Chiang Mai

at the foot of Doi Suthep

A large park with over 400 species of animals, extremely popular with Thai tourists, and long queues may be encountered during Thai holidays. While better than some zoos, many animals are nevertheless kept in small enclosures.

from the NW corner of the old town, a straight road of about 3.5 km begins, which then turns into a winding road of about 18.5 km to the top of this mountain

A ride for the temples and sunset to Doi Suthep is a rewarding trip with great views of the city. Most tourists will end up at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, but there are several other attractions you may want to consider visiting, besides of…

on Rte 1004, beyond Doi Suthep

This royal winter palace has lavishly landscaped gardens and is open to the public. Dress code strictly applied: dress modestly or pay 15 baht for fisherman's pants to cover your lack of it.

about 800 m north of the Holiday Inn, east side of the Ping River

A place of history and remembrance. A statue of Queen Victoria is overlooking the place.

between Ratchadamnoen Rd and Ratchawithi Rd

This modern multimedia history and cultural education centre has guides dressed in elegant traditional Thai clothing who will usher you into an air-conditioned room to watch an English-subtitled orientation video about Chiang Mai and the…

corner Suthep and Nimmanhaemin Rd· Free

There are exhibitions by undergraduates from the Fine Arts Department at Chiang Mai University. These change often and the work on display is of high quality.

It is a three day festival staged every year starting the first Friday in February (in 2026, due to elections one week later). The city is awash with vibrant colours ranging from the electric orange and lilac colours of the bougainvillea…

all around the city

The Thai Water Festival is one of the biggest events in Thailand. Songkran is not only a time for fun but also a period for spiritual renewal. It is deeply rooted in Thai culture and has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural…

If you like candles placed in colourful paper lanterns, fireworks, beautiful girls in traditional dress, parade floats, lots of food and parties.

A huge lantern release (it is often referred to as the 10,000 lantern release, but there are not as many as that) happens near Mae Jo University on the Saturday before Loi Krathong,.

8 km SE of Chiang Mai

Takes place around the third weekend of Jan at Ban Bo Sang, Sankampang. The festival is in the form of a "street fair" in which the central road of the village is used, with shops on both sides.

City Pillar Festival in Chiang Mai. This is a six-day festival where the city pillar spirits are propitiated to ensure the continuity of the city. Occurs in May or Jun as part of the Northern Thailand lunar calendar.

53/2 ถนนข้างเรือนจำ

Egg noodle and fishballs. Besides common egg noodle, they also offer a flat shape egg node using double proportion of eggs and Hong Kong style flour.

Past Canal Rd, by the university

Dozens of food carts set up every evening around from around 17:00 until about 22:00, with a huge variety of very inexpensive food, and tables set up along the pavement.

Opposite the Night Bazaar Building

Has a large open-air food court, featuring free Thai classical dance performances nightly. All food is paid for with pre-purchased coupons.

side of road opposite Night Bazaar Building, further down the street

A busy outdoor night market with lots of little Thai, Indian and Western restaurants and food vendors. Great atmosphere.

near Ratchamanka Rd (inside moat); English sign on sidewalk

Serves authentic kuaytiow reua (literally "boat noodles", rice noodles in dark broth with beef). It's good stuff.

Near Tha Phae Gate (inside moat)

Delicious food (Thai, Western and vegetarian), friendly service and simple and relaxed atmosphere.

10 Kotchasarn Rd, Soi 5

Thai modern-style guest house with terrace, comfortable rooms with double windows overlook a mountain panorama.

31/5 soi sriwichai

A great chill-out art hostel, a place to meet new friends other travelers and local Thais. Lots of little dogs and chickens. Wifi. 2 private rooms, 3 mixed dorms. 100 baht for dorms, 400 baht for privates.

Northwest corner of the moat, from where Huay Kaew Rd turns to the left, drive straight (north) 700 m, turn left on Morakot Rd and you'll see the sign on the right side

Simple, but cosy Thai hotel. Fan rooms are often sold out, however an air-con room with TV and small balcony is an excellent value during hot or wet season. No Wi-Fi (but Truemove 850 MHz 3G works perfectly).

270 Ratchaphakhinai Rd

Guest house that is a bit worn. Singles can be a bit mouldy due to poor drainage and ventilation. Good hot shower (private for single rooms, shared for double and triple). Terrace. Free Wi-Fi.

11/2 Rachapakeenai Rd

Small and simple guest house attached to the back of a pleasant but moderately priced cafe and restaurant. Friendly staff, shared basic Western bathrooms with warm shower, shared with cafe so can get heavy use at peak times.

Nimmanhaemin Rd Soi 1

This hostel doubles as a local bar. Free coffee at any time of the day or night. Complimentary use of the washing machine and kitchen. Nineteen rooms that can house 38. Two showers and three toilets are located on each of the five floors.