Old City Temples
Chiang Mai's walled Old City is home to more than thirty temples, with Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang among the most striking — ornate golden spires and centuries of history packed into a compact, walkable area.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai offers a genuinely different side of Thailand — misty mountains, centuries-old temples, and a slower, more culturally immersive pace than the beach resorts further south. Set in the country’s mountainous north, it’s the perfect way to add real depth and contrast to a wider Thailand itinerary, pairing beautifully with time on the islands.
Things to do
Doi Suthep
Perched on a mountain overlooking the city, Doi Suthep is one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples, reached via a dramatic 300-step naga-flanked staircase (or a cable car, for those who'd rather save their legs). The views back across Chiang Mai are spectacular.
Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Visit
Chiang Mai is home to several genuinely ethical elephant sanctuaries where visitors can observe, feed, and bathe elephants in a rescue and rehabilitation setting, rather than riding them — a meaningful, memorable experience done the right way, and one we're happy to help you choose carefully.
Sunday Walking Street Market
Chiang Mai's Sunday Walking Street transforms the Old City's main road into a sprawling, budget-friendly market of local crafts, textiles, and street food — one of the best places to pick up genuinely local, handmade souvenirs rather than mass-produced ones.
Thai Cooking Class
A half-day cooking class, often paired with a local market visit to source ingredients, is one of the most rewarding ways to properly connect with northern Thai cuisine — and a lovely thing to bring home with you afterward.
FAQs Chiang Mai
How do I get to Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai has its own international airport with excellent domestic connections from Bangkok (roughly a 1-hour flight), making it an easy addition to a wider Thailand itinerary.
What's the best time to visit Chiang Mai?
November to February offers the coolest, most comfortable weather and is peak season. March to April brings burning season in the region, when air quality can be affected by agricultural burning — worth checking conditions if travelling during this window.
How many days do I need in Chiang Mai?
Three to four days allows time to properly cover the temples, a market visit, and an elephant sanctuary or cooking class without feeling rushed.
Do UK travellers need a visa for Thailand?
No — UK passport holders can currently enter Thailand visa-free for tourism purposes for a set period (worth confirming current allowances at time of booking).
Is Chiang Mai a good combination with Phuket or Koh Samui?
How do I get around Chiang Mai?
Grab works well here too, and is a genuinely low-key, affordable way to reach temples and restaurants beyond walking distance of the Old City. As with anywhere in Thailand, we'd recommend an eSim set up before you leave, so you're online from the moment you land.
Where to stay
From rice-paddy retreats to heritage teak houses, here are four of Chiang Mai's finest addresses.
Where to Stay
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
Set amid the lush rice paddies of the Mae Rim valley just outside the city, Four Seasons Chiang Mai offers a genuinely serene, immersive retreat — private pavilions overlooking the terraced fields, and a spa experience that's consistently ranked among the best in Thailand.
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
Set directly on the Ping River within easy reach of the Old City, Anantara pairs a genuinely central location with a peaceful, riverside atmosphere — a strong choice for anyone wanting to combine convenience with a proper sense of retreat.
137 Pillars House
An intimate, heritage-inspired boutique property built around a beautifully restored colonial-era teak house, 137 Pillars brings real character and design flair — a favourite for honeymooners and design-conscious travellers alike.
Shangri-La Chiang Mai
Centrally located with excellent access to shopping and the Old City, Shangri-La Chiang Mai pairs a large, family-friendly pool and grounds with the brand's dependably polished service — a strong all-rounder for families as well as couples.