Chiang Mai Province
Go for old temples, mountain forest and northern Thai cooking, at a slower pace than Bangkok.
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Chiang Mai Province sits in northern Thailand. Chiang Mai city is its center and the largest city in the north. The city was founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna kingdom, and its old town, inside a walled moat, still holds temples from that period. Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh are two of the older ones, and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep sits on a mountain above the city.
Beyond the city, the province runs into forested mountains. Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak at 2,565 meters, lies in the province, with waterfalls and hill villages along its roads. Northern Thai food is a main reason to visit. Khao soi, a coconut curry noodle soup, is closely tied to the north, and the city has cooking schools and night markets. Plan three to five days for a slow trip, with more time if you hike. November to February is the cool, drier season. From late winter into spring, burning season brings smoke, so check air quality before you go.
Chiang Mai Province in five
- Open Grab for rides across the cityGrab shows the fare before you get in, so you avoid haggling with tuk-tuk drivers. Shared red songthaews are cheaper on set routes, but confirm the fare with the driver before you board.Getting around
- Set up a Thai eSIM before you reach the hillsMaps need data on the road up to Doi Suthep and in the villages outside town. Buy the plan before you land.Phones and eSIM
- Carry small baht notes for markets and songthaewsNight markets, street food and songthaews run on cash, and vendors often cannot break large notes. Keep 20 and 50 baht notes in your pocket.Money and costs
- Dress covered for Doi Suthep and the old city templesShoulders and knees must be covered at the main temples, and you take your shoes off at the shrines. Carry a light scarf so you can cover up quickly at the gate.Chiang Mai
- Pack a fitted N95 mask for the burning seasonFrom about February to April, farm burning fills the valley with smoke and drops air quality. Check the daily air quality reading before you plan a hike or a long ride.
Things to do in Chiang Mai Province
See all attractions in Chiang Mai Province
Need to know
- Currency
- Thai baht (THB)
- Entry
- Visa exemption for many passports; file the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival Read more
- Emergency
- 191 police, 1669 ambulance, 199 fire; Tourist Police 1155
- Tipping
- Not required; rounding up or a small tip at restaurants is appreciated
- Time
- UTC+7, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCool, dry
- FebruaryCool, haze begins
- MarchBurning season
- AprilHaze peaks, hot
- MayHot, rains start
- JuneRainy season
- JulyRainy, green
- AugustRainy, green
- SeptemberRains ending
- OctoberCool, lanterns
- NovemberCool, dry
- DecemberCool, dry
Right now in Chiang Mai Province
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
25
- Feels like
- 30°
- Humidity
- 86%
- Wind
- 3 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 39%
Chiang Mai
03:39 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today31°22°39%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 39%.
- Wed31°23°10%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Thu32°24°28%Thursday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 28%.
- Fri30°23°71%Friday: Rain. High 30°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 71%.
- Sat28°22°90%Saturday: Thunderstorms. High 28°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 90%.
- Sun30°22°37%Sunday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 37%.
Updated 01:00 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 33.76 THB
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
What's on in Chiang Mai Province
Concerts, festivals and big events in and around the city
Events calendarDay trips by train
- Doi Suthepabout 40 min by roadA gold-topped temple on a mountain, with views over the city.
- Chiang Raiabout 3 hours by roadThe Blue Temple and the White Temple, both modern and both worth a look.
- Lampangabout 1 to 2 hours by roadOld teak houses and horse-drawn carriages in a quieter town.
- Paiabout 3 to 4 hours by minivanA small mountain town reached by a long, winding road.
Before you go to Chiang Mai Province
Rules for Chiang Mai Province, checked
- Many passports need no visa for Thailand, but the Thailand Digital Arrival Card must be filed online before arrival. Check current rules on the official site.Source
- Owning, importing and selling e-cigarettes is banned in Thailand. Leave them at home and check the Thai customs rules before you pack.
- Insulting the monarchy is a serious crime in Thailand, including in online posts. Think before you share comments or photos about the royal family.
- Drug laws are strict and cannabis rules have changed recently. Check the current status with the Thai embassy or foreign ministry before you travel.
Plan around Chiang Mai Province
Regions, entry rules and routes for a Thailand trip
Read the guideChiang MaiThe city base for most trips to the north
Read the guideGetting aroundFlights, trains and buses to and within the north
Read the guideMoney and costsBaht, cards and typical prices in the north
Read the guideWhere to stayThe old city, Nimman and quieter bases in town
Read the guideFestivalsThe lantern festival and other dates worth planning around
Read the guideChiang Mai Province FAQ
How do you get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Fly in about an hour, or take the overnight train, which takes around 12 hours. Buses take longer. Flights are the fastest option, and the train suits people who want the journey itself.
Is Chiang Mai worth visiting?
Yes, for the walled old city, its temples and the mountain temple of Doi Suthep. It suits a slower trip better than a short stop.
How many days do you need in Chiang Mai?
Three days cover the old city, a trip up Doi Suthep and a market or cooking class. Chiang Rai and Pai are better as separate stops.
Is Chiang Mai worth it as a day trip from Bangkok?
Not really. A flight is about an hour each way, so a day covers little more than the airport and the old city. Stay at least two nights.
Are the elephant camps in Chiang Mai ethical?
Many riding camps are not. Choose a sanctuary where elephants are not ridden or made to perform, and avoid camps that offer rides.
Is Chiang Mai or Pai better?
Chiang Mai has more to do, better transport and more restaurants. Pai is smaller and quieter but reached by a long winding road, so choose it for a slow stop.