Guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai (or the ‘Rose of the North’) is the hub of Northern Thailand, the heart of the ancient Lanna kingdom and the fourth largest city in Thailand. On a plain surrounded by mountains and verdant countryside, it is quieter and greener than Bankok and it’s cosmopolitan ambiance has led many nationals and expatriates to settle here permanently.

Top reasons to visit Chiang Mai

Explore the historic walled city and it’s temples, including Wat Phrathat Doi.

Experience the ’typical’ Chiang Mai by seeing the view from Doi Suthep, eaten a bowl of kao soi and bought an umbrella from Bo Sang.

Main areas of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai’ s historical centre is the walled city, with over 30 temples, whilst modern Chiang Mai has expanded outwards.

Mae Nam Ping

East of the walled city, along the banks of the Ping River, is Changklan Road where the majority of hotels and the Night Bazaar.

Loi Kroh Road

Centre of the tourist and main nightlife area.

When to go to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai’s northern location and moderate elevation means the city has a more temperate climate than the south. Cool season is from November to February, hot season is March to June and wet season is July to October.

Book a hotel today in Chiang Mai, Thailand - find your hotel deals here, as we specialise in cheap hotels in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Top Attractions in Chiang Mai

• Wat Phrathat Doi
• Night Bazaar
• Doi Suthep

Shopping in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is not a great place for buying high-end or electrical items, with prices up to double of elsewhere in Thailand. Be aware there is a high market of counterfeit items in Chiang Mai, which are prone to confiscation at the airport by Customs Officers.

Malls are plentiful in Chiang Mai with the Central Festive Mike Shopping Mall, Royal Garden Plaza being the most popular.

For markets, check out The Market Chiang Mai, Soi Buakhao Market, Thepprasit Market and the Made In Thailand Night Bazaar.

Eating in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai local delicacies include:-

• spicy papaya salad (som tam)
• spicy-sour chopped pork salad (lab)

Chiang Mai has a multitude of hawker-style street food, sold from a variety of venues (including Tuk-Tuks!).

Recommended restaurants include Kiss Food and Drink, Sailor Bar, Cool Kitchen, Pig and Whistle, Maikan Majatalo, Nangnual, Parsa, Sraan, Tequila Reef, Bruno’s, Benihana, Mantra and Ticino.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is internationally known for nightlife, including some racier aspects of ‘entertainment’. The range of nightlife available is extensive, so check the local listings magazines for more detail of the different types.

• Bars - try out the open-air beer bars around Walking Street, but be careful in the ‘go-go’ bars, of Soi LK Metro as tourist scams are more common in the ‘girly’ bars.
• Clubs - Lucifer, Marine Disco, Lima Lima and Club Insomnia
• Cabaret - Alcazar, Tiffany’s Show
• Cinemas - Major Cineplex, SFX Cinema, SF Cinema City
• Museums - Anek Kuso Sala, Ripley’s Believe It or Not
• Art - Liam’s Gallery, Art in Paradise

Book a hotel today in Chiang Mai, Thailand - find your hotel deals here, as we specialise in cheap hotels in Chiang Mai, Thailand.