Updated 18 October 2026 · Best Versions team · اقرأ بالعربية
When to visit Chiang Mai
November to February is mild and sometimes cool at night. From February to April the north has its crop-burning season, with smoke and poor air quality; we advise avoiding it, especially with allergies or children. June to October brings rain and lush green.
Where to stay
| Area | Best for | Pros and cons |
|---|---|---|
| Old City | First visits | Inside the walls and moat, with the sights within walking distance. |
| Nimman | Couples and café lovers | A modern neighbourhood of cafés, restaurants and shops. |
| Night Bazaar and riverside | Families and halal food | Close to the night market and to the Muslim quarter and its restaurants. |
Top things to do
- Doi Suthep: a mountain overlooking the city with a famous temple at the top; an optional sightseeing visit.
- Doi Inthanon: Thailand's highest peak, with waterfalls, forests and cool air.
- Ethical elephant sanctuaries: choose one that doesn't allow riding and limits visits to feeding and watching.
- Markets: the Night Bazaar every day, and the walking street markets on Saturday and Sunday.
- Thai cooking classes and traditional massage.
Halal food
Near the Night Bazaar is a small Muslim quarter with mosques and halal restaurants, the best known being Khao Soi Islam, serving the north's famous curry noodles with coconut milk.
Getting there
A domestic flight from Bangkok takes about an hour and a quarter, or take the overnight train for a different experience.
Book for your trip to Chiang Mai:
Hotels: Agoda
Flights: Search flights · Activities: Klook · Tiqets
eSIM data: Airalo · Saily · Airport transfers: Welcome Pickups · Kiwitaxi
Partner links: booking, payment and cancellations are handled by the partner directly.
Frequently asked questions
When should I avoid Chiang Mai?
February to April, because of the smoky season and poor air quality.
Where can I eat halal in Chiang Mai?
In the Muslim quarter near the Night Bazaar; Khao Soi Islam is the best known restaurant.
Is elephant riding a good idea?
We recommend ethical sanctuaries that don't allow riding and limit visits to feeding and watching.
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Start planning my trip Ask an expert for a quotePrices and timings in this article are estimates and change with the season. Check the visa rules for your nationality with official sources before you travel.