Thailand · City Guide
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is northern Thailand's most beautiful and characterful city, a walled old city of 300 ancient temples, an outstanding mountain setting, exceptional Thai cooking schools, elephant sanctuaries, beautiful trekking in the surrounding hills and a creative and independent arts scene that has attracted digital nomads, artists and those seeking a slower and more culturally engaged Thailand. From Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep to the Night Bazaar and the Sunday Walking Street, Chiang Mai rewards extended exploration.
Elect's take
"Chiang Mai is the Thai city I would choose to spend the most time in. The combination of extraordinary temple culture, outstanding food, ethical elephant experiences and the beautiful mountain setting creates something genuinely different from the beach and city tourism of the south."
Doi Suthep, the magnificent temple on the mountain above the city, provides extraordinary views across Chiang Mai and the surrounding valley and remains an active and important place of worship. The old city of Chiang Mai within its moat contains an extraordinary concentration of ancient temples including Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. The Thai cooking school culture here is outstanding, with dozens of schools teaching authentic northern Thai cuisine including the distinctive khao soi curry noodle dish. The ethical elephant sanctuaries in the surrounding hills provide meaningful and responsible encounters. Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain, provides excellent trekking.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Doi Suthep Temple
A magnificent temple on the mountain above the city with extraordinary views.
Old City Temples
Over 300 ancient temples within and around the moated old city.
Thai Cooking Schools
Outstanding cooking classes teaching authentic northern Thai cuisine including khao soi.
Elephant Sanctuaries
Ethical and responsible elephant encounters in sanctuaries in the surrounding hills.
Doi Inthanon
Thailand's highest mountain with outstanding trekking and hill tribe villages.
Sunday Walking Street
Chiang Mai's most atmospheric weekend market of crafts, food and street performance.
