Chiang Mai is well-known for its iconic museums and renowned landmarks. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many beautiful temples in the area. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a mountain-top temple that is an iconic landmark in the city. Other famous sights include Doi Inthanon and Wat Chedi Luang.
The charming old town is a magnet for tourists. The old city is about 1.5 square kilometers in size and it has four gates, one on each side. The most famous area is Sunday Walking Street, which comes to life at 4pm every day when it is lined with stalls and filled with people.
Discovering the hiking trails around Chiang Mai is a delight. Many people use this city as a base for a trekking excursion into the surrounding countryside. The land is lush and beautiful and many treks also expose you to the welcoming Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand. Treks can be organized at almost any hotel or hostel as well the many tour agencies around town.
Shopping here is a unique experience you'll want to have. The city is famous for its night markets, which run every night of the year until around midnight. You'll find the streets packed with people and vendors, rain or shine. This is a great place to search for local handicrafts and try some of the city's famous street food. Popular items to buy include rice boxes, silk, and Thai sky lanterns.
Traveling in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai street vendor
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
Neighborhoods & Around
Chiang Mai is an interesting mix of old and new. At the city's center is the old historic area enclosed by a mostly square moat that was once a wall (some of which has been restored). Inside the moat and wall sections are the historic temples along with shops and restaurants.
To the east of the old city, along Tha Phae Road and Loi Kroh Road, heading towards the river, is the main section of shops, hotels, restaurants, and other amenities that tourists would be interested in, such as the Night Market and riverside vendors.
The airport lies to the southwest of the old city.
Straight to the west of the old city is the Su Thep area, and beyond is the border of Doi Suthep Pui National Park (which is home to the Wat Phrathap Doi Suthep temple).
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Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Chiang Mai with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $22 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, Chiang Mai has plenty of hostels such as Stamps Backpackers Chiang Mai, Mad Monkey Chiang Mai, and Hostel Lullaby (Non-Smoking). At hostels like these, you can find cheap accommodation in a dorm as well as a social atmosphere, but with very little amenities. Food is a major draw for all kinds of visitors to Chiang Mai, but budget travelers frequently rely on street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which means they might miss out on the amazing local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. When visiting Chiang Mai, you'll want to see Elephant Nature Park, Doi Inthanon National Park, or the Saturday Night Market. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $60 per person, per day.
Chiang Mai offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Baan Boo Loo Village is an excellent choice, while Baanlek Home Stay is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Chiang Mai.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $176. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the city, be prepared for premium pricing. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Doi Suthep Temple and Bau Thong Waterfalls Private Tour - offered by Viator.
Cheap hotels, cheap airbnb's, cheap food, and so many free activities. I don't know if I found anything that was actually expensive here. The night markets are full of delicious food that doesn't cost anything and the temples and other tourist attractions are so cheap.