How to get to Chiang Mai
Getting to Chiang Mai is easy thanks to several convenient travel options. If you are coming from Bangkok, there are direct flights every day from both Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport that take around an hour and a half, making it a quick way to reach Chiang Mai International Airport.
For a more unique and slower travel experience (this is the option we took, by the way), the overnight sleeper train between Chiang Mai and Bangkok is a popular choice, offering a comfortable way to make the journey in either direction. Whether you prefer speed or a more scenic and relaxed trip, both options are reliable ways to reach Chiang Mai.
If you decide to take the overnight sleeper train, we recommend booking your ticket through 12GO since it is one of the most reliable ways to secure your seat.
Make sure to book well in advance because this route is very popular and the newer trains tend to sell out fast.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a gentle, welcoming city with leafy streets, ancient temples, creative cafés and a slower pace of life. Each neighbourhood offers a distinct atmosphere, so choosing the right area can really shape your trip. Here are the best places to stay depending on your travel style.
1. Old City – Historic and Walkable
The Old City is the traditional heart of Chiang Mai. Enclosed by ancient walls and a moat, it is filled with temples, cafés, small hotels and everyday local life. Everything is easy to reach on foot, and it is one of the most convenient areas for first-time visitors.
2. Nimman (Nimmanhaemin) – Trendy and Modern
Nimmanhaemin, often called Nimman, is Chiang Mai’s trendy and creative neighbourhood. It is full of boutique hotels, stylish coffee shops, co-working cafés, cool restaurants and bars. It has a young, energetic feel and attracts digital nomads, long-stay travellers and anyone who enjoys design and café culture.
3. Riverside and Night Bazaar Area – Scenic and Convenient
This combined area stretches from the Ping River to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, forming a practical and enjoyable zones for visitors. Along the river you will find peaceful boutique hotels, gardens and relaxed evenings. A short walk away, the Night Bazaar area offers restaurants, shops and markets that stay open late. Together they create a balance of calm and convenience, with easy access to the Old City, plenty of places to eat and a pleasant atmosphere day and night.
4. Santitham – Local and Affordable
Santitham is a residential neighbourhood just north of the Old City. It is full of small restaurants, cafés, markets and everyday life. Prices for accommodation tend to be lower here, and the area feels authentic and peaceful without being far from the main attractions.
Bottom line: For a first visit, the Old City and Nimman are the best choices. For a blend of calm and convenience, choose the Riverside and Night Bazaar area. For budget-friendly local life, Santitham is ideal.
Find the place that suits you best.
How to get around Chiang Mai
1. Walking
If you stay in or near the Old City, walking is one of the simplest ways to explore. Temples, cafés, markets and restaurants are often close to each other, and the relaxed pace makes wandering around very enjoyable. Sidewalks can sometimes be uneven or narrow, but it is still one of the nicest ways to experience the city’s atmosphere.
2. Grab
Grab is the easiest and most convenient way to get around Chiang Mai. It is affordable, fast and reliable, and the app lets you choose between cars or motorbike taxis depending on what you prefer. For most travelers, this is the simplest way to move between the Old City, Nimman, Santitham and other neighborhoods.
Grab also has separate categories for tuk-tuks and for the local red shared minibuses (Songthaews). Booking them through the app is usually better than hailing them on the street because the prices are fixed and there is no negotiation or scams involved. Street drivers sometimes charge more, especially in touristy areas, so using Grab helps you avoid overpaying and makes the whole process easier and more predictable.
One thing we noticed in Chiang Mai, which we have not seen anywhere else in Thailand, is that Grab fares can become surprisingly expensive when you travel to certain uphill locations, especially temples such as Wat Phra That Doi Kham or Wat Pha Lat and Doi Suthep. Even if the distance is the same as a normal ride in town, the price can be much higher because of the steep climb. It is very specific to Chiang Mai and something to keep in mind when planning your transport.
3. Tuk-tuks & Songthaews
Tuk-tuks are easy to find around the city and are convenient for short distances. They can be fun for quick rides, but the price you get on the street can vary a lot and is often higher than what you would pay through Grab. If you want to take a tuk-tuk, it is usually better to book it in the Grab app where the price is fixed and there is no need to negotiate.
Songthaews, the local red shared minibuses, are one of the most practical and characteristic ways to get around Chiang Mai. You can still wave them down anywhere, tell the driver your destination and hop in if they are going in that direction. They follow flexible routes and pick up multiple passengers along the way, which makes them cheap, authentic and convenient. They also appear as a category on Grab, which gives you a clear, fixed price and a confirmed pickup point. The only difference when booking through Grab is that the vehicle becomes a private ride, so you will not share it with other passengers during the trip. Because of this, the fare will not decrease the way it normally can when you flag one down on the street and share the journey with others.
4. Scooter Rental
Renting a scooter is very common in Chiang Mai because the traffic is calmer compared to larger cities like Bangkok. It gives you full freedom to reach temples, markets and cafés outside the center. If you choose this option, always wear a helmet and make sure you have the correct license as well as your international driving license. Roads to places like Wat Phra That Doi Kham or Wat Pha Lat and Doi Suthep involve hills and curves, so be confident before riding.
Bottom line: Walking is perfect inside the Old City or Nimman. Grab is the most comfortable and reliable option for getting around town or from a neighborhood to another and Songthaews offer a cheap, authentic and flexible way to travel like locals do.
Best time to visit Chiang Mai
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is from November to February, when the weather is cooler, drier, and ideal for exploring temples, mountains, waterfalls, and outdoor markets. This period also includes some of the city’s most magical events, such as the Lantern Festival in November, when thousands of lanterns light up the sky. March and April are the hottest months and coincide with the burning season, when air quality can be poor, especially in March. The rainy season runs from May to October, bringing lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices. While you can expect regular showers, they are often short and followed by sunshine, making this a decent time to visit if you do not mind occasional rain.
How many days to stay in Chiang Mai
We recommend spending three to four days in Chiang Mai to fully enjoy its relaxed atmosphere and diverse experiences. This allows you to explore the historic temples of the Old City, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for panoramic views, wander through night markets, and enjoy the city’s renowned café scene. With this amount of time, you can also include meaningful experiences such as visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary, taking a Thai cooking class, or going on a day trip to Chiang Rai. Chiang Mai offers a slower, more cultural and nature-focused experience than Bangkok, making it the perfect place to slow down and immerse yourself in northern Thailand.
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