AsiaChiang Mai
Lanna temples, northern Thai curry, and jungle-clad mountains.
Why visit
01 / 10The case for going
Once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai still holds its 700-year history within the ancient city walls, where moated temples coexist with quiet sois and an evolving creative scene.
It offers a slower pace than Bangkok, serving as both a base for ethical elephant encounters and a gateway to the misty peaks of Doi Suthep, which hosts one of Thailand's most revered temples.
What to do
02 / 10Ways to spend a day
Activities €80–150 total
- 01Explore the ancient Lanna temples within Chiang Mai's Old City. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 02Stroll the Sunday Walking Street or Night Bazaar for crafts and street food. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 03Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary, such as Elephant Nature Park. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 04Take a Northern Thai cooking class, focusing on khao soi. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 05Ascend Doi Suthep to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for panoramic views. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
Book activities & tickets
Lanna temples, northern Thai curry, and jungle-clad mountains.
Where to stay
03 / 10The right base
Accommodation €30–70/night
Phra Singh
walkable historic core, temples at every turn
Nimman
boutiques and cafés, popular with digital nomads
Chang Khlan
by the Ping River, famous for the Night Bazaar
Find a place to stay
How to get there
04 / 10Easiest way in
How to get around
05 / 10Once you land
Inside the old city, walk or use red songthaews, Chiang Mai's shared taxi trucks. For day trips to Doi Suthep or sanctuaries, local drivers via Grab or organised tours are best.
Get around
What to eat
06 / 10Order this
Food €15–30/day
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Khao soi
northern curry noodles
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Sai oua
spicy northern sausage
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Gaeng hung lay
Burmese pork curry
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Pad see ew
stir-fried wide noodles
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Mango sticky rice
sweet glutinous rice dessert
By the numbers
07 / 10Cards on the table
Safety index
80/100
General guide, not advisory data
Best seasons
Winter · Spring
When it's at its best
Stay for
5 days
The sweet spot
Daily spend
$$
Mid-range
How to fit in
08 / 10Read the room
Embrace the relaxed 'jai yen' pace, especially when wandering the old city's temple grounds in the morning light. Afternoons are for market browsing or a traditional massage, and evenings for the vibrant night markets that are a social ritual.
How to pack
09 / 10What goes in the bag
Best in Winter
Winter: warm and dry days around 25-30C, with comfortable, cooler evenings, perfect for outdoor markets.
- light, breathable clothing
- comfortable walking sandals
- a light scarf or shawl for temple visits
- insect repellent
- a refillable water bottle
How to prepare
10 / 10The boring bits
Three things worth sorting before you fly.
Tomorrow's detour
One place worth the trip.
Hand-picked, one a day.