chiang mai travel budget

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Chiang Mai Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 13, 2024

Chiang Mai is the largest and most popular city in northern Thailand. It’s the main base of activities for most travelers who come up north and is one of the most visited cities in Thailand for travelers of all types.

The city is brimming with culture, incredible food markets, dozens of beautiful temples, a relaxed vibe, beautiful landscapes. In recent years, it’s become one of the main digital nomad hubs in Southeast Asia so it’s easy to meet other travelers here.

While you can find a lot of delicious Western food, cafes, and bars all around the city, the historic Thai-ness of the city hasn’t disappeared. There are plenty of stunning temples and lively markets to entertain as you explore.

Be sure to budget extra time when you visit Chiang Mai and as it’s easy to get “stuck” here. Lots of people plan to stay for a few days and end up staying for a few weeks or more! There’s magic to this city.

This travel guide to Chiang Mai can help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you have an amazing visit!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Chiang Mai

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Chiang Mai

1. Visit the Elephant Nature Park

Elephant Nature Park rescues abused and injured elephants and other animals from around the country. It’s a sanctuary where you can visit for a day or spend a week volunteering. While you can no longer feed or bathe the elephants, you can still walk among them and see them chill out, play, and feed themselves. It’s a phenomenal experience where you’ll get to learn about the elephants and conservation efforts in the country. A one-day visit starts at 2,500 THB and needs to be booked in advance on the park’s website. Be make sure to book your trip in advance as it’s super popular and space fills up fast!

2. Tour the temples

There are hundreds of beautiful Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai, some dating as far back as the 13th century. The main ones worth seeing are Wat Chiang Man, (the city’s oldest one), Wat Phra Singh, Wat Suan Dok (or Flower Garden Temple), Wat Chedi Luang, and the Northern Indian-inspired Wat Jet Yot. As with most places of worship, dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees for men and women), wear shoes that are easy to put on and take off as no shoes are allowed in temples.

3. Visit Wat Doi Suthep

Doi Suthep is the mountain just outside Chiang Mai which holds its most famous temple, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (the pagoda supposedly contains relics of Buddha himself). Perched at the top of 306 stairs flanked by 2 giant serpent sculptures (there’s a funicular available too though!), it offers beautiful views of the surrounding area and Chiang Mai, plus at 6pm each day, you can watch the monks chant. Entry is 30 THB for tourists and there’s a 20 THB fee for the funicular.

4. Bargain at the night bazaar

Chiang Mai is the main handicraft center of Thailand and the night bazaar is the largest in the country. It’s a sprawling maze of stalls on either side of several streets but if you get to the corner of Loi Kroh and Changklan roads that’s a fair place to start and get oriented. Everything is sold at non-fixed prices so you can bargain the night away for the best deals on clothing, jewellery, paintings, antiques and grab some food across the main street at the Kalare night bazaar. Open daily from 6pm-12am, although individual stalls may have slightly differing hours.

5. Celebrate the Yi Peng Festival

This iconic annual three day festival unique to Northern Thailand takes place around the full moon in November. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Lantern Festival’ or the ‘Festival of Lights’, it’s marked by many ceremonies but most notably on the third and final night by citizens releasing thousands of paper lanterns into the air, which symbolically carry prayers, bad luck and all that people wish to let go towards the heavens. You can watch the lanterns be released from Nawarat Bridge or the Silver Bridge. It is a beautiful, memorable experience.

Other Things to See and Do in Chiang Mai

1. try ziplining.

If you are looking for an adrenaline rush and some time in (and above) lush forests, go ziplining. Chiang Mai has many operators offering beginner and advanced zip lining courses including multiple platforms, sky bridges, abseiling options and more. Jungle Flight is the home of one of Thailand’s longest zipline courses and Kingkong Smile offers both a short and a long course. The sites tend to be 1-1.5 hours’ drive from Chiang Mai into the mountains, but most operators include a return shuttle trip in the booking fee. Ziplining starts at about 2,400 THB.

2. Go jungle trekking

Chiang Mai is the main starting point for all sorts of jungle trekking tours. I like the three-day ones the best because, the longer the tour, the more interesting and secluded places you visit. Most multi-day treks include homestays with local families and some a bamboo raft trip down a river or some time at a waterfall. Be careful with whom you sign up, as many guides simply walk with you and don’t tell you much about the land or wildlife. Moreover, if you visit a tribal village, make sure the money stays with the villagers, and that they aren’t being exploited, which unfortunately happens a lot. Be sure to ask your accommodation for suggestions. Don’t book in advance.

3. Take a cooking class

Chiang Mai is the most popular place in Thailand for cooking classes, offering a variety of classes and amazing deals. You’ll often begin your class by going to the market and learning about Thai produce before heading back to the kitchen to cook a few dishes. Some classes even take place on a farm or location with their own vegetable garden, like Grandma’s Cooking School which includes a tour of the organic garden before the cooking class. Every class ends with eating everything you’ve prepared so bring an appetite! Prices range from 1,000-1,800 THB per person.

4. Eat a kantoke dinner

This traditional Thai event generally takes place on special occasions, like holidays, festivals, and weddings. At a kantoke dinner, you experience both Northern Thai food and culture at the same time. At this event, visitors are seated on the floor around a circular tray laden with Northern dishes (called a kantoke , giving the tradition its name). While you eat, you’ll watch traditional Thai and Northern dances and other cultural performances. The Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center is the premier place to go, with tickets costing 690 THB (including dinner).

5. Cruise down the river

Cruise around rural Mae Ping on a two-hour journey that takes you past beautiful scenery around Chiang Mai. Enjoy the scenic vistas, stop to visit a local farm and its herb and fruit gardens, and relax with an onboard Thai dinner. Mae Ping River Cruise is the main company offering tours. A two-hour cruise is 480 THB, while dinner cruises start at 650 THB.

6. Chat with monks

Monk chats are a chance for visitors to learn about the country’s religion and culture, while for young monks it’s an opportunity to practice their English. It’s a popular cultural activity that occurs at many of the major temples throughout the city, including Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Doi Suthep, Wat Suan Dok, as well as the MCU Buddhist University. Hours vary based on location.

7. Go whitewater rafting

The Mae Taeng River is a popular destination for whitewater rafting, with rapids ranging from levels two to four (easy to advanced). Keep in mind that the river is at its most intense during the rainy season, between August-October, and tours might sometimes be postponed if levels are dangerous. 8 Adventures offers tours for 2,500-3,000 THB per person, which include transportation from Chiang Mai and lunch.

8. Browse Warorot Market

This historic market opened in the early 20th century and is the largest and oldest in the city. It’s a great place to get a more local shopping experience and grab some fresh produce, dried foods, specialty snacks and clothes. There are even flower vendors outside the market and street food stalls that stay open into the evening. The food stalls are located on the first floor, while clothing and other goods are on the second and third floors. Located near the river, it’s open daily from 6am-7pm.

9. Visit The Highland People Discovery Museum

Highlighting Thailand’s ten minority hill tribes, this ethnographic museum offers informational videos and exhibits on each tribe’s lifestyle, beliefs, clothing and jewelry items (as well as a gift shop where you can purchase a few authentic items too!). The 4-storey museum building is surrounded by a lake and outside the gardens host life-size models of traditional huts of various tribes you can take a stroll through at your leisure. Set aside at least 2-3 hours to get a good feel of what the museum has to offer. It’s open Monday-Friday and admission is free (donations are welcome).

10. Climb up the Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls

While a little outside of the city, this makes for a great day trip. The falls, due to the type of limestone they’re made of, is almost sticky and allow you to climb up the cascading water. The rocks themselves are interesting, looking a bit like fluffy clouds. Not only is it a neat experience, it’s also a great workout! Pack a picnic and a change of clothes, find a spot, and “stick” around for lunch. You can self-drive or take a taxi and agree a time for your driver to come back for you, or negotiate a ride with one of the drivers on site. Admission is free and basic shower and toilet facilities are available.

  For more information on other cities and islands in Thailand, check out the guides below:

• Bangkok Travel Guide
• Ko Chang Travel Guide
• Ko Lipe Travel Guide
• Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide
• Koh Phi Phi Travel Guide
• Phuket Travel Guide

Chiang Mai Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostels start at 240 THB per night large 10-12-bed dorms, while smaller dorm rooms with 4-6 beds cost around 280-429 THB. Private rooms start at 1,000 THB for a double room with an ensuite bathroom. All hostels include free Wi-Fi, and most hostels include free breakfast and air-conditioning. Many offer free bikes for their guests as well.

Budget hotel prices – Centrally-located two-star hotels and guesthouses start at 450-625 THB per night for a room with free Wi-Fi, hot water, a private bathroom, and air conditioning. Most hotels also have outdoor swimming pools and offer free or discounted bikes for their guests to use.

On Airbnb, you can find private rooms in apartments for 350 THB. There’s also a wide selection of entire apartments/homes starting at 500-900 THB per night.

Average cost of food – Thai cuisine uses many ingredients to create layers of flavor in a dish. Typical fresh spices and herbs used include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, shrimp paste, and fish sauce.

Rice and noodles are central to Thai cuisine, while meat is usually pork, chicken, fish, or seafood. Some popular dishes include tom yum goong (hot and sour soup with shrimp), massaman curry, pad thai (a stir-fried noodle dish), som tam (spicy papaya salad), kao phad (fried rice), khao man gai (rice with boiled chicken), and satay (grilled meat on skewers, served with a peanut dipping sauce).

Chiang Mai’s most famous dish is khao soi , a yellow curry noodle soup with pickled cabbage and your choice of chicken or beef.

Chiang Mai has some of the best street food in Thailand, with dishes like khao soi costing 50 THB and snacks costing 20 THB. Most meals at a casual sit-down Thai restaurant cost 80-125 THB.

Western food is more expensive, starting around 170-195 THB for a main dish. A burger is 210 THB, pasta is 180-245 THB, and pizza is around 250 THB.

When it comes to drinking, going to bars can be pricey, with the cheapest local beers costing about 95 THB each. To save some money, you can buy beers from 7-Eleven for half that.

For non-alcoholic drinks, a cappuccino or fresh juice is 65 THB, and soda is 35 THB.

Some good places to eat are Khao Soi Khun Yai, Dada Kafe, Khao Soy Maesai, Aum Vegetarian, Dash, Musashi Sushi Bar, the Chiang Mai Gate Market, and the Sunday market that cuts through the old city (you can’t miss it)!

If you plan on cooking your own meals, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 550 THB. This gets you basic staples like rice, veggies, eggs, and some meat.

Backpacking Chiang Mai Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget, expect to spend about 975 THB per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, cooking or eating cheap street food, using local transportation like songthaews and public buses, limiting your drinking, and doing mostly free and cheap activities like temple visits and wandering the markets.

On a mid-range budget, expect to pay 1,875 THB per day. On this budget, you can stay in a private Airbnb or cheap guesthouse, eat out for all your meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around and do more activities and tours like a cooking class or hiking excursion.

On a “luxury” budget of 3,725 THB per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, take taxis everywhere, and do whatever activities you want (including visiting the elephant reserve). This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in THB.

Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Chiang Mai can be as cheap or expensive as you want (like most of Thailand). But if you stick to the local markets, avoid the fancy organic restaurants that have popped up, and stay in the old city, you can save money easily! Here are some other ways to save money in Chiang Mai:

• Bargain hard – You have to bargain hard at the markets here. Don’t take the first price and don’t be afraid to walk away. They inflate prices greatly here since Chiang Mai is such a popular shopping destination for tourists.
• Eat from the street stalls – Food from street vendors in Thailand is some of the best Thai food I have ever had, and it’s so cheap it’s ridiculous. The locals eat here and you should too.
• Take the songthaew – At 20-40 THB for anywhere in the city, songthaews are one of the cheapest ways to get around. They go everywhere and run all night. There’s no reason to take a taxi around the city.
• Take the bus – At 20 THB per ride (and cheaper with a day pass), these modern public buses are, along with songthaews, one of the cheapest ways to get around the city.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give you a free place to stay and who can share their insider tips and advice. It’s the best way to save money on accommodation and get insider tips and advice.
• Book group excursions – When booking your day tours, multi-day tours, cooking classes, etc., try to book it as a group so the price per person gets reduced. Traveling alone? Make friends and book a tour with your hostel.
• Use a water bottle with a purifier – It isn’t safe to drink tap water in Chiang Mai, and although buying bottled water is cheap, it does add up. Instead, pick up a LifeStraw , which have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s good for the environment too!)

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

Looking for budget-friendly accommodation in Chiang Mai? Here are some of my favorite places to stay in the city:

• Kodchasri B&B
• Smile Robotist Hostel
• Hostel Lullaby
• The Royal Guest House
• Chang Puak Hotel

How to Get Around Chiang Mai

Songthaew – Songthaews are the most common mode of local transportation in Chiang Mai. These are converted pickup trucks with two rows of seats and how locals travel. Just flag one down in the street and tell the driver where you’re going. You can get to just about anywhere in the central city for 40 THB.

Buses – Until recently, there weren’t public buses in Chiang Mai, but that all changed in 2018 with the launch of the RTC Smart City Bus network. At 20 THB per ride, it’s the cheapest and easiest way to get around the city, including to and from the airport. The buses are clean, modern, and have free Wi-Fi. If you plan to use the bus a lot, you can get an unlimited day pass for 180 THB or a three-day pass for 400 THB.

Bicycle – Chiang Mai has a new dockless bike-sharing system called Anywheel. Each ride starts at 10 THB, while a monthly pass starts at 200 THB. Many hostels and guesthouses also offer their guests free bicycles to use.

Ridesharing – Use the Grab app to request a private ride. It works just like Uber and is one of the most popular ways to get around in Southeast Asia.

Motorbike/scooter rental – Motorbikes and scooters are a common way to get around, though it can be a harrowing experience to drive one in Chiang Mai. Keep in mind that traffic flows on the left in Thailand. A motorbike or scooter costs 100-500 THB per day, with cheaper deals for weekly and monthly rentals.

When to Go to Chiang Mai

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is between October-April when temperatures are warm but not stifling. You’ll still want to pack a sweater in case the evenings cool off. The average daytime temperature is around 25°C (77°F), but it can dip as low as 15°C (59°F) at night. Keep in mind, however, that this is peak tourist season so book your accommodation in advance if you want to find the best deals.

In April and May, things start heating up. Temperatures can soar as high as 40°C (104°F), and you’ll want to pack light clothing and plenty of sunscreen. If you’re not used to such heat, you might find it uncomfortable for sightseeing.

The rainy season takes place from June to October when temperatures cool down to 24-32°C (75-90°F) but the humidity rises. Chiang Mai doesn’t get as much rain as Southern Thailand, but you’ll still want to be prepared. It rains for maybe an hour each day, and only rarely for days on end.

How to Stay Safe in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. People are nice and helpful and you’re unlikely to get into trouble. Violent crime against tourists is rare.

Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most common type of crime in Chiang Mai so always keep your valuables secure and out of reach. This includes when on the bus/public transportation.

Solo female travelers should feel safe exploring the city, though the common precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

There are some common scams to be aware of here, such as the motorbike scam. This is when you rent a bike and the vendors try to charge you for damage to your bike rental — even though there is no damage. Also, sometimes taxis will try to charge you extra so always make sure you use a reputable taxi (have your hotel/hostel call one if you need one).

You can read this post on common travel scams to avoid if you want to learn more.

If you experience an emergency, dial 191 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Chiang Mai Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Thailand travel and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

The 7 Best Hotels in Bangkok

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in Thailand

Is Bangkok Safe to Visit?

The Complete Guide to Diving in Koh Tao

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Sample CHIANG MAI ITINERARIES with Budget Estimates: 1-7 Days

If you twist my arm and force me to recommend only one place in Thailand, I’ll be able to come up with an answer quick: Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai has all the right ingredients for an ideal tourist destination. Historic and exotic attractions, check. Globally revered cuisine, check. Tourist-friendly atmosphere, check. Mild climate, check. And most importantly, low cost of living, check.

If you’re traveling to Chiang Mai soon and still trying to build an itinerary, here are some samples that you may use as a guide. We also added the cost of each item in the itinerary and a budget estimate. Note that these estimates are kind of bloated in order to cover other additional expenses. Like we always say, it’s always better to overestimate than under.

But before that, you might want to get a data SIM card!

If you’re the type who relies heavily on the Internet for directions and recommendations, you might want to get a local data SIM . You can book one from Klook and pick it up at Chiang Mai Airport . You can enjoy unlimited data for up to 8 days, with 3GB data allowance for maximum speed (throttles after 3GB is used up). The SIM also comes with ฿100 call credits, which is equivalent to 30 minutes.

Anyway, back to the itineraries. Here they are. You might have different flight or train schedules and tour preferences, so don’t forget to tweak this accordingly.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Chiang Mai Itinerary: 1 Day

If for whatever reason you only have one day to give Chiang Mai (why?), we recommend that you do a temples tour of the city. Join a guided group tour so you get better understanding and appreciation of each site and you don’t need to worry about navigation. Doing this tour also keeps you within short distance from the airport so you can easily return.

Cost estimate: ฿1500 (USD46, EUR39.2, SGD63, PHP2450)

Chiang Mai Itinerary: 2 Days

Two days is not enough for Chiang Mai, but if this is all the time you have here’s what you can do to make the most of it. This itinerary will let you visit the temples around the city, Doi Suthep temple, and Doi Inthanon National Park, which is popular among tourists for its waterfalls, pagodas, and scenic views.

Cost estimate: ฿3000 (USD92, EUR79, SGD125, PHP4900), excluding hotel and airfare.

Chiang Mai Itinerary: 3 Days

This itinerary is similar to the 2-day version above but it’s just much more relaxed. But the stops are the same: Chiang Mai temples including Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon National Park, and the night bazaar.

Day 1: ARRIVAL, NIGHT BAZAAR 12:30pm – Arrival at CNX Airport 01:30pm – Transfer to Old City: ฿60 02:00pm – Hotel check-in, rest 05:00pm – DIY Street food trip, ฿200 08:00pm – Night bazaar (or weekend market if weekend) 09:00pm – Lights out

Cost estimate: ฿3200 (USD98, EUR84, SGD134, PHP5225), excluding hotel and airfare.

Chiang Mai Itinerary: 4 Days

Having four days to spend in Chiang Mai means you also have time to better appreciate its cuisine. Chiang Mai has a lot of companies offering cooking classes! Many of these tours also involve a visit to the local market to shop for ingredients, a tour of a farm, and the actual cooking session.

A visit to the city temples, Doi Suthep, and Doi Inthanon National Park is also included.

Cost estimate: ฿3600 (USD111, EUR95, SGD151, PHP5900), excluding accommodations and airfare.

Chiang Mai Itinerary: 5 Days

Spending five days in Chiang Mai gives you time to also check out nearby destinations like Chiang Rai. With this itinerary, on top of the usual temples tour and a visit to Doi Inthanon Park, you’ll also get to travel to Chiang Rai to see the White Temple and the Golden Triangle, where Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand meet.

Cost estimate: ฿5000 (USD153, EUR131, SGD209, PHP8170), excluding accommodations and airfare.

Chiang Mai Itinerary: 6 Days

Sightseeing nonstop for 5 days can be stressful and exhausting, so for this itinerary, we simply inserted a rest day! Use this day to just walk around the city, sample more Thai dishes, and connect with the locals or other travelers!

Day 4: REST DAY 12:00pm – Lunch, ฿100 02:00pm – Walk around the city, massage, ฿200 07:00pm – Dinner, ฿100 09:00pm – Lights out

Cost estimate: ฿5500 (USD168, EUR144, SGD230, PHP9000), excluding accommodations and airfare.

Chiang Mai Itinerary: 7 Days

One of the most popular activities in Chiang Mai is the so-called Flight of the Gibbon adventure, which will take you ziplining over the jungle. It’s quite expensive but for a reason.

Aside from that, this itinerary also includes a stop at the following: night bazaar, city temples, Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Rai, and Golden Triangle.

Day 5: REST DAY 12:00pm – Lunch, ฿100 02:00pm – Walk around the city, massage, ฿200 07:00pm – Dinner, ฿100 09:00pm – Lights out

Cost estimate: ฿9700 (USD297, EUR254, SGD405, PHP15850), excluding accommodations and airfare.

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Things to do in Chiang Mai on a Budget: A Complete Guide

Chiang Mai is a gem of a city found in Northern Thailand. Luxurious restaurants rub shoulders with street food stalls, making this lively city an ideal one for travelers on every type of budget. For those of you backpackers who do find yourselves filled with wanderlust but cursed with an empty wallet, do not fret. We at Mad Monkey are here with helpful tips on how you can save money while traveling in Chiang Mai. Here, a complete guide on things to do in Chiang Mai on a budget!

Pre-Trip Visa Expenses to Make Note of

Visitors to Thailand from the U.S. and about 40 other countries are permitted 45 days to stay in the Kingdom for free. If you want more time to explore, then there are a few other visas you can get that will cost you a bit more. You must have a passport that is valid for at least six months, a round-trip air ticket, and at least ฿20,000  in order to enter the country with the visa on arrival. You can pay more for a 90-day visa, as well, which must be done before entering the country. 

Stay in Hostels Instead of Hotels

It may sound like a given, but staying in a hostel as opposed to a hotel will save you loads of baht during your stay in Chiang Mai. Dormitory rooms with anywhere from four to 16 beds can be booked for a few bucks a night. There are also plenty of hostels to choose from, as well, with everything from party hostels to artistic ones to lay your head to rest. Mad Monkey Chiang Mai is officially open this year! In addition to being an affordable hostel, we are also a socially responsible one, so you can feel great (and save some money) by staying with us.

Get Around via Bicycle

Strap on that helmet and take to the streets of Chiang Mai in style via bicycle. Many travelers will risk renting a motorbike without the proper license to get where it is they need to go, and quickly. With that being said, many of the top coffee shops, temples, shopping malls, and more are within a cycle ride away from one another. Why spend ฿200 or more on a motorbike when a bicycle only costs ฿50? You can also get in a good workout (and tan) whilst cycling around this incredible city. For more information about how to get around town, check out our transportation guide  to Chiang Mai .

Take Advantage of all the Free Things to do in Chiang Mai

Going on the best day trips from Chiang Mai also means you will likely be chiseling out a good portion of baht from your wallet. While we do encourage you to see and do all it is that you can afford, there are plenty of free things to do in Chiang Mai. Check out our list below to see exactly what it is you can do without spending too much baht:

• Lounge by the 800-year-old moat
• Photograph the Old City
• Check out all the free temples within walking distance of one another
• Partake in a monk chat (yes, you read that correctly)
• Visit an art gallery
• Go to one of the green spaces found around town
• Browse the Chiang Mai Tribal Museum
• Meander a night market
• Dance at Zoe in Yellow

Stay away from Tourist Hot Spots

As cliche as it sounds, try to stay off the tourist-ridden path as much as possible and you will surely save a few baht. Do your research to find the most unique of attractions in the city. The fewer tourists there are, the less pricey it will likely be. Avoid sanctuaries (though they are incredible) and meander down a back and winding soi (street) and possibly discover something magical … you never know! Forget booking expensive tours that drag you and a large group of your fellow tourists from attraction to attraction and find a different and cheaper alternative way to get to these places, or simply avoid them altogether. There are plenty of things to do in Chiang Mai that are affordable if you search hard enough!

Eat Street Food or at Budget-Friendly Restaurants

Don’t beeline towards the top rated TripAdvisor restaurant in town. Instead, meander about until you see loads of locals and pull up a chair. This is likely where you will save money and indulge in delicious food. Street food stalls in Chiang Mai are plentiful, and most are hygienic. More importantly, they are delicious (by most people’s standards). There are also loads of budget-friendly restaurants in Chiang Mai that are serving up delicious meals for as little as a $1. Indulge, save some money, eat, and be happy! For a list of budget-friendly restaurants in Chiang Mai , we’ve got your covered.

Visit During the Low Season

The months of November to February are considered to be the high season. If you are really low on cash, then maybe it is best to avoid visiting during these months. It is then that the most tourists visit, and popular excursions, as well as accommodation options, will raise their prices knowing they are about to be greeted with a whole lot of visitors. During the low season (March to June), the same places that were upping their prices are dropping them and likely giving out discounts left and right (we’re being dramatic, but you get the point). Save a few hundred baht here and there just by coming during a different month. Bear in mind, the low season is when it is the hottest time to visit. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Take Advantage of the Songthaews

You will likely see a songthaew within minutes of arriving in Chiang Mai. Songthaews , meaning two benches, are the bright red trucks that drive circles around the Old City picking up locals and tourists alike. There is a flat fee of ฿30 to go just about anywhere. If you request a destination that is a bit further, you are not likely to pay any more than about ฿100, which is still relatively cheap by most people’s standards. Barter if you are given a high price. Also, be sure to agree on a price before hopping in the back of these red trucks, or you may be charged a different price than you had originally thought.

Shop at the Markets Instead of the Malls

Since the late 1990s, Chiang Mai began to boom tremendously in the number of luxury malls and hotels being built. With that being said, it is best to steer clear of these shiny venues and instead head to one of the many markets sprinkled around the city. Meander down the Sunday Walking Street and finger the Thai silk that lays lovingly on display. Admire the handmade wooden carvings that double as lights, with friendly vendors to boot at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Watch as locals examine and pry the freshest of produce at one of the wet markets around town. Feel free to purchase any one of the cheap items found at these markets or instead simply appreciate their aesthetic and “window shop,” per say. Either way, you will be saving money! Of all the things to do in Chiang Mai, visiting a market is a must, as well.

Know how to Barter

Knowing how to barter when shopping at markets will certainly help you get the item you want … and for less. We have included some phrases that will help you get the Thai souvenirs you want for the price you want. You’re welcome!

Skip the Rooftop Bars

We all love a good view with a cocktail in tow, but this is not necessarily the cheapest way in which to get your buzz on. Instead, skip sipping on that alcoholic beverage from several floors above the city and instead grab a few drinks at the local mom and pop shop or the nearest 7/11. Booze is cheap and in abundance, and you will be able to get your buzz on without spending too much baht, as well! 

More Information About Things to do in Chiang Mai on a Budget

Did you love this article on budget-traveling through Chiang Mai? Do you want even more information on how to save some baht while traveling this Lanna-style city? Then be sure to check out these awesome articles that we have rounded up, just for you! Now get to planning (and saving), and we’ll see you in Chiang Mai!

• Budget Guide to Chiang Mai Thailand – What To See and Do! for Travelling King
• A Guide to Visiting in Chiang Mai on a Budget for Chiang Mai Best
• How much does it cost to travel to Chiang Mai? for Budget Your Trip

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About the Author

Mad Monkey is Southeast Asia’s leading hostel operator — born in Cambodia with more properties in Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Laos, and the Philippines. We pride ourselves in creating meaningful and sustainable travel experiences for our guests, whilst promoting socially responsible tourism.

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Detailed Chiang Mai Itinerary for 3, 4 or 5 days [2024]

If you’re wondering how to plan the best Chiang Mai itinerary, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about planning your trip to Chiang Mai from how to get there, the best places to stay, attractions to visit, and more.

Now this isn’t a conventional Chiang Mai itinerary where I only recommend the most popular attractions.

While they are popular for a reason, I strongly believe that the best way to experience a destination is to take some time to venture off the beaten path.

So keep reading to find out how to plan the best Chiang Mai itinerary for 3, 4, or 5 days, including some day trip suggestions.

*** This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support :)

Read more about Chiang Mai:

• Most beautiful waterfalls in Chiang Mai
• 8 Chiang Mai night markets worth visiting
• 5 Best easy hikes in Chiang Mai
• Should you visit Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai?

Table of Contents

How many days is enough in Chiang Mai?

In my opinion, 3 days in Chiang Mai is the absolute minimum if you want to hit all the major tourist attractions.

But if you can afford to spend more time in Chiang Mai, I would recommend staying 4 days in Chiang Mai or 5 days if you want to do a few day trips.

Below is a suggested Chiang Mai itinerary for up to 5 days:

Day 1 : Temple hopping around Old Town & Chiang Mai Night Market

Day 2 : Doi Inthanon National Park

Day 3 : Doi Suthep Temple & Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall

Day 4 : Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat, Montha Than Waterfall, Huai Kaeo Waterfall & Chiang Mai University Night Market or Nimman

Day 5 : Option 1 – Chiang Rai day trip; Option 2 – Thai cooking class & Wat Phra That Doi Saket; Option 3 – Mon Jam; Option 4 – Lampang day trip

Chiang Mai Itinerary Essentials

Where to stay in chiang mai.

If it’s your first visit to Chiang Mai, I highly recommend booking your hotel in the Old Town as most attractions, restaurants, and night markets are within walking distance.

Below are some of the best places to stay:

Luxury : 99 The Heritage Hotel is one of the best places to stay during your Chiang Mai itinerary. Rooms are luxurious, the location is great – right in the middle of the Old Town, plus it has a swimming pool. Check rates here.

Mid-Range : El Barrio Lanna is a great place to stay for those looking for some peace and quiet while still being close to attractions, restaurants, and cafes. Rooms are spacious and have either a twin or double bed. There’s also an outdoor pool. Check rates here.

Budget : Located less than 200 meters from Wat Phra Singh with plenty of restaurants nearby, Sleep Walker Poshtel offers double and family rooms at affordable prices. Check rates here.

Hostel : OYO Le Light House & Hostel is located near the south gate and just a few minutes walk from Chiang Mai Gate Market and Saturday Night Market. The hostel is clean and each bed has a curtain for privacy. They have both mixed and female-only dorms. Check rates here.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN CHIANG MAI

How to get to Chiang Mai?

Plane : The best and quickest way to get to Chiang Mai is by plane. Direct flights are available from several parts of Thailand such as Bangkok and Krabi as well as from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Train : Another popular way to get to Chiang Mai is by taking a sleeper train from Bangkok . The total journey takes on average 10-13 hours and tickets cost about 700-1400 baht depending on the cabin class, time of the day, and whether you choose the lower or upper bed.

Bus : Buses are also available and cost about 650 baht. The total journey takes on average 9 hours.

BOOK YOUR TRANSFER FROM BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI HERE

Getting around Chiang Mai

Walking : If you’re staying in the Old Town, you can easily get around on foot.

Songthaew (Red bus) or Tuk Tuk : For longer distances, you can take a songthaew for about 30 baht per trip depending on the distance covered and your negotiation skills. Tuk tuks are also available but cost slightly more.

Rental car or motorbike : If you want more flexibility, you can rent a car (about 1,000 baht per day) or motorbike (about 250 baht day).

Taxi : The last option is to download a ride-sharing app such as Grab, Bolt, or inDrive. I personally found Bolt to be the cheapest one out of the three.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to plan your Chiang Mai itinerary is from November to February when the weather is cool.

The rainy season happens between June and October while March to May is known as the hot season which sometimes coincides with the burning season.

Note that the burning season may sometimes start in late January or February. If you want to check the current air quality, I recommend using this website .

I personally visited Chiang Mai in May and June and the weather was quite hot (about 35°C) but luckily the burning season was already over. It also rained only once in the evening during the whole 10 days I was there so I was able to do a lot of sightseeing.

Chiang Mai Itinerary Day 1

Temple hopping around old town.

Familiarize yourself with the city by spending your first day exploring the Old Town where you’ll come across some of the best Chiang Mai temples.

The temples are located within walking distance of each other, so you can easily do a self-guided walking tour.

You can click here for an interactive map featuring the best temples to visit. The total walking time should be around an hour.

But if you’d like to learn more about the history of each temple, I recommend this Chiang Mai temple tour with a local guide which includes visits to 3 major temples in the Old Town.

The tour also includes hotel transfers, transportation between each temple, entry fees, water, and a guide. It’s available as a private or small group tour.

CHECK PRICE FOR A CHIANG MAI TEMPLE TOUR

Below are some of the best temples to visit in the Old Town:

Wat Lok Moli : A small teakwood temple adorned with intricate carvings. Behind is a chedi ruin reminiscent of the temples in Ayutthaya .

Wat Chiang Man: About a 15-minute walk from Wat Lok Moli is Wat Chiang Mai, famous for its elephant chedi.

Wat Phantao : This is another teakwood temple located right in the middle of the Old Town.

Wat Chedi Luang: This is a must-visit on any Chiang Mai itinerary! It features a huge chedi with elephant statues on each side. The entrance fee is 50 baht.

Wat Tung Yu: This hidden gem in Chiang Mai is worth visiting if you’re looking for some peace and quiet within the Old Town. They offer free meditation classes every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9 a.m.

Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan: This is the second most popular temple in the Old Town (after Wat Chedi Luang), famous for its gold-plated chedi. Entrance is free but the main hall costs 40 baht to enter.

Silver Temple (Wat Sri Suphan): One of the most unique temples in all of Thailand, the exterior of the Wat Sri Suphan is adorned with intricate silver carvings illustrating the life of Buddha. The entrance fee is 50 baht.

Note : When visiting temples, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees.

Explore the Chiang Mai Night Markets

After a full day of temple hopping, end the first day of your Chiang Mai itinerary at one of the many night markets dotted around the city.

One of the biggest night markets in Chiang Mai is the Sunday Night Market, also known as Tha Phae Walking Street.

The night market is set along the whole length of Rachadamnoen Road, occasionally spilling onto the little side streets.

Here you’ll find hundreds of stalls selling food, clothes, souvenirs, and local handicrafts at affordable prices.

The atmosphere is lively and fun albeit a little overwhelming. Despite that, it was the highlight of my Chiang Mai travel itinerary and I really enjoyed walking around and soaking in the vibes.

The Saturday Night Market is also very popular and is set along Wua Lai Road opposite the South Gate.

In case you don’t happen to visit Chiang Mai on a weekend, don’t worry as there are plenty of other markets to explore.

A few of them include Chiang Mai Gate Night Market , Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Klare Night Market , Pavilion Night Bazaar , Anusarn Market , and Chang Phuak Gate Night Market , all of which are open daily.

Related post: 8 Best night markets to visit in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Itinerary Day 2

Doi inthanon national park.

One of the most beautiful places to visit during your Chiang Mai itinerary is Doi Inthanon National Park. It’s home to the highest mountain in Thailand and features lush forest trails, waterfalls, temples, viewpoints, and hill tribe villages.

Due to the high elevation, it’s one of the coldest regions in Thailand, so pack some warm clothes even if you’re visiting during the hot season.

It’s best to visit as part of an organized tour or by private taxi as it’s located about a 1.5-hour drive from Chiang Mai.

Although you can catch a public songthaew to the park entrance, you would still need a vehicle to get around each attraction as they aren’t within walking distance. This is why it’s best to book a guided tour.

CHECK PRICE FOR A TOUR OF DOI INTHANON

The most popular place to visit in Doi Inthanon is the King and Queen Pagoda which are set in the middle of a beautiful garden overlooking the mountains.

Other attractions include Sirithan Waterfall , Wachirathan Waterfall , and the highest spot in Thailand where you’ll also see the memorial shrine of King Inthawichayanon.

If you’d like to go on a hike, several hiking trails can be explored such as Pha Dok Siew and Kew Mae Pan . Note that the latter is closed from June 1 st to October 31 st .

For those who aren’t very fit, you can instead visit the Angkha Nature Trail which is a 320-meter-long boardwalk trail that weaves around the forest.

Entrance to the national park is 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children.

3 Day Chiang Mai Itinerary

If you have 3 days in Chiang Mai, I recommend visiting Doi Suthep Temple and the Sticky Waterfall on your third day.

I visited as part of a guided tour which included both attractions since the Sticky Waterfall is located about an hour’s drive from the Old Town and taking a private taxi there would be too expensive (unless you’re sharing with a group of people).

I really enjoyed the tour as the guide was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of info about the temple and waterfall. The tour price included hotel transfers, entrance fees, lunch, water, and a local guide.

CHECK PRICE FOR A DOI SUTHEP AND STICKY WATERFALL TOUR

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

No Chiang Mai itinerary would be complete without visiting the famous Doi Suthep temple ! Sitting atop Doi Suthep mountain, the temple offers a panoramic view of Chiang Mai.

The temple complex consists of several buildings with a glistening gold chedi in the middle.

You can climb up the 300+ steps flanked by Naga serpents or take a funicular to get to the temple.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is open from 6 a.m to 8 p.m and since it’s very popular, I highly recommend visiting early in the morning. Sunset is one of the best times to visit but do expect some crowds.

To get there, you can take a songthaew from the Old Town which should cost around 50-80 baht per person. Otherwise, you can book the guided tour I mentioned earlier .

Entrance to the temple costs 30 baht.

Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall

If you’ve booked the combined Doi Suthep Temple and Sticky Waterfall tour , your guide will take you to a local restaurant for lunch on the way to the waterfall.

Bua Tong Waterfall, commonly known as Sticky Waterfall is one of the best waterfalls in Chiang Mai . I had so much fun there and highly recommend you visit as well.

The sticky surface of the rocks makes it easy to climb up and down the waterfalls, plus there are ropes and handrails if you need extra help. Just make sure to avoid stepping on the green algae though as they are slippery.

Also near the waterfall is a sacred spring with crystal-clear blue water but note that swimming isn’t allowed there.

Bua Tong Waterfall is open daily from 8 a.m to 5 p.m and is free to visit.

Related post: Guide to the best waterfalls in Chiang Mai

4 Day Chiang Mai Itinerary

For those planning to stay 4 days in Chiang Mai, I recommend exploring some of Chiang Mai hidden gems.

Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat

Start the day with a morning hike along the Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat , a small Buddhist temple set in the middle of the forest.

To find the trailhead, type in “Wat Pha Lat Hike (Monk’s trail)” on Google Maps or click here .

The hike takes only about 25-45 minutes depending on your fitness level. The trail is easy to follow but you can also download the maps.me app to see the exact hiking route.

Just remember that you need to cover your shoulders and knees when entering the temple grounds.

The temple is very peaceful and quiet and also provides a panoramic view of Chiang Mai city.

If you don’t want to do the hike, you can take a Grab or songthaew and ask to be dropped off directly at Wat Pha Lat.

Wat Pha Lat is open daily from 6 a.m to 6 p.m and entrance is free.

Related post: Guide to hiking in Chiang Mai

Montha Than Waterfall

About a 10-minute drive from Wat Pha Lat is Montha Than Waterfall . I recommend taking a Grab to get there as it’s much cheaper than taking a songthaew. You can hike the whole 1.6-km nature trail or simply visit the two waterfalls.

The first waterfall is located just a few meters from the parking lot while the second one is found at the end of a long flight of stairs.

Luckily, the stairs aren’t very steep so it takes only about 5-10 minutes to get there.

The waterfall is open daily from 9 a.m to 4 p.m and the entrance fee is 100 baht plus 20 baht for motorbike parking or 30 baht for car.

Huai Kaeo Waterfall

Next, make your way to Huai Kaeo Waterfall . There are a few restaurants near the entrance if you’re looking for somewhere to have lunch.

Huai Kaeo Waterfall doesn’t require any hiking at all and is a great place to visit for adults and kids alike. If you’d like, you can even hike up to the viewpoint for a panoramic view of the city.

The waterfall is open daily from 8 a.m to 4.30 pm and is free to visit.

Chiang Mai University Night Market

Finally, head to Chiang Mai University Night Market for dinner since it’s located nearby. You can find lots of cheap clothes here as well as delicious street food and souvenirs.

The market is open daily from 5-11 p.m but some of the stalls open as early as 4 p.m.

If you have more time, you can also check out Nimman. This neighborhood is very popular among expats and is dotted with trendy coffee shops.

One coffee shop I recommend in particular is Fohhide which has a nice view of Doi Suthep and the surroundings. Their menu consists of the usual coffee blends and but they also serve their signature coffee and fruit cocktails!

Nimman is also home to two shopping malls – One Nimman and MAYA. If you’re there on the weekend, you can also shop at the White Market which sells cute handmade clothes and accessories.

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat dinner, you can check out Rincome Night Market which opens daily from 5-10 p.m.

5 Day Chiang Mai Itinerary

Finally, if you have 5 days in Chiang Mai, I’ve listed a few other activities and day trips that you can take from Chiang Mai.

Option 1: Chiang Rai Day Trip

Chiang Rai is a smaller and more laidback city located about 180 km north of Chiang Mai.

Chiang Rai is best known for its eccentric White Temple but there are also other temples in Chiang Rai that are worth visiting like the Blue Temple and Wat Huay Pla Kang as well as the underrated Khun Korn Waterfall , and Chiang Rai Night Bazaar .

If you have more time you can even visit Chiang Saen where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet.

While I highly recommend spending at least 2 days in Chiang Rai , those short of time can visit Chiang Rai as a day trip from Chiang Mai.

One particular day tour I recommend is this Chiang Rai temple tour which includes visits to Mae Khachan Hot Spring, White Temple, Blue Temple, and the Black House Museum. The tour is affordable and includes hotel transfers to and from Chiang Mai, entry fees, and a guide.

CHECK PRICE FOR A CHIANG RAI DAY TOUR

Related post: Top things to do in Chiang Rai in 1 or 2 days

Option 2: Thai Cooking Class & Wat Phra That Doi Saket

Another fun activity to do during your Chiang Mai itinerary is to take a cooking class to learn how to make your favorite Thai dishes.

This authentic Thai cooking class has over 500 near-perfect reviews and includes a local market visit where you’ll be able to buy fresh ingredients.

You’ll then head to the cooking school where you’ll learn how to cook four dishes of your choice from Pad Thai to Tom Yum, Mango Sticky Rice, and more

At the end of the lesson, you’ll be able to eat everything you cooked, plus you’ll get a recipe book so you can make the dishes at home.

Classes are conducted in the morning or evening but if you’d like to make more dishes, you can opt for a full-day class.

CHECK PRICE FOR A THAI COOKING CLASS

If you’ve booked a cooking class in the morning, you can then spend the afternoon at Wat Phra That Doi Saket .

This beautiful temple is located about a 30-minute drive from the Old Town and boasts stunning mountain views.

You can easily get there by taking a yellow songthaew from a small station opposite Chansom Memorial Bridge ( click here for the location ). Tickets cost about 25 baht per person.

Just note that the songthaew will only depart once it’s full. The driver will then drop you off about 50 meters from the temple entrance.

To get to the temple, you’ll have to climb up a long flight of stairs but if you don’t want to walk, you can hire a songthaew for a small fee.

Wat Pha Thai Doi Saket is one of the most beautiful temples I’ve seen with several ornate buildings, Buddha statues, and a gold and silver chedi.

If you’re fit enough, you can also climb up another flight of stairs for a panoramic view of the surroundings ( find the exact location of the viewpoint here ).

Option 3: Mon Jam

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai city, I highly recommend taking a trip to Mon Jam, a small mountain village with stunning panoramic views.

I actually spent one night there and stayed at Mon Ing Dao Resort . I would recommend avoiding the weekends though as it’s super popular among locals and can thus be crowded and loud at night.

There isn’t much to do in Mon Jam apart from relaxing and taking in the view but if you’re renting a car , you can also visit Mae Sa Waterfall , Plai Fa Strawberry Farm , or take a rollercoaster ride at Pong Yaeng Jungle Coaster & Zipline .

If you’re on a budget, the best way to get to Mon Jam is by taking a shared taxi. I booked mine from Van Station Sankamphaeng Maekampong (about a 15-minute walk from Tha Phae gate) for 150 baht one-way.

I highly recommend booking your taxi at least a few days in advance as seats are limited.

Option 4: Lampang Day Trip

Another fun day trip for those spending 5 days in Chiang Mai is Lampang, located about a 3-hour train ride away.

Trains depart daily from Chiang Mai at 6.30 a.m, 8.50 a.m, 9.30 a.m, and 3.30 p.m (be sure to double-check the timetable at the train station).

Tickets can only be bought on the same day and cost 23 baht for 3 rd class or 50 baht for 2 nd class.

Some of the best things to see in Lampang include Wat Chiang Rai , Wat Si Rongmuang, the Clock Tower, and Wat Kaew Don Tao Suchadaram.

You can also check out Kad Kongta Night Market which is open on Sundays only from 4-9 p.m.  

I hope you found this detailed Chiang Mai itinerary helpful and got some ideas on places to visit during your next trip. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

Read more about Thailand:

• Northern Thailand itinerary for up to 2 weeks
• Best things to do in Chiang Rai in 1 or 2 days
• Guide to the best Chiang Rai temples
• What to do with 4 days in Bangkok?
• The ultimate Kanchanaburi itinerary

Steph is an outdoor enthusiast who’s always down for adventure. When she's not traveling abroad, you’ll either find her exploring her own backyard or researching her next trip. She writes adventure travel guides featuring waterfalls, mountains, and beaches and shares her tips on how to travel on a budget without compromising on comfort and experience.

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• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Chiang Mai Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Chiang Mai?

How much does a weekend trip to chiang mai cost.

• How much does a five-day trip to Chiang Mai cost?
• How much does a one-week trip to Chiang Mai cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Chiang Mai

A trip to Chiang Mai for one person usually costs between $16 and $135 per day and $32 to $269 for two people. This is a wide range of costs, and the daily average per person from our data is $45 (฿1,640) per person. This average includes food, accommodation, sightseeing, and local transportation expenses contributed from other travelers. Prices can vary based on travel style and activities. While the overall price for a trip to Chiang Mai is dependent on your personal travel style and the specific places you visit, if you book standard accommodation and travel with an average level of convenience, then your budget should be somewhere close to this average cost. Later in this article, you can find a breakdown of travel expenses by category, plus a general price range of accommodation and activity costs for your visit. Also, the prices for individual attractions and hotels may vary, but generally fall somewhat close to the price ranges described in this article.

For budget travelers in Chiang Mai, planning for around $16 (฿594) per day should cover essentials such as accommodations in hostels and budget hotels, affordable meal options, local transportation, and engaging in various activities. If you're a mid-range traveler, setting aside around $45 (฿1,640) per day would allow for more comfortable stays in typical hotels, dining at regular restaurants, and exploring a diverse range of popular attractions. Luxury travelers, on the other hand, should consider a daily budget of approximately $135 (฿4,936) to accommodate higher-end hotel stays, dining at nicer restaurants, and indulging in more exclusive private tour options. It's important to note that these price ranges are derived from our extensive travel cost data for Chiang Mai, which is based on valuable insights from other travelers as well as hotel and tour data provided by travel companies. For a more detailed breakdown of travel costs, you can refer to our comprehensive travel cost data for Chiang Mai .

On average, travelers spend around $134 per person during a three-day trip to Chiang Mai. This average includes expenses for sightseeing, hotels, food, and local transportation. To align with this average price range, consider opting for mid-range hotels and dining at mid-level restaurants, while also allocating funds for entry tickets to popular attractions. For those seeking a more budget-friendly approach, it is possible to find lower-cost accommodations, dine at less expensive restaurants, and explore free activities. Also, many visitors choose to spend a higher travel budget, as Chiang Mai offers a range of high-end hotels and restaurants for those seeking a more luxurious experience.

How much does a five day trip to Chiang Mai cost?

With five days in Chiang Mai, you can expect to spend about $224 total, not including transportation to and from the city. It's possible to stay close to this daily average by booking mid-range hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some entry tickets to popular attractions. It's possible to find lower-cost accommodations, eat at less expenive restaurants, and find more free activities if you want to spent less money.

How much does a one week trip to Chiang Mai cost?

Most visitors spend between $113 and $942 for a one week trip to Chiang Mai, with the average being $313 . This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to have a more in-depth experience in Chiang Mai. Also, one week allows you to be more flexible with your time and money, so you can potentially save money on some aspects of your trip while spending more on others.

Hostel Prices in Chiang Mai

With more than 130 hostels in Chiang Mai, the average price is $9 per night for a dorm bed. The cheapest hostel costs $1 and the most expensive is $21. Usually popular with younger travelers, hostels are a great way to save money while also being social. But not all hostels are the same, and we've analyzed the prices of both dorms and private rooms to find the average prices and best places to stay. You can see more details about the hostel prices in Chiang Mai here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Chiang Mai.

• $9 for a dorm bed at Stamps Backpackers in Chiang Mai more details
• $12 for a dorm bed at Hostel Lullaby (Non-Smoking) in Chiang Mai more details
• $3 for a dorm bed at Chiangmai Gate Capsule Hostel in Chiang Mai more details

Hotel Prices in Chiang Mai

Based on our calculations from available hotels in the Chiang Mai, the average price for a hotel room is $22 per night. To save money, or if you're planning a more luxurious trip, it's important to look at hotel prices based on the overall star-rating as well as guest reviews. Also, prices can vary by amenities and location. Check out more details from our analysis of hotel prices in Chiang Mai here , and below is a breakdown of hotel prices by star-rating.

Shewe Wana Boutique Resort & Spa

99 the heritage hotel.

Should you do a tour in Chiang Mai?

Many visitors enjoy the convenience of booking tours and activities while they visit, and Chiang Mai has a wide array of things to do. These activities often include knowledgable guides and unique experiences. Tours range in price from $21 for the Inherited Craftsmanship to $525 for the Hot-Air Ballooning and Chiang Mai’s Doi Suthep .

• Sticky Waterfalls Tour Chiang Mai Thailand With Annie Viator $ 48
• Sticky Waterfalls Tour Chiang Mai Thailand With Annie: $48
• 1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang: $135
• ️ Chiang Mai Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private and All-Inclusive): $121
• Chiang Mai Coffee Tour: Trekking to Farm, Roast and Brew Workshop: $110
• Zipline+Sticky waterfall+Long Neck Village Private Tour: $110
• The Best Full Day Tour: Doi Suthep, Wat Phalat, Sticky Waterfall: $44
• Full-Day Hike and Bike Tour from Chiang Mai: $79
• 1 Day Sukhothai Historical Park from Chiang Mai Private Tour: $163

More for Chiang Mai

If you're planning a trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Chiang Mai Travel Guide

Orientation, Eating, Attractions, Nightlife, and Markets

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Thailand's beloved northern capital of Chiang Mai attracts nearly 2 million foreign tourists a year -- double the entire metropolitan area population of just under one million people!

Even with horrendous traffic, the vibe and pace of life in Chiang Mai is far slower and more relaxed than that of Bangkok. The mountain setting can be felt even when you can't see the green surroundings.

Chiang Mai is widely considered a cultural hub; you'll encounter more beautiful temples than you have time to explore. A multitude of cooking, massage, and language schools are available. The large population of artists, writers, and creative types -- both Thai and foreign -- who have settled in Chiang Mai caused the city to be considered for UNESCO Creative City status. Read about getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai .

Orientation

While the city sprawls far beyond, most of the tourist action in Chiang Mai is centered around the 'old city' or within the city walls. Forming a perfect square, a moat surrounds the old city; Tapae Gate on the east side of the square could be considered the epicenter and focal point for tourism.

Tapae Road, the major artery into the city, runs east through the gate to the Ping River. Thanon Chang Khlan branches off of Tapae Road and is located about a 20-minute walk outside of the gate; there you will find Chiang Mai's touristy-yet-famous night market as well as many shops and restaurants.

The inner parts of the old city away from the moat roads are a confusing tangle of small sois (streets) and shortcut alleys that are sometimes home to pleasant cafes and out-of-the-way places.

Getting Around in Chiang Mai.

Anyone reasonably fit can get around Chiang Mai easily on foot, although the broken sidewalks can get busy with pedestrians, street carts, and random obstacles. Alternatively, you can jump inside one of the many circulating songthaews (truck taxis) or grab a tuk-tuk .

You can walk from Tapae Gate to the night market in around 20 minutes. Some temples and sites outside of the city will require transportation. If you're comfortable with driving in the traffic, renting a scooter is a cheap way to get around. Bicycles can be rented from many of the guesthouses.

• See more about getting around Chiang Mai.
• When you're ready to leave, learn about getting from Chiang Mai to Bangkok .

Chiang Mai Accommodation

From family-run guesthouses tucked away on quiet streets to high-rise hotels, accommodation in Chiang Mai varies widely in budget and quality. You will generally find many more inexpensive places to stay around Chiang Mai than in Bangkok or the islands in Thailand .

The Songkran water festival and the Loi Krathong festival both bring Chiang Mai to full capacity; finding a room in the old city can be nearly impossible if you do not book in advance!

Michael Rheault / Getty Images

Eating in Chiang Mai

With so many cooking schools, creative people, and Lanna/Burmese influences, it's no surprise that you'll find great food around Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai has an abundance of vegetarian eateries, organic juice shops, and lots of international food options.

Perhaps the cheapest and most enjoyable way to experience local food is to eat street food from the many markets and carts. Try the large market area and many carts located along the moat at Chiang Mai Gate in the southeast corner of the city. You'll also find street food all along Moon Muang -- the main road just inside Tapae Gate.

Markets in Chiang Mai

• The Night Bazaar: The night market is held each evening on Thanon Chang Khlan outside of the city moat, however, don't expect much more than high prices and pushy people on a very crowded sidewalk. The bazaar starts up around 5 p.m. and finishes at 11 p.m.
• Weekend Markets: The weekend markets in Chiang Mai are crowded, but just as many locals come out to socialize and to walk aimlessly while grazing on small treats and snacks. Even if buying souvenirs isn't your thing, you'll still find street performers, cheap food, and a lively atmosphere. The Saturday market is held on Thanon Wualai on the southern edge of the old city and runs south outside of the walls, while the Sunday market starts at Tapae Gate and runs into the old city. The Saturday market tends to be a little more local oriented as fewer tourists accidentally walk up onto the market.
• Warorot Market: Warorot Market is located outside of the old city near Thanon Chang Moi and Tapae Road, around a 20-minute walk outside of Tapae Gate. You'll find practically no tourists and much lower prices on local goods between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Negotiation is pertinent for not getting scammed at the markets! Read the ins and outs of markets in Asia and how to negotiate prices .

Chiang Mai Attractions

While you can spend days just exploring Chiang Mai temples for free , lots of activities can be booked for attractions outside of the city; the price always includes free transportation.

From the zoo and multiple theater/dinner shows to more extreme adventures such as the Gibbon Experience zipline or Jungle Bungy jump, you'll probably run out of time and money before you can see them all!

Trekking and visiting hilltribe villages are popular activities to do in Chiang Mai; various treks into the mountains can range from easy, one-night trips to longer adventures.

Chiang Mai Nightlife

Chiang Mai isn't exactly a 'party' city. While some clubs get special permission one way or another to stay open later, city ordinance states that bars shut down at 1 a.m. You cannot purchase alcohol from minimarts after midnight, and the sitting areas around the moat as well as the large square at Tapae Gate have been declared 'no alcohol zones' with heavy fines.

• See more about what to expect from Chiang Mai nightlife .

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How to Travel to Chiang Mai on a Budget

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May 19, 2023

Planning a trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand, can be an exciting adventure that doesn’t have to break the bank. With a bit of research, some creative thinking, and practical budgeting, you can easily enjoy the city’s cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant nightlife on a shoestring budget. Here’s a detailed 2,000-word guide to help you travel to Chiang Mai on a budget.

• Plan your trip during the off-peak season

The cost of your travel will significantly be determined by the time you choose to visit. The peak season in Chiang Mai typically spans from November to February when the weather is cooler. Traveling during this time will mean higher prices for flights and accommodations. Consider planning your trip during the shoulder or off-peak seasons, such as between March and June, or from July to October. The city is less crowded during these periods, and you can find great deals on flights and accommodations.

• Look for budget-friendly flights

To cut down on travel costs, it’s recommended to book your flights several weeks in advance. Websites like Skyscanner or Kayak can be useful for comparing prices from different airlines and booking the most affordable option. Also, consider flying on weekdays or during the night, when the flights are usually cheaper.

• Choose budget-friendly accommodation

Chiang Mai offers a range of accommodations to suit any budget. From affordable guest houses to inexpensive hostels, there’s something for everyone. The Old City area, in particular, has plenty of budget options, and staying here also puts you within walking distance of several tourist attractions, saving on transport costs. Be sure to check online booking sites such as Booking.com, Airbnb, or Hostelworld to compare prices and secure the best deals.

• Eat like a local

Eating out in Chiang Mai can be both a cultural experience and a budget-friendly choice if you know where to look. Street food in Chiang Mai is famous for its taste, variety, and low price. For a few dollars, you can enjoy a hearty meal of Pad Thai, Khao Soi, or Som Tam from the street vendors. Additionally, the city’s local markets, such as the Warorot Market, offer a range of fresh produce, snacks, and prepared meals at a fraction of the price you’d pay at a restaurant.

• Use local transport

Transportation in Chiang Mai is reasonably affordable. The city’s red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) are a popular and cheap way to get around. Negotiate the price before you get in, and you can travel to most places within the city for less than 50 Baht ($1.50). Tuk-tuks are also prevalent, although they tend to be a bit more expensive than songthaews. Avoid taxis as they are the most expensive option.

• Explore free or low-cost attractions

Chiang Mai is home to many attractions that are free or have a minimal entrance fee. Most of the city’s famous temples, such as Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Suan Dok, have free entry or charge a small fee. Walking around the Old City, visiting local markets, or hiking up to the scenic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep are other budget-friendly activities to consider.

• Opt for budget tours or self-guided exploration

While organized tours can be a convenient way to see Chiang Mai’s attractions, they can also be quite costly. Instead, consider joining budget tours or exploring the city on your own. Renting a bicycle or a motorbike is a fun and inexpensive way to get around, and it gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

.8. Shop at local markets

The local markets in Chiang Mai are a haven for budget travelers. From fresh food and drinks to clothing, accessories, and souvenirs, you can find almost everything here at very affordable prices. Night Bazaar, Sunday Market, and Warorot Market are some of the most popular ones. Don’t forget to haggle politely; it’s part of the shopping culture in Thailand!

• Attend free community events

Chiang Mai has a bustling community that frequently organizes free or inexpensive events. You might find free yoga classes, meditation sessions, cultural festivals, art shows, or live music performances happening around the city, particularly in the Old City area. Look out for flyers in cafes, check local listings online, or ask around to find out about these events.

• Plan ahead for activities and attractions

Some attractions in Chiang Mai may require an entrance fee. However, you can save money by researching and planning ahead. For instance, consider purchasing a multi-attraction pass if you plan to visit several sites. Also, be on the lookout for discounts or special promotions online.

• Take advantage of the natural surroundings

One of the best things about Chiang Mai is its proximity to stunning natural landscapes. Spend a day hiking in the nearby national parks like Doi Inthanon or Doi Suthep-Pui, where entrance fees are minimal. You can also visit the Elephant Nature Park, where you can volunteer to help with the elephants – a much more ethical and affordable option compared to the expensive elephant riding camps.

• Travel insurance

While this might seem like an extra cost, it’s crucial not to skimp on travel insurance. Medical costs can be very high in Thailand for foreigners, and it’s wise to have coverage in case of accidents or illness. Shop around online to find the best deal on travel insurance.

• Use local SIM card

Instead of using your home mobile network which can be expensive, consider buying a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport. It’s relatively cheap and provides you with data to use maps, translate apps, and other helpful tools on the go.

Remember, the key to traveling to Chiang Mai on a budget lies in planning ahead, making smart choices, and embracing the local way of life. You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the rich culture, beautiful temples, and warm hospitality that this city has to offer. Happy travels!

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How To Travel Around Chiang Mai, Thailand, for $47 a Day

F or anyone who has traveled abroad recently, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that traveling outside the country can sometimes be cheaper than traveling within the States. One of the places that’s true is in Thailand. Currently, $1 is worth roughly 35 Thai baht. Back here in the States, that wouldn’t even get me a pack of gum, but in Chiang Mai, that can get you a motorcycle taxi ride. If you’re traveling to Chiang Mai, Thailand, here is what you could spend a day in Chiang Mai.

Here’s what it costs to spend a day exploring Chiang Mai.

For a private taxi from the airport to the hotel (rideshare services like Uber and Lyft aren’t as widely used), costs about 150 baht (about $4). You don’t have to stay in a hostel to stay on a budget. For example, the three-star Moondragon Hotel costs 750 baht per night (about $20).

Food is another area where budget wins out. And budget doesn’t have to mean typical fast food that is considered cheap in the States. Market stalls and food cooked right in front of you is often even cheaper. Depending on the market that you go to, there are many options to choose from like noodles, dumplings, and other street food snacks sold for around 145 baht (about $4). You won’t be gouged for drinks here, either, with fresh coconut water and other beverages sold for a couple dollars at most as well.

After a long day of traveling, there’s nothing like a relaxing massage. For 300 baht per hour (about $8), you can get a traditional Thai massage. After a day of being out in Chiang Mai, a 10-minute motorcycle taxi to the night market for dinner can cost as little as 46 baht (about $1). Night markets are places where you can gorge on delicious Thai meals for 185 baht (about $5) and end your night out with another motorcycle taxi back to your hotel.

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CHIANG MAI TRAVEL GUIDE: Tourist Spots, Itinerary & Budget

• Post author: escapemanila
• Post comments: 1 Comment
• Post last modified: June 12, 2023

Our comprehensive Chiang Mai travel guide featuring the city’s top tourist spots, must-try restaurants, recommended hotels, plus itinerary.

Once the capital city of the kingdom that was known as Lan Na (or Lanna), Chiang Chai makes for a beautiful remembrance of its past that endures even to this day. When visualized from its “Old City” exterior, Lan Na is best described as a place of many temples that are a landmark in the area.

VISA REQUIREMENTS TO CHIANG MAI, THAILAND

Philippine passport holders do not require a visa to enter Thailand for up to 30 days as part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). [Read: Visa-Free Countries for Filipinos ]

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai is an all-year-round destination but the ideal time to visit Chiang Mai is between the months of October to April. During this period, the weather is mostly cool and dry particulary between November to February, April is when you experience the Thai New Year.

HOW TO GET TO CHIANG MAI FROM THE PHILIPPINES

There are no direct flights from the Philippines to Chiang Mai, Thailand so your best option is to fly from Manila or Cebu to Chiang Mai via Bangkok, Thailand or Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

HOW TO GET TO YOUR HOTEL IN CHIANG MAI FROM THE AIRPORT

There are a lot of ways to get out of Chiang Mai Airport to the city proper. The most convenient way is to take a taxi. The taxi booths are located inside the arrival hall so you can book easily. You can choose to pay a fixed amount or take a meter. We recommend taking the former.

If you prefer a private car, you can book it for less than Php500 via Klook which you can book online .

Aside from taxis, there are also share transporatation you can opt to take. There are share taxis (Songthaew), tuktuk, and vans just outside the airport. These are good options if you are traveling on a budget.

HOW TO GET AROUND CHIANG MAI

The most convenient way to get around Chiang Mai is by taking an Uber. It’s quite cheap and safe. In order to use Uber anywhere you are in Chiang Mai, we highly recommend you get a local sim which you can order in advance and pick it up from Chiang Mai Airport. You can order via Klook . Mobile internet in Chiang Mai is fast and reliable.

HOTELS IN CHIANG MAI: WHERE TO STAY IN CHIANG MAI

Budget hotels and backpacking hostels in chiang mai.

Fun Wahn Hostel Location: 213 Prapokklao Rd., Old City, Chiang Mai, Thailand. I have tried here and it’s clean and very cheap. The rates start at Php350 / USD6.6 for a bunk bed in a dorm room. Check availability and book .

Hostel by Bed Location: 54/2 54/4 Singharat Road, Old City, Chiang Mai, Thailand Room rates start at Php550 / USD10.5 for a bed in a dorm room. Check availability and book .

Mid-range hotels in Chiang Mai

Duangtawan Hotel Location: Night Bazaar Area, 132 Loy Kroh Road, Chang-klan, Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai, Thailand Room rates per night start at Php2,500 / USD45 for a superior room. Check availability and book .

Luxury Hotels in Chiang Mai

The Dhara Dhevi Hotel Chiang Mai Location: 51/4 Chiang Mai – Sankampaeng Road Moo 1, Amphur Muang, Tha Sala, Chiang Mai, Thailand Room rates start at Php20,000 / USD380 a night. Check availability and book .

TOP TOURIST SPOTS IN CHIANG MAI

Doi inthanon national park.

Home to the highest elevation in all of Thailand whose ranges transcends neighboring countries, the Doi Inthanon National Park is a carefully preserved area around Chiang Mai for its diverse animal and plant life. The national park is also known for the three waterfalls that are inevitably its major hallmark as a tourist destination.

How to get to Doi Inthanon National Park from Chiang Mai

The most convenient way to go to Doi Inthanon National Park from Chiang Mai is by booking a tour. The tour costs around Php1,800 which you can book in advance via Klook .

If you are on a budget and prefer to travel by public transport, you can take a bus to Doi Inthanon junction and take a songthaew to the park. I’ve personally tried this and it’s complicated than I thought. I was lucky I was with my Thai friend.

There is a misconception when people refer to “Doi Suthep.” For the locals of Chiang Mai, it may refer to a place that is popular in the area. But for people outside of Chiang Mai—possibly, foreigners—Doi Suthep may suggest a sacred temple: it is not, until you refer to it with its full name, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Nonetheless, this temple within Doi Suthep is indeed worthy of getting renowned for its amazing architecture which imbues golden coloration from the exterior.

How to get to Doi Suthep

One of the most popular ways to get to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is by taking a red songthaew (more like a jeep). The thing is, you have to go to Huay Kaew Road, near the zoo to take it. If you are traveling with a group, you can charter a songthaew from where you are in Chiang Mai and pay between 300-500 Baht. You may also book a tour via Klook .

Elephant Nature Park

The elephant is a significant part of the Thai culture. Yet, for a life that is open for exploit and possible extinction, the elephant is a treasured animal, particularly around Chiang Mai. As a means to preserve the creature that is somewhat symbolic of the Thai culture, the Elephant Nature Park makes for a secured home to this precious animal. In here, elephants flourish as they live in a natural habitat, free from captivity. You can book a hassle-free tour here .

Wat Chiang Man

Not all temples around Chiang Mai towers. Some are actually quite small, but are not any less ornate which makes them rather special, such as Wat Chiang Man. More than its looks, the Wat Chiang Man is valued within Chiang Mai for its pivotal role in the development of the city.

Bua Thong Waterfalls (Nam Phu Chet Si)

While climbing the so-called “sticky waterfalls” of Bua Thong may seem to be an exciting experience to do with a waterfall, the real marvel of the overall experience is the small shrine and spring that lies hidden in the jungle. Yet, for something considered as “sacred” by the locals, swimming in the spring is extremely forbidden.

Wat Chedi Luang

Originally making up three unique temples around the same area, only the Wat Chedi Luang remains standing to this day. The development of the Wat Chedi Luang had been a very long process which ended up being reconstructed in the ‘90s.

Royal Park Rajapruek

Combining the majestic element of commemorating a significant royal event—60 years of rise to power of the longest-reigning Thai king and 80th birthday celebration— as well as a showcase of a wide variety of flowers and plants, the Royal Park Rajapruek makes for a very interesting look into a peculiar Thai culture not usually seen elsewhere.

MUST-TRY RESTAURANTS IN CHIANG MAI

There are plenty of interesting restaurants in Chiang Mai but these are our favorites.

Kinlum Kindee

If you want to have a taste of the authentic Northern Thailand cuisine, head over to Kinlum Kindee (pronounced as Ghin Lum Ghin Dee) a popular restaurant in Chiang Mai serving one of the best Lanna food in town.

Must try: Northern Thai Spicy Sausage made from pork and chicken with herbs (Baht60-150); Puu-Ong or grilled local crab paste (Baht60); Spicy chicken turmeric soup with herbs (Baht80); and Northern Thai style stir-fried minced pork with herbs and fresh vegetables on the side.

Address: 9 Soi 11 Nimmanhaemin Rd. Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand. Opens daily from 11am to 8pm . Telephone no.: +66 85 867 8993

Anchan Noodle Restaurant

Located at Nimmanhemin Soi 7 Road, Suthep Mueang, Chiang Mai, Anchan Noodle Restaurant is one of the most popular vegetarian restaurants in Chiang Mai. They serve interesting and colorful dishes that will surely entice you to eat more.

Must-try: Anchan Noodle, Anchan rice, and Anchan drink. Kinda difficult to eat here if you do not have a local companion who speaks Thai. Forgot how much was it but it’s pretty much affordable.

Address: Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand. Opens daily from 8am to 4pm . Phone: +66 84 949 2828

CHIANG MAI ITINERARY & BUDGET

Day 1 Chiang Mai Travel Guide Itinerary – Explore the Old City Visit the temples in the old city: Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Sri Suphan, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Suan Dok Lunch at Kinlum Kindee Dinner at Suki Koka Sukiyaki

Day 2 Chiang Mai Travel Guide Itinerary – Doi Inthanon Early morning trip to Doi Inthanon National Park Lunch at Doi Inthanon Dinner at a local babrbecue shop

Day 3 Chiang Mai Travel Guide Itinerary – Food trip Brunch at Khao Soi Khun Yai Late lunch at Anchan Noodle Restaurant Coffee at A Day in Chiang Mai Cafe Dinner at Guu Fusion Roti & Tea

Day 4 – Off to Bangkok

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The complete guide for solo travel in Chiang Mai

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This complete guide for solo travel in Chiang Mai will be your perfect resource to prepare for the best trip of your life. Chiang Mai stole my heart a few years ago. What’s not to love about Chiang Mai? From Bangkok, I immediately flew into Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai was precisely the place I needed to be. Having been in Chiang Mai twice for two weeks, I know my way around.

Highlights of this post!

– If you can’t decide where to stay in Chiang Mai, stay in the Buri Siri Boutique Hotel in Nimmanhaemin. – A tour to Doi Suthep is a must when in Chiang Mai. – Want to learn to cook thai food? Check out this Organic Thai Farm Cooking Class . – After a Muay Thai lesson, you’ll have to see a Muay Thai Boxing match yourself! – Thailand is all about excellent and affordable massages! Treat yourself to a relaxing massage treatment .

– Find high-rated affordable accommodation in Chiang Mai quickly! – Do you need tour inspiration? Check out all these tours in Chiang Mai !

Where to stay in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has many accommodations, from dorms to guesthouses to high-end hotels.

As a solo traveler, I prefer to stay in guesthouses with private air-conditioned rooms. Most guesthouses have a communal area to connect with other travelers while enjoying the comfort of a private room.

If I feel a little fancier and want to relax by a pool, I’ll check out the smaller mid-range boutique hotels, preferably hotels run by locals.

These are my recommendations for excellent accommodation in Chiang Mai that belongs in this solo travel guide for Chiang Mai.

Budget accommodation

Daizy house.

I have stayed in Daizy House twice in the last few years and extended my stay both times. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back again. A brother and sister run this guesthouse, so you’ll support a local business!

The guesthouse has two buildings with private rooms and dorm rooms. They have a private room with a private bathroom or a private room with a balcony where you share the bathroom with another room.

I’ve stayed in both private rooms, and they’re both great! Even sharing the bathroom with another private room didn’t bother me because everything was super clean! 

These rooms are bright and spacious, with air-conditioning in the center of Nimman. They also serve a small basic breakfast, free-to-use bikes, washing machines, and super-duper-friendly staff!

Chiang Mai Walking Street Home

Another great affordable option is Chiang Mai Walking Street Home. This guesthouse is located near the famous Sunday Market. The rooms are airconditioned with a private bathroom and free bikes to use!

The guesthouse is in The Old Town, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and extraordinary temples to visit. The rooms are smaller as a budget option, but Chiang Mai Walking Street Home has much to offer!

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Mid-range accommodation

Buri siri boutique hotel.

The Buri Siri Boutique Hotel is my favourite mid-range accommodation in Chiang Mai. The hotel is gorgeous and located in Nimman. There is a fantastic pool where you can relax, a restaurant with delicious food and a bar. 

Even when I didn’t stay in this hotel, I still went there to use their pool. The pool area is open to non-guests for €5 for the entire day. There is a great Wi-Fi connection if you need to do some work on your trip. The hotel is also perfect for taking instagrammable pictures!😊

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De Chai Colonial Hotel & Spa

De Chai Colonial Hotel & Spa is a beautiful mid-range hotel in The Old Town of Chaing Mai (the hotel also has another location in Nimmanhaemin; check out De Chai Oriental Nimman!), within five minutes walking distance from Sunday Market Street. The hotel has air conditioning, a pool, spacious rooms, and ensuite bathrooms.

Breakfast is included, and the hotel has a spa to book a relaxing massage. For what you’re paying, De Chai Colonial Hotel & Spa will get you a great deal for your bucks.

High-end accommodation

Rimping village.

The Rimping Village Hotel is just great. And even though I’m labeling it as high-end accommodation, it’s not that expensive if you see what you’re getting.

But as a budget traveler, this might not be up your alley. However, if you’re looking for a few days of pampering within a decent budget, Rimping Village might be worth checking out!

The hotel has many facilities, is located near the Night Bazaar, and has a beautiful pool, spacious rooms, and a fantastic restaurant. If you prefer to stay in a quieter area but still within walking distance of the bustling city, this is the place to be.

Chala Number6

Chala Number 6 is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a high-end place to stay—no need to stick to the big hotel chains. The hotel is in the middle of the Old Town, so everything is nearby. The hotel has a beautiful pool, a restaurant with fantastic food, and friendly staff, and you can rent bikes.

>> If none of these hotels is your cup of tea, check out the current hotel deals in Chiang Mai !

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Top 7 Things to Do in Chiang Mai

There are many incredible things to do and see in Chiang Mai and its surroundings. For the length of this complete guide to solo travel in Chiang Mai, I will stick to my top seven things to do in Chiang Mai.

1. Visit the Silver Temple Wat Sri Suphan

Within Chiang Mai’s city, you can visit magnificent temples for up to a day. I’m not very big on seeing many temples, but you can find plenty in the old town of Chiang Mai. The most beautiful ones are Wat Phra Singh and Wat Sri Suphan.

I remember walking around the Old Town in the evening and seeing this bright white silver temple across the road. This is Wat Sri Suphan temple. They use lights to make the temple even more breathtaking than daylight in the evening.

2. Visit Doi Suthep National Park

Doi Suthep National Park is just outside of Chiang Mai. You can drive there yourself or negotiate with a songthaew. Don’t feel like going by yourself? There are great tours to book that will take you there, and it’s a perfect way to meet other travelers at the same time.

Doi Suthep means ‘angel mountain,’ and 309 steps will take you to the top where the temple Wat Phra is. This temple glitters in gold, making for stunning sights, especially during sunset.

The view from the mountain is also something not to forget. Don’t forget to bring something appropriate that covers your knees and shoulders, like a scarf. There is a small entrance fee when visiting the temple.

>> Feel like having everything arranged? Check out these fantastic tours to Doi Suthep !

3. Shop and eat at the Sunday Walking Market

There are no words for the Sunday Walking Market in Chiang Mai. My first time in Chiang Mai, I arrived on a Sunday. After a quick nap, I took a songthaew to the Sunday Walking Market.

Exploring every part of the market is impossible since you’re prone to get lost in the maze of streets. The streets are closed to cars, and the market is lively, busy, and fun. You will find a wide array of stuff when walking around the market. Whatever you want to buy for the crowd back home, you’ll find it here!

And when it comes to food, the options are truly endless. It’s a foodie’s paradise!

4. Take a Thai Cooking Class

As somebody who loves to cook, I’ve made it my mission to enjoy a cooking class in every country I visit. Thai food has always been a favorite. Taking a cooking class was one of the first things I arranged when I arrived in Chiang Mai.

A really cool Thai food cooking class experience is where you’ll visit an organic farm and cook with fresh organic vegetables! This Organic Farm Thai Cooking Class will teach you how to make the most popular Thai dishes in the surroundings of a lush village.

Book your Organic Farm Thai Cooking Class here!

Another cooking school I recommend is Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School . You will learn to cook five different dishes. I specifically wanted to cook the Chiang Mai local dish “Khao Soi” and the Thai national treasure “Mango Sticky Rice.”

The host is Noodle. She is funny, cheerful and explains everything well. After a visit to the market, you’ll start preparing the dishes and after you eat together. You can choose between morning classes or afternoon classes. The cooking school will also pick you up from your accommodation and drop you off.

5. Take a Muay Thai class and watch a Muay Thai fight

This complete guide for solo travel in Chiang Mai is incomplete without discussing Muay Thai, Thailand’s national sport. If you want to be a little active while in Chiang Mai, I highly recommend taking Muay Thai lessons. There are many Muay Thai schools where you can get a private lesson or join a group lesson. 

Even if you never had a boxing class, like me, I loved it! It’s quite a workout with the heat, so don’t underestimate it. Every muscle in my body was sore the day after, but it was all worth it. No pain, no gain.

Check out Heavy Hit Boxing Gym from Coach Tuck, located near Nimman. Many other women take classes there, so you will not be the only girl surrounded by many men. 

Coach Tuck will guide you through everything if you’re a beginner. They have all the gear you need at the gym. You will start with a warming up and, afterward, five to six rounds of sparring with a coach. Between rounds, you’ll do five exercises like planking, push-ups, etc. 

You can reserve a spot via Facebook. A lesson costs €8 and usually takes about an hour to 90 minutes.

Muay Thai Boxing Match

After taking a muay thai lesson, going to a muay thai boxing match is a must, and it’s so much fun. There are fights held daily for different weight ranges. The biggest stadiums are Thapae Boxing Stadium and Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium.

Tickets can be purchased via their website, or you can book your Thapae Boxing Stadium ticket in advance as a tour and have everything arranged for you, including transport from your hotel!

6. Visit the Lantern Festival

Thailand has a great culture with lots of traditional festivals. If you’re lucky, there might be one when you’re in Chiang Mai, or plan your visit around this period.

Two of the most popular festivals are the Lantern Festival (Yee Peng) and the Flower Festival.

Yee Peng Festival (Lantern Festival)

As the locals call it “Yee Peng,” the lantern festival is one of the most gorgeous sights ever. This festival is celebrated in November for three days and around the same time as Loy Krathong. With Yee Peng, you will see lanterns in the sky, whereas Loy Krathong is floating lights on the water.

The Flower Festival

The flower festival is celebrated in Chiang Mai for three days, from Friday to Sunday. It usually takes place during the first whole weekend in February. Chiang Mai’s flower festival features ancient and modern floral art showing ancient Lanna Kingdom traditions.

7. Get pampered with a massage and pedicure

One of the best things in Thailand is the low prices of massages. You can fully relax while enjoying a massage and getting a pedicure. Make sure to ask for a relaxing oil massage! The traditional Thai massage includes a lot of stretching and pulling, which is far from relaxing to me.

There are massage places everywhere, from budget to high-end spas. Even at the night markets, you’ll find people giving foot massages on the side of a busy street. It sounds crazy, but it’s normal and part of the Thai experience.

Nothing feels better than a relaxing foot massage after a long day of walking around Chiang Mai! Expect to pay from €25 and up for a full one-hour body massage, depending on the place.

>> If you want a full pampering luxe spa day experience, check out this spa treatment !

8. Elephant Sanctuary and Bamboo Rafting

Visiting an elephant sanctuary is one of the most popular activities in Thailand. I’m always a little weary when it comes to animal activities. But this Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary and Bamboo Rafting tour are excellent and fun.

You’ll experience an incredible encounter with the elephants, see some waterfalls, have a great thai lunch, and go on a bamboo rafting trip on the Mae Wang River.

How many days in Chiang Mai

I loved Chiang Mai, so you could stay a few days and not get bored. If you’re tight on time, I suggest staying at least three days. This way, you can cover the highlights within Chiang Mai.

If you have more time, I highly suggest staying for five days. This way, you’ll get to experience all the highlights, plan a day of relaxing by the pool, and take your time on the Sunday Walking Market.

You’ll have time to see the Old Town and Nimmanhaemin, take a boxing class, and visit Chiang Mai in a far more relaxing way.

Chiang Mai areas

Chiang Mai exists in four main areas. My favorite places to stay in are the Old Town and Nimmanheamin. The latter gets overlooked, but it’s my favorite area to stay in. I’ll tell you later on why I love the Nimman area.

The Old Town is the central area of Chiang Mai, where most tourists stay. This part is located inside the old city wall gates. You can see on the map that it’s a perfect square.

There are four entrances: The north gate (Chang Phuak Gate), the south gate (Chiang Mai Gate), the west gate (Pratu Suan Dok Gate), and the east gate (Thapae Gate). 

Nimmanheamin

Nimmanheamin, Nimman, or Nimman Road, is fifteen minutes from the Old Town’s west side. It’s part of Chiang Mai with trendy coffee bars, boutique hotels, shops, and restaurants. This part has grown immensely in the last few years.

Nimman is my favorite area to stay in Chiang Mai. Everything here is within walking distance. The Nimman area has a more trendy and peaceful vibe, while the Old Town has a more authentic and backpacker feeling. This area is also quieter, making it perfect if you’re looking for a quiet neighborhood while still being close to the busy party area.

Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is between October and April. This is also the peak of the tourist season. I visited Chiang Mai twice in October. This month has excellent weather, while it’s not extremely busy yet.

The cool season is from November to February, when the temperatures are lower. During the day, it’s generally around twenty-five degrees Celsius, and at night, it can get to thirteen degrees Celsius. A great plus side to visiting Chiang Mai during the cold season is there isn’t much rain.

April is the month to avoid Chiang Mai. In April, the burning season starts, which causes heavy smoke and bad air. Most people, even locals, leave Chiang Mai this month. Keep this in mind when planning your trip!

Budget in Chiang Mai

Accommodation budget in chiang mai.

One of the best things for budget travelers is that Chiang Mai is even cheaper than the rest of Thailand’s tourist areas. For budget travelers, Chiang Mai will be a paradise. Prices are significantly lower than in Bangkok or the islands.

There were days when I would only spend about €30 a day, including a private air-conditioned room with a private bathroom!

Guesthouses will start at €15 per night, and hotels will begin at €25 per night, depending on the season. The great thing about Chiang Mai is that even the mid-range and high-end hotels are still reasonably cheap compared to European prices.

Food budget in Chiang Mai

Getting enough to eat for a budget price will be the least of your worries in Chiang Mai: daily food markets, food trucks, and food stalls with fantastic food. You can get a full belly for around €5, filling up on satay, gyoza, sushi, fried chicken, and more. 

Most restaurant meals will cost around €8, and a local Chang beer will cost about €3. Alcohol will drive up your daily budget, as in most places. I don’t remember the exact price, but I believe a glass of wine was expensive, so it’s better to stick with beer.

You can comfortably get around with a budget of approximately €35 a day in Chiang Mai if you want to. Your budget will include basic private guesthouse accommodation, eating street food, taking the songthaew and sticking to one beer, or getting your booze fixed at 7-Eleven.

On a mid-range budget, expect to spend around €70 a day. You can stay in a three-star hotel, drink a beer at a bar, eat in a restaurant, and get a foot massage.

Where to eat in Chiang Mai

Street food in Chiang Mai, like in the rest of Thailand, is fantastic! Don’t be fooled by the looks of those food stalls because you’ll be missing out. More food stalls will appear along the main roads when the sun goes down. 

My days usually consist of pad thai, chicken satay, gyoza, mango sticky rice, Nutella banana roti, and Khao Soi. I love the street food culture in Asian countries and rarely eat out in restaurants.

If you like to sit down with a drink and watch the crowd, visiting one of the many food markets in Chiang Mai is best. Every gate in the Old Town has a small food market located nearby. Some have famous stalls like “ The Cowboy Hat Lady ” from Anthony Bourdain’s travel show.

On Sundays, there is the famous Sunday Walking Street Market in the Old Town. This Night Market is incredible, with loads of food everywhere. The streets are closed off to traffic, and the market is huge! There’s no way you will discover every street and every corner of this market. Come hungry!😋

What to eat in Chiang Mai

Northern Thai cuisine is known for its spicier versions of the Thai kitchen. My absolute favorite because I love spicy food! The most famous Chiang Mai dish is Khao Soi. It’s a chicken noodle soup made with spicy, creamy red curry and fried egg noodles on top.

You can’t leave Chiang Mai without indulging in Khao Soi! You’ve going to love it! Only thinking about it makes me want to go back!

Travelling to Chiang Mai

Traveling to Chiang Mai can be done in four ways: plane, train, car, or bus. The train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is perfect for getting the complete traveler’s experience if you have the time. 

Many airlines are flying from different locations directly into Chiang Mai. I always use   fromwhere.com  to check routes to a specific destination. Available airlines that fly directly into Chiang Mai are:

• Bangkok Airways
• Korean Airways
• Qatar Airways

There are five direct trains per day from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The night train takes about thirteen hours and arrives early in the morning. Tickets for the train can quickly be booked via  12go.co .  There are tickets for the second class, or you can book a private cabin to share the compartment with another person.

How to get around in Chiang Mai

Take the songthaew.

The Songthaew is the cheapest form of transportation that locals and tourists use. Songthaews are red trucks that serve as shared taxis. They ride around town, and you stop one by raising your hand.

You tell the driver where to go, and he will tell you whether it’s on his route. There is no fixed route, and they might pick up other passengers. In Chiang Mai, the fixed price is 30 THB (80€ cents, 2019) per person, no matter where you’re going in Chiang Mai.

You’ll pay the driver as soon as you get out, preferably the exact amount. Some songthaew drivers use crowded places to ask for a higher price, which makes sense. However, I usually walk further to stop a songthaew, or I’ll negotiate the price.

Take a Grab

Grab is the Asian version of Uber and works precisely the same. Taxi prices are not very low compared to Bangkok because it’s used much less in Chiang Mai. I only used a Grab taxi when I needed a ride to the airport.

Scooter taxis are also available via Grab, and I often use this one. Whenever I can’t be bothered to stop a songthaew or when there’s too much traffic, I order a Grab Scooter taxi. They will pick you up, give you a helmet, and drop you off exactly where needed. It’s cheap, and they don’t drive like maniacs, luckily!

Rent a scooter

A scooter is the best way to get around Chiang Mai and its surroundings. This is the old-school way of getting from A to B in Asia. Scooters can be rented everywhere.

Rent a bike

Maybe I’m a little too Dutch, but I loved riding a bike in Chiang Mai. When you’re used to the Thai way of driving and can get past that point where you think you might die😜, it’s a fun way to explore Chiang Mai. 

Chiang Mai has no bike lanes, so you have to use the regular car lanes. I recommend skipping the busy roads, using your hands to signal if you’re taking a turn, or using the sidewalks wherever possible. Safety first!

>> Do you like riding a bike but prefer to do it with more safety? Check out this Chiang Mai Old City Bike Tour ! It’s a great way to explore the city with a local guide!

How safe is Chiang Mai for solo travelers?

As this is the guide for solo travel in Chiang Mai, let’s talk about safety. As a solo female traveler, I have never felt unsafe in Chiang Mai. Thailand tends to be pretty safe for solo female travelers in general. Like in any other city, you need to have common sense. Be aware of pickpockets in crowded places, always lock your door correctly, never leave your drink unattended, and be careful who you trust.

The people in Chiang Mai are friendly, and I have never seen anything unusual happen. 

Where to meet other travelers in Chiang Mai

Like the rest of Thailand, Chiang Mai is a solo traveler’s paradise. Meeting other travelers should not be that difficult if you’re open to it.

Booking tours or group trips will definitely set you up to meet other travelers. I met others during my cooking classes and had a drink later during my travels.

The area near Thapae Gate, close to the Night Bazar, attracts a lot of backpackers. The area is full of bars and hostels. Although a less classy area, it does attract many solo travelers.

Popular places for drinks in Chiang Mai are Zoe in Yellow, Jazz Co-Up, and Nophaburi Bar.

Facebook has many groups dedicated to Chiang Mai. If you become a member, you can join any meet-ups or post a message asking if somebody is up for a drink. Check out:

• Chiang Mai Nomad Girls
• Chiang Mai Events

From Chiang Mai to Pai

Most travelers combine their trip to Chiang Mai with a trip to Pai. Pai is a challenging three-hour drive from Chiang Mai, where you will pass through gorgeous sceneries while hassling around the infamous 792 curves.

You can drive up there by scooter or bus. It’s wise to take airsickness pills when taking the bus since the road is curvy and bumpy. You’re definitely not the first to throw up your breakfast, so I recommend eating something light before the trip😅

If you’re like me, who gets carsick quickly, I don’t recommend taking the bus trip to Pai. I highly recommend taking a private tour of Pai! This way, you’ll have your own driver, and the road to Pai is far more steady than a crowded bus.

Pai has excellent nightlife, and you can visit Wat Phra That Mae Yen during the day. You will also see impressive waterfalls with natural waterslides, such as the Pam Bok and the Mo Paeng.

Chiang Mai has everything for every type of traveler. Lots of delicious food, incredible scenery, loads of markets, temples to see, and bars to drink until you drop. Chiang Mai feels like a cozy, lush Thai village with the vibe and benefits of a city.

I hope this gigantic, complete guide for solo travel in Chiang Mai is an excellent resource for planning your trip! Thailand is an amazingly diverse country and perfect for women traveling alone!

Buy me a coffee (or wine)😜

Did you like what you read? Any support is very much appreciated! 🖤

If you’re looking for a great deal on flights, check out Kiwi.com ! They have an amazingly flexible search engine tool for flights. Or check out Skyscanner . Skyscanner is also a flight search engine. I usually check both to compare flights!

Stop struggling with SIM cards when travelling! Use an ESIM that can be easily set up on your phone! Airalo has been great for data during my travels!

For accommodation, I highly recommend the one and only Booking.com . To make your plans flexible, consider accommodation with a free cancellation policy. Their prices are unbeatable, and the higher your Genius Level, the bigger the discount!

For tours, I recommend Get Your Guide . You can check reviews for their tours, and they come with an excellent cancellation policy, transfers, and the possibility to skip the queues.

Thanks for your blog. Looking planning my solo trip in 2024!

Excellent! Thanks for this 🙂

How many days do you recommend

At least 3 days, but 5 would be better! x

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3 days in chiang mai – step-by-step itinerary 2024.

Table of Contents

What should you do if you only have 3 days in Chiang Mai in 2024? How do you make sure that you hit all the MUST SEE attractions and don’t miss a thing? And with so much to do in Chiang Mai – how do you narrow it down? You really can do all the BEST bits with only 3 days in Chiang Mai.

We have designed this 3 day itinerary to help you plan the perfect short stay in Chiang Mai. You can follow this itinerary independently and on a budget. If you only have 3 days in Chiang Mai and you want to see all the best bits you will need to be ready for quite a high pace itinerary. So if it’s all too much – you can of course drop things or stay a little longer. However, if you are intentional and focussed it is possible to follow our itinerary and see everything we recommend. 

Oh yeah – one more thing. We haven’t included any of the things to do in or around Pai here. We believe Pai is so epic that it deserves its own itinerary. So if you do have time, make sure you visit Pai as well. 

Have longer? Don’t miss our EPIC 10 day itinerary for Chiang mai

Map of how to spend 3 days in Chiang Mai 

Overview: 3 days in Chiang Mai

Day 1 Explore the old town, visit an ancient city and take a sunset Ping River cruise

Day 2 Monks trail morning trek, sticky waterfall and Siam Insect Zoo

Day 3 the grand canyon water park, wat prathat doi kham and the carp cafe, how much does 3 days in chiang mai cost.

Here is a rough estimate for a budget for 3 days in Chiang Mai following this itinerary. 3 days in Chiang Mai is likely to cost 8,600 baht (approximately £170 or $200). This is a mid-range budget – assuming that you do all of the activities, use taxis to get around and eat well. 

• Activities 1,600 baht (following this itinerary)
• Transport 2,000 baht (use taxis to get around)
• Food 2,000 baht (eat lots of lovely food and drinks) 
• Accommodation 3,000 baht (lots of charming rooms available for around 1,000 baht per night)

If you are willing to stay in budget accommodation, stick with cheap street food and use a motor bike rental to get around you can reduce this to around 4,000 baht for 3 days (roughly £80 or $100). Before you read on make sure you have the Grab taxi app and the Bolt taxi app on your phone. Register with a local sim card and get the best prices for local taxi journeys. 

Don’t miss our guide to THE BEST old town hotels in Chiang Mai

Itinerary – 3 Days in Chiang Mai 

Step by step and day by day – here are the BEST things to do with a humble 3 days in Chiang Mai.

Day 1 Explore the Old Town, visit an ancient city and take a sunset Ping River cruise

Start by exploring the beautiful Chiang Mai Old Town. This walking tour should take an hour or two and includes some of the BEST sights in the Chiang Mai Old Town. If you don’t want to walk between these sights you can also take a taxi (use the Grab or Bolt app). Alternatively flag a red bus (these are called Songthaws). A short ride should cost around 20 baht. 

TOP TIP: Also make sure you dress respectfully for the visitors to the temples. Visitors must cover knees and shoulders in the temples. It is FREE to visit the temples in Chiang Mai. 

Explore the Old Town

The Chiang Mai old town is an ancient walled area of Chiang Mai. The Old Town is packed with colourful temples, quaint coffee shops, boutique hotels and plenty of street food. Each wall is approximately 1.6km in length (or roughly 1 mile). The Chiang Mai old town walls are over 700 years old and some of the sections of these ancient walls are still in very good condition. 

If possible get an early start. You can also see many monks walking all around Chiang Mai old town taking alms. The best time to see monks is between 6am – 8am. 

We recommend a visit to the Morning Market at Chiang Mai gate is also known as the South Gate (ประตูเชียงใหม่). At the market you can see locals buying and selling fruit, veggies, meat, fish and local street food. This market is beautiful and vibrant between around 6am – 9am. There is also a beautiful evening street food market at this gate. 

After exploring the morning market at the Chiang Mai gate, walk west along the south wall of the old town. At the west end of the south wall you can see Buak Haad park. You will find a cafe, ponds, grassy areas, a massage spa and a kids play park here. 

Walk north into the Old Town from Buak Haad park to Wat Phra Singh – the Golden temple (วัดพระสิงห์วรมหาวิหาร). Wat Phra Singh is one of the most prestegious and prominent temples in the Chiang Mai Old Town. You can explore Wat Phra Singh for free or make a donation. This is a beautiful Buddhist temple that dates back to the 14th century and it is beautifully decorated with golden and wooden carvings. 

After exploring Wat Phra Singh, walk east along Arak5 road towards the Three Kings monument. On Intrawarowot road don’t miss the local street food cafes. This is the perfect opportunity to try some amazing local Chiang Mai street food. Also don’t miss Wat Chedi Luang. This beautiful ancient temple is over 600 years old. The partially crumbled stupa is one of the most fascinating historical structures in the old town. 

Visit Wiang Kum Kam Ancient City

After exploring the Chiang Mai Old Town take a horse and cart tour of an ancient abandoned city. Wiang Kum Kam was built by King Mang Rai the great. However, it was abandoned over 700 years ago due to flooding. Most of the temples can be found within an area of around 2km (north-south) by 1km (east-west). 

There are around 10 main temple ruins that you can visit in Wiang Kum Kam. Some of the temples are still in relatively good condition. THE BEST way to see the temples is to take a horse and cart tour. Horse and Cart tours start at the Wiang Kum Kam information centre located to the south of Wiang Kum Kam on route 3029. Horse and cart tours take around 60 – 90 minutes and cost 300 baht per carriage (around £6 or $8). A horse and cart can take roughly 4-5 people. On a budget? It is possible to explore Wiang Kum Kam without taking an official tour. There are no tickets or entrance fees for the area itself. 

Tours of Wiang Kum Kam will normally include the following temples: 

Wat Ku Pa Dom, Wat Chang Kam, Wat E-Kang, Wat Nan Chang, Wat Pu Pia, Wat That Khao, Wat Phra Chao, Dong Dam, Wat Pha Ya Meng Rai, Wat Chedi Liem

You may also be interested in a vist to Much Room cafe (not far from the Wiang Kum Kam). Much Room cafe is super quirky and fun. There is a large outdoor seating area, indoor seating areas and a seating area in the top of the mushroom as well. Much room cafe sells a range of tempting cakes and treats, high quality hot drinks and some very impressive food. Drinks range in price from 70 baht – 150 baht (around £1.40 – £3.00 or $1.80 – $3.50) Most food ranges in price from 100 baht – 200 baht (roughly £2 – £4 or $2.50 – $5)

Take a Ping River Cruise

Bring your day to a close with an atmosphering Ping River Cruise. River Cruises depart from the port at the back of Wat Chaimongkol (you actually have to walk through the temple grounds to get to the port). There’s a small cafe where you can buy cruise tickets for the cruises.

Cruises depart daily every hour from 9am – 5pm. The cruise takes around 2 hours. Mae Ping River cruises cost 550 baht for adults. Children under 10 are half price and children 3 years old or under are free. You can normally just turn up and buy your ticket on the day. River cruises give you a unique perspective on local life along the Mae Ping river. In addition to sightseeing along the river, the cruise includes a visit to a Herb Garden, ice cream and juice. 

Trek up the Monks Trail

Start with an invigorating trek up the Monks Trail to an atmospheric hill temple called Wat Pha Lat (วัดผาลาด). We recommend an early start. Aim to take a couple of hours so you have plenty of time to set off to Sticky waterfall. 

The monks trail is used by monks who walk from the temple to town to take alms in the morning. The Monks trail is a beautiful jungle path. It is approximately 1.2km in length and takes around 30 – 45 minutes to walk up. 

Wat Pha Lat is a very picturesque temple. It has a well, small waterfalls, buddha statues, temple buildings. Wat Pha Lat also affords impressive views over the Chiang Mai area. The start of the Monks Trail is located approximately 5km west of Chiang Mai city centre and just to the south of Chiang Mai zoo. It is free to hike up the Monks Trail and visit Wat Pha Lat. 

Visit the amazing Sticky Waterfall

Next visit the amazing sticky waterfall. This place is just so unique and special we have included it in our 3 day itinerary. Sticky waterfall is located around 60km (40 miles) north of Chiang Mai. The journey is likely to take a few hours each way. 

This waterfall is called “sticky waterfall” because the bedrock is made from crystallized limestone. The surface has so much friction you can climb surprisingly steep sections of the waterfall without slipping. Although the surface is very rough on the microscopic scale, it is not painful to walk on. Alternatively there are steps leading all the way from the top to the bottom and allowing you to see different parts of the waterfall without getting your feet wet. There are also toilets and showers at sticky waterfall. 

If you are trying to arrange a taxi we recommend arranging this in advance. If you take a taxi expect to pay around 800-1000 baht for the return trip depending on your bartering skills (this is around £16 – £20 or $20 – $25). Alternatively you can rent a motorbike for around 200 baht for the day (£4 or $5) and use this to get there. Sticky waterfall is FREE. 

Visit the Siam Insect Zoo

If you have time drop into the Siam Insect Zoo. This is a great way to get up close to some large creepie crawlies – a great option for families in Chiang Mai. At the Siam Insect Zoo there is a butterfly garden, beetle world, insect breeding farm and an insect museum. Staff are very friendly and welcoming and there is information in both Thai and English. The Siam Insect Zoo is open daily from 9.00am – 5.00pm. 

The Siam Insect zoo costs 80 baht for an adult ticket (13 years and older) and 60 baht for a children’s ticket (3 – 12 years old). Infants are free. You can also visit the Mae Sa waterfall (น้ำตกแม่สา) – not far from the Siam Insect Zoo. Entry to the waterfall costs 100 baht per person (£2 or $2.50). The Mae Sa waterfall has 10 cascades and there is a path leading alongside the waterfalls. Some people also swim in the pools here.  

Visit the Grand Canyon water park 

The Grand Canyon water park is the perfect place for an active adventure. There is a wide range of activities including slides, cliff jumping, wakeboarding, a zip line and an inflatable obstacle course. There is also have an excellent children’s water play area. The Grand Canyon Water Park has very good facilities including toilets, showers and changing areas. They also have a restaruant serving Thai and Western food.  

Adult tickets cost 650 Baht per person (£13 or $16). Children’s tickets cost 500 baht (£10 or $13) height between 90-120 cm. Children under 90cm get free entry. Ticket includes entrance to the water park, canoeing and kayaking, cliff jumping, giant sliders, life jacket and one ride of the zipline. Wakeboarding costs 550 baht for 1.5 hours.

Recently the Grand Canyon waterpark has been offering discounted ticket rates. Adult tickets cost 300 baht (£6 or $8) and include access to the aqua park, kids play area, zip line, kayaking and water slide. Children’s tickets allow access to the children’s water park for 150 baht (£3 or $4). Tours range in price from 1,000 – 2,500 baht (£20 – £50 or $25 – $70) and include return transportation. It is cheaper to arrange your trip independently: If you arrange your own taxi to and from the Grand Canyon water park it is likely to costs around 400 – 800 baht (£8 – £16 or $10 – $20).

TOP TIP There is another Grand Canyon water park to the north east. This park cheaper, less developed and there are less activities. It costs 30 baht to enter and activities cost 50 baht. They have a zip line, jump platform, air cushion jump, kayaking and pedal boats. 

Visit Wat Prathat Doi Kham

Wat Prathat Doi Kham, also known as Golden Temple (วัดพระธาตุดอยคำ) is a very beautiful and unique Buddhist temple located on to of Kham hill. The location affords a panoramic view over Chiang Mai and the surrounding areas. Wat Prathat Doi Kham is FREE to visit. However you can make a donation if you wish. This beautiful hill temple is pretty close to the Grand Canyon Chiang Mai. 

Visit the Carp Cafe

And finally. Don’t miss the Carp Cafe. This is an impressive themed cafe located to the south of Chiang Mai. Seating areas are surrounded by a maze of waterways and bridges filled with Carp fish swimming around. The Carp cafe embraces and celebrates the jungle with tropical folliage, mist and walkways. The cafe serves a range of hot drinks, fruit shakes and decadent cakes. You can also buy food, they serve fresh sushi here too. 

Some other great activities around Chiang Mai

Here are some other great things to do around Chiang Mai if you have time: 

• The Hidden Village
• Pong Yang Adventure Park
• San Kamphaeng hot springs
• Muang Ong Cave
• The Ginger Farm
• Chai Lai Orchid Elephant Hotel
• Visit the Royal Pagoda (Doi Inthanon National Park)
• The Elephant Nature Sanctuary
• Take an eco trek (home stays, elephants and tribal villages) 
• Learn Thai Boxing 
• Relax with a Thai Massage
• Take a Thai Cooking Class 
• Don’t miss the weekend night market

Getting to and from Chiang mai

Take a train.

The cheapest and most comfortable way to travel around Thailand is by sleeper train. Not only is this a fun and interesting way to travel – you also save the money of one night’s accommodation (win!) Overnight sleeper trains run between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Make sure you book your tickets nice and early if possible. You can get first class sleeper cabins with 4 beds and lockable doors. Alternatively if you travel on the second class sleeper carriage – you will share the carriage with lots of other people – but you do still get your own curtain for some privacy. Overall the train is the best combination of budget and comfort. 

Take a long distance bus

If you cannot take a train you can also get long distance buses from Chiang mai to other locations around Thailand. Buses are super cheap in thailand – but long distance buses don’t offer the same level of confort as a train. Not a bad option – but try to get a train if possible. 

Take a mini buses

If you’re taking a shorter journey you may need to travel by minibus. Aya Services have A.C. minibus connections to various locations. For example, it costs 150 baht to take a mini bus to Pai. The journey takes around 3 hours from Chiang Mai to Pai. We really recommend travelling to Pai if you have time. 

Take a flight

Another way to travel around Thailand is to take cheap internal flights. There are several budget airlines that operate in Thailand. Flying is fast and convenient but it is also the most expensive way to travel around Thailand. Also, if you are flying with a budget carrier like Air Asia watch out for all the sneaky charges. You may also need to pay extra for a check in bag – so factor this into your travel budget. 

Find for cheap flights on Skyscanner

What is the best way to get around in chiang mai , tuk tuks, songthaews and taxis .

Tuk tuks are small motorbike powered vehicles that zip around. We recommend taking a tuk tuk just for the experience. They can be more expensive than you might expect.  Songthaews are small pickup trucks with benches in the back: You normally flag these at the roadside. They charge a price per person and generally follow set routes. Most journeys should cost 20-30 baht around Chiang Mai town. You can also take a car taxi. Use the Grab or Bolt app to get a fair taxi price. Bolt is cheaper. A day trip is likely to cost 800-1,000 baht for the day depending on your bartering skills. Short trips around Chiang Mai are likely to cost 50 – 150 baht or more depending on the distance. 

Motorbike rental

Bike rental is a very cheap and convenient way to travel around Chiang mai and the surrounding areas. Most families will not be able to do this – but if you can, bike rental is a very cheap option. Many places start at 250 baht for 24 hours. Some places will go down to 100-200 baht. Negotiate especially if you want to rent for a few days. You will normally need to leave a deposit to rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai. 

Car rental is a great option for a family. You can rent a small car in Chiang Mai for around 700 baht – 1,000 baht per day. Make sure that you check the license requirements for your nationality e.g. do you need an international driver’s license from your country? 

What are prices like in Chiang Mai?

Prices are very cheap in Chiang Mai. Whether you are planning a luxury family holiday or you are budget backpackers, you will probably be surprised how far your money goes in Chiang Mai. Some of the things that are surprisingly cheap include:

• Local food – you can find dishes of street food for around 40 baht
• There are loads of Seven Elevens in Thailand offering cheap food, drinks and snacks
• Accommodation is surprisingly cheap generally starting around 200 baht for a private fan room (usually shared bathroom). 
• Many activities are cheap or free of charge

Best budget tips for travel in Chiang Mai

Here are a few budget tips for Chiang mai: 

• Go for fan rooms rather than air conditioned rooms
• Bartering is fine in Chiang Mai – keep it light hearted and respectful. 
• Top up your water from water machines on the streets for a few baht (bring your own water bottle) 
• If cheap street food is not available try Seven Elevens
• Have a budget in mind for the night markets and only take that much money. There are some very beautiful creative products available, so it is easy to blow the budget. 
• Avoid western food – local food is generally cheaper
• The cheapest way to do laundry is to find a laundrette or do it yourself on streetside washing machines – 30 baht per use. Laundry typically costs 30 – 40 baht per kilogram at a laundrette. 

What do you need to pack for a trip to Chiang Mai?

Chiang is a hot climate so we recommend thin loose fit clothing. In addition to the general things that you would want to pack we also recommend the following: 

• Bring a day bag that you can pack up for day trips
• Swimming stuff and a travel towel
• Umbrella or sun hat 
• Sunglasses 
• High factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or more)
• Light scarf for sun protection and nice insta shots
• Insect repellant (ideally containing DEET) – particularly for trekking
• Long trousers for the evenings
• At least one top that covers your shoulders (temple visits)
• One warmer top for air conditioned places
• Bring sandals or flip flops and also bring some trainers or lightweight hiking shoes 
• A waterproof dry sack can be a great way to keep your valuables dry if there is a tropical downpour and you are out and about
• A breathable raincoat is recommended – try to find something with a Pertex material
• Bring a universal travel adaptor: Most plugs in Thailand have two pins. Plug types A, B or C generally work in Thailand.

What are the best places to stay if you only have 3 days in Chiang Mai?

Wherever you choose to stay in Chiang Mai we do recommend staying inside or close to the Chiang mai old town. This area is best for food and also experience. In the old town you can explore quaint temples and easily get to coffee shops and restaurants. 

Rati Lanna Riverside Spa Resort – BEST hotel for luxurious royal decadence

This stunning resort is located on the bank of the Mae Ping river around 2km to the South East of the old town walls. The Rati Lanna Riverside Resort has a tasteful regal, lush east asian style and rich warm furnishings. There are 3 dining options, a spa, and an infinity pool. The spacious suites are very comfortable and elegantly designed. The bathrooms feature a flat-screen TV mounted by the bathtub, a separate rain shower stall and complimentary aromatherapy toiletries.

Rooms range in price from 8,000 – 15,000 baht (roughly £160 – £300 or $200 – $400). The Mira Terrace Restaurant is open all day and serves a breakfast buffet and international a la carte dishes at both their indoor or outdoor dining areas. Buffet and barbecue dinners are offered at Rio Restaurant & Bar. Drinks can be enjoyed at the swim-up Dips and Sips bar or at Malin Pavilion. They also offer a free shuttle bus to the Chiang Mai night Bazaar. 

Akyra Manor – TOP PICK comfort, epic views and contemporary style

The Akyra Manor boasts a rooftop infinity pool – swim in style and with a view. There is a clean contemporary style running through the hotel. Rooms include an amazing American style breakfast – perfect to set you up for a day of adventures. We also love the stylish Premier Suite with its spacious design and freestanding bathtub.

Rooms range in price from  4,000 – 10,000 baht (Roughly £80 – £200 or $100 – $250). You can also enjoy an exquisite Italian meal at Italics with a state-of-the-art show kitchen and pizza oven. Drinks can be ordered at Rise, the hotel’s rooftop bar. The Ankyra Manor is well located around 1km from the northwest corner of the Chiang Mai Old City. 

Shangri-La Chiang Mai – The BEST hotel for luxurious family holiday

Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai is a large luxurious 5 star hotel. Rooms are designed with a beautiful Northern Thai decor and charm. The Shangri-La’s signature Spa provides private suites and relaxing beauty treatments. Authentic Szechuan and Cantonese dishes can be sampled at the chic and modern China Kitchen. The Kad Kafe serves a selection of all-day international dishes and a buffet breakfast spread. Drinks can be enjoyed at Dhala Pool Bar while afternoon tea can be found at the Lobby Lounge.

We were super impressed with the facilities for families. The outdoor pool features a waterslide. There is also a soft play space for kids and kids clubs are offered here. Rooms range in price from 3,000 – 12,000 baht (approximately £60 – £240 or $80 – $300). Located less than 1km from the south east corner of the old town, the Shangri-La Chiang Mai is a great location to see the Mae Ping river and also to access the bustling Chiang Mai gate of the old town. 

Saran Boutique Hotel – TOP PICK for location and value for money

We love the zen east asian style of the Saran Boutique Hotel. This place really stands out due to the price and excellent location. Located in the heart of the Chiang Mai old town you can literally stroll out your door to quaint streets and ancient temples. It is located on the bustling east side of the old town near Thapae gate. It is also under 1km from the Chiang Mai gate with its markets and happy vibes. Rooms range in price from 1,500 – 2,500 baht (roughly £30 – £50 or $40 – $65). We love the suite with a balcony and bathtub.

Yak Guest House – Budget and great location

If you’re looking for a budget hotel in Chiang Mai check out the Yak Guest House. The Yak Guest House is a cheap, clean and simple guest house located a few minutes walk from the east side of the old city. We love the area for its buzz and good vibes. Yak Guest House has a happy welcoming atmosphere. They offer a simple free breakfast (toast, tea and coffee). Rooms are simple, comfortable and well equipped for a budget guest house. This area is fantastic for visiting Warorot market, Thapae Gate which are both around 5-10 minutes walk away. Rooms range in price from 400 – 800 baht and they do have options for families too.

Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

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What Things Cost in Chiang Mai, Thailand

• South East Asia
• Last Updated 3 March 2024

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People are full of varying accounts of prices in Thailand – while some rave about how dirt cheap everything is, others lament how much more expensive it is these days. So, how much does travel in Thailand cost? Especially in Chiang Mai, a city famed as a haven for “digital nomads” due to its comparatively low prices. 

I kept track of everything I spent whilst I was travelling in Thailand. Chiang Mai was the cheapest city I found by far. Up in the north of Thailand, it’s a chilled-out, temple-filled city which makes an awesome stop on any Thailand itinerary . The cost of living in Chiang Mai is fairly low, but it’s also a modern city with great internet and plenty of coffee shops and co-working spaces making it an expat and digital nomad haven. Whether you’re there to stay, or just passing through as I was, it’s a pretty affordable city. Here’s my guide to Chiang Mai prices – essentially a list of everything I spent in the city – to help give you an idea…

For reference,  100 Thai Baht = £2.00 (or $2.84 USD) as of March 2016.

Accommodation Costs Getting Around Laundry Activities and Tours Massage Food and Drink Prices Shopping

Accommodation Costs Chiang Mai

In the course of about ten days, I actually stayed at four different places around Chiang Mai, because my plans kept changing. I was travelling solo in Chiang Mai (with the exception of a few nights sharing a twin with a fellow blogger while she was in town). To give you an idea of how I travel, my budget is generally higher than most backpackers and I’m happy to pay a little extra for a bit more comfort. Plus, I tend to divide my time between dorm rooms and privates as I often need to get work done and like to avoid distractions.

I’d happily recommend any of the below accommodation options as I stayed in them all and found them all fine. All of these are low-cost, quiet hostels and hotels, not party hostels or luxury hotels. If you’re looking for a hostel to meet other backpackers in, Deejai Backpackers has been highly recommended to me.

FYI – I almost always use hotels.com to search for hotels, because I love their rewards scheme which works like a loyalty card giving you one night free for every ten nights you book through the site. The other site I use is booking.com for when I want to book but pay cash on arrival.

Nimman Area

2230 Hostel – Private twin room (sort of a “pod” room, basically a cupboard with a bunk bed in it) in a very nice, quiet hostel. 500 Baht per night .

Nimman Boutique Resort – Twin room in a lovely, quiet hotel with free breakfast. 960 Baht per night .

Old City Area

Eden Walking Street Hostel – Bunk in a four-bed mixed dorm in a clean and trendy hostel right by Wat Phra Singh and the main strip of Walking Street.   £6.55 per night .

Suan Dok Kaew Hotel – Private double in a very quiet hotel on the outskirts of the old city. £10.69 per night .

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Getting Around

To get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai , you can fly to the local airport in around 1 hour 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the bus (10-12 hours) or the overnight train (between 11 and 14 hours).

Getting around Chiang Mai is easy. It’s a pretty small city, so the majority of the centre – especially the walled old town – is very walkable. For more freedom or to get further out you can rent a scooter very cheaply, and unlike much of Asia driving here is a little more relaxed; the highways even have an outside “lane” for scooters so you can drive as slowly as you like – everyone else will just overtake you. Check out what I did on my scooter adventure in Chiang Mai .

If you don’t fancy taking a scooter, the cheapest way to get around Chiang Mai is by taking a Songteaw , a shared red taxi. Tuk tuks are quicker but a journey will cost 100-200 Baht vs 20 Baht in a Songteaw. Simply flag one down, tell the driver where you want to go, and if he’s going that way he’ll nod (if not another will be along in about 30 seconds so just wait!). Journeys are almost always 20 Baht , unless you’re taking the driver a long way out of his way (for example, I took one to the outskirts of town to reach Dhara Devhi for afternoon tea. Taxis are the most expensive option, although still not all that bad compared to European taxis.

Here are a few of my travel expenses to give you an idea…

Scooter rental – 300 Baht per day plus 80 Baht fee for petrol. Rented from Nimman Boutique Resort, prices can be much lower if you’re renting for longer periods.

Songteaws (shared red taxis) – 20 Baht within the old city.

Songteaw to Dhara Devhi resort   – 100 Baht.

Bus to Pai (shared mini bus, four hour journey) – 180 Baht.

Taxi to the airport (15 minute journey from near Wat Suan Dok) – 200 Baht

Laundry in Chiang Mai

Getting your laundry done in Chiang Mai is dirt cheap. Most hotels will do it for you, but they’ll probably send it to a place a few doors down the road and then charge you maybe double or triple the price. The cheapest way to get laundry done in Chiang Mai is to find a place with coin-operated washing machines, like the Backpacker shop on Rachadamnoen Road (next door but one from It’s Good Kitchen). Here I paid 10 Baht for a bag of laundry powder (which lasted two washes), 20 Baht to use the washing machine, and then 60 Baht to use the dryer – 90 Baht in total . Plenty of shops around the city offer the same service, and they’ll all have signs up, so it’s easy to find.

Activities and Tours

Chiang Mai is famous for its temples, which are mostly free or very cheap to enter, so sightseeing doesn’t have to cost you much here. There are plenty of other activities and tours in the area, though. Here’s a list of everything I did in Chiang Mai, and what the price were…

Monthathan Waterfalls  on Doi Suthep Mountain – 100 Baht entry plus 20 Baht per scooter.

Chiang Mai Grand Canyon (swimming hole in an old quarry in Hang Dong, read more here ) – 50 Baht entry.

Wat Phra Singh  – 20 Baht entry. One of the largest and most famous temples in Chiang Mai old town.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep  – 30 Baht entry. A colourful temple at the top of Doi Suthep Mountain, known for having one of the best views in Chiang Mai.

Wat Sri Suphan  – free, although donations are appreciated. Also known as the Silver Temple , this beautiful Buddhist temple is completely coated in intricately carved silver.

Food Tour  with Chiang Mai Street Food Tours – 750 Baht for around three hours and at least seven dishes.

Chiang Mai World of Insects (museum) – 200 Baht entry (+100 Baht donation if you want to take lots of photos).

Greenhill Pool (nice outdoor pool in a residential complex inside a residential complex) – 80 Baht for non residents.

Afternoon Tea at Dhara Devhi Cake Shop – 1350 Baht for two people.

Nimmanhemin (“Nimman”) Area – Free (unless you hit the shops!). Walk around the trendy Nimman area of Chiang Mai for great shopping, trendy coffee shops, and the awesome Maya Mall.

Massage Prices in Chiang Mai

Of course, the question on everybody’s lips is how much do massages cost in Chiang Mai?  I mean, isn’t that why people come to Thailand? The good news is, massages can be found very cheaply. Be aware, though, that the cheapest option, Thai Massage, is a traditional Thai massage – this means no oil, a mattress on the floor, and a lot of twisting, bending, and some manoeuvres that may actually hurt. It’s my favourite kind of massage, but it’s not for everyone. If that doesn’t appeal, seek out a fancy spa-like Oasis Spa for a more expensive, but more gentle, treatment.

Traditional Thai Massage at Lanna Massage ( on Nimmanhaemin road at the end near Maya shopping centre) – 200 Baht. Loose-fitting clothes are provided and worn throughout the massage.

Oil Massage at a small parlour in Nimman (next to Wine Lover) – 400 Baht. (Normally 350 Baht but it was after 10pm). Prices for oil massages at the lower-priced massage places were all more or less the same. Be prepared – you’ll be nude (except for pants) and these ladies massage everywhere .

Foot Massage at Lila Massage* – 200 Baht (one hour).

Pedicure and manicure at Lila Massage* – 400 Baht.

*This place costs a little more than some of the other massage parlours, but it’s worth it. Not only is the interior gorgeous and the standard high, but Lila Massage is a brilliant concept which offers employment to newly released inmates of the Chiang Mai Women’s Prison. Inmates can receive training at the Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution  in the old city, where you can also get treatments to help the ladies practice, and when they leave they can find employment at Lila without having to deal with discrimination.

Food and Drink Prices in Chiang Mai

The food in Chiang Mai is absolutely incredible , and there’s something to suit any budget. Check out the night markets at the North and South Gates of the old city , or the stalls lining Nimman Road, for amazing street food at seriously budget prices. Then, there are cheap and cheerful local restaurants like It’s Good Kitchen where you’ll pay about double what you would at the market – but you’ll get to eat indoors, with air-con and drinks served cold!

Around trendy Nimman area there are tons of great restaurants serving both local and international food, with slightly higher prices again (but still pretty reasonable). This is also where you’ll find some of the best coffee shops in Chaing Mai! At the high end of the scale are the more upmarket restaurants and hotel resorts , places like Dhara Dhevi where you can get a pricey (but superb) afternoon tea! Here are some sample prices to give you an idea of how much food costs in Chiang Mai…

Street Food Prices Chiang Mai

Pork Pad Thai at South Gate Market – 40 Baht

Khanom Krok (coconut milk and rice flour dumplings) at South Gate Market  – 10 Baht

Sausages at the Sunday Night Market – 5 Baht each.

Khao Kha Moo (stewed pork leg with rice) at the famous  Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak  in the North Gate Night market – 50 Baht.  Find out more in this post .

Mango Sticky Rice at the North Gate Night Market – 40 Baht.

Old Town Area

Sangsom (Thai rum) and coke at THC Rooftop Bar (?) – 80 Baht

Thai Green Curry at It’s Good Kitchen  on Ratchadamnoen Road   – 80 Baht.

Red curry at Cooking Home Thai on Ratchadamnoen Road – 135 Baht.

Read More: What to Eat in Chiang Mai Old Town . 

Yakisoba at MuSushi – 80 Baht. (Sushi platters from 140 Baht).

Large dinner for two at King’s of Larb  (a plate of larb, morning glory, grilled chilli pork, spicy tomato dip, rice) – 250 Baht.

Coffee shops are everywhere in Chiang Mai. And I mean everywhere. Good coffee is easy to find – I like Akha Ama and My Secret Cafe in Town in the old city, but the real place to hunt for a coffee shop is on Nimman Road, where you cannot avoid them. The cost of coffee in Chiang Mai is pretty high, though, expect to pay at least 100 Baht – which is more than most meals cost!

Chiang Mai Shopping

I did a lot of shopping in Chiang Mai! There are several night markets and night bazaars dotted around the city, plus the weekly Sunday Night Market on Walking Street in the old city, which is epically big and full of some really cool finds. One of the best things about Chiang Mai’s markets is how many of the stalls have fixed prices – meaning you don’t have to haggle. You probably can still haggle, but the prices were so low that I couldn’t be bothered.

Another great thing about the Chiang Mai night markets is that there’s a lot more to be found than the standard tourist tat. You can still find all the elephant trousers and T-Shirts printed with the Chang beer logo, but there’s way more on offer, including vintage clothing, handmade jewellery, and products from local artists.

There are also some really cool boutique stores around, especially in the Nimman area and along Ratchadamnoen Road  in the old city, where you can pick up some really cool unique souvenirs. Head to the plaza opposite Maya shopping centre to find some really trendy local designers showing off their wares, or into Maya itself for some more upmarket local brands.

To give you a rough idea of what Chiang Mai Shopping might cost, here are a few of the things I picked up and what I paid…

My Shopping Prices

Elephant trousers at the Night Bazaar – 120 Baht

Elephant print vest top at the Night Bazaar  – 100 Baht.

Thin silk scarf at the Night Bazaar – 100 Baht.

Set of three loofahs bought at the Sunday Night Market on Walking Street – 30 Baht

Printed canvas bag from a shop on Ratchadamnoen Road – 100 Baht.

Printed T-Shirt at the Sunday Night Market on Walking Street – 100 Baht

Fake Havianas flip flops from Backpacker , a shop on Ratchadamnoen Road near Wat Phra Singh – 100 Baht

Sandals from a sportswear shop in Maya Shopping Centre – 200 Baht.

More Around Northern Thailand

I really hope this post helps you planning your trip to Chiang Mai and the rest of Northern Thailand!

Speaking of that region – have you ever heard of Nan Province ? About 6 hours from Chiang Mai, this underrated and under-visited province is a true hidden gem. There are LOADS of great things to do in Nan Province – as well as the even more underrated neighbouring Phrae province .

If you have any questions about Chiang Mai prices and travel costs, or you want some recommendations, then please feel free to get in touch!

Don’t forget to share your top tips and recommendations for Chiang Mai in the comments! 

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14 thoughts on “What Things Cost in Chiang Mai, Thailand”

theres SO much to see and do in Chiang Mai. I went a year ago now for the first time since 1999 and I really appreciated what a great place it is. But – it used to be SO much cheaper!

Haha so everyone says! But it’s still SO cheap compared to Europe, and honestly if it means the country’s economy is improving then I don’t begrudge the inflation!

This is super helpful! I’m in the process of planning my S.E.A trip for later in the year/early next year.

Can’t wait to get going!

Eek how exciting! Do you know where you’ll be going yet??

I have a couple more posts like this planned from my time in India and Thailand so stay tuned!

This post is so detailed and so helpful!! Thank you so much. Headed to Chiang Mai on November. <3

Ah I’m so glad it helps! I thought it might be a handy way to get an idea of a travel budget for the city :) Chiang Mai is lovely, I really liked it there!

Am doing a solo travel to chiang mai on july this year. Can you recommend ladies dorm near the night market site. Thanks.

Absolutely! I’d recommend Eden Walking Street Hostel or Sabai Hostel . Both are in the old city area very close to all the markets. Their clean and modern and pretty quiet, and both have female only dorms. I’ve stayed at both and would happily recommend them!

Hi Emily well this is cool I just wanted to check out where the coolest place was temperature wise and Thailand cuz I’ve always want to go there have friends and family near the coast really love your blog you’re my girl thank you great job bill

Thanks for commenting Bill :) Glad you found the post helpful! Enjoy your trip to Thailand!

Thanks for such detailed infor. I am hoping to rent a small condo or something for a month and cook so I don’t have to eat out as I will be there visiting my Dad who’s on a strict vegetable diet. Any infor on supermarkets and places to buy groceries?

I’m afraid I only ate out when I was in Chiang Mai so I never went to a supermarket. There are lots of 7-Eleven’s in the city centre, and I’m sure there are some bigger supermarkets further out. Most Thai people buy their groceries at the market though – it’s much cheaper!

Hi Emily. Thanks for the great Chiang Mai guide. Do you know if the prices has changed much since 2016? Thanks Andy

I’ve not been back to Chiang Mai since then but from what I’ve heard from friends who have, these prices are still pretty up to date. I went back to a few other places in Thailand less than a year ago and everything seemed similarly priced so I think these would be pretty close. When are you off there?

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Home » Southeast Asia » Thailand » Chiang Mai

Backpacking Chiang Mai Travel Guide 2024

Surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and jungle, Chiang Mai is an adventure lover’s paradise. I first visited Chiang Mai in 2014 and have since spent over twelve months living here in-between my adventures. Chiang Mai is my ‘work base’ and I absolutely love it here…

Popular with digital nomads and backpackers alike, Chiang Mai has a ton to offer! Head into the hills and go rafting, mountain biking or zip lining. Hike through the jungle and spend time with hill-tribe villages or explore on your own with a motorbike… Definitely, the best way to get around!

In the historic walled city, there are dozens of sparkling golden temples which you can explore to learn about the importance of Buddhism in Thai culture. Visit bustling night markets and snack on delicious street food or set up in a co-working space with other digital nomads and grind out a hard day’s work.

Chiang Mai is one of the most liveable places in all of South East Asia, this is a friendly city that truly has everything you need and the cost of living here is cheap.

Thailand’s northern capital is also one of the best destinations out there for broke backpackers. With an abundance of local markets full of delicious Thai food, free things to do, and excellent hostels and backpacker pads, you can have a great trip to Chiang Mai here without burning through a ton of cash.

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This travel guide is a little different to some of the others out there, I’ve spent a ton of time in Chiang Mai – at the time of writing I am just about to wrap up a five-month stretch living and working here – and I know this city well, probably better than any of the other cities I’ve covered in the past.

I’ll cover the best places to stay in Chiang Mai , where to eat, drink and party on down but also will reveal plenty of hidden gems that you might miss in this awesome city…  Plus I’ll throw in plenty of tips for digital nomads or long-stayers who want to know where to live, work and hit the gym in Chiang Mai.

Alright amigos, let’s dive in…

How much does Backpacking Chiang Mai Cost?

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Few destinations in the world offer you as much bang for your buck as Chiang Mai. It truly is amazing just how far your money goes here. Much like the affordability of traveling Thailand , the low cost of travel to Chiang Mai attracts backpackers, digital nomads, and ex-pats alike to northern Thailand. All of the essentials here can be super cheap – accommodation, transportation, dining, shopping, entertainment, and yes even nightlife are all very budget-friendly here. In this section, we’ll take a look at how much you can expect to spend traveling in Chiang Mai.

If you’re on a shoestring, the good news is that you can get by with as little as $20-25 a day. This would mean staying in a dorm in a cheap hostel or Couchsurfing, using only the local red trucks, eating street food, and doing mostly free activities. You didn’t come all the way to Thailand to just sit around one of Chiang Mai’s hostels , though. A daily budget of $45-50 will get you better digs, a rented scooter, and some extra cash for adventures…

Chiang Mai Daily Budget Breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of a Chiang Mai daily budget:

Dorm bed in a hostel:  $5-15

Small basic room for two:  $10-25

Airbnb room in a shared/entire apartment:  $25-75

Songthaew (local bus) ride in the city:  $1

Taxi from the airport:  $5

Combination ticket for three museums:  $6

Bowl of  khao soi  noodles:  $1.25

Meal in a local restaurant:  $3-$10

Big Leo beer from 7-11:  $1.25

Beer in a bar:  $2-3

Chiang Mai Budget Backpacking Tips

For us broke backpackers out there, Chiang Mai is a dream come true. It’s not only possible but actually quite easy to visit Chiang Mai on a budget. Unless you stay in luxury hotels, you won’t break the bank here. That being said, there are definitely some ways you can stretch your Baht  further.

Here are some of our best Chiang Mai budget tips:

• Stay a while : Staying in the city for one week or even a month allows you to get great discounts on accommodation and a rented scooter. You’ll also get to know the city much better and find all the good (and cheap) places to eat and drink.
• Rent a scooter : Even if you only stay a few days, life is much better with your own wheels in Chiang Mai. For long-term scooter rentals, I recommend Chloe’s Motorbike rentals.
• Go temple hopping : Buddhism plays a huge role in Thai culture, and there are literally hundreds of temples in Chiang Mai. They’re pretty much all free to visit and you’ll gain a deeper insight into the local culture. Just be sure to dress appropriately, unlike these two…

• Buy the combo ticket : For just $6, you can get a ticket that’s valid for three different museums. This is a great way to beat the mid-afternoon heat and learn a bit more about Thailand on your visit. At $2 each, these are well worth the price of admission!
• Eat street food or in local markets : It really is amazing how much you can get for so little when it comes to eating here. By having breakfast at the hostel and a cheap local meal for lunch, you’ll have a lot more money to play with.
• Be a Happy Hour Hero : Chiang Mai is a big city with a large expat population. That means tons of bars, and that means plenty of choices for Happy Hour. Get your buzz on when drinks are 2-for-1 and you’ll have a big night out without burning through your cash.
• Pack a travel water bottle : save money (and the planet) every day! Stop buying bottled water!

As you can see, it’s very easy to visit Chiang Mai on the cheap. It’s not exactly like you’ll be slumming it, either! You’ll be crashing in a decent hostel, riding your scooter around town, feasting on mouth-watering Thai food, and learning all about the country and its culture. Chances are you’ll start comparing the cost of living here to home and wonder why you don’t just move here.

Why You Should Travel to Chiang Mai with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

When backpacking Chiang Mai, most people choose to stay in the Old City . Surrounded by a crumbling fortress wall and a moat, this is the heart of Chiang Mai. Staying here ensures easy access to transportation and plenty of options for where to stay, eat, and party. You can find lots of Chiang Mai’s awesome Airbnbs in this area, which are overall very affordable.

But the Old City area is always a bit too hectic for my liking and if you’re a digital nomad, rather than a party-focussed backpacker, you may want to stay elsewhere in Chiang Mai.

Another area that’s popular with backpackers is the Night Bazaar . Of course, there’s the huge night market here where you can eat, drink, and shop for super cheap. It’s a lively area with lots of bars and Go Go girls.

If you are on an extended backpacking trip, be sure to check out our in-depth accommodation guide on the best hostels in Thailand  – there are some real gems in there!

Those seeking a bit of peace and quiet may want to seek accommodation in the Nimman area. This is the heart of the digital nomad scene in Chiang Mai and there are lots of great restaurants, co-working spaces and chill cages.

The Best Places to Stay in Chiang Mai

Are you wondering  which is the best part of Chiang Mai to stay in?  Well, let me give you a few suggestions.

The Old City is often the cheapest place to stay in Chiang Mai, with a plethora of backpackers’ hostels and budget guesthouses making it one of the best places to stay in Chiang Mai for broke backpackers.

Nimmanheamin

The best area to stay in Chiang Mai for nightlife and the digital nomad expat scene, you’ll also find plentiful restaurants and terrific places to shop.

Get a taste of Thai life and escape some of the tourist crowds while still being within easy reach of Nimman’s night scene and the Old City’s attractions.

Mountainside

Within easy reach of the city centre, Mountainside offers a more peaceful place to stay and closer access to Chiang Mai’s countryside and natural attractions. It’s one of the best places to stay in Chiang Mai for families.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

It’s pretty impossible to get bored in Chiang Mai. In the Old City alone, you’ve got tons of temples, museums, parks, and markets to keep you busy. This is also an adventure lover’s paradise, as you’ve got trekking, cycling, rafting, and more at your fingertips. You’ll have no problem filling your days when backpacking Chiang Mai.

With a few days in the city, it’s possible to do a little bit of everything. Here are our top 10 things to do in Chiang Mai to give you some ideas:

1. Visit a Mountaintop Temple

While there are hundreds of temples in Chiang Mai, none compare to Doi Sutthep . When backpacking Chiang Mai, you’ll definitely want to make the trek out here to check out the gold-plated chedi and take in the views of the city.

2. Take Part in the Songkran Festivities

Songkran (Thai New Year) happens from April 13-15 every year. Chiang Mai is perhaps the most fun place to celebrate the holiday, as the entire city turns into a massive water fight. It is WELL WORTH planning your entire trip around being in Chiang Mai for Songkran!

3. Get Up Close with Elephants

There are countless elephant-related tours available, but it should be known that most of them treat the animals poorly. It’s best to avoid any experience where you ride the elephants. The Elephant Nature Park has the best reputation of all the operators.

4. Ride the Mae Hong Son Loop

Thrill-seekers and adventure junkies will love this trip. Rent a motorbike in the city and head out to ride the 1,864 curves of the famed Mae Hong Son Loop .

5. Go Temple Hopping

With hundreds to choose from, you’re never that far away from a temple in Chiang Mai. Just be sure to dress appropriately – leave the singlets and board shorts in the hostel, bro.

6. Trek in the Jungle

It’s easy to sign up for 1-3 day trekking trips in the jungle outside of Chiang Mai. Sleep in remote villages, have cookouts, and do a bit of cliff jumping.

7. Learn Muay Thai

There are several Muay Thai training centers located in Chiang Mai. If you’re not looking to do it yourself, you can still catch fights several times a week.

8. Eat Khao Soi

When it comes to the cuisine of northern Thailand, khao soi is probably the most famous dish. This coconut curry noodle soup is amazing and nowhere does it better than Chiang Mai.

9. Do Go Chasing Waterfalls

There are a few waterfalls that are an easy daytrip out of Chiang Mai. Take an afternoon to go cool off and chill out in nature.

10. Fly Through the Trees

Chiang Mai is home to several excellent zipline tours. Spend a day flying through the trees out in the Thai jungle.

Need help deciding between Bangkok and Chiang Mai ? Check out our helpful guide.

Chiang Mai is absolutely full of incredible cafes, restaurants and bars, here are a few of my favourites…

Feast Society:  My absolute favourite restaurant in Chiang Mai – simply incredible food! Go!

Cafe de JJ : Awesome food in a really cool hole in the wall style eatery, cheap and tasty!

Smoothie Blues : Cheap, filling and plenty to choose from – smoothies and omelettes!

Overstand : Has the best damn pizza in Chiang Mai… even if it is a breakfast pizza.

Gallery Seescape and SS1254372 Cafe: Cool vibes, decent bagels, stupid name.

Ristro8 : Probably has the best coffee in all of Thailand…

Le Brunch : Best Western Breakfast in town.

Rustic and Blue : Overpriced but admittedly delicious.

Beast Burger : The best burgers I’ve found anywhere in Asia.

Tsunami Sushi : Incredible and affordable sushi.

Srifaa’s : My favourite local Thai restaurant, delicious and cheap Thai food.

Salad Concept : A digital nomad favourite, design your own mega salad from scratch.

Pure Vegan : Hippy dippy bullshit… but if you’re into no meat on your plate, this is the place to go.

Khao Say Nimman: The best Khao Say in Chiang Mai!

Clay Studio Coffee in the Garden : A really cool cafe with clay statues and tasty teas…

As far as drinking goes, you can find juice bars, cafes, and bars everywhere. You can get a delicious smoothie in the market for $1 or less and a strong espresso for $1-2. When it’s time for something stronger, you can pick up a big beer from a 7:11 for $2. If you’re looking to party on a budget, grab a bottle of Sangsom rum or whiskey. It’s not great, but it’s cheap and it gets the job done.

For Thai cooking classes,  check out this site  for awesome deals.

Nightlife in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a great city if you enjoy having an adult beverage or two. There are bars of all shapes and sizes in the city, ranging from dingy dive bars to high-class cocktail joints. One of the best places to go for nightlife in Chiang Mai is Loi Kroh Road. At the end of the road is the CMEC (Chiang Mai Entertainment Complex). Here you’ll find sports bars and ladyboy bars around a ring that has Muay Thai fights. For more authentic muay thai fights, head further out of town.  Zoe’s in Yellow is where most backpacker groups end up and is a good place to meet locals and other travelers.

If you’re looking for some live music, Charoenrat Road along the east bank of the river is a great place to go. On any given night, you might find rock, blues, jazz, or pop bands. While many bands cover well-known English songs, you’ll also be able to find local bands playing actual Thai music as well.

This is definitely an easy city to stay out all night in. A typical big night out in Chiang Mai goes something like this: pre-game in the hostel, hit a Happy Hour or nightly deal somewhere, check out some live music, play some pool and see where the night takes you.

There are nightclubs in Chiang Mai, but I don’t do nightclubs so I have nothing to report.

If you’re looking for some Bob Marley tunes, head down to Marlboro Bar – a chill spot for some pool and one of my favourite hangouts once the clock hits 4:20. Momma knows where it’s at.

Chiang Mai is an excellent location if you’d like to experience one of many Thai festivals , so it’s worth considering these when looking for things to do.

If you’re just passing through Chiang Mai, you can skip this section and head straight to the Chiang Mai suggested itineraries …

Chiang Mai is an awesome place to spend some real time and I’ve been lucky enough to call this magical city my home for the last few months. If you plan on staying long-term, here’s some tips…

Where to live in Chiang Mai

Most long stayers tend to stay around Nimman area, if you’re on a budget have a look at staying in Ban Thai just off Nimman. It’s possible to find an apartment for as low as 5000 bhat a month, you can also spend up to 18,000 bhat a month – it depends what you want.

You can find a TON of information by joining the Chiang Mai digital nomad group on Facebook.

The best gyms in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is blessed with quite a lot of gyms and if you wanna stay fit, you have plenty of options. I’ve tried out several gyms in Chiang Mai – here are the best gyms in Chiang Mai, according to me!

Moo Bah Strong Man Gym:  Definitely the best value gym, all the equipment is brand new and owner Eric really knows what he is talking about. For olympic lifters, this is one of the best gyms in Chiang Mai and if you’re interested in strongman training this is probably the best strongman gym in all of Thailand. Moo Bah is a five minute drive from Nimman area.

Eric offers 1:1 coaching and can also put together custom training programs based on your requirements. I trained with him for 2 months and hit new all time highs on all of my big lifts…

Get in touch here. 

Price:  From 1500 Bhat a month.

Crossfit Chiang Mai :  A large, well-equipped box with daily Crossfit classes. I trained here on and off for over six months. If you’re new to Crossfit, this is a great box. If you’re more experienced and looking for well thought out programming that will really push you and coaches that will make the effort to help you improve, you may want to look elsewhere.

Price:  From 3000 Bhat a month.

Virgin Active :  A world-class gym that offers up to 200 classes every week – everything from HIT training and Crossfit style classes – plus next-level equipment and a sauna. This place is pretty fucking awesome but it’s far out of town, at the Central Festival mall, which is the major downside.

Price:  From 2700 Bhat a month.

Yoga in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is famed for its many yoga studios and there are a ton of places you can get stretchy here… Here are some of my favourites…

Freedom Yoga : Run by the charismatic Adam, this is my favourite yoga place in town and has a great cafe.

Yoga Ananda : Just off Nimman, you will definitely sweat in these classes – intermediate is pretty hardcore, according to Esme.

Wild Rose Yoga Studio :  In the Old City, very cool yoga studio.

Mahasiddha : South of the old city. Focuses on meditation and spirituality as well as yoga.

Long-term scooter rental

Look no further… Chloe is the person you want to rent your motorcycle or scooter from. She is super nice, bikes are in great condition and reasonably priced. Get in touch with her here. 

Now that you’ve learned a bit about the cost of travel, where to stay, and some of the best things to do, it’s time to make a kickass itinerary for 3 days in Chiang Mai.

Day 1 in Chiang Mai: Temples and Markets

Once you’ve settled into your hostel, it’s time to explore all that the Old City has to offer. With a few hours, you can easily hit a few of the best temples in the area. Don’t miss Wat Chedi Luang –  the “Temple of the Big Stupa.” The famous Emerald Buddha that now resides in Bangkok was once held here and it’s still a very active place of worship. Of the free things to do in Chiang Mai, bouncing around the temples is one of the best.

If you’ve got time and the interest, you can grab a combination ticket to three of the city’s museums. For just $6, you can visit the Arts & Cultural Center, Lanna Folklife Museum, and the History Museum. You don’t need to visit them all on the same day, either, so you can even hit one a day if you like. They’re not the best museums in the world, but they do have some good exhibits and it’s a great way to get out of that searing Chiang Mai heat.

In between all those temples and museums, you’ll want to tuck into local markets or hole-in-the-wall restaurants to try northern Thai specialities like khao soi  and chili dips like nam prik . Wherever you see a bunch of Thais sitting on plastic stools, that’s where you should eat. A willingness to try anything and/or a few Thai words and phrases are necessary for such culinary adventures.

In the evening, there are plenty of night markets you can check out. Even if you’re like me and absolutely loathe shopping, the Chiang Mai markets are fun places to wander around. Plus, you can always grab a cold beer along the way to make it more enjoyable. If you’re still hungry, there are tons of food vendors as well. You may even catch a dance performance or some live music, especially on the weekends.

If you’re looking for backpacker bars in Chiang Mai, they’re not hard to find. This city is firmly on the Banana Pancake Trail and is well equipped for thirsty backpackers. The nightlife in Chiang Mai is pretty epic, so you may be tempted to go out and party all night. Those looking to maximize their three days in the city will want to call it an early night. Take that money you save from not buying a few more drinks and get a cheap massage or an ice cream instead!

Day 2 in Chiang Mai: Adventures Outside the City

While there’s enough to do in the city to keep you busy the whole time, you’ll want to get out and see a bit of the surrounding area. The best way to do this is with your own two wheels. Rent a scooter in town and make sure you and the owner clearly note any scratches, dents, or faulty equipment. Also, don’t be an idiot – put your helmet on and get one for anyone riding with you.

With your new chariot, head out of the city and up the hill to visit Doi Sutthep. This is the granddaddy of them all as far as Chiang Mai temples go. If you’re not familiar with Buddhism in Thailand, this is a great place to get acquainted. There are also stunning views off to the side. When you factor in the time it takes to get out there and climb the stairs, you’ll need to dedicate half of day two in Chiang Mai to your visit.

In the afternoon, you’ve got several options for where to head next. A great choice is Huay Tung Tao , a manmade lake that’s a great place to chill out. There are several little huts around the lake and a handful of restaurants. Kick back and order up a meal and a cold one and just enjoy this tranquil setting.

Other options in the area include the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens , the Mae Sa Waterfall ,  or the Phu Ping Palace . If you’re motivated, good on the bike, and have a working phone with GPS, you can even try to visit most of these places in just one day. Of course, you could also just linger at one or two and take it easy.

Back in the city, take your pick of the countless restaurants and bars to enjoy a casual night out. Check the schedule and see if there are Muay Thai fights going on if you’re interested in that. There are also plenty of bars that have live music, including the Boy Blues Bar and The Edge. If you’re going to party in Chiang Mai, you might as well go and get your ya-yas out tonight. Tomorrow morning you’ll just have to drag your hungover ass out of bed and into a minivan.

Day 3 in Chiang Mai: Meet the Elephants

Elephants are incredibly important in Thai culture. The giant pachyderm is actually the official symbol of the country. There was even an elephant on the Siamese flag up until the early 1900s. Elephants are revered in Thai culture for their strength and endurance, and they are a symbol of prosperity.

Over the years, elephants helped the Thai people defend their kingdom and assisted them in logging. Since that industry was banned, the massive animals have moved into the realm of tourism. There are now countless elephant-related tours in Chiang Mai and other parts of Thailand. You should be warned, though, that not all of these tours are created equal and you should not ride an elephant. 

When shopping around for an elephant experience, it’s important to keep in mind a few things. For one, elephants are not meant to be ridden. It really is a dick move to go and ride an elephant, to be honest. I’ve done it before when I was ignorant on the subject, but I’d never do it again. I’d also recommend you to skip out on that elephant ride.

Of all the elephant tour operators in Chiang Mai, none has a better reputation than the Elephant Nature Park . If you want to get up close with the elephants and do so in an ethical way, these guys are your best bet. Their single day visit takes all day and costs around $80, including transportation and lunch.

Day 3: Alternatives for things to do in Chiang Mai

Not everyone will be interested in spending the time and money on visiting the elephants, and that’s fine. Thankfully there are plenty of other options for how you spend the last of your 3 days in Chiang Mai. Since Thai food is so delicious, why not just learn how to make it yourself?

There are lots of great cooking schools here for you to choose from. Visit a market and then cook up a traditional Thai dish, then impress your friends at home with your newfound culinary prowess.

If you’re looking for a bit of adrenaline on your trip, you can choose from rafting, mountain biking, ATV riding, and zip lining adventures. Many operators offer combo tours where you’ll get a bit of a discount for booking a few. Most of these tours include transportation and a meal and will cost anywhere from $50-100.  Check here for a list of operators and daily activities .

Of course, if you’re backpacking Chiang Mai on a budget you may not want to fork over the Baht for these more expensive tours. Never fear, as there are several other temples, parks, and markets for you to explore in the city. You can also just kick back and chill out at your hostel, as it’s been a pretty busy 3 days in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Off the Beaten Track

When staying in the Old City, it can start to feel like there are more farang than Thais. It’s true that the city is a very popular destination for backpackers, digital nomads, and expats alike (based on recent digital nomad trends ). When visiting places like Doi Sutthep and the Night Bazaar, you’ll definitely be surrounded by other travelers.

Those looking to get off the beaten path in Chiang Mai may want to consider staying outside of the Old City walls. There are plenty of other awesome hostels out there that don’t throw a huge party every night. You can even find some pretty incredible rooms or entire apartments on Airbnb. As long as you have a scooter, you’ll still be able to get around.

Best Walks in Chiang Mai

While the traffic of Chiang Mai can be a bit intense, it’s still possible to enjoy a nice leisurely stroll around the city. The best time to walk around is early in the morning or later in the day when it’s not too hot. Here are some of the best walks in Chiang Mai for you to check out:

Temple Tour:  There are so many temples in Chiang Mai. It almost seems like there’s one on every street in the Old City. Thanks to this abundance in temples, it’s very easy to do a self-guided walking tour to visit a handful of them in just a few hours.

Art Gallery Tour:  There’s a vibrant arts scene in Chiang Mai, meaning plenty of art galleries and shops for you to browse. Spend half a day bouncing around different galleries, stopping at cafes and restaurants along the way.

South of Chiang Mai: This rather long (7.5 km) walk takes you to a beautiful Catholic cathedral, a Chinese dragon temple, and ancient ruins.

You can download these and several other walking tour maps here.

Monk’s Trail to Doi Suthep: While you can just catch a ride all the way to the base of Doi Suthep, you can also hike along the Monk’s Trail. This is best done early in the morning and will take a few hours. Check out this excellent guide to the Monk’s Trail for more information.

Best time of year to visit Chiang Mai

Generally speaking, the best time to visit Chiang Mai is between October and April. The weather is cool and pleasant, especially from November to February — a prime time if you’re coming for a hike . Of course, this nice weather correlates with Chiang Mai’s high season. Especially if traveling during Christmas and Chinese New Year, it’s important to book accommodation and things like train tickets in advance in the high season.

The rainy season lasts from May to October. While the rain cools it down a bit, the humidity can be pretty bad at this time of year. As such, this is definitely considered the low season in Chiang Mai. While that means less than ideal weather, it also means smaller crowds and better deals. Perfect for those trying to do Chiang Mai on a budget.

Even though it’s super hot, many would say that the middle of April is the best time to visit Chiang Mai. That’s because this is when you’ll get to experience Songkran (the Thai New Year). The whole city turns into the biggest water fight you’ve ever seen and it’s just a ton of fun.

Getting in and out of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has both domestic and international flights. There are direct flights here from several places in Thailand and also from cities in China, Malaysia, Laos, and Singapore.

The airport is located just a few kilometers southwest of the city center. Legal taxis charge an official rate of 160 Baht ($5) for a ride to the city center. If saving a couple bucks is a high priority, you can try to navigate the complex system of local buses and songthaew, but for the added stress it’s probably not worth it.

If you really want a backpacking adventure and you’re planning to travel to Laos after Chiang Mai, the slow boat journey to Luang Prabang is excellent fun. It’s easily one of the coolest ways to cross the border into Laos!

When you’re ready to travel to Chiang Mai, forgo buying tickets at the station and book them online instead! You can now book transport in advance for most of Asia using Bookway and doing so can really save you some stress (and maybe money, too).

Powered by  Bookway  system

How to get around Chiang Mai

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – nothing beats having a motorbike when backpacking Chiang Mai. As long as you’re comfortable on a bike and can handle the slightly intense Thai driving style, having a scooter will make your life much easier. There are rental shops on every corner in Chiang Mai, with most offering daily, weekly, and monthly rates.

Those not comfortable on a bike will have to get by on public transportation. There’s no metro system in Chiang Mai, but there are a ton of bus routes and the ubiquitous songthaew . These color-coded pickup trucks go just about everywhere in the city but can be a bit confusing. I highly recommend checking out this great guide for how to ride a songthaew in Chiang Mai . If you’re looking to do Chiang Mai on the cheap, the songthaew are definitely the way to go.

I STRONGLY recommend that you don’t bother with taxis and tuk tuks and instead use Grab – it’s cheaper, friendlier and faster.

Long Distance Trains from Chiang Mai

A classic Thailand travel experience is taking to train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, or vice versa. You have the option of getting a bed on an overnight sleeper train for $25 or taking a seat on the express train during the day for $18. If possible, see if you can get a bunk on car #9 or 10 as they are the newest and best options. Even on the sleeper train, you’ll get to enjoy some amazing scenery.

Those looking to explore other destinations in Thailand can also get off the train in Phitsanulok to visit Sukhothai, get off in Lopburi to see the city of monkeys, or explore the ruins in Ayutthaya.

Safety in Chiang Mai

Overall, Chiang Mai is an incredibly safe place to visit. Just like any big city, though, there are of course some risks here. Be aware of your surroundings when walking around at night, and don’t go flashing cash or valuables.

The tap water definitely is a no-go here. Travel with a water bottle that you can easily and cheaply refill at stations all over the city. This ensures you don’t get sick and cuts down on plastic waste.

One of the biggest scams you need to worry about in Chiang Mai is tuk-tuk drivers taking you on a forced shopping tour. Should you get stuck on one of these, you’ll surely be introduced to the famous gem scam here where a shopkeeper tries to sell you worthless plastic for exorbitant prices. Best to cut your loses and call a Grab or hop on the songthaew to get out of there.

Keep an eye out for the police – if they catch you riding a scooter without an international or a Thai license, it’s a 300 bhat fine. The police can be avoided fairly easily, if you’re quick 😉

Pick yourself up a  backpacker security belt  to keep your cash safe on the road, and check out our Thailand Safety Guide for tips and tricks to stay safe whilst backpacking Chiang Mai. This post for plenty of ideas on ingenious ways to   hide your money when traveling.

Travel Insurance for Chiang Mai

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

If there’s one insurance company I trust, it’s World Nomads.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Chiang Mai Accommodation Travel Hacks

The great news for budget travelers is that Chiang Mai has tons of excellent hostels at very reasonable prices. It’s easy to find a bed in a dorm for under $10 a night. If you’re a couple or a group, you can even get your own room for around $20.

Those who are backpacking Chiang Mai on the cheap can search for a host on Couchsurfing. There are plenty of locals and expats on there who will offer up space for you to crash. Even if you don’t use it to find a host, you can check out some of the meet-ups that are organized on there.

Books to read while traveling in Chiang Mai

Lonely Planet Thailand Travel Guide – The OG of guidebooks, Lonely Planet has an excellent guide on Thailand. As one of the most popular destinations in the country, there’s a ton of content on Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai – An Insider’s Guide to the Best of Thailand – If you don’t feel like lugging a heavy Thailand guidebook around, this Chiang Mai specific guide is a great call. Written by an expat who has been visiting the city for 30 years, it’s full of useful info.

Thailand’s Best Street Food – If you’re planning on eating a lot of street food in Thailand, this is the perfect book to grab. Read up on the street food scene in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket so you know what you’re eating!

Volunteering in Chiang Mai

Long term travel is awesome. Giving back is awesome too!

Worldpackers

For backpackers looking to travel long-term on a budget in  Chiang Mai  whilst making a real impact on local communities, look no further than  World Packers . World Packers is an excellent platform  connecting travelers with meaningful volunteer positions throughout the world.

In exchange for a few hours of work each day, your room and board are covered.

Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in an awesome place without spending any money. Meaningful life and travel experiences are rooted in stepping out of your comfort zone and into the world of a purposeful project.

Worldpackers opens the doors for work opportunities in hostels, homestays, NGOs, and eco-projects around the world. We’ve tried and approved them ourselves – check out our Worldpackers in-depth review here.

If you’re ready to create a life-changing travel experience and give back to the community, join the Worldpacker community now. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll get a special discount of $10. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Alternatively, Workaway is another excellent common platform used by travellers searching for volunteering opportunities. Workaway is pretty massive, with over 40,000 hosts registered (that’s 40,000 opportunities) and over 350,000 reviews on the site. With a database base that big, odds are you’ll be able to find something that strikes your fancy. You can read our review of Workaway for more info on using this terrific platform.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers and platforms like Workaway are usually very well-managed. However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children.

Global Work and Travel

Last, but not certainly not least, Global Work and Travel is another viable option for finding volunteer opportunities in Chiang Mai. What sets Global Work and Travel apart from other volunteering platforms is the amount of assistance they give, from a 24/7 global help-line, help with VISA processing to airport transfers and continued support once you are in Chiang Mai. It may be a smaller platform, but the projects you’ll find are high quality and immaculately organised. There are new programs and opportunities listed constantly as Global Work and Travel continues to grow its reach.

For those interested in volunteer work in Chiang Mai, Global Work and Travel offer an Elephant Rescue & Rehabilitation Project with the option to stay anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. Just imagine yourself cleaning up elephant dung and helping with conservation efforts! You’ll be exploring mountains and jungles in your free time too. As with all volunteer abroad programs, there’s a cost, but you’ll be able to pay it off in interest-free instalments. Don’t forget to bring your camera and make sure you are between the ages of 18-85 to qualify!

Make Money Online Whilst Backpacking Chiang Mai

Traveling in Chiang Mai long-term? Keen to make some cash when you are not exploring the city?

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection. Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills! It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad .

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

Being a Responsible Backpacker in Chiang Mai

Reduce your plastic footprint:  Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in landfill or in the ocean. Instead, pack a  tough travel water bottle .

Go and watch A Plastic Ocean on Netflix – it’ll change how you view the plastic problem in the world; you need to understand what we are up against. If you think it doesn’t matter, get off my fucking site.

Don’t pick up single use plastic bags, you’re a backpacker – take your daypack if you need to go to the shop or run errands.

Bear in mind, that many animal products in countries you travel through will not be ethically farmed and won’t be of the highest quality. I’m a carnivore but when I’m on the road, I only eat chicken. Mass-farming of cows etc leads to the rainforest being cut down – which is obviously a huge problem.

Need more guidance? – Check out our post on  how to be a responsible backpacker.

Backpacking Chiang Mai can be one hell of a crazy party at times. Take it from me, it can be easy to get carried away. It is important to keep in mind that you are an ambassador for your country, which is awesome. We can make a positive impact on people when we travel and get rid of any ugly stereotypes that may be associated with your country.

If you visit indigenous villages or small communities in the rural areas always ask before taking photos. The people who live in these villages are not exhibits in a museum. They are normal folks just living their lives.  Always show them the complete respect that they deserve.

When buying a local craft, do not haggle so low that the price is unfair to the person who spent countless hours crafting it. Pay people what they are worth and contribute to the local economies as much as possible.

I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the least amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Refill the ones that you do buy! Use a Grayl Geopress.  Refill at your hostel! There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!!

Backpacking in Thailand or any region for that matter often illuminates some of the great socio-economic inequalities of the world. Never take it for granted that you are healthy and financially able to go traveling. Show the world around you some gratitude and help to make a positive impact on it. Most of all have the time of your life and spread the love!

Will Hatton

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Awesome information. You have a great writing skill. I am heading to Chiang Mai in a week’s time and definitely I will try to make it to all those places you have mentioned. Have a great travel and keep going great with your blogs.. God bless

You rock! Love your writing style and content. Hope to see you doing well in Bali next…we are off to Chiang Mai in 2 week’s time to go and do all of what you recommend and Bali is for sure on the wish list.

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13 budget-friendly places where couples can retire abroad and live on as little as $1,500/month

Retiring in the U.S. can be expensive. In Florida, often the favorite state of the nation's retirees, settling down to enjoy your golden years can cost as much as $58,396 a year .

That's one reason why many Americans choose to leave the States and retire abroad . Nearly 450,000 people received their Social Security checks outside the U.S. at the end of 2021, up from 307,000 in 2008, according to a 2023 report from the Wall Street Journal .

But not all international retirement destinations are created equal, especially if you're on a budget. Last month, International Living released its list of the 13 destinations where a couple can retire for as little as $1,500 a month.

International Living used the following seven categories to determine the best locations out of over 200 countries in the world:

• Visas and benefits
• Cost of living
• Affinity rating
• Health care
• Development and governance

In addition to taking those factors into consideration, International Living also looked at the availability of high-speed internet, networking opportunities and English-speaking locals or service providers in each country.

While the cities and towns are spread across the globe, some countries are especially affordable for retirees. Mexico had the most cities on the list, and five destinations were in Southeast Asia.

Top affordable retirement destinations in the Americas

• Querétaro, Mexico
• Isla Mujeres, Mexico
• Cozumel, Mexico
• Armenia, Colombia
• Arenal, Costa Rica

Querétaro, Mexico, is located in north-central Mexico, just over two hours from Mexico City. The local airport also offers direct flights to several hubs in the U.S., including Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston and Chicago.

Querétaro offers a mild climate and various warehouse store shopping options, such as Costco and Sam's Club.

The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Querétaro are $744.50 before rent, according to Numbeo .

In Querétaro, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is 10,571.43 MXN or about $633. The average rent for the same apartment size in retirement hotspot Florida is $1,236, according to Zillow .

Top affordable retirement destinations in Asia

• Penang, Malaysia
• Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Kuching, Malaysia
• Hoi An, Vietnam

Chiang Mai, Thailand, is one of the five Southeast Asian cities listed in the International Living survey.

It is the largest city in northern Thailand, home to hundreds of Buddhist temples. It is an hour's flight from Bangkok, the country's capital.

Not including rent, a single person's estimated monthly costs are $515.50, according to Numbeo . Additionally, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is 14,100.00฿ or about $395 per month.

Chiang Mai is home to Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand. It is known as one of the best places for birdwatching, and the park on the peak is home to over 300 species, according to Hotels.com .

Top affordable retirement destinations in Europe

• Alicante, Spain
• Granada, Spain
• Bergerac, France

Granada, Spain, is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Andalusia and is a city full of Spanish and Moorish history.

The city is also home to the University of Granada, which has an estimated 47,000 undergraduate students spread over several campuses around the city.

It offers retirees the opportunity to embrace the more relaxed Spanish lifestyle while still being connected to the more youthful culture of living in a "college town."

A single person's estimated monthly costs are $771.30 before rent in Granada, Numbeo states.

Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs an average of 583.33€ a month, or around $637. That's still about $677 less than the average rent price for an apartment in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, one of the best places to retire in the U.S. , according to U.S. News and World Report .

Conversions to USD were done on March 15, 2024, using OANDA conversion rates of 1 euro to 1.09 USD, 1 Thai Baht to 0.02 USD, and 1 Mexican Peso to 0.05 USD. All amounts are rounded to the nearest dollar.

Correction: Querétaro, Mexico, is located in north-central Mexico. An earlier version misstated its location.

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Loy Krathong Chiang Mai 2024 - Thailand Forum

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Loy Krathong Chiang Mai 2024

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Thank youuu

5 replies to this topic

Yes, Loi Krathong will fall on 15 November 2024. And there will be a parade. Best to buy kratongs made of plants, instead of the plastic one. Some people have to get them out of the river, downstream…

Hi, thanks!! But even the previous day (the 14th)?

Hello Lorenza V,

I need to to start booking things myself because I suspect this year will be very busy.

My apologies for the long link, but there is some useful info on this website:

https://www.chiangmai-alacarte.com/the-loy-krathong-festival-in-chiang-mai/#:~:text=The%20Chiang%20Mai%20Loy%20Krathong%20Festival%20in%202024%20takes%20place,is%20the%20full%20moon%20day.

Festivities take place one day on either side of the full moon, so 14, 15 & 16 November 2024. The schedule of events during those three days remains basically the same from year to year, so you can reference a 2023 calendar of events for planning 2024.

Here's a shortened link to the website I mentioned previously.

https://tinyurl.com/ywfzujnh

Safe travels

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Local Bites: the best places to eat and drink in Chiang Mai

May 13, 2024 • 5 min read

Andy Ricker, chef, American restauranteur and Thai cookbook writer, shares his top dining recommendations in Chiang Mai © courtesy Flo coffee brewers

I first arrived in Chiang Mai in May of 1992. I came to visit a high school buddy who had married a local – a professor at Chiang Mai University. They introduced me to the local cuisine and to their friends and family members who took me under their collective wing. 

I was hooked. I returned every year until I opened the first Pok Pok restaurant in Portland, Oregon in 2005. In the following years I opened and closed a couple dozen restaurants, wrote a few cookbooks and traveled the world evangelizing the food culture of Thailand – especially that of Chiang Mai and its surrounding countryside.

In the last 30 years, a lot has changed in the land of Lanna, but one thing has remained constant... Chiang Mai is one of the great eating destinations of the world.

In Thailand, breakfast foods are often the same as lunch or dinner foods, so it pays to set aside notions of pancakes and scrambled eggs in the morning. My favorite spot for morning respite is the decades-old family-run Phatom , which specializes in rice porridge served with an array of Chinese/Thai dishes like jap chai ( fried sweet Chinese sausage and braised tofu). Laap Dii Khom Khon Yong , just off the first ring road, serves some of the best Northern Thai laap . You can’t go wrong with laap muu suk  (the cooked pork version) and dishes like jaw phak kat (greens soup), kaeng awm  (beef shin stew) and grilled pork. This is where a local might take you! If you really must have a Western brekky, there’s The Larder .

Thailand has become a hotbed of specialty coffee, and Chiang Mai is the de facto capital of this movement with hundreds of cafes serving locally grown and roasted beans. My go-to is Akha Ama in the center of the old town where highly trained baristas crank out the best espresso drinks in the city, made with direct trade coffee from the Akha people of Chiang Rai province. A little outside the core of the city is the local hip favorite Flo , housed in a 100+ year old wooden shophouse. 

In the heart of the old city is Yok Fa Pochana , where the tastiest plate of phat si ew  (stir fry noodles) in town is made in a giant wok over a roaring fire to a formula unchanged in 50 years. Worth finding is Naam Ngiao Phayao , where little English is spoken but the friendly older couple who run it will make you feel at home. The eponymous dish is what you’re after: fresh rice vermicelli in a brothy, sour, umami-rich curry/soup with pork ribs, soft blood tofu and the dried pistil of the dawk ngiaw (red cotton tree flower). This is a crucial dish of the region, and theirs is one of the best in the area.

Khao Soi Prince serves an exemplary bowl of what is now considered the signature dish of Chiang Mai, khao soi  (egg noodle soup in a curry broth). This involves a 20km drive out to Maejo University area, but it is worth the journey! The Muslim owner is the third (and last) generation cook, still making his own noodles by hand and preserving a family recipe that goes back more than four decades. Order the khao soi neua (noodles in curry with beef), or as a kicker try the phat sen khao soi (stir fried egg noodles) also with beef! 

Located in the heart of tourist mayhem on Moonmuang Rd across from the moat, Kafe 1985 is a casual old school pub where backpackers, expats, locals, refugees and in-the-know food heads gather at sundown for cold beers, people watching and killer drinking snacks like neua daet diaw (sun-dried beef “jerky”) and the platonic ideal of naem sii khrong muu (sour rice cured pork ribs), which are fried and served with fresh chilis, ginger and peanuts. A little more upmarket, the rooftop bar at the riverside Anantara has a happy hour menu and offers a sunset view of the Ping River. 

The best meals to be had in Chiang Mai are probably during lunchtime, but some gems can be found in the evening; just plan on dining before 9pm. Probably the best new school restaurant in the city is reservation-mandatory Maadae Slow Fish Kitchen , where the cooks dish up sustainably caught seafood and local produce using traditional Thai flavors and techniques. Don’t sleep on the dessert of naturally harvested sago pearls in coconut cream. Rasik Local Kitchen has a similar vibe and is one of the top tables in town. The curries here are especially tasty!

Mitmai is an easy walk-in option with a huge menu of Yunnanese dishes. Order anything with Yunnan ham and be sure to pick the cucumber salad with pork chin! A 25-minute drive north gets you to Kong Kham , a Northern Thai restaurant where the cooking is solid and the prices are downright economical. Laap plaa piak (“wet” fish laap), saa phak ruam (a unique northern Thai dish involving hand-crushed raw vegetables, sour herbs, tomatoes and cooked fish) and the crowd-pleaser kaeng hang leh (Burmese pork belly curry) are all must-haves. 

Maybe I’m getting old, but these days I want a chill spot for a well-made cocktail with some jazz playing in the background. San in the Night Bazaar area provides exactly such an environment. Head up to the semi-secret wood-paneled room on the second floor, where a bell on the wall summons a server who will bring you a perfect daiquiri, a glass of Japanese whisky or a glass of wine. A small menu of izakaya dishes is available if you are feeling peckish. During peak season (November to February) you may want to call ahead to reserve a table upstairs. For a true speakeasy vibe, find The White Rabbit up a flight of sketchy-looking steps in an old shophouse near Chang Phuak gate. This dark, cozy bar pours imaginative cocktails using Thai ingredients and international boozes. It’s a bit hard to find, so ask a local if you are lost. Have fun out there.

Here is more expert advice to help you plan your trip to Chiang Mai:

Save these top experiences for when you're ready to build an itinerary. Read up on what you need to know before you go. Find the best time to visit for fewer visitors or better weather. Navigate like a local with these tips for getting around . Give your wallet a break with these free things to do in Chiang Mai .

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20 family-friendly vacation spots to bring your teen, including a destination my family always chose

Traveling with a teenager isn't the easiest thing in the world — just ask my [Wise] parents. Every spring, we'd load up the car and embark on another epic family vacation , from sandy beaches to popular amusement parks .

But just like there are plenty of places to take the kids before they’re grown , there are several destinations — both within the United States and internationally — ideal for families with teens.

Many could be considered bucket list spots for teens, but why not splurge for the occasion? It may be the last before your kid(s) fly the coop.

Plus, if they are anything like me [Wise], they will look back and remember these vacations with fond memories years later.

Shop TODAY favorite vacation spots | Best vacation spots for families with teens | How we chose | Meet the expert

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Shop TODAY favorite vacation spots:

Chiang mai, thailand, denver, colorado, disney cruise line, jackson hole, wyoming, the maldives, myrtle beach, south carolina, wisconsin dells, wisconsin, best vacation spots for families with teens, african safari.

Best for ages: 15-18

Here’s why: Simply put, teens deserve to be treated to the ultimate dream family vacation before they fly the coop.

Do this: Book an all-inclusive package with flights (dealing with logistics in Africa can be tricky) offered by a tour operator like The Luxury Safari Company . For families with teens, they recommend visiting Sosian Lodge in the north of Kenya. In seven nights, families can strengthen bonds and have one-of-a-kind experiences while fly camping (sleeping in the bush), river tubing, working on an African cattle farm and even visiting with predator research teams. Of course, there are plenty of game drives and walking safaris, so teens can get the most epic of photos for Instagram.

Stay here: Ask for the Family Cottage at Sosian Lodge , set on 60,000 acres of Kenyan wilderness meets working cattle ranch. Another great option is Puku Ridge Camp in Zambia. Teens staying at this lodge in South Luangwa National Park will appreciate the private plunge pools and opportunities to meet school children in local villages. Finally, for the teen who insists on having good Wi-Fi and access to tennis courts or mountain biking (not easy to find in the African bush), there’s Feline Fields in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert.

More info: TheLuxurySafariCompany.com

Butler County, Ohio

Best for ages: 13-16

Here’s why: This best of the Midwest destination proves that even inner-city teens can have fun in flyover states. Butler County also makes for a great halfway point for families coming from different coasts.

Do this: Teens who identify as foodies will love the aptly named Donut Trail where they can get their donut passport stamped at each of the funky boutique donut shops along the trail. (There is exactly a baker’s dozen!) Teens who collect all 13 stamps can collect a free T-shirt. Aspiring equestrians can get their horse fix at any of the area’s stables where they can rent horses or join a group ride. Teens who want to learn or practice wakeboarding will have a blast at Wake Nation . With its unique cable-tow system, no boat is required and beginners can learn at slower speeds. And for the ultimate rush, drive 30 minutes south to Cincinnati for indoor skydiving at iFly .

Stay here: Hueston Woods Lodge and Conference Center is just a few minutes by car from Miami University — one of the oldest public universities in the U.S. Guests can enjoy archery, community bonfires, badminton, nature trails and access to Acton Lake and Heuston Woods State Park .

More info: GettoTheBC.com

Charleston, South Carolina

Best for ages: 13-18

Do this: “For the slower-paced families, Sullivan’s Island is absolutely gorgeous and worthwhile," says Brittany Betts, a travel expert with  Florida Panhandle . "The beach there is well-kept and quiet, but there’s also a cute town full of unique shops and restaurants down the main strip. The reason why it’s combined with Charleston is because they are so near one another and this would be for the more fast-paced families that like doing several attractions,” she continues.

“There’s so much history in just this small town, but there’s also a large market in the area, cute restaurants with live music, and unique tours in old dungeons and through gardens that are really informative and fun for teenagers,” Betts explains.

Stay here: If you're looking for an affordable hotel option, the Courtyard Charleston Mount Pleasant is a great choice. Complete with outdoor pool, your teen will love relaxing after a long day of sightseeing.

More info: Charleston.com

"Surprisingly I’ve been to Chiang Mai twice! I went once as a teen on a high school trip and then again as a grownup with my parents. I can’t say enough nice things about Thailand, the people are truly the kindest you’ll ever meet, and the nature is unmatched, it’s almost like the colors are brighter in Thailand. Some of the activities I got up to were exploring temples, checking out the night markets and getting to try a traditional Thai massage (I still think about it to this day)." — Vivien Moon, commerce editor at Shop TODAY

Here’s why: Chiang Mai is a safe, affordable, entry-level destination in Asia where families can learn about one of the most welcoming cultures on earth. It’s also where you can feed growing teenage boys on $10 a day.

Do this: Volunteer at one of Chiang Mai’s many elephant sanctuaries. While most weekly programs are only for ages 18+, Elephant Nature Park has one-night programs open to families with kids of all ages. Spend the day watching the elephants bathe in the river before helping to feed and walk them, and rest during the night in a traditional bamboo hut. In the ancient walled city, visit Chiang Mai’s 117 Buddhist temples, and even sign up for a monk chat at a wat to learn more about the religion and how most Thai boys spend their early teenage years becoming monks. Sign up for a Muay Thai camp or a cooking class including a shopping trip to some of Southeast Asia’s most colorful markets. Schedule your trip for November if you think your teen will love the world-famous Yi Peng Lantern Festival or in April for Songkran , the world’s largest water fight (where weapons include everything from buckets to squirt guns and hoses) held in conjunction with the Thai New Year.

Stay here: With its rooftop pool, a rarity in Chiang Mai, it’s hard to beat Akyra Manor . Teens will appreciate its location in the hip, artist-influenced neighborhood of Nimman. Between its spacious suites and being within walking distance of the lively night market, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is also teen-approved.

More info: TourismThailand.org

"My parents and I had a wonderful trip to Costa Rica last year, thanks to all the accommodations/activities that Caribe Fun Tours planned for our itinerary. We started our trip at Hotel Costa Verde in Manuel Antonio, which had jungle views, pools around the property, yoga in the mornings and was walking distance from the beach. In Manuel Antonio, we enjoyed ocean kayaking and snorkeling and a guided hike in Manuel Antonio National Park . We ended our trip at Hotel El Silencio del Campo in La Fortuna, which had volcano views, hot springs around the property, a farm and garden to explore and a complimentary breakfast." —  Lauren Witonsky , associate editor at Shop TODAY

Here’s why: Teens are notoriously moody, but that won't stop them from enjoying Costa Rica , often called the happiest country on earth. Show them rainforests, volcanos, white sand beaches and what the "pura vida" life is all about.

Do this: Soar through the canopy in Monteverde, the high altitude cloudforest where ziplining for tourism was pioneered and the rest of the world followed suit. Sky Adventures Monteverde Park also has an aerial tram and a hanging bridges tour where you can see the levels of the cloudforest and its biodiversity up close. Teens who want to say they’ve climbed a volcano can do so at Cerro Chato, next to Arenal, the country’s most famous volcano and one of the most active in the world. No trip to Costa Rica is complete without a visit to its beaches, stretching for miles along both the Caribbean and Pacific. Learn to surf in the funky town of Tamarindo at Iguana Surf where the instructors all speak English and no one goes home without having caught their own wave. Hike in the tropical waterfront paradise that is Manuel Antonio National Park — Costa Rica’s answer to Yellowstone. (You can laugh at them, but don’t feed the monkeys.)

Stay here: If your teens are feeling a need to binge their favorite show while on vacation, they’ll love the turbo speed Wi-Fi at Tierra Magnifica , a luxury boutique property in the surf community of Nosara. (You’ll love the panoramic views and sense of safety.) If an all-inclusive is more your speed, teens will appreciate dining options and beachfront activities at The Westin Reserva Conchal.

More info: VisitCostaRica.com

"Even though I went as an adult for the first time, I can say that I would’ve probably been obsessed with Denver if I was a teenager. The variety of teen-friendly activities I hit up when I was there brought me back to my younger years. From gawking at all of the vintage aircraft and space shuttles at Wings Over The Rockies to leisurely perusing the stunning exhibitions at the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Museum of Contemporary Art to taking in America’s favorite sport at Coors Field , Denver’s just a quintessentially cool city to explore." —  Jess Bender , senior editor at Shop TODAY

Sierra Hoeger, an associate editor at Shop TODAY (pictured below), has spent time close to Denver on vacation — more specifically, at Rocky Mountain National Park . She says, "Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding areas proved to be the perfect family vacation for my sister and I in our teens/early 20’s. We’re a pretty outdoorsy family and it seemed to have activities the entire family could enjoy, from hiking to checking out local coffee shops, visiting sites from our favorite movies and doing some shopping. We’ve been itching to get back ever since we first visited!"

Here’s why: The Mile High City is a must for families with teens who want to play in the mountains but have big city amenities.

Do this: Social media mavens can start the day at the Denver Selfie Museum where the backdrops are just as Insta-worthy as the surrounding Rockies. Or capture those tricks for TikTok at the 60,000-square-foot Denver Skate Park . Aspiring artists will want to check out the myriad collections at the Denver Art Museum (18 and under are free). In the winter, adrenaline junkies can’t skip a trip to Ruby Hill Rail Yard, an urban terrain park and snowboarder’s paradise.

Stay here: For golf fans, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver is a perfect choice if you're looking for a hole in one, and it's within walking distance of most of the city’s downtown sites.

More info: Denver.org

“I went on a Disney Cruise with my mom in my very early twenties and we had the best time, it’s definitely a must-do for any Disney-loving family. Some people might think it’s just for little kids (which it definitely has tons of kids activities) but there’s something for every age on the ship with a touch of Disney magic. There’s amazing live shows, character interactions and each ship goes somewhere different so you’ll get a different experience port-wise depending on which cruise you take!” — Shannon Garlin , an associate editor at Shop TODAY

Best for ages: 13-17

Here’s why: Cruises remain popular with families with teens for a reason; they’re less stress for you and teens love the independence. Thanks to owning everything from the “Frozen” franchise to “Star Wars” and Marvel, Disney can keep all kids — from toddlers to teens — entertained.

Do this: Book any Disney Cruise Line voyage on Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy. (Family Caribbean or Alaskan cruise in 2024, anyone?) Both ships promise “ultra-cool plush pads” designed exclusively for teens. The official teen club, Vibe, is a 9,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor oasis that only teens, using their Key to the World card, have access to. Vibe (ages 14-17) has a fountain bar, a 103-inch LCD TV, plenty of video game pods and two pools. Edge, the lounge for tweens (ages 11-14) has similar amenities as well as a lighted dance floor, a 10-foot-tall cinema, a photo booth and individual computer stations.

More info: DisneyCruise.Disney.Go.Com

" Jackson, Wyoming  is for the outdoorsy kid who loves skiing, snowboarding or simply building a snowman. They have the National Elk Refuge and is an iconic place to take pics and watch wildlife up and close. My favorite activity was riding on a fat bike and just enjoying the scenic views with the Teton Mountain Range as the backdrop.” —  Jannely Espinal , a commerce writer at Shop TODAY

Here’s why: Jackson Hole is a year-round vacation destination and convenient home base for exploring two of the country’s most popular national parks. With its small-town setting (population 10,500) where everything is within walking distance, teens can easily explore on their own.

Do this: Ski or snowboard together at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort , one of the most iconic ski resorts in the world. Rent bikes and ride 56 miles of paved paths or 115 miles of mountain bike trails, most with striking valley views. Since a family who rafts together stays together, battle the rapids on the Snake River or go for a scenic floating safari in search of moose, elk, bears and more. No trip to Jackson is complete without venturing into Yellowstone National Park via the equally stunning Grand Teton National Park .

Stay here: Located at the base of Snow King Mountain Resort , Snow King Resort is Jackson Hole’s best option for families who want immediate access to all kinds of outdoor adventures. Ski, snowboard, tube or — if you visit outside of winter — ride the mountain coaster and alpine slide. There’s also a massive mountain-top ziplining course, fly fishing and stargazing readily available for the curious teen.

More info: VisitJacksonHole.com

Louisville, Kentucky

Here’s why: Underground ziplines, a baseball museum, the Muhammad Ali Center and a bridge allowing travelers to be in two states at the same time are just a few of the memorable experiences families with teens will enjoy in Louisville , aka Derby City.

Do this: Tech-savvy teens will want to visit Ovrdrive , a state-of-the-art center with racing simulators and more than 100 virtual reality games. (Those ages 12 and up can also throw axes.) Head to the Louisville Slugger Museum and take home a personalized bat as a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Cool off in the Louisville Mega Cavern boasting nearly 20 miles of underground tunnels and the world’s only ziplines that are entirely underground. Finally, check out Churchill Downs where teens can learn about the art and sport of horse racing by either attending a race or visiting the Kentucky Derby Museum (whose interactive exhibits include a horse race simulator).

Stay here: All rooms at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Louisville Downtown come with separate TV rooms so teens can stay up late watching their favorite shows. The property also offers free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and is only a block from Museum Row.

More info: GoToLouisville.com

Los Cabos, Mexico

Here’s why: With several daily nonstop flights from major cities in the U.S., it’s easy and affordable to reach this beautiful international beach destination. Los Cabos is a drier alternative to Cancun, plus you don’t have to worry about hurricane season.

Do this: Between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific, take advantage of the year-round swells and learn or practice surfing in Los Cabos. There are approximately 1,000 miles of coastline, so it’s never too crowded. Teens keener on marine life can snorkel and dive alongside the likes of friendly sea lions and ominous-looking, yet harmless, hammerhead sharks. Other animal encounters include camel safaris in the outback. Despite its proximity to water, Los Cabos’s breathtaking landscape includes a desert playground. For a high-speed tour, opt for an off-road ATV or UTV excursion with Cactus Tours . For the best value, buy the Park Pass at Wild Canyon Adventures , which gives teens access to unlimited ziplining, horseback riding, bikes, a hanging bridge and more. The price even includes an ATV or UTV tour, as well as a bungee jump or giant swing ride.

Stay here: Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection has a teen club with a recording studio. Grand Velas Los Cabos ’ teen club has lots of games (including an Xbox Kinect), a bar serving non-alcoholic drinks and even an in-house DJ spinning the latest beats every night until midnight.

More info: VisitLosCabos.travel

"I went to the Maldives for my honeymoon in 2019 and stayed at Joali . It’s definitely a luxury property but I felt it was worth it after all the hours we spent on airplanes getting there for such a milestone event." — Adrianna Brach, the editorial director at Shop TODAY

Here’s why: You don’t have to be on your honeymoon to visit the Maldives . With its 1,190 islands, it’s a tropical paradise with lots for teens to do. An obvious bucket list destination, it’s also easy to justify taking when it could be your last vacation as a family.

Do this: Try new watersports like wakeboarding, kitesurfing, jet blades and even hydrofoils (which could be deemed more of an air sport). Become PADI-certified (ages 10+) and take an underwater family holiday card you’ll never forget. Since every other kid wants to be a marine biologist when they grow up, why not learn about conservation by transplanting coral, planting a tree or helping rehabilitate endangered sea turtles? Treat them to a treatment at Spa by ESPA at Joali Maldives where there’s a special menu for teens.

Stay here: Amilla has a program for older kids and teens including fire dancing lessons, guitar lessons, mocktail making classes and even nighttime glow rider bicycle tours. One & Only Reethi Rah also has a teen program, One Tribe, with dedicated teens-only chill space. And for adrenaline lovers? Stay at the Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru , which boasts a Mastercraft X55 boat that makes its own surf and comes complete with sound system.

More info: VisitMaldives.com

If you're searching for a destination where your teen will thrive, look no further. My [Wise] parents took me and my two siblings to Myrtle Beach almost every spring break where we spent the week relaxing on the beach, shopping at Broadway at the Beach and eating our way through the city.

Here’s why: There are several reasons Myrtle Beach welcomes nearly 20 million visitors annually. For starters, there are more than 50 beaches to choose from, several world-class golf courses to conquer and one of the country’s biggest boardwalks selling limitless fun.

Do this: Teens anxious to drive can get behind the wheel of their own go-kart and race on six different tracks at the Broadway Grand Prix . Teens aspiring to join the PGA Tour will want to play at one of the area’s 90 golf courses which host junior opens throughout the year. (There’s also a Top Golf if you can’t get a tee time.) Meanwhile, young fans of "The Walking Dead" won’t want to miss the AMC hit show-themed escape room , and fans of "The Simpsons," The Simpsons in 4D . Teens wanting to hang out with other teens can easily do so on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade , home to one of the country’s tallest Ferris wheels. Of course, there are also plenty of beach activities including surfing, wakeboarding and horseback riding to choose from.

Stay here: Homewood Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach has an on-site waterpark with different areas for young and old kids. Meanwhile, the beachfront Grande Cayman Resort has 10 pools and four on-site restaurants.

More info: VisitMyrtleBeach.com

Porto, Portugal

Best for ages: 16+

Here’s why: Practically crime-free, extremely cheap and small enough to be walkable, Porto is the perfect European city to give teens a taste of independence. Located where the Douro River meets the Atlantic, its proximity to the beach and the Douro Valley ensures there is plenty to do.

Do this: Visit the world-famous “Harry Potter library” — Livraria Lello . Teens not afraid of sharks can learn to surf with Onda Pura . Take a scenic boat or train ride to the Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region where teens (16+) are legally allowed to taste wine and — more importantly — learn how it’s made.

Stay here: The breakfast buffet at The Lodge Wine & Business Hotel will satisfy any growing teen, and its picturesque outdoor pool is a rarity in this city founded in 1123.

More info: VisitPortugal.com

Reno Tahoe, Nevada

Here’s why: Reno Tahoe is a unique destination where mountains meet desert. It’s where annual events include the Zombie Crawl, the Great Reno Balloon Race, the National Championship Air Races and — last but certainly not least — Burning Man.

Do this: Venture downtown to take iconic Instagram shots of the murals (there are more than 100) and to pose for pics with the Burning Man sculptures . Embrace your inner Flintstone and bowl at the National Bowling Stadium , also called the “Taj Mahal of Tenpins.” Another good rainy day activity for teens is a trip to Need 2 Speed , an indoor go-kart racing track open seven days a week. It also boasts blacklight mini golf and a VR game. Beautiful weather? Drive to nearby Lake Tahoe to kayak in the crystal clear water or hit the slopes at one of the area’s renowned resorts. Teens can also explore hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails year-round.

Stay here: The coolest hotel in town (and perhaps Nevada) is Whitney Peak Hotel . It has a bouldering park on-site and is home to one of the world’s tallest climbing walls where teens can climb up for a bird’s-eye view of the Reno Arch.

More info: VisitRenoTahoe.com

San Diego, California

Here’s why: Whether or not you agree with its nickname “America’s Finest City,” you’ll agree San Diego has beautiful year-round weather and so much to keep your teen(s) happy they’ll ask about going to college there.

Do this: Beach hop your way around the city’s nearly three area beaches, or cave hop via kayak or SUP . Take a self-guided street art tour , stopping to pose in front of massive murals — often illustrating important messages — for pics for the ‘gram. Ride the Giant Dipper roller coaster at the oceanfront Belmont Park or watch an interactive film in its 7-D high tech theater. Other must-consider attractions include the San Diego Zoo , San Diego Air & Space Museum , San Diego Automotive Museum and the Comic-Con Museum .

Stay here: The Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay welcomes RVs in addition to its fully-furnished tiny home rentals complete with fire pits and front porches. Between the on-site arcade, food trucks, poolside movie screen, basketball courts and indoor/outdoor fitness center, teens will never find themselves bored on vacation.

More info: SanDiego.org

Seattle, Washington

Here’s why: The city that birthed the grunge music movement is an artsy, alternative place most teens will feel so welcome in they’ll want to move there.

Do this: Seattle’s vacation ideas are vast and plentiful! For starters, take the popular Underground Tour to see what’s beneath the city via its vast network of interconnecting tunnels. Next, visit the Museum of Pop Culture , home to exhibits like Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame and Indie Game Revolution. Teens developing a taste for coffee will also want see the many coffee shops in the city that birthed Starbucks and a growing trend toward artisanal brews. Don’t forget to catch the famous flying fish show at Pike Place Market — home to several pop-up murals that would look great on the ‘gram. Finally, adventure seekers can get their fix at the indoor ninja course at Elevated Sportz in nearby Bothell or on the miles of trails in the surrounding evergreen forests. There are also plenty of water sports to try in Puget Sound.

Stay here: Thompson Seattle is a luxury waterfront property within walking distance of Seattle’s top attractions including everything from Pike Place Market to hip vintage shops. Parents will appreciate the floor-to-ceiling views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain Range while the kids are looking at their devices.

More info: VisitSeattle.org

Space Coast, Florida

Here’s why: Just an hour from Orlando , Florida’s Space Coast is an inspirational beach destination where teens can learn about everything from space exploration to manatee conservation.

Do this: Get a trip to Disney World , Universal Studios and Epcot out of the way. Then head southeast to the childhood home of Kelly Slater (it’s the East Coast's Surf Capital) for some beach time. Explore further inland on a kayak or SUP tour winding through tunnels of mangrove trees. Sea turtle sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the Space Coast does have a huge concentration of them. Teens obsessed with LED lights will be in awe in the bioluminescent lagoon . The Space Coast is one of very few places in the world to see this phenomenon where the tiniest of marine creatures emit a neon blue light for protection. Teens who want to work for NASA will never want to leave the Kennedy Space Center with its rocket garden, 3D space films, shuttle launch experience and journey to Mars. For a really memorable experience, book some add-on "enhancements" that includes immersive training courses and even a casual chat with an astronaut.

Stay here: The family-owned and operated Surf Studio Beach Resort in Cocoa Beach has clean, low-cost accommodations that include kitchens (because teens are always hungry) and a private bedroom for the parents. Cape Winds Resort Rentals in Cape Canaveral also offers private beach access in addition to tennis courts, a basketball court and a pool.

More info: VisitSpaceCoast.com

Tenerife, Spain

Here’s why: A trip to Tenerife is a rite of passage for most European teens. American teens will love the Island of Eternal Spring and its lively beaches, ethereal national parks and top-rated zoo and waterpark for the same reasons.

Do this: Ride the cable car up to the top of Teide, the world’s third-tallest volcano and crown jewel of Europe’s most visited national park . Snorkel while on a SUP or kayak tour in the shade of the cliffs at Los Gigantes, home to dolphins and sea life galore. Ride the zero gravity slide at Siam Park , the no. 1 rated waterpark in the world according to TripAdvisor, or head out on a quad safari en route to Spain’s highest village. Of course, there are also miles of beaches to explore (made of white sand imported from the Sahara or local, black volcanic sand).

Stay here: Families with older teens will enjoy the adults-only (16+) atmosphere at Iberostar Selecion Sabila , where luxurious, minimalist design meets beachfront all-inclusivity. Families with younger teens with small siblings can stay up the road at Iberostar Selecion Anthelia which boasts six pools and a kids’ camp.

More info: WebTenerife.com

Whistler, Canada

Here’s why: Billing itself as an international mountain sports mecca, Whistler is another family vacation bucket list destination. It gives teens unlimited opportunities for adventure and — just as important — a greater appreciation for nature.

Do this: Drop into a teen group ski or snowboard lesson at Whistler Blackcomb , a venue for the 2010 Olympic Games. Those not wanting to try snow sports can hang out at the teen youth center: three rooms of video games, movies, skateboarding and special events. In the summer, junior golfers (16 and under) golf free with an adult on Whistler’s award-winning golf courses. Older teens qualify for a highly discounted green fee. Teens can also sign up for Summer Gravity mountain biking camps where they’ll learn from the pros and meet other teens obsessed with MTB.

Stay here: The best option for families wanting to stay at base camp is Fairmont Chateau Whistler . Guests ages 16+ are allowed on daily excursions sans parents (just signed permission slips). They include paddle boarding, hiking, biking and frisbee golf.

More info: Whistler.com

"I stayed at the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells a few years ago and had a ridiculously good time. There’s something for literally everyone — an indoor waterpark, arcade, amusement park, bowling alley, spa, golf simulator... I could go on. Such a great destination if you’re in the Midwest and looking for a fun family vacation!" — Audrey Ekman, a production associate at Shop TODAY

Here’s why: Wisconsin Dells is the waterpark capital of the world. Families can stay for two weeks and still never ride all the slides.

Do this: Visit the bottom of the ocean (or outer space) thanks to the underwater virtual reality experience at Kalahari , one of the country’s largest indoor waterparks. Race each other on the Raja king cobra-themed, side-by-side slides at Noah’s Ark . (It’s six stories high!) Visit Mt. Olympus to take on the nine-foot-tall waves at Poseidon’s Rage, one of the world’s largest wave pools or float on The River Troy, the world’s fastest manmade river. Tired of water-based activities? Attempt the Wizard Quest, the first fantasy team-building (or family-bonding) game in the country or unleash your inner Viking at Asgard Axe Throwing .

Stay here: While several area resorts boast their own waterparks, the top-rated property on TripAdvisor is the family-owned and -operated Black Hawk Motel & Suites . All guests get free admission to Timbavati Wildlife Park and a Wild Fun Zone attraction pass.

More info: WisDells.com

How we chose

We chose the best vacation spots for families with teens by researching various destinations all over the world. We also interviewed a travel expert and asked for her recommendation, and we included quotes from Shop TODAY editors who've traveled to these places in the past.

Meet the expert

• Brittany Betts  is a travel expert with Florida Panhandle , an online vacation planning site.

Allie Wise is an associate editor for Shop TODAY.