CHIANG MAI CITY
Chiang Mai is the “Rose of the North,” a land of ancient kingdoms, mist-shrouded mountains, and profound Lanna culture. It’s a serene yet vibrant city where saffron-robed monks walk alongside modern-day creatives.
This northern gem blends a rich, spiritual heritage, visible in its over 300 temples, with a flourishing contemporary arts, food, and digital nomad scene. It’s an essential stop for any Thai journey.
Most Popular Attractions
The Old City Core & Iconic Temples:
Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan: A magnificent 14th-century temple and one of the most revered in Chiang Mai, housing the Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha image.
Wat Chedi Luang: Home to a towering, partially ruined chedi (stupa) that once housed the Emerald Buddha.
Tha Phae Gate: The iconic eastern gate of the Old City wall, a popular meeting point and host to the Sunday Walking Street market.
Three Kings Monument: A statue commemorating the city’s founders: King Mengrai, King Ramkhamhaeng, and King Ngam Muang.
Wat Suan Dok: A royal temple known for its multiple white chedi housing the ashes of Chiang Mai’s former rulers.
Wat Umong: A unique 700-year-old forest temple famous for its ancient tunnels and quiet, meditative atmosphere.
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre: A museum detailing the history and culture of the Lanna Kingdom and Chiang Mai city.
Mountain Temples & Nature:
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park: A vast park surrounding the famous mountain, offering hiking and stunning natural scenery.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: The region’s most famous temple, located high on Doi Suthep mountain, offering spectacular panoramic city views.
Doi Inthanon National Park: Home to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain, featuring waterfalls, unique cloud forests, and the beautiful Royal Pagodas.
Pha Dok Seaw Waterfall Trail: A popular, scenic hiking trail in Doi Inthanon National Park, passing by rice terraces and a waterfall.
Huay Tung Tao Lake: A large reservoir surrounded by mountains, popular for relaxing in bamboo huts and enjoying local food.
Markets & Culinary Experiences:
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: A famous, sprawling evening market selling clothing, souvenirs, and local crafts, running along Chang Klan Road.
Warorot Market (Kad Luang): The city’s oldest and most authentic market, selling fresh produce, flowers, and local northern Thai snacks.
Sunday Walking Street (Tha Phae Gate): A massive weekly street market inside the Old City, known for its incredible variety of food, crafts, and live music.
Somphet Market: A smaller, popular market near the northeast corner of the Old City, known for its inexpensive fresh fruit and local produce.
Modern & Historical Sites:
Nimmanhaemin Road (Nimman): Chiang Mai’s trendy, modern area full of stylish cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and co-working spaces.
Baan Kang Wat: A charming, creative village community with unique craft shops, coffee houses, and art studios.
Elephant Nature Park: A highly respected sanctuary and rescue center for abused and neglected elephants and other animals (one of several ethical sanctuaries nearby).
Wiang Kum Kam: The excavated ruins of an ancient underground city and former capital of the Lanna Kingdom.
Chiang Mai Grand Canyon: A large, former quarry that has become a popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping.
Activities & Experiences
Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Take a scenic songthaew (red truck taxi) ride up the mountain to this iconic golden temple. Climb the 306 steps for panoramic views of the city.
Wander the Old City Temples: Go “temple hopping” on foot inside the square moat, visiting major historical sites like Wat Chedi Luang (the great ruined stupa) and Wat Phra Singh (housing a revered Buddha image).
Take a Thai Cooking Class: Learn to prepare Northern Thai specialties like Khao Soi (curry noodle soup) or Pad Thai from a local chef, often including a trip to a fresh market.
Engage with Elephants Ethically: Spend a day at an ethical elephant sanctuary (e.g., Elephant Nature Park) where you can feed, walk with, and observe rescued elephants in a natural environment (avoiding riding).
Hike the Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat: Embark on a moderate jungle hike to a serene, hidden temple (Wat Pha Lat), a less-crowded alternative on the way up to Doi Suthep.
Explore the Night Markets: Shop and eat your way through the famous Sunday Walking Street Market (Tha Phae Gate) or the bustling Chiang Mai Night Bazaar (open nightly) for souvenirs, street food, and local crafts.
Climb the Bua Tong “Sticky” Waterfalls: Drive outside the city to a unique natural wonder where the rocks are covered in mineral deposits that allow you to easily walk/climb right up the waterfall.
Attend a Muay Thai Fight: Experience the national sport of Thailand firsthand by watching a live, high-energy boxing match at one of the local stadiums.
Enjoy a Khantoke Dinner & Show: Experience a traditional Lanna-style dinner with low-level seating and a cultural performance featuring traditional Northern Thai music and dance.
Go Café Hopping in Nimmanhaemin: Explore the trendy, modern Nimman neighborhood, known for its chic boutique shops, art galleries, and specialty coffee shops featuring locally grown Thai single-origin beans.
Take a Day Trip to Doi Inthanon National Park: Visit Thailand’s highest peak, exploring the beautiful Royal Pagodas, waterfalls, and native hill tribe villages.
Local Tips & Transport
The Red Truck System (Songthaew): The iconic Red Trucks (Songthaews) are the backbone of local public transport. These shared pickup trucks operate like flexible taxis.
Fare: Expect a flat rate of around $0.80 – $1.00 USD (30-40 THB) per person for short trips within the Old City and nearby areas.
How to Use: Flag one down, state your destination, confirm the price before getting in, and hop on. Be prepared to share the ride with others.
Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab/Bolt): For convenience and fixed prices without bargaining, Grab (the regional version of Uber) and Bolt are the best options for car, motorbike, or even shared Songthaew rides.
Convenience: Great for airport transfers, late-night travel, and trips to specific locations outside the main areas. Fares are comparable to—or sometimes cheaper than—tuk-tuks.
Tuk-Tuks: These three-wheeled motorbikes are an exciting experience but are generally more expensive for the distance than a Songthaew or Grab.
Negotiation: Always negotiate and agree on the fare with the driver before your journey begins. A typical short trip may cost between $1.50 – $4.00 USD (50–150 THB).
Walking and Cycling: The Old City, surrounded by the moat, is a flat, compact, and highly walkable square, perfect for exploring the temples and markets on foot. Bicycle rentals are readily available and affordable for covering slightly longer distances.
Motorbike Rental: Renting a scooter offers the greatest freedom to explore the mountains (Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon), but it is only recommended for experienced riders with proper licensing due to chaotic traffic and frequent police checkpoints.
Temple Etiquette: Thai temples are sacred places. Always dress respectfully by covering your shoulders and knees when entering. Remove your shoes before entering the main prayer hall (Wihan). Never point your feet toward a Buddha image.
“Wai” and Politeness: The traditional Thai greeting is the Wai (hands pressed together like a prayer). A simple “Hello” or “Thank you” is often accompanied by a small Wai. Always be polite and smile—Thais appreciate friendly demeanor.
The Northern Cuisine: Chiang Mai is the heart of Lanna cuisine. You must try the signature dish, Khao Soi, a creamy coconut-curry soup with egg noodles, served with a drumstick of chicken, beef, or pork. Other must-try dishes include Sai Oua (Northern Thai sausage) and Gaeng Hung Lay (Burmese-style pork belly curry).
Embrace the Markets: The local markets are where the city’s pulse is felt. Don’t be afraid to sample street food and haggle politely for souvenirs, particularly at the night markets. Talat Warorot (Kad Luang) is the city’s main, authentic local market, great for fresh produce, snacks, and local goods.
Weather Considerations: Chiang Mai has three seasons:
Hot Season (March-May): Extremely hot and dry.
Rainy Season (June-October): Frequent heavy downpours, but the countryside is lush and green.
Cool Season (November-February): The best time to visit, with warm days and refreshingly cool nights, especially in the mountains.
The Monk Chat: Many temples, such as Wat Chedi Luang, host regular “Monk Chats,” where visitors can sit and talk with monks to learn about Buddhism and their way of life. It’s a fantastic, respectful cultural exchange opportunity.
Top Restaurants
Tong Tem Toh [$15-$25] – A hugely popular spot in the Nimman area known for authentic Lanna (Northern Thai) cuisine. It’s always busy, a sign of its quality and local favor.
Khao Soi Khun Yai [$10-$15] – Translated as “Grandma’s Khao Soi,” this is a humble, open-air stall near the Old City wall, famous for arguably the best traditional khao soi (Northern Thai curry noodle soup) in the city.
Huen Muan Jai [$20-$30] – Located on the outskirts of the Old City, this restaurant serves a wide range of authentic, high-quality Northern Thai dishes in a beautiful, traditional Lanna-style teak house.
SP Chicken [$15-$25] – Situated in the Old City, this no-frills restaurant is famous for its expertly charcoal-roasted chicken, typically served with sticky rice and spicy dipping sauces (Isan-style, popular across the North).
Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak (Cowboy Hat Lady) [$10-$15] – An iconic street stall near the North Gate, run by a woman famous for her cowboy hat, serving melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked pork leg on rice (khao kha moo).
Kiat Ocha [$10-$15] – A long-standing local favorite near the Three Kings Monument, known for serving delicious, traditional Thai-style chicken rice (khao man gai) and satay.
Loong Thai [$10-$15] – A genuine local spot known for super spicy, authentic Northern Thai curries and stir-fries, often frequented by locals rather than tourists.
Ginger Farm Kitchen [$20-$35] – While slightly more polished, this restaurant focuses on local ingredients sourced from its own organic farm, serving fresh and authentic Northern Thai flavors.
Huen Phen [$15-$25] – A classic Chiang Mai institution in the Old City, known for its extensive menu of traditional Lanna dishes, with a nice atmosphere for dinner.
Lamduan Faharm [$10-$20] – One of the older and more traditional khao soi shops in the city, offering a delicious, no-frills version of the local specialty.
Kanom Jeen Paa Pen [$10-$15] – Highly regarded by locals for its fresh Kanom Jeen (fermented rice noodles) served with a selection of authentic Thai curries.
Suki Koka [$10-$15] – A popular street food stall setting up near the North Gate at night, specializing in Thai-style suki (vermicelli noodle soup/stir-fry).
Rod Yiam Beef Noodles [$10-$15] – A well-loved local noodle shop offering rich, flavorful beef noodle soup and other classic Thai street noodle dishes.
Anchan Vegetarian [$15-$25] – A highly-rated spot in the Nimman area for creative and delicious Thai and international vegetarian and vegan cuisine, using fresh, local ingredients.
Coconut Shell Thai Food [$10-$20] – A simple, unassuming spot in the Old Town serving authentic and flavorful Thai classics at very reasonable prices.
Kat’s Kitchen [$10-$20] – A very popular, no-frills local eatery in the Old Town known for its reliable and delicious Thai favorites, including good khao soi and mango sticky rice.
Pun Pun Vegetarian Restaurant [$10-$20] – Located inside the Wat Suan Dok temple grounds, this excellent vegetarian spot promotes organic farming and serves fresh, delicious Thai dishes.
Ginger & Kafe [$25-$45] – Located in a beautifully decorated colonial-style house, this restaurant offers modern and creative Thai and international dishes with a stylish, nostalgic ambiance.
The House by Ginger [$30-$50] – A chic and atmospheric venue in the Old City, combining a stylish cocktail bar with a restaurant serving updated and creative versions of traditional Thai and Lanna cuisine.
Blackitch Artisan Kitchen [$50-$80] – A small, intimate chef-driven kitchen known for its micro-seasonal, locally-sourced, and boundary-pushing tasting menus that redefine Thai flavors with fermentation and experimentation (reservations essential).
Nu’s Kitchen [$25-$40] – A highly-rated restaurant offering a selection of traditional Thai dishes with a modern presentation and a focus on bold, fresh flavors.
Dash! Restaurant and Bar [$25-$40] – Set in a charming traditional teak house with a garden patio, it serves a mix of authentic and contemporary Northern Thai and international cuisine.
Accha Authentic Indian Cuisine [$20-$35] – Located near the Night Bazaar, this popular spot offers high-quality, authentic Indian food, considered one of the best for a diverse dining experience in the city.
Mix Restaurant & Bar [$30-$50] – Located in the trendy Nimman area, this is a well-known spot for creative Asian and international fusion dishes with a sophisticated vibe.
Cuisine de Garden [$50-$90] – Offers a fine-dining experience with a focus on nature-inspired, highly creative plating and dishes, with a tasting menu that changes based on local seasonal produce.
Pann-Pann [$20-$35] – A restaurant praised for its creative use of local ingredients and refined presentation of Thai cuisine in a comfortable setting.
The Consul’s Garden [$30-$50] – Set in the beautiful grounds of a former consulate, this spot often provides a unique atmosphere for enjoying contemporary Thai and fusion cuisine.
Somphet Original [$15-$25] – Known for taking classic Thai dishes and elevating them with fresh ingredients and careful preparation, popular with both locals and savvy travelers.
Italics & Rise Bar [$30-$50] – Located in the Akyra Manor Chiang Mai, offering modern Italian and Mediterranean dishes alongside a trendy rooftop bar experience.
David’s Kitchen at 909 [$70-$120] – A globally recognized restaurant known for its exceptional French-Thai fusion cuisine, impeccable service, and warm atmosphere, with David himself often greeting guests (reservations essential, can book months ahead).
The Service 1921 Restaurant & Bar [$50-$90] – Housed in the beautifully restored former British Consulate, this restaurant at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort offers refined Thai, Szechuan, and Vietnamese dishes in a clandestine, 1920s-era spy-themed setting.
Oxygen Dining Room [$80-$130] – Located in the Cross Chiang Mai Riverside, this riverside dining experience features exquisite French-influenced Thai cuisine, with an elegant setting and a focus on tasting menus.
Le Crystal Restaurant [$70-$110] – A long-standing luxury dining choice, offering fine French cuisine in an elegant glasshouse setting right on the Ping River.
Chic Teak [$40-$70] – Located in the Dhara Dhevi hotel, offering a refined, high-quality dining experience focused on traditional Lanna cuisine in an opulent setting.
Palette Restaurant [$60-$100] – Located in the 137 Pillars House, serving contemporary farm-to-table cuisine, often with both Thai and Western options in a stunning colonial-era house.
Cainito Homemade Tiramisu & Bistro [$40-$70] – While known for its dessert, the bistro offers a high-quality international menu with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and a sophisticated atmosphere.
Redbox Restaurant [$60-$90] – Known for its high-quality local cuisine and elegant space, blending design with refined Thai flavors.
Na Chantra [$50-$80] – A fine dining spot praised for its unique presentation of authentic Northern Thai and Royal Thai cuisine.
Khunmor Cuisine [$40-$70] – Offers an upscale setting for enjoying traditional Thai dishes with a focus on fresh seafood and quality ingredients.
Warorot Market (Kad Luang) [$5-$15] – Not a single restaurant, but a vibrant, authentic local market (both day and night) that’s a labyrinth of vendors selling snacks, ready-to-eat Lanna food, fresh produce, and baked goods—a true local food experience.
Vegetarian Society (A Non-Profit) [$5-$15] – A donation-based, non-profit cafeteria serving a huge variety of delicious and healthy Thai vegetarian and vegan dishes; you pay what you feel is fair for the meal.
The Good View Bar & Restaurant [$25-$45] – Popular on the Ping River for its lively atmosphere, live music, and diverse menu of Thai and international dishes, perfect for a lively evening out.
Paak Dang Restaurant [$30-$50] – A beautiful riverside restaurant specializing in fresh seafood and authentic Thai cuisine in a relaxed, scenic setting.
Overstand Coffee Shop [$15-$25] – Famous for what many consider the best breakfast in Chiang Mai, offering excellent Western-style breakfast and brunch options in the Old Town.
Adirak Pizza [$20-$35] – Highly regarded for its authentic, thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas, a fantastic option for a high-quality Western meal.
Goods-ouls Kitchen [$20-$30] – A popular, modern vegan restaurant serving a diverse menu of Thai and Western comfort food, highly recommended even by non-vegans.
Chom Cafe and Restaurant [$20-$35] – Famous for its stunning, jungle-like garden and waterfall setting, offering a mix of Thai and international comfort food for a unique dining atmosphere.
Freebird Cafe [$15-$25] – A conscious cafe that supports the Thai Freedom House foundation, serving delicious Burmese, Shan, and Western cuisine, with all profits going to charity.
Kiti Panit [$25-$40] – Located in a beautifully restored old Chinese shophouse, it offers authentic Northern Thai and Chinese fusion dishes in a historic setting.
Nong Haw Khao Man Kai [$10-$15] – Located near the Chang Phueak Gate, another famous stall for excellent, simple, and traditional khao man gai (chicken rice).
The Duke’s (Ping River) [$30-$50] – Known for serving excellent American-style comfort food, particularly high-quality steaks, ribs, and burgers, with a beautiful riverside view.
Roti Pa Day [$5-$10] – A very popular street food vendor for the famous Thai dessert roti (pancakes) with various sweet fillings.
La Casita [$20-$35] – A cozy spot offering highly-rated, authentic Spanish tapas and paella, a great choice for international flavor.
Limoneto [$25-$40] – Considered one of the best authentic Italian restaurants in the city, known for its fresh pasta and traditional dishes.
Nantharam Chicken Rice [$10-$15] – A local gem specializing in incredibly tasty chicken rice, known for its simplicity and focus on one excellent dish.
Fern Forest Cafe [$15-$25] – A lovely, quiet cafe set in a beautiful garden, great for a peaceful lunch with a menu of Thai and Western dishes, and excellent cakes.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Nophaburi Bar: Located just outside the Old City, this highly-rated bar is celebrated for its creative, original cocktails crafted solely with Thai spirits and local ingredients, offering a genuinely unique, local taste experience.
The White Rabbit: A true speakeasy hidden down an unassuming alley in the Old Town area, this intimate bar is known for its top-tier classic and crafted cocktails and a ‘Follow the White Rabbit’ theme that adds to its mysterious, hidden charm.
Noir CMI: Situated near the Night Bazaar, this sophisticated, dimly lit hideaway channels a 1960s speakeasy vibe and is one of a three-bar complex. It features live jazz music most nights, pairing smooth tunes with sleek, dark interiors and inventive cocktails.
Gladwell Cocktail Bar: Tucked away in the Old Town, this cozy and friendly spot is run by knowledgeable mixologists who offer a playful and carefully crafted cocktail menu, making it a reliable choice for quality drinks.
MAI The Sky Bar: Perched on the 22nd floor of the Meliá Hotel near the Ping River, this is the city’s highest rooftop bar, offering unparalleled 360-degree views of the city and Doi Suthep mountain—perfect for sunset drinks in a premium setting.
HONG’s Sky Bar: Located on the 16th floor of the InterContinental Chiang Mai Ping River, this elegant rooftop bar offers sweeping views of Doi Suthep and the cityscape, specializing in artisanal cocktails that celebrate local Thai ingredients.
Rise Bar: Found atop the Akyra Hotel in the trendy Nimmanhaemin area, this chic rooftop lounge offers a relaxed vibe, a pool view, and a good selection of cocktails and wines, often featuring a popular happy hour.
Yayee Rooftop Bar: Located in the Nimmanhaemin area, this laid-back spot on the 5th floor of Hotel Yayee offers a warm, cozy atmosphere with custom wooden furniture and stunning views of Doi Suthep—ideal for a chilled-out sunset.
Thapae Grill Rooftop: Situated right by the Tha Phae Gate on the edge of the Old City, the rooftop level of this multi-story venue offers a fantastic aerial view of the city walls and is an excellent spot to watch the Sunday Night Walking Market below.
Bitter Truth: Located in the Old Town, this bar boasts a living room-style interior with an intimate atmosphere and is known for its cosy hospitality and a series of signature drinks.
Looper & Co.: Found in a laneway off Ratchawong Rd near the Ping River, this spot operates as an espresso bar by day and transforms into a cosy, industrial-chic cocktail bar by night.
Before Dawn (Befordon): Located on Nimman Alley 5, this bar features a Mid-century modern style, a concept related to the moon (before dawn), and a cocktail menu inspired by moon names, offering a comfortable setting with live music and DJs.
Midlife Crisis: A quirky hidden speakeasy tucked away behind a curtain on the 2nd floor, offering a cozy ambiance and a rotating cocktail menu inspired by cheesy love quotes and focused on living in the now.
The Service 1921 Bar: Set in a beautiful colonial building that was once the British Consulate at the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, this bar runs with a British Secret Service theme, offering classic cocktails and a refined atmosphere overlooking the lawns.
Zoe in Yellow Bar & Night Club: The most popular partying complex in the Old City, known for its bustling atmosphere, affordable “bucket” drinks, and multiple zones with DJs playing electronic and hip hop music, attracting backpackers and locals alike.
Warm Up Cafe: A long-standing nightlife institution located on Nimman Road, featuring three distinct zones: an outdoor stage with live bands (Indie Pop/Rock), a lounge room with hip-hop/house DJs, and a main area with pop-rock live acts, popular with a younger crowd.
Infinity Club: A large, stylish, and high-energy nightclub located in the trendy Nimmanhaemin area (Nimman Soi 6), featuring a spacious indoor dance floor and a cool light show, known for being reasonably priced despite its high-end appearance.
Spicy: Often the after-hours spot in the Old City, known as the longest-running nightclub in Chiang Mai. It features a very laid-back vibe, no cover charge, no dress code, and often closes later than other venues.
Babylon Bar: A great spot for house and techno lovers, known for its consistent party vibes and good DJs, offering a dedicated space for electronic music enthusiasts.
BlackLight CNX: An exciting nightclub known for its vibrant and colorful atmosphere and striking neon lights, offering a high-energy dance experience.
Tawandang Mahason Chiang Mai: A massive, “local high” style nightclub near Nimman Road, featuring a very large space capable of accommodating over a thousand people, a grand performance stage, and a mix of traditional and popular Thai programs.
The North Gate Jazz Co-Op: While not a club, this legendary venue located near the Chang Phuek Gate is an institution for live music in the city. It attracts local and visiting musicians for jam sessions in a packed, bohemian, street-side setting.
Caravan Bar: Found in the Nimman area, this lively spot offers a wide range of beverages, a beautiful wooden interior with an old-world charm, and a great atmosphere for getting together, often with a resident DJ.
Woods Bar Rooftop: A modern and vibrant spot with a playful atmosphere located near Chiang Mai University. It features a glowing swimming pool and is popular with students, known for promoting local craft beers.
Monkey Club: A trendy venue in the Nimmanhaemin area that features live music across two different rooms, offering a stylish place to hang out for dinner or drinks.
Ram Bar Chiangmai: A lively and welcoming venue known for its lovely and beautiful drag performers and cabaret shows, offering a fun and interactive late-night experience in the city.