Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai tourist guide - hotels - car hire

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand, though it doesn't seem very big, because it's so easy to navigate. Many attractions can be reached on foot and a bicycle is a popular way to get around. There are great temples inside the city to explore as well as some tasty food and outdoor bars.

Attractions in Chiang Mai

Visiting temples is in Chiang Mai is easy, but deciding which ones might be difficult since there are about 300. The most famous include; Wat Phra Singh (with its Sinhalese Buddha), Wat Chiang Man (the oldest), Wat Chedi Luang (with an enormous landmark Chedi) and Wat Phan Tao (entirely constructed from teak).

A trip to the top of Doi Suithep (mountain) that presides over the west of the city is well worth the drive. Its temple is one of Thailand’s most revered, and the views of the entire valley are fantastic. Increasingly popular are trips to the excavated old Chiang Mai settlement of Wiang Kum Kam, south west of the city. These ancient 11th century ruins were only recently discovered.

Chiang Mai is also a good starting point for hill treks which include river rafting, elephant riding, and visits to hill tribe villages.

Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar is loaded with silk clothing and handicrafts. It's a fun way to spend an evening as you barter for all types of merchandise. Along the Ping’s riverbanks are several lively restaurants and bars, some even offer boat trips up the river.

Outside of the main city, there are many places to see by hire car. Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain, is a popular day trip to take by hire car. The Mae Sa valley is a short drive from Chiang Mai with many waterfalls to check out. More information on hiring cars in Chiang Mai available here.

See our recommended Chiang Mai guide for more details.

Hotels in Chiang Mai

There are many different varieties of hotels in Chiang Mai. You can stay at a cheap, but very simple, guest house. There are also many small hotels that also don't offer many amenities. Or there's always the big hotels that offer about everything you could want. To choose a Chiang Mai hotel online, click here.

Many hotels are located in the Old Town of Chiang Mai or near the Ping River. There are some resorts set further from the city center as well. Best deals on hotels in Chiang Mai are here.

Airport and car hire in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai International Airport receives flights from major cities throughout the region, including international destinations such as Vientiane and Luang Prabang (Laos), Yangon and Mandalay (Myanmar), Singapore, and Kunming (China). Chiang Mai's airport is quite small and easy to navigate.

Taxis are available for the short ride into town, or you may be able to get a lift from a shuttle van from whatever hotel you book with.

If you'd rather rely on your own transportation, you can hire a car. You can choose from a well-known car hire company from the airport, or reserve one in advance online. More information on Chiang Mai car hire here.

Airport parking is very simple at Chiang Mai's airport. There is a parking lot right outside the airport. You can reserve parking at Chiang Mai Airport in advance here.