Chiang Mai
Thailand
Overview
Northern Thailand's cultural capital enchants with 300 ancient temples, lush mountain scenery, night bazaars, and a slow-paced creative spirit worlds apart from Bangkok.
Cost of Travel
Daily budget guide for Chiang Mai — what you can expect to spend per person including accommodation, meals, transport, and activities.
per person per day
per person per day
per person per day
Approximate costs in USD based on today's exchange rates.
Explore Chiang Mai
Wat Pha Lat
Small, statue-rich Buddhist temple & monastery hidden in a woodland & reached via a hiking trail.
Elephant Nature Park
An ethical elephant sanctuary where rescued elephants roam freely, and visitors observe and feed them without riding.
Wat Chedi Luang
Temple complex with a partially crumbled 15th-century chedi & a pillar believed to protect the city.
Royal Pavilion
Sprawling palace compound in lush, hillside surrounds known for its enshrined emerald Buddha.
Where to Stay
137 Pillars House
A colonial teak mansion turned luxury hotel in the heart of Chiang Mai, with a stunning pool, spa, and acclaimed restaurant.
Art Mai Gallery Hotel
A creative boutique hotel in the Old City with rotating art exhibitions, a pool, and walking distance to the Night Bazaar.
Where to Eat
David's Kitchen
French-Thai
An intimate fine-dining restaurant in a residential area serving refined French cuisine with Thai accents and an extensive wine list.
Khao Soi Khun Yai
Northern Thai
A tiny local shop famous for serving Chiang Mai's signature dish — khao soi (coconut curry noodles with crispy noodle topping).
Travel Tips
- Khao soi (coconut curry noodles) is the essential Chiang Mai dish — eat it everywhere
- Visit only ethical elephant sanctuaries — avoid riding and performances
- The Old City moat is a useful navigation landmark
- Doi Inthanon (Thailand's highest peak) is a great day trip
- Take a Thai cooking class — Chiang Mai is the best place in Thailand for this
- Burning season (March-April) creates heavy smog — avoid these months
Getting There & Around
Red songthaews (shared trucks) are the local transport — flag one down and negotiate. Grab works in Chiang Mai. Scooter rental is popular but roads can be hazardous. Walking is easy in the compact Old City. For temples and mountains, hire a driver for the day. New Smart Bus routes cover main tourist areas.
Book & Reserve
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