Chiang Mai
Plan Chiang Mai with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
Step out of your hotel in Chiang Mai in the soft early light and the city moves at a gentler pace than Bangkok. Saffron-robed monks walk barefoot along the old moat collecting alms, a street vendor ladles golden khao soi curry over egg noodles, and the scent of jasmine and charcoal smoke drifts through lanes of teak houses. Above the rooftops, the forested ridge of Doi Suthep rises green and cool, its golden temple catching the morning sun.
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Chiang Mai at first sight
Founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna kingdom, Chiang Mai was for centuries an independent northern realm with its own script, architecture and cuisine. Today, with more than three hundred temples, a vibrant crafts scene and mountains all around, Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of northern Thailand and the gateway to its highlands.
Why include Chiang Mai in your itinerary?
- The heart of Lanna culture. Chiang Mai’s walled Old City holds teak and stucco temples such as Wat Phra Singh and the ruined chedi of Wat Chedi Luang, expressions of a northern kingdom distinct from the Thailand of Bangkok and the beaches.
- Mountains, forests and cooler air. Within an hour of Chiang Mai lie Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak, waterfalls, hill-tribe villages and tea and coffee plantations, a world of green valleys far from the tropical coast.
- Festivals of light and living crafts. Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals fill the November sky and river with lanterns, while villages around the city still make silk, silver, lacquerware, umbrellas and woodcarving by hand.
Signature experiences in Chiang Mai
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Perched on the mountain above Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the most sacred temple in northern Thailand. Climb the 306-step naga staircase or take the funicular, then circle the gleaming golden chedi with pilgrims as bells chime and incense rises. On a clear day the whole city spreads below. Our guided day tours combine Doi Suthep with the Bhubing royal gardens and a hill-tribe village, with transport and temple etiquette handled for you.
Khao Soi, Markets and Thai Massage
Northern Thai food is unlike anything in Bangkok. Taste khao soi, the creamy curry noodle soup of Chiang Mai, sai ua herbal sausage, nam prik noom green chilli dip with sticky rice, and kaeng hang lay pork curry. Browse Warorot Market and the Sunday Walking Street in the Old City, then enjoy a traditional Lanna massage. Our guide on our day tour knows the best local kitchens, and our team can arrange a khantoke dinner with classical dance.
Exploring the Old City Temples
Inside Chiang Mai’s square moat and crumbling brick gates, lanes wind between some of Thailand’s most beautiful temples. Admire the Lanna murals of Wat Phra Singh, the massive ruined chedi of Wat Chedi Luang, and the silver temple of Wat Sri Suphan just south of the walls. Explore on foot in the morning when it is cooler, or join our guided day tour to understand the symbols and stories behind each temple.
Doi Inthanon and Chiang Rai
Two great day trips start from Chiang Mai. Doi Inthanon National Park, about two hours away, has cloud forest, waterfalls and twin royal pagodas near Thailand’s highest summit. To the north, Chiang Rai offers the dazzling White Temple of Wat Rong Khun, the Blue Temple and the Golden Triangle viewpoint over the Mekong. These are long days on mountain roads, so our guided day tours or a private car with driver arranged by our team are the best way to go.
Craft Villages and Nature Parks
East of Chiang Mai, the San Kamphaeng road and Bo Sang village are famous for painted paper umbrellas, silk weaving, silverwork and celadon pottery, where you can watch artisans at work. Nearby, the Mae Kampong mountain village offers coffee, forest air and waterfalls. Responsible elephant sanctuaries in the hills focus on observation and care in a natural setting. We issue attraction tickets and arrange a private car with driver to combine these at your pace.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Chiang Mai
Old City
The historic heart of Chiang Mai within the moat, packed with temples, guesthouses, boutique hotels, cafés and massage shops. Flat and easy to explore on foot, safe and relaxed day and night, with the Sunday Walking Street running through its centre. Ideal for first-time visitors who want culture right outside the door.
Nimmanhaemin
West of the Old City, toward Doi Suthep, the Nimman area is Chiang Mai’s modern district, full of design cafés, art galleries, independent shops, smart hotels and the Maya shopping mall. It is popular with young travellers and families who want contemporary comfort. Safe, lively and close to Chiang Mai University.
Riverside and the Ping River
Along the Ping River, east of the centre, Chiang Mai’s riverside has elegant boutique resorts, old teak houses and peaceful gardens. It is quieter and more romantic, yet within a short ride of the Night Bazaar and Warorot Market. Ideal for couples and travellers seeking calm luxury and riverside dining.
Night Bazaar and Chang Klan
Between the Old City and the river, the Chang Klan Road area hosts the famous Night Bazaar, large international hotels and plenty of restaurants. It is central, busy and convenient for shopping, with easy access to the airport. Safe and practical, it suits families and travellers who like everything close by.
How long to stay in Chiang Mai and how to pair it
Recommended stay
Plan at least three to four nights in Chiang Mai to see the Old City temples, Doi Suthep and the markets, plus one long day trip to Doi Inthanon or Chiang Rai. With five or six nights, you can add craft villages, Mae Kampong and slow mornings in the cool mountain air.
How to pair it
Chiang Mai is the cultural counterweight to Thailand’s beaches. In seven days, combine three nights in Bangkok with four in Chiang Mai. In ten days, add Phuket or Krabi for the Andaman coast. Over fourteen days, pair Bangkok and Chiang Mai with Koh Samui or Krabi and Phuket for a complete loop. We issue domestic flight and train tickets and arrange private airport transfers.
Best time to visit Chiang Mai and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is November to February, the cool dry season, with fresh mornings, clear mountain views and the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong lantern festivals in November. March and April are hot and often hazy from agricultural burning. From May to October the rains turn the hills lush and green, with fewer visitors.
The daily rhythm
Chiang Mai rises early: monks collect alms at dawn and markets are busiest in the morning. Visit temples before the heat, then pause midday for khao soi and a massage. Late afternoon is ideal for Doi Suthep at sunset. Evenings belong to the night markets and the Sunday Walking Street, where food stalls stay busy until late.
On-the-ground logistics in Chiang Mai
Arrival
Chiang Mai International Airport is only about fifteen minutes by car from the Old City and Nimman, one of the most convenient airports in Asia. The overnight train from Bangkok arrives at Chiang Mai Railway Station east of the river. Our private airport transfers meet you on arrival and take you straight to your hotel.
Getting around
The Old City of Chiang Mai is compact and easy to explore on foot. Red songthaew shared trucks, tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps cover the rest of the city cheaply and easily. For Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon, Chiang Rai or the craft villages, a private car with driver arranged by our team is the most comfortable option.
Local etiquette tip
The custom visitors miss most in Chiang Mai concerns monks: women should never touch a monk or hand him anything directly; place items down or let a man pass them. In every temple, cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering halls, and never point your feet toward a Buddha image or a person.
Must-do things in Chiang Mai
- Climb the naga staircase to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Explore Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang in the Old City
- Taste khao soi, sai ua and nam prik noom at local kitchens
- Browse the Sunday Walking Street and the Night Bazaar
- See the silver temple of Wat Sri Suphan glowing at dusk
- Visit Doi Inthanon’s waterfalls and royal pagodas
- Take a day trip to the White Temple in Chiang Rai
- Watch artisans make paper umbrellas in Bo Sang village
- Enjoy a traditional Lanna massage after a day of temples
- Witness lanterns rising during Yi Peng in November
Do’s and don’ts in Chiang Mai
Do
- Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples
- Remove shoes before entering temple halls and some shops
- Greet people with a gentle ‘sawasdee’ and a smile
- Carry small change for markets and songthaew rides
- Show deep respect for the Thai royal family
Don’t
- Don’t touch anyone’s head, even a child’s
- Don’t point your feet at people or Buddha images
- Don’t climb on temple structures for photos
- Don’t raise your voice or lose your temper in public
- Don’t visit hill-tribe villages without a respectful guide
Chiang Mai at a glance
Plan Chiang Mai with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Chiang Mai.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Chiang Mai?
First-time visitors to Chiang Mai usually choose the Old City for temples and atmosphere, Nimmanhaemin for modern cafés and stylish hotels, or the riverside for calm boutique resorts. All are safe and close to the main sights. Our team can recommend the right area and arrange your private airport transfer.
Can Chiang Mai be done as a day trip, or does it need an overnight stay?
Chiang Mai is too far from Bangkok for a day trip and deserves several nights. You need time for the Old City temples, Doi Suthep, the markets and at least one mountain excursion. We recommend three to five nights, with domestic flight or train tickets and guided day tours arranged by our team.
What is the dress code and etiquette in Chiang Mai?
In Chiang Mai, light, modest clothing is best. Cover shoulders and knees in temples, remove shoes before entering, and never touch anyone’s head or point your feet. Women should avoid touching monks. Speak calmly, smile, and show respect toward the royal family. A small tip for good service is appreciated.
Is Chiang Mai tourist friendly?
Chiang Mai is one of the most tourist-friendly cities in Thailand: relaxed, welcoming, easy to navigate and full of English menus and signs. Families, couples and solo travellers all feel at home. Our guided day tours, attraction tickets, flight and train tickets and private transfers make planning simple.
Is it safe to travel to Chiang Mai now?
Chiang Mai is generally considered a safe and peaceful city with a calm, friendly atmosphere. Take normal precautions with belongings, use licensed transport and be aware of seasonal haze in March and April. Before travelling, check the official travel advice of your own government, and keep our WhatsApp line handy.
What are the must-do things in Chiang Mai?
In Chiang Mai, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, explore the Old City temples, taste khao soi and northern dishes, browse the Night Bazaar and Sunday Walking Street, and see the craft villages. Add a day trip to Doi Inthanon or the White Temple in Chiang Rai.
How many days do you need in Chiang Mai?
Three to four days cover the essentials of Chiang Mai: the Old City, Doi Suthep, markets and one major day trip. Five or six days let you add Chiang Rai, Doi Inthanon and craft villages at a relaxed pace. Our team can tailor a plan with guided day tours.
What can I book in Chiang Mai with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours, attraction tickets, private airport transfers, flight tickets and train tickets, including 2-Day Jungle Trek with Elephants and Bamboo Rafting Chiang Mai, Gibbon Trek and Mae Kampong Village Small Group Tour Chiang Mai and ATV Quad Adventure with Secret Waterfall and Bamboo Rafting Chiang Mai. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) lies only about 4 km south-west of the Old City, 10 to 20 minutes from most hotels, with domestic and international arrivals in one building. Our private transfer meets you at arrivals with a name board, tracks your flight and takes you door to door at a fixed price for the whole vehicle; the transfer pages list every route.
Is there public transport from the airport to Chiang Mai?
The airport is so close that a ride-hailing car, a metered taxi or a red songthaew reaches the Old City in 10 to 20 minutes for very little, and for one traveller with a small bag that is entirely reasonable; a private car is better for a group, for late-night arrivals, for a pre-arranged pickup and above all for the mountains - Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao, Doi Inthanon and Pai - where public transport is slow or infrequent. With luggage, a family or a late flight, the private car is the simpler choice.
Which tours are available in Chiang Mai?
Among them: 2-Day Jungle Trek with Elephants and Bamboo Rafting Chiang Mai, Gibbon Trek and Mae Kampong Village Small Group Tour Chiang Mai, ATV Quad Adventure with Secret Waterfall and Bamboo Rafting Chiang Mai, Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall and Bamboo Rafting Day Tour Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai White Blue and Red Temples Day Trip Chiang Mai. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Chiang Mai?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.