Chiang Mai travel guide

Chiang Mai Tourism | Chiang Mai Guide

You're Going to Love Chiang Mai

With a population of 200.952, Chiang Mai is the largest city in Chiang Mai, Thailand by the number of inhabitants. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. Consider staying at least one whole day in Chiang Mai to see all of its attractions.

Where to Eat in Chiang Mai

If you’re looking for affordable options, Khao by Four Seasons (Four Seasons Resort) and The Vorra Bistro - Old Town (184/1 Ratchamanka Rd) are great picks.

When to visit Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai in February
Estimated hotel price
RM 123
1 night at 3-star hotel
Chiang Mai in February
Estimated hotel price
RM 123
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Chiang Mai in April, when the average temperature is 29 °C, and the highest can go up to 36 °C. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 14 °C, with an average temperature of 21 °C. You’re likely to see more rain in September, when precipitation is around 250 mm. In contrast, January is usually the driest month of the year in Chiang Mai, with an average rainfall of 0 mm.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Chiang Mai

Plane

When flying to Chiang Mai, you’ll arrive at Chiang Mai (CNX), which is located 3 km from the city centre. The shortest flight to Chiang Mai from Malaysia departs from Kuala Lumpur and takes around 2h 45m.

Train

The train station in Chiang Mai is called Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Railway Station, and is located 3.1 km from the city centre.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2, located 4 km from the city centre of Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 is also a commonly used station, and is 4 km from the city centre.

Plane

When flying to Chiang Mai, you’ll arrive at Chiang Mai (CNX), which is located 3 km from the city centre. The shortest flight to Chiang Mai from Malaysia departs from Kuala Lumpur and takes around 2h 45m.

Train

The train station in Chiang Mai is called Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Railway Station, and is located 3.1 km from the city centre.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2, located 4 km from the city centre of Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 is also a commonly used station, and is 4 km from the city centre.

Airports near Chiang Mai

Airlines serving Chiang Mai

KLM
Good (847 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,620 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,305 reviews)
Air France
Good (981 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (485 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,116 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,464 reviews)
Finnair
Good (873 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (922 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (833 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (502 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (184 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (773 reviews)
JAL
Excellent (967 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (54 reviews)
China Southern
Excellent (32 reviews)
Thai Airways
Good (211 reviews)
Air China
Good (31 reviews)
Asiana Airlines
Excellent (264 reviews)
China Airlines
Excellent (609 reviews)
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Where to stay in Chiang Mai

From 5-star hotels such as the Meliá Chiang Mai to great affordable options like the Thapae Loft, Chiang Mai offers a range of accommodations for every taste. Average rates range from around RM 121 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to RM 501 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include The Common Hostel and OYO 799 Pudsadee Hotel.

Most popular hotel in Chiang Mai by neighbourhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Chiang Mai

Most booked hotels in Chiang Mai

U Nimman Chiang Mai
5 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
RM 371+
Meliá Chiang Mai
5 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
RM 498+
Lotus Hotel Pang Suan Kaew
4 stars
Good (7.7, Good reviews)
RM 67+

Hiring a car in Chiang Mai

Hiring a car in Chiang Mai costs RM 104 per day, on average.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 13% more expensive than at Chiang Mai.

Expect to pay RM 6.00 per litre in Chiang Mai (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between RM 71.96 and RM 95.94. The most frequently booked car type in Chiang Mai is Economy (Toyota Yaris or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Full-size car hire (Class Full-size Car or similar) is, on average, 60% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Hiring a car in Chiang Mai costs RM 104 per day, on average.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 13% more expensive than at Chiang Mai.

Expect to pay RM 6.00 per litre in Chiang Mai (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between RM 71.96 and RM 95.94. The most frequently booked car type in Chiang Mai is Economy (Toyota Yaris or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Full-size car hire (Class Full-size Car or similar) is, on average, 60% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.