Chiang Mai: The Latest 2025 Travel Guide

🏯 Editor's Guide: A Complete Guide to Chiang Mai Travel

Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, is known as the "Rose of Northern Thailand," blending the charm of an ancient city, Buddhist temples, natural mountain scenery, and hipster cafes. Compared to the bustling Bangkok, Chiang Mai offers a more relaxed lifestyle, perfect for those who enjoy in-depth travel.


📍 Chiang Mai must-see attractions

1. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

  • Features : Chiang Mai's landmark temple, the golden pagoda shines brightly and overlooks the entire Chiang Mai city.
  • Editor's Tip : Go in the morning when it's less crowded and cooler, so remember to dress modestly (cover your shoulders and knees).

2. Chiang Mai Old City

  • Features : Well-preserved city walls and moats, with many ancient temples such as Wat Chedi Luang.
  • Our tip : rent a bicycle or take a leisurely walk, visiting small temples while you go and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

3. Nimmanhaemin Road

  • Features : Chiang Mai's hipster coffee and art hub, lined with cafes, boutiques, and design hotels.
  • Editor’s tip : It’s a great place to come in the afternoon to enjoy a slow pace and take some beautiful photos for the internet.

4. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

  • Features : Selling handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs and local snacks.
  • Editor's reminder : Don't forget to bargain, the price can usually be reduced to about 70% of the original price.

5. Sunday Walking Street

  • Features : One of the most famous Sunday markets in Thailand, open from afternoon to night.
  • Editor's suggestion : It is recommended to come on an empty stomach, because it is super fun to eat as you walk.

6. Elephant Nature Park

  • Features : A non-riding conservation area where you can feed and bathe the animals up close and experience the charm of these gentle giants.
  • Editor's note : Reservations must be made in advance, and the itinerary usually takes a full day.

7. Doi Inthanon National Park

  • Features : The highest peak in Thailand, with cool temperatures all year round, spectacular waterfalls and royal pagodas.
  • Editor's suggestion : It is suitable for a one-day chartered tour, and you can also visit ethnic minority villages along the way.

🍜 Must-try food in Chiang Mai

gourmet food Recommended locations Editor's Thoughts
Curry Chicken Noodles (Khao Soi) Khao Soi Khun Yai Northern Thailand's signature noodle dish, with a rich curry flavor and noodles of both soft and hard textures.
Northern Thai Sausage (Sai ​​Ua) Markets and night markets The spice flavor is super strong and becomes more fragrant the more you chew it.
Mango Sticky Rice Major dessert shops The mango is sweet, and the glutinous rice with coconut milk is super healing.
Thai milk tea Street drink stall A great way to cool down, sweet but not greasy, best drunk iced.
coconut ice cream Night market, pedestrian street Refreshing and cooling, with rich coconut aroma.
Grilled Bananas market The crust is crispy and fragrant, and the inside is sweet and soft. It is a very special snack.

🚐 Chiang Mai Transportation Guide

1. Songthaew

  • Red songthaews are the most common means of transportation in Chiang Mai and they stop whenever you hail them.
  • Editor's tip : Negotiate a price before boarding. Short trips within the city are around 20-30 baht.

2. Grab

  • It is very convenient in Chiang Mai, with transparent prices, and suitable for groups of people or with a lot of luggage.

3. Motorcycle rental

  • It is suitable for travelers who want to explore freely, and the rental fee is cheap (about 200-300 baht/day).
  • Editor's reminder : You need an international driver's license and a helmet, and be careful about road conditions.

4. Charter/Day Tour

  • Suitable for visiting suburban attractions such as Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon National Park or elephant sanctuary.

5. From the airport to the city

  • Chiang Mai International Airport is approximately a 10-15 minute drive from the city center, accessible by taxi, Grab or songthaew.

🎯 Editor recommends a 4-day itinerary

Day 1 : Chiang Mai Old Town → Wat Chedi Luang → Sunday Walking Street (if it happens to be Sunday)
Day 2 : Wat Phra That Doi Suthep → Nimmanhaemin Road Cafe → Chiang Mai Night Market
Day 3 : Day trip to Elephant Nature Park
Day 4 : Doi Inthanon National Park → Ethnic Minority Village → Back to the city for massage

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