cute old town is perfectly walkable, and you must watch out for scooters going up and down the winding streets.

We loved our morning routine, walking to our favourite coffee place (just 40 TBH for a hot latte, 50 TBH for a cold one).

Most activities, nightlife, restaurants and meetups are within Chiang Mai’s old walls. Following our guide about Chiang Mai, you will discover more things to do in the city while on holiday.

A lot of co-working spaces

One of the main reasons why we travelled to Chiang Mai was that we were so behind with our working schedule that we wanted to find the right place to work. Chiang Mai is no anymore a secret or a hidden spot in Thailand, with Digital Nomads and Remote Workers making Chiang Mai their permanent base.

We had a few co-working days, and we loved it. Working in a cute cafe with a pool and restaurant was fun on hot days. We made many connections and, with some of them, started to travel around Thailand for a short period.

If you want to experience life as Digital Nomad, Chiang Mai is the perfect location to start. With many events, galleries, and networking, the city in Northern Thailand can boost your adventure even more. We thought to stay on track with our Chiang Mai Travel Guide, talking too much about the digital nomad lifestyle, but it is what it is.

Explore the temples in Chiang Mai

In Chiang Mai, there are more than 300 Buddhist temples. Here are six of the most fascinating:

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep | The magnificence of this temple amused us. On a clear day, you can spot Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on top of the mountains surrounding Chiang Mai. The temple is just 15 km from the city, and it takes about 45 minutes to reach it from the old town. You can hop on a red bus at the entrance of the North Gate, which has a clear sign Doi Suthep on top.

This red bus usually charges about 100 TBH one way and 100 TBH at the temple entrance to return to the city. However, we suggest booking a guided tour, as we did. Not only a guided tour with transportation is cheaper, but it also works out to visit multiple locations in half-day exploring. Check out the tours through Klook and Get Your Guide.

Wat Phra Singh | The most interesting Buddhist temple within the city walls is Wat Phra Singh. The temple is often referred to as the “The Temple of the Lion Buddha” since Chiang Mai was the Capital of the Lanna Kingdoms in the 14th Century. For a proper introduction to the local culture, we suggest booking a guided tour of Wat Phra Singh before you arrive in Chiang Mai.

Other interesting temples to visit in Chiang Mai

Wat Chedi Luang | The temple of the Great Stupa, as how locals recognise it. In fact, when you step into Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai, you will spot the massive Stupa. The building features a massive structure of 85 metres tall and about 44 metres circular on the wide side. Check out the best tours to Wat Chedi Luang on Klook and Get Your Guide.

Wat Chedi Liam | Wat Chedi Liam is one of the ancients Buddhist temples within Chiang Mai Province. The temple is located in Wiang Kum Kam, an ancient city about 7 Km away from Chiang Mai. During the Lanna Kingdom, this city served as the Capital before moving to Chiang Mai. To get to Wat Chedi Liam, you need to get private transport or tours. Check out the best temple tours on Get Your Guide or Klook. It is one of the hidden gems in Chiang Mai Province.

Celebrate the Yee Peng and the Loy Krathong Festivals | Festival of lights and lanterns

We have given a complete highlight of the best Festival to attend in Chiang Mai. However, it is worth talking about Yee Peng Festival a little more, as it is the most attractive celebration for Chiang Mai.

Usually celebrated at the beginning of November, the Yee Peng Festival sees people releasing paper lanterns with candlelight into the sky at night. The scenery will leave you speechless.

Around the same time, you can enjoy the phenomenal Loy Krathong Festival. Many floating leaves with lighted candles on top are released into the river. You can check the schedule and purchase the tickets in advance here.

Adrenaline Zip-line in the Jungle

There is no trip to Thailand without a bit of adrenaline. We can’t miss the zip-line in the jungle while writing this post about the Chiang Mai travel guide. One of the most exciting adventures is to go to a nature park, which provides a variety of activities, from white water rafting to bungee jumping and, of course, the zip line.

If you are seeking a unique experience in Chiang Mai, make sure to book this activity in advance, as it tends to fill every available place within weeks.

We personally suggest you check these two activities:

Get a proper Thai Massage at Women’s Massage Center By Ex-Prisoner

It is a quintessential experience; a Thai Massage is already something everyone has to try. In Chiang Mai is easy to find shops where Ex-Prisoners are making a living giving massages.

If you want to get involved in giving back to the community, this way to get a pleasure moment also gives a chance to somebody else to rehabilitate. Traditional massages start at 200 TBH (£ 4.70 | $ 5.70 | € 5.50 ).

Check out the Chiang Mai cooking Classes we suggest:

Explore the hidden gem of Anusarn Night Market

While in Chiang Mai, you can’t miss the street food market; however, the night bazaar is more than just food, sweets and sour dishes. The night bazaar is located east of CMX’s old town and is one of the busiest places in town.

You can find everything in the night bazaar, from clothes to jewellery, electronics and, of course, food. However, if you walk past the night bazaar street and get to the right going south, you will discover Anusarn night market. We found it unusual that the market wasn’t on the traditional Chiang Mai travel guides, as the market is still raw and even cheaper than the nearby night bazaar. Also, consider discovering Ploen Ruedee Night Market, which looks more western-style, with almost the same food stands.

Enjoy the Chiang Mai Cabaret at Anusarn Night Market

We had one of the best nights out in Chiang Mai at Anusarn night market. We enjoyed so much the Thai Cabaret. The outstanding performers engaged the public in a show that lasted about 2 hours. The cost for the show is about 400 TBH (£ 9.45 | $ 11.40 | € 10.95).

You can purchase the tickets on the spot and enjoy a fun night in Chiang Mai.

Watch a Muay Thai boxing match live

It might not be for you, but a Muay Thai boxing match is part of the local culture. If you enjoy kickboxing matches, you will surely have a fun time. There are a few stadiums in Chiang Mai, and there is combat every night. The Chiang Mai boxing stadium and the Thapae Boxing stadium are some of the most famous rings.

You can purchase the ticket for the match in advance, as the stadiums tend to be crowded. Check out the tickets for the next match on Klook.

Go on a Day Trip to Pai

Pai is definitely worth a visit while on holiday in Chiang Mai. The two places are just 130 Kilometres apart. You can reach Pai from Chiang Mai in about 3 hours through a windy road across the valleys and mountains. There are many ways to reach Pai, by public and private transport.

The public transport takes up to 4 hours, depending on traffic and costs only 90 baht (£ 2.13 | $ 2.60 | € 2.50). However, this is not the most convenient way; in fact, we suggest taking private transport for 150 baht (£ 3.54 | $ 4.30 | € 4.11) from Chiang Mai bus station.

While in Pai, you should visit the Kong Lan, or commonly called the Pai Canyon. The panoramic view is unbelievable and well worth the steep hike.

Explore the white temple in Chiang Rai for a day trip

You can get a bus to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai Bus Station Arcade. The transport leaves the docks every hour, making a trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai easy. The journey to Chiang Rai takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic.

While there are many things to explore in Chiang Rai, one day is definitely not enough to see all the incredible sights. So instead, concentrate your time and energies roaming around the fabulous white temple or the blue temple.

These two locations are the most popular in Chiang Rai and are unmissable on your trip.

Take a day trip to Inthanon National Park

It might be an unusual activity while on a Chiang Mai vacation, but Inthanon National Park is a must-do!

The extraordinary national park is located within 1 hour and a half from the second-largest city in Thailand and will surprise you. You won’t regret visiting Doi Inthanon, even if you only have a few days in Chiang Mai.

Doi Inthanon National Park is absolutely worth visiting if you enjoy stunning waterfalls, expansive landscapes, diverse cultures, and organic food. We suggest going on a tour, introducing you to local habits. The landscape is still pristine, and you can glimpse rural Thailand.

While discovering Doi Inthanon, you will see the Coffee Plantation in a Karen Hill Tribe Village and refresh at the stunning Sirithan and Wachiratharn waterfalls. Doi Inthanon is also the highest point in Thailand, with the peak reaching 2,565 Metres above sea level.

Have a fun day at the quirky Sticky Waterfalls

The Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls in Chiang Mai might still be a little hidden gem within the northern Capital.

The Sticky Waterfalls, also known as Bua Tong, is one of the most unusual places in Thailand. These waterfalls are about an hour and a half’s drive from Chiang Mai’s Old City, and you can reach them by rented scooter or group tours (These are our suggestions for you – Option 1 – Option 2)

The unique feature of these waterfalls is that you can climb directly up the rocks into the approaching flowing water. You will look like spiderman while climbing the white calcar rocks. The Sticky Waterfalls’ nickname comes from an extremely sticky mineral deposit. In fact, the rocks have a sponge-like consistency.

Depending on your style of travelling and the purpose of your trip to Thailand, you can craft your itinerary around Chiang Mai. We suggest staying at least three days in Chiang Mai before heading to your next destination.

There is much to do in the city and on the outskirt, but distances are less prohibitive than in Bangkok. We found Chiang Mai the perfect place to unwind and stay even longer at a budget price; you can even plan to stay for two weeks or more. We always encourage our readers to embrace a slow travel lifestyle, live the places fully and get into the skin of a destination. 

However, we also know that holidays are limited, and you might get a few weeks to explore Thailand. If the second option is your case, make the best of internal flights, and within 1 hour and 15 minutes, you will be back in Bangkok to catch a flight to the southern beaches.

Backpacking Chiang Mai Suggested Budgets

At the beginning of our South East Asia trip, we approximate a daily budget for two people, including accommodation of 2,000 THB (£ 47 | $ 57 | € 55) per day.

We experienced people leaving with a lower budget, but travellers often tend to stay longer in a place and take independent trips without guided ones.

We never stayed in hostels, but we are okay with keeping our budget on track (Check out our experience staying in a hostel as a couple). Overall we stayed on budget, spending even less than forecasted, with just a few days over the budget, because of activities or crazy nights out with friends.

Overall in one month in Thailand, we spent an average of 1,400 Baht per day for two people (£ 33 | $ 40 | € 38), which means 700 TBH per person (£ 16.50 | $ 20 | € 19) a day.

The costs consist in staying in the local guest house, often bargaining on the spot or booking accommodation through Booking.com or Agoda, searching for the best prices.

We haven’t limited our experience and enjoyed a night out, the cabaret, street food markets and restaurants, and daily coffee and smoothies. Our budget also includes entrances to temples, museums, and national parks, transport from taxis, red buses, long-distance trains and scooter rental.

What to Pack for a Chiang Mai trip

Depending on the period you visit Chiang Mai, you might need different clothes and items.

We suggest always having the below items before your trip to Chiang Mai:

While staying in Chiang Mai, you will discover how easy it is to get out of your budget. However, there might be days when you spend just enough and significantly below the forecasted budget. If you stick to local markets, eat at night markets and avoid steak at fancy restaurants every day, you can stay on a budget.

Below there are a few tips to help you save money while on the road:

Eat at food markets | We loved the part of the day when we ended our working routine and went straight to the market. The prices are budget-friendly, and there is enough variety of food to keep changing daily.

Use songthaew to get around | Even if it is cool to get around by tuk-tuk, you might get bored of it. A songthaew is a cheap and affordable way to get around Chiang Mai, and the red buses are everywhere; wave them at the corner of the street, and they will pick you up.

Eat where locals eat | It’s not true that Thai restaurants are expensive. It’s mostly the fancy, westernised restaurant that will charge you a lot, and in most cases could be tastier, or I mean not proper local. Check out where locals usually eat, and you get a jackpot. Our personal choices were always Number 9 and Grazie.

Other tips to lower the activities costs and stay on a budget | Chiang Mai Travel Guide

Bargain | They get upset if you don’t bargain hard in Thailand. The rule is to never take the first price and walk away if it is too expensive; they are likely to call you back and start to bid. It’s commonly known that the Thai inflate the prices in Chiang Mai and love to bargain with tourists.

Find Some friends and share costs for excursions | We met some friends in Bangkok and found them again in Chiang Mai, then joined an expat group and met some others. This was the best way to save some bucks while exploring together and having fun. In addition, companies generally give you a discount if you close an excursion with the exact number of people, and you can bargain a lower price for everyone.

BUDGET ACCOMMODATION

CANARY HOUSE

When we extended our stay in Chiang Mai, some friends pointed us to Canary House. The hotel, it’s clean and offers discounted rates if you book in advance. Check out their availability through the links below, as it gets sold out pretty fast. The hotel is about 10 minutes’ walk from Pha Gate and offers all the comfort you need.

Also, it has got parking space at the back, ideal for your bike, and a functional but small gym. The people at the hotel are super friendly, and we recommend it.

BOOKING | AGODA – Deals from £10 | $12 | €12 per night

The best area to stay in Chiang Mai for long-term plans

If it is your first time travelling to Thailand we suggest sticking with the Old town, or at the limits of the city walls. Most of the life runs around the old town centre and is centrally located for the other meeting points within the city. However, if you plan to stay longer in Chiang Mai, it might be worth exploring the surrounding areas to find cheaper deals and better locations. Below there is a list of places to check out; we wish to know before our trip to Chiang Mai:

Old City Quarter

The Old City is the historic district contained within the city walls. You can walk around everywhere, and within 20 minutes, you will reach the other side of the square. The walled perimeter is just about 1 and a half kilometres and has about 100 temples, a wonderful park to practice yoga, co-working spaces, cute cafes and restaurants. At Phase Gate, there is the largest market every Sunday, so the Old City Quarter is the perfect spot to include in your Chiang Mai Guide looking for accommodation.

Nimmanhaemin

The favourite area of backpackers and Digital Nomads. Nimmanhaemin is 20 minute walk from the old town and has a mix of luxurious hotels and cheap accommodations. Nimmanhaemin is also where are the coolest co-working and coffee shops. Often referred to as the Nimman area, it is a trendy spot for shopping, also having Maya Mall Lifestyle shopping centre. U Nimman Chiang Mai is the most fabulous hotel in this district, offering a fantastic rooftop.

Rachawong | North-east side

It’s not a popular area of Chiang Mai, but definitely strategic to reach a few trendy spots. Rachawong is on the northeast side of Chiang Mai’s old town, and within 5 minutes walking distance, you are in the city walls. On the other side, you can reach the night bazaar within 10 minutes of walking distance.

There are a few accommodations available and restaurants all around. Rachawong was our area for the extended week in Chiang Mai, and we loved the position and the hotel. We recommend checking out the rates as these are highly competitive. Check out Canary House and definitely book in advance to find the best deal.

Raming Niwet Village

Mostly popular among Digital nomads, Raming Niwet Village is located in the southwest. The trendy area offers many co-working and pleasant cafés. It’s mostly a local area with clean streets and lovely places to eat and stay. A 1 Kilometre lively road connects the district to the walled city, and the main point of access is the wonderful Nong Buak Haad Public Park.

We always suggest carrying some cash with you when travelling to a foreign country. It is a best practice because you might need more clarification about the card fees when you first land. As Thailand’s currency is the Thai Bath, you should withdrawal money in local currency. When we landed in Bangkok, we changed £ 100 in local currency to afford the taxi to the hotel.

Many cards don’t charge you fees to withdraw abroad and mostly to pay by card at shops. So using the ATM to withdraw THB is the best way to avoid scams and get a lower exchange rate. However, airport ATMs often have a very high fee for withdrawing money, so it might be worth getting more in the city centre.

We experienced Kasicorn Bank in Maya Mall having just a 220 baht fee when withdrawing. Remember to refuse local bank exchange rate; by doing that, you make your bank deal with exchange getting more money.

Don’t travel anywhere without travel insurance, no matter your journey. We have learned that at our expense while travelling from Dubrovnik to Hvar, our ferry was cancelled because of rough sea weather.
Travelling on the other side of the world, you never know what can happen. Your luggage can get lost, you can miss your flight, or any other disruption can happen when travelling. Book your travel insurance now!

Hey Mondo | COVID-19 coverage, medical expenses and total travel costs. A fantastic app with 24-hour medical care and no extra charges. You can save 5% on your insurance by booking through our link.

SafetyWing | COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and insurance can be purchased while travelling for digital nomads.

Q&A Things to do in Chiang Mai

How many days do you need to see Chiang Mai?

Five days should be enough time to visit Chiang Mai and get a complete sense of the city. Most of the cultural part of the city is within the old walls; however, it is only part of the here. This city served as the Capital of the Lanna Kingdom and is still an important religious and cultural centre. Remains of old temples are all around the province, and five days might be also enough to explore natural beauties. The waterfalls around the city are just half an hour away and make the perfect trip from Chiang Mai.

Is Chiang Mai worth visiting?

Yes! We couldn’t believe in falling in love with Chiang Mai so much as to extend our stay for another week. The city might seems not appealing like the south, but it’s perfect to know the local culture. Chiang Mai is on the top of travellers list visiting Thailand.

Is Chiang Mai safe at night?

Yes. While staying in Chiang Mai, we never felt unsafe, nor late at night. We had some conversations with fellow travellers and solo females, which enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the safe environment.

Are 3 days enough for Chiang Mai?

If you are willing to run all day and explore as much as possible, three days in Chiang Mai are just enough to explore a few temples within the city walls, enjoy a pinch of nightlife and rush for a hike or a waterfall-chasing adventure.

What is the best month to visit Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is best visited between the end of October and the beginning of April. This period is also when the tourist season starts, and you will find higher prices. However, months after April will be just too hot to roam around.

Is Chiang Mai cheap?

Yes. Chaing Mai has a lot to offer to travellers, and you can make it cheap. The city can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. You can lower your budget by sticking with local markets, food stalls and a few local restaurants, making Chiang Mai an affordable destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Bangkok better?

The two most important cities are totally different. We found Bangkok more chaotic and definitely too vast to explore fully in one week. On the other side, Chaing Mai is quieter and surrounded by mountains, jungles, waterfalls and lovely scenery. So if you want city vibes, go to Bangkok and stay in Sukhumvit; if you wander less busy places, go for a few days in Chiang Mai and discover the surrounding Pai and Chiang Rai.

Is Chiang Mai walkable?

Chiang Mai is one of the most walkable cities in Thailand. Most of the sightseeing is within the city walls. Chiang Mai walled city, and old town, is just 1.5 Kilometres and it can take up to 20 minutes to walk from part to part.

WHERE TO GO NEXT?

Every time is good to travel and have new experiences. As London-based travel bloggers, it’s easy to find cheap flights and explore new places even just at the weekend. Travelling to Thailand was on our bucket list for ages, but below you will find other suggestions

NEARBY PLACES

Most Instagrammable places in Bangkok
Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai
Is Chiang Mai worth visiting?
Phuket Instagram Spots
Is Phuket worth visiting?
Things to do in Phuket in 3 days
How to spend one day in Bangkok
How to spend 10 days in Sri Lanka
Pidirangala Rock Hike in Sri Lanka
Cruising in Indonesia
Water sports in Phuket
Is Bali worth visiting? Pros and Cons of visiting Bali

But the best is not yet to come.