Known for being a striking contrast to Thailand’s capital’s fast-paced, bustling atmosphere, Bangkok, Chiang Mai offers a peaceful and serene alternative in the country’s Northern region.
Situated in the mountains, Chiang Mai is a perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in a slower, more relaxed pace of life while still experiencing Thailand’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
I spent one week traveling solo, and in this Chiang Mai travel guide, I’ve compiled everything I learned during my time there—from practical tips for navigating the city to sharing what I think are some of the best activities to do in Chiang Mai.
This blog post may contain affiliate links which means that if you book one of these activities using my link (which I know you will because you loved how helpful this blog post is *wink*I am going to receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting BCJ!
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Getting to Chiang Mai: CNX International Airport
To get to Chiang Mai, you will have to fly into the Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX).
If your journey does not include a direct flight, you will likely have to take a flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Thailand’s main airport.
You can easily catch your flight by going to the 4th floor in the CNX airport, where you’ll find both international and domestic departing flights.
Baggage can be slow coming into the Bangkok airport, and you have to go through additional security, so I recommend having at least three hours between your next flight if you plan to schedule one from BKK.
The Chiang Mai airport is easy to navigate and has lots of restaurants, currency exchange booths, SIM card booths, and other things you will need for your time in Chiang Mai.
Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens do not need a tourist visa if they stay in Thailand for less than 60 days.
The Department of State advises you to ensure your passport has at least six months of validity from your arrival date.
If you are staying longer than 60 days, be sure to go through the proper channels to ensure that you are within the guidelines so you are not charged a fee or are subject to other harsh punishments.
You may be asked to show a return ticket at immigration. I was not asked this when entering Bangkok this time, but I was asked the last time I entered Thailand in 2020.
I always include the requirements for fellow U.S. citizens since those requirements are the ones I had to navigate myself.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, I highly recommend looking into the requirements that apply according to your nationality so you have everything you need for a smooth entry.
Currency in Thailand
In Thailand, the currency used is the Thai Baht.
Chiang Mai utilizes both card payment and cash at an equal level in my opinion.
This means that I could use my credit card at many establishments in Chiang Mai, such as spas, restaurants, and transport apps.
However, I would highly recommend having as much cash as possible on you, as you will need it for something at some point, and you don’t want to be caught off guard when you do, especially at markets, since many vendors only accept cash.
I exchanged $200 at the airport upon arrival.
That money lasted up until two days before the end of my trip, as I was very intentional about only using cash for tips, cash-only purchases, and private drivers.
ATMs are located throughout Chiang Mai, and it is very easy to retrieve cash from.
Language Spoken in Chiang Mai Thailand
Thai is the official language spoken in Thailand, with English being described as the “unofficial second language of Thailand” by the Thailand Tourism Board.
As an English speaker, I find it very easy to navigate Chiang Mai as many people also speak English.
However, if you do not speak Thai, you must navigate that language barrier and find other ways to communicate.
I had no problem doing this using gestures, which would lead to an unintentional game of charades (lol).
However, if that doesn’t work, I recommend downloading Thai from Google Translate and using that to communicate, another method that worked well for me.
Researching the basic greetings in Thai will also go a long way, as Thai people are incredibly hospitable, and knowing how to greet, respond to greetings, and say thank you for services as you visit establishments can go a long way.
Time Zone
Thailand follows ICT (Indochina Time), which is UTC/GMT +7 hours.
The country does not use Daylight Savings, so this time is pretty consistent throughout the year.
This time zone means Thailand is usually 12 hours ahead of New York.
If you are traveling to Thailand from that side of the world, mentally prepare for the time difference and any possible jetlag.
Electrical Outlet/ Plug Type Used
Thailand mainly uses the two-round pins outlets for most of the sockets I saw.
However, you will also see the same outlets used in the U.S. and the three-pin outlets sometimes.
You should be careful about what electronic devices you bring to Thailand, as they may or may not convert, and you can damage your device.
Find more information about electricity and conversions here on the Thailand Tourism page.
Weather
Chiang Mai usually has a tropical climate, but its weather pattern can be categorized by a wet and dry season.
The dry season, from November to February, is considered the most pleasant, with cooler temperatures ranging from the low 50s to mid-70s Fahrenheit, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city.
From March to May, temperatures can rise significantly, marking the dry season where temperatures can pass 90°F, with some humidity.
The rainy season begins in May and lasts until October.
I traveled to Chiang Mai in early November and really enjoyed the weather.
It was fairly cool in the mornings, and the heat was never overbearing during daytime hours.
It did rain a few times but was always extremely quick (5 minutes or less!), then cleared up again.
The last two days of my trip, the rain was more consistent, lasting the entire day. Thankfully, I didn’t have any outdoor activities on those days.
Safety
Chiang Mai has been known to be extremely safe for travelers over the years.
After a few conversations with some locals in Chiang Mai, I was told that crime is relatively low, and people usually don’t have any issues.
As a solo traveler, I always felt safe traveling around the city and never felt alarmed.
People are very helpful if you need assistance, and it’s easy to move around alone.
There are always people outside, and the city channels a peaceful, free-spirited vibe where people mind their business and don’t disturb others.
It’s still important to exercise street smarts, as petty crimes like pickpocketing happen.
I would suggest looking up the weather before your trip and making plans accordingly.
Getting A SIM Card
You can purchase a SIM card and phone service upon arrival at the Chiang Mai airport.
I find that this is the easiest way to get phone service and stay connected from the time you leave the airport to the duration of the trip.
The AIS Tourist SIM Card Booth is Near Door #2, once you have passed baggage claim and are approaching the exit.
AIS has various 5G cellular phone plans you can choose from depending on the length of your trip.
The plans were listed as 8 days, 15 days, and 30 days, with different gigabytes offered.
For your convenience, here are the options I was given, but keep in mind that this sheet may be subject to change and is from November 2024:
I visited Chiang Mai for one week and selected the unlimited max speed 5G data plan for 619 Baht ($18.36).
This is one of the best international phone plans I have ever had.
Whether I was in the mountains or the jungle, my connection was always strong, and my data worked extremely fast throughout my entire trip.
Do you need a local SIM card in Chiang Mai?
I would say that it is necessary to get a local SIM card and phone service while traveling in Chiang Mai.
One of the easiest ways to get around is by using the Grab app, and you will need service to track your drivers and ensure that you can get from Point A to Point B.
It’s also always great to have a local phone number in case you need to make calls for any reason (I never had to make any, but you never know!).
Having a phone number is helpful when registering for food delivery apps like Food Panda, where you will need a number.
Apps to Download Before Arriving
There are a few apps you can download before coming to Chiang Mai that I wanted to include in this Chiang Mai travel guide that will assist in making your trip smoother:
Grab App
The Grab app in Thailand is a popular multi-service platform that provides a range of services, primarily focused on transportation and food delivery.
I mainly use it to get around Thailand via motorbike or car.
Food Panda
Food Panda is a food delivery app that includes various restaurants and delivers food directly to your accommodation.
Operating in major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, Foodpanda offers an extensive selection of cuisines, ranging from Thai street food to international dishes.
Bolt
Bolt is another transportation app in Thailand that allows you to get around Chiang Mai using a motorbike or different car size options.
Getting Around Chiang Mai: Transportation Options
Grab App
Grab is the main method of transportation I use while traveling in Chiang Mai because of how easy and convenient it is.
You can download the app before coming to Thailand and register for an account once you have a local phone number.
The app has both motorbikes and car options for rideshare, and the motorbikes usually arrive within 2-3 minutes and made getting around so easy.
Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuks are one of my favorite ways to get around when traveling, and they are a primary mode of transportation in Thailand!
Tuk Tuks are Tuk-tuks, which are three-wheeled motor carts. These small, open-air vehicles are used to bring passengers within cities, usually for fairly short distances.
I will say that I found Tuk Tuks to be the most expensive transport option in Chiang Mai. Drivers would usually quote me 2-3x more than a Grab motorbike or car would cost, which was surprising to me.
For this reason, I only took a tuk-tuk one time during my entire trip.
Still, if you get the chance, I would hop inside a tuk-tuk just for the experience if you haven’t ridden one before, as it is a cool way to see the city!
Songthaew
Songthaews are pickup trucks that have been customized to include two long seated benches in the back for shared passengers heading toward the same destination.
These vehicles are spotted all around the city and are usually red, but I have seen some that are yellow.
Some will have a sign on the back of the truck that lists their final destination, but if you are interested in riding one, you have to flag it down, tell the driver where you want to go, and if they are going that way, they will give you a price, and you can hop in the back!
Car, Bike and Moto Rentals
If you are comfortable, controlling your transportation in Chiang Mai is easy.
Whether you want to drive a car or ride a bike or scooter, there are several rental facilities that you can visit to have your own vehicle while in Chiang Mai temporarily.
If you have a lot of long-distance travel planned for your trip, a car is worth it, but hiring drivers is usually affordable as well.
Public Bus
Chiang Mai does have a public bus called the RTC Chiang Mai City Bus.
I saw it running a few times during my trip but did not have a chance to hop on this bus.
If you’re interested in learning more about using the bus as an option, you can read more about getting around Chiang Mai by public bus.
Where I Stayed: Two Airbnbs
When it comes to accommodation options, Chiang Mai is no stranger to providing a great range for all types of travelers.
Due to rescheduling my trip, I unintentionally ended up staying at two Airbnbs since the dates were booked for my first one, and I will share them in this section.
While I chose more budget-friendly options, I will say that Chiang Mai has gorgeous hotels and accommodation options if you are willing to pay and have more than one budget to combine!
No.1: One Bedroom Private Pool Villa
I spent one night at this one-bedroom private pool villa I found on Airbnb.
The Airbnb is about 30 minutes from the city center, but I did not mind, as I prefer not to stay in the main area of a city.
It is, however, only 15 minutes away from the Chiang Mai Airport.
Originally, I was planning to stay here for my entire trip, but unfortunately, I had to reschedule my trip and lost the original dates, and there was no availability for my new dates, so I only spent one night.
Inside of the Airbnb
My Review of the Airbnb
It was very difficult to find a one-bedroom Airbnb villa in Chiang Mai, so I was very excited when I found this place, but I ended up being thankful that I did not spend more than one night here, as the villa was not what I expected.
It has a lot of potential, but it definitely needs renovation and updates in some areas. The pool was dirty, so I did not feel comfortable getting inside.
The bathroom floor has stains and obvious wear around the sink that I’m sure is not cleaned well.
The curtains appeared to be held together by rods, which would not be an issue if they didn’t seem like they could fall apart at any minute.
My checkout time for the Airbnb was also at 12 pm, and at 11:30 am, the housekeeper showed up and started cleaning when the check-in time for the next guest was at 3 pm.
I found this to be a bit rude, given the fact that I am a guest who paid for my time at the property, and it felt like I was being rushed out.
Now, I was already packed and waiting for my taxi to come, but I did not like having that experience.
The villa in itself, as a whole, is nice and cozy. It does feel like a retreat, but it needs to be updated to make it more comfortable for guests.
If I were operating on a 5-star rating system, I would give it three stars and would be willing to stay again if it is updated!
No.2: One Bedroom King Bed Airbnb Apartment
The second Airbnb was a one-bedroom apartment in the Chiang Mai District in a very local neighborhood near the Chiang Mai Train Station.
Being a bit bummed about losing the villa-style place I found previously, I wasn’t expecting anything grand, but it actually ended up being a great stay for several reasons that I’ll expand on in the review section.
Inside of the Airbnb
My Review of the Airbnb
The apartment isn’t anything super fancy, but I loved it because it gave me a glimpse into everyday living in Chiang Mai.
I ended up having brief but nice conversations with other people in the complex and just enjoyed being a tad bit more immersed.
My only critique of the apartment is that it is small, and the couch in the center of the living room, between the kitchenette and TV, makes it even harder to move around, open large luggage, etc.
I managed, but space would have been a huge issue if I was not alone.
Under the circumstances, it was a great stay, but I would aim for a place with more space in the future if I had large luggage again.
Where I Ate in Chiang Mai
Nara Thai Cuisine
Nara Thai Cuisine is a restaurant that serves authentic Northern Thai dishes in a contemporary setting. I had my first official Thai meal at Nara, and it was absolutely delicious, with so many great options.
Besides the food, the best thing about Nara is that it’s located in a central area across the street from Maya Mall, containing popular stores like American Eagle and Zara.
It’s also part of One Nimman, a shopping center filled with clothing and souvenir stalls, so after your meal, you can explore and see what you’ll find!
Meal Ticket:
- Grilled Chicken with Papaya Salad and Sticky Rice 300 THB ($8.77)
- Butterfly is Shiny Mocktail 150 THB ($4.38)
Paak Dang Restaurant
A restaurant with a great cause, Paak Dang, started in 2015 and employs at-risk youth from the neighboring villages.
The ambiance and setting of the restaurant are beautiful, with upstairs seating and plenty of tables located on the deck of the Ping River.
I passed by Paak Dang for a quick bite to eat before heading to a local event, so I ordered quick bites since I was informed that the portion sizes are typically big enough for two people!
Meal Ticket:
- Chicken Wings 180 THB ($5.26)
- Roti 30 THB ($0.88)
Fern Forest Cafe
On my quest for more cute cafes in Chiang Mai, I ended up at Fern Forest Cafe in Old City Chiang Mai.
The cafe has indoor and outdoor seating, with much of the seating outdoors surrounded by towering ferns, tropical plants, and the calming sounds of nature.
It can be a bit crowded, as it’s in a popular spot in Chiang Mai with many expats, but plenty of seats are available.
I visited the cafe for breakfast and was not thrilled with the menu, so I ultimately settled for an acai bowl I barely finished.
However, I have seen great lunch options and would love to go back for lunch.
Meal Ticket:
- Oat and Honey Acai Bowl 165 THB ($4.82)
- Lemon Iced Tea 95 THB ($2.78)
Night Bazaar
The best food I had in Chiang Mai was at the food stalls at the markets, and the Night Bazaar is a great place to visit if you’re looking to be immersed in a variety of Northern Thai cuisine all in one place!
From casual street food vendors to more substantial sit-down restaurants, the range of dining options is diverse, and a good time to try a little bit of everything.
I found myself at the Night Bazaar after long days of exploring, where I could get great meals from 5 pm – 12 am inside the Food Center. I had amazing tacos from a food stall that were freshly made for me in a few minutes.
Whether you’re craving traditional Northern Thai dishes, international plates, or sweet Thai desserts, the Night Bazaar delivers.
Chom Cafe and Restaurant
One of the most beautiful cafes in Chiang Mai, Chom Cafe depicts a Thai moss garden with mist, streams, and koi fish like you are in a fairy tale.
The goal of the cafe’s decor and ambiance is to take visitors to an alternate reality, and I must say that this is done successfully.
To get to the seating at Chom Cafe, you’ll walk pathways bordered by waterfalls and more.
You’re likely to see full-blown photoshoots happening while making your way to your seat, which isn’t surprising given how nice the place is.
I enjoyed seeing how extensive the cafe’s menu was, something I hadn’t seen in many restaurants in Chiang Mai.
Whether you want breakfast, brunch, or a light afternoon snack, you’ll find various options, from Thai-inspired dishes to international ones.
I ordered Pineapple Fried Rice, Vegetable Spring Rolls, and a Chocolate Mousse Cake to-go and everything I had was delicious.
Meal Ticket:
- Pineapple Fried Rice 230 THB ($6.72)
- Vegetable Spring Roll 150 THB ($4.38)
- Chocolate Mousse Cake 120 THB ($3.51)
Khaomao-Khaofang Restaurant
My final dinner to close out my time in Chiang Mai was at Khaomao-Khaofang Restaurant, a Michelin-awarded restaurant from 2020 – 2023.
The restaurant highlights grilled meat and rice, reflecting the restaurant’s focus on dishes that highlight the region’s culinary traditions.
It has become very clear to me during my time in Chiang Mai that the dining industry loves a good jungle-themed eating atmosphere.
I will say that this restaurant is huge and carries out the theme very well.
The scenery of a rainforest creates the depiction of an “imaginary jungle” decorated with various kinds of flowers and shrubs, along with an enormous waterfall and even a lake.
Meal Ticket:
- Grilled Salted Salmon 280 THB ($8.18)
- Green Tea with Fresh Milk 85 THB ($2.48)
- Sticky Rice 30 THB ($0.88)
Things to Do in Chiang Mai
Indulge in Northern Thai cuisine with a night street food tour
Explore two of Chiang Mai’s food markets on a 3-hour night street food tour of the city.
With several markets around the city, finding diverse and tasty food in Chiang Mai with flavors specific to Northern Thai is easy, and a food tour makes jumping into the cuisine in Chiang Mai even more fun.
Wander through packed markets and hidden alleyways where you’ll sample dishes like coconut Thai pudding, khao soi, a fragrant coconut curry noodle soup, and plenty of side dishes like sticky rice, a Northern Thai staple.
My favorite part of this street food tour is that much of the food is prepared fresh in real-time, providing you with a live demonstration of the dish you are trying and what ingredients are being used.
This was the first food tour I’ve ever done while traveling, and I can say that it made me appreciate northern Thai cuisine on another level for the rest of my time in the city.
You can book the exact same food tour I did here.
Witness the morning alms with monks at a popular temple
One of the most significant temples in Chiang Mai, many people will tell you that What Phra That Doi Suthep is a must-visit when in Chiang Mai, which is why I have included it in this Chiang Mai Travel Guide.
You can reach the temple by walking up the 306-step stairway, lined with serpent sculptures, or by taking a cable car, which is 10 Baht ($0.29).
As a foreigner, you are expected to pay a 30 Baht ($0.87) entry fee before going inside the temple.
Once inside, you can walk around and admire the traditional Lanna-style temple design, with features like a statue of the Buddha.
The top of the temple provides breathtaking views of the city and its surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for visitors to watch the sunrise daily.
I visited the temple around 7 am, and while not planning, I witnessed the monk’s morning alms, where guests delivered offerings to the monks and they carried out their chants, which was very interesting to see.
Read more about the temple’s significance here.
Book A Spiritual Sunrise Tour with monks and temple visits here.
Spend the day with elephants at Chai Lai Orchid
Chai Lai Orchid is an ethical elephant hotel in Chiang Mai that provides guests with up close and personal encounters with the 22 rescued Asian elephants they have on their property.
I originally had a one-night stay booked, but I had to cancel due to rescheduling my trip. It is recommended that you try to stay here for at least one night if you can.
Bookings can fill up quickly, so start looking ASAP!
If you are not staying at the property, you can still do a day trip, as the organization has a variety of activity packages available for visitors.
I did the Elephant Care ½ Adventure for 2500 Baht ($74.12). This package includes the following:
- Feeding the elephants
- Making their herbal medicine
- Walking alongside them in the jungle
- Meeting a baby elephant
- Bathing and swimming with the elephants in the river
- Lunch at Chai Lai Orchid
- Transportation to and from Chai Lai from Chiang Mai
I thought the package was a great experience and absolutely worth the money. I also love how, as a solo traveler, my group consisted of only four people (a lovely family from West India) for a more intimate experience.
My time at Chai Lai took up most of the day and was the highlight of my trip, so it’s a must to include it in this Chiang Mai travel guide.
Other Elephant Encounter Tours in Chiang Mai
- Half Day Living Green Elephant Sanctuary
- Elephant Care Program and Nursery Tour
- Kerchor Eco Elephant Park Tour
Attend the weekend coconut market
I don’t remember how the Coconut Market ended on my itinerary, but I am happy it did!
Open only on Saturdays and Sundays every week from 8 am – 2 pm, the coconut market showcases the importance of coconuts in Thai culture and how many products and foods the fruit is used in.
Aside from the delicious food and handmade products you can expect to see at the market, the landscape of the market alone is worth visiting.
Coconut trees tower in the background with lush greenery and seats planted in the middle of the fields, making me feel like I was on a terrace excursion.
Dozens of coconut trees tower majestically in the background against a backdrop of lush greenery.
Seats planted in the middle of the fields create a cozy atmosphere that made me feel like I was on a scenic terrace excursion.
It felt extremely luxurious for a coconut market, but no complaints!
There was also a live show performance when I went to a goat petting zoo, where I had the opportunity to feed baby goats, which a lot of the children seemed to love!
Cruise down the Mae Ping River
The Mae Ping River cruise in Chiang Mai offers a serene and scenic way to explore the city.
The cruise takes you along the waters of the Mae Ping River, providing a unique perspective of life along the riverbanks.
As you glide through the river, you can admire the greenery, traditional wooden houses, rural villages, and other glimpses of local life that visitors often overlook.
The purpose of the cruise is to showcase the rural side of Chiang Mai and give tourists an alternate view of the city.
After about 45 minutes on the cruise, you’ll arrive at the Farmer’s House, where you can sit down and relax with other passengers over ice cream and your choice of a herbal drink before heading back.
I did the cruise around 9 am in the morning and thought it was a great and relaxing start to the day.
Chiang Mai recently experienced one of the largest floods it has seen in over 30 years, about a month ago (October 2024), and this cruise showed a lot of the negative impacts the cruise had.
I mention this to say that if you are visiting over the next few months, booking this cruise is a great way to support the recuperation efforts of cleaning the river and getting some of the local shops affiliated with the cruise back to full service.
The cruises take about two hours and run from 9 am – 5 pm daily, with boats departing every hour.
Celebrate Chiang Mai’s Vibrant LGBTQ+ Drag Culture
Thailand is generally considered one of the more LGBTQ+-friendly countries in Asia. It has a visible and active LGBTQ+ community, especially in cities like Chiang Mai, where there are gay bars, clubs, and events.
The “6ixcret Show” is a cabaret and drag show that takes place most nights at the gay bar and puts on different shows starting at 9:30 pm.
The bar makes it clear that “All genders, nationalities, LGBTQIAN+, & allies are welcome here.”, promoting their goal of being an inclusive and safe space for those who are a part of the community and are in support of LGBTQ+ lives.
While the show is free, you can expect to pay for at least two drinks that cost about 250 Baht ($7.27) each.
There isn’t a need to get tickets or register beforehand, but it is recommended to show up around 9:10 pm to grab a seat/table.
Other Cabaret Shows in Chiang Mai:
Spend a day with nature at the Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park is perfect for nature lovers as it has a wide range of outdoor activities for those who enjoy being outdoors.
As the highest peak in Thailand, Doi Inthanon is known for its cool climate, forests, and breathtaking views from its attractions, which include waterfalls, hiking trails, and viewpoints.
I visited Doi Inthanon on a group tour, which I would recommend if you are short on time or want to visit the park without having your own transportation to go around, as the sites can be far from one another.
These are the sites I visited with the group I went with:
- Wachiratgan Waterfall
- Karen Village Shop
- Lunch
- The Highest Spot in Thailand
- Ang Ka Nature Trail Walk
- The Pagoda
- Local Market
In full transparency, I was not overly thrilled with the experience and felt like the tour started way later than needed (I was picked up from my Airbnb at 8:50 am, and we arrived at the Park around 10:30 am).
I would have loved to start earlier in the morning and have the rest of my afternoon instead of getting back around 6 pm. This is something to keep in mind while looking for a tour of the Park.
Another great alternative may be researching specific places within the Park you want to see, then hiring a private guide and driver to take you there!
Other Tours to Visit Doi Inthanon National Park
- One Day Tour Doi Inthanon National Park with Guide,Lunch,Fee
- Doi Inthanon National Park Highlights
- Private Doi Inthanon National Park Sightseeing Day Tour
Sit in the crowd of a muay thai match
Muay Thai is a Thai martial art that is significant in Thai culture.
It’s usually referred to as “the Art of 8 Limbs”, as it is a sport that utilizes the full body with fast kicks and techniques.
As a spectator in the crowd, you’ll experience a night of action and excitement in Chiang Mai as you immerse yourself in traditional Thai sportsmanship and competitive Muay Thai boxing.
See both local and international fighters battle round after round in hopes of being crowned the champion of their match.
This was a great experience, and it was pretty fun to see a match and the lively energy surging throughout the stadium.
Grab your ticket to see a match here!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chiang Mai best known for?
Chiang Mai is known for giving travelers an authentic Thai experience in Northern Thailand.
The city’s stunning temples, night markets, distinct cuisine, history, and natural landscapes combine to form an experience that many find captivating.
Can you walk around Chiang Mai?
There are a few places you can walk to and from in Chiang Mai, depending on the neighborhood you are in, but in general, I would not label Chiang Mai a walkable city.
Some neighborhoods are smaller, more intimate, and have many shops, making it easier to hop from place to place.
Once you get out of those cities, the walking distance may turn into an hour-long walk, and it may not be worth trying to walk when you can just hop on a motorbike!
How many days do you need to travel to Chiang Mai?
Many people that I met while traveling only spend a few days traveling in Chiang Mai before heading to another city in Chiang Mai.
However, if you are more of a slow traveler like me, I would recommend staying in Chiang Mai for at least a week to take in the city’s vibe and indulge in activities the city offers.
If not, you can do all of the main activities in Chiang Mai (Sunday night market, Wat Phra That, Elephant Sanctuary) in three days if you are very ambitious.
Final Thoughts on Chiang Mai
Thailand is the country where I took my first solo trip four years ago, and returning back four years later to explore a new city in this beautiful country was an incredible experience.
My personal goal for this trip was to have a getaway in a place that was not overrun by partying and too much noise in the process, and Chiang Mai was perfect for that.
When I wanted to be in the midst of nature, I could do so; when I wanted more of a bustling atmosphere, the night markets also led me to be in the center of all of the excitement.
Thai people are some of the warmest people I’ve encountered in my travels, and I am grateful for their constant hospitality and warm energy.
As a solo traveler, Chiang Mai is a great choice as it is reassuring, and I always felt comfortable.
I hope that this Chiang Mai travel guide reflects how great my time in the city was and that you can seamlessly duplicate many of the experiences I share.
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