My first time in Chiang Mai was like a flipbook. Some crazy activities and some relaxed ones. On my return, I settled into a more relaxed, local rhythm. While most of us remain fixated with the pristine beaches of Krabi and Phuket in Southern Thailand, there lies a whole different world of fun, adventure, and culture in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. It offers something for everyone. That is exactly why I decided to bring all the information under one roof and craft the ultimate Chiang Mai travel guide for a first-time traveller and even a seasoned one. Save this because here’s the answer to all possible questions.

There are direct flights to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) from several Indian cities. Or choose to fly to Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok. From there, either fly to Chiang Mai Airport or take the bus from Mo Chit Bus Station or a train from Don Mueang station or Krungthep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station.

Besides the fact that walking around Old City allowed me to pause around corners that would have escaped me otherwise, we chose to rent a bike when we had to hop across the outer perimeter of the Old City. Freedom to roam freely. Having said that, we also hopped on songthaews or red cars that literally translates to ‘two rows’ and local rickshaws. Both modest means. But Grabs, local taxis, and air-conditioned RTC City Bus (Smart Bus) are also available.

The internet heavily promotes the cooler months between November and February which makes it the peak season, but I would any day prefer the wet months between June to September. The showers might bring about a pause to the beach fun in the south but up north, it shifts the scene. Although one must err on the side of caution when heading to waterfalls, in all if you are seeking a little quiet and green everywhere then this shoulder months are for you. Just arm yourself with a raincoat poncho and waterproof shoes or sandals and you’ve got everything covered! 

The months that you need to avoid are March and April which is the burning season and the air quality dips.

Thailand has always been a year-round destination despite the heat and humidity. That makes Chiang Mai also a great place to always unwind, except for the burning season.  

I remember narrating my experiences of climbing the Sticky Waterfall and walking along the dried riverbed of Ping River, leaving the audience wide-eyed. This doesn’t even scratch the surface of what Chiang Mai offers! Art villages, national parks, hiking trails, culture rooms, heritage pottery villages, Thai cookery classes, cave temples – you name it, Chiang Mai has it! This province has something for everyone.

Check out the Top 35 Budget-friendly Things To Do In Chiang Mai.

For a first-time traveller, I would suggest staying close to the city centre – the Old City (Old Town). This is the heart of the city. Surrounded by the iconic moat and collapsed fort walls that give an ancient feel, along with chic cafes, night markets, and walking street, this part’s always buzzing. So many alleyways to explore, temples to marvel at, and delicacies to try at local markets, you will never feel ‘done’. And if you ever want to have a quiet moment, there are benches along the moat to sit and do nothing except watch the swans and turtles gossip about their lives!

Sins’ Tip: We stayed at Awana House, which was just a 30-sec walk to the Sunday Night Market.

Then there is Nimman (Nimmanhaemin Road), located just outside the city walls. The part that gives a more urban feel with its chic coffee shops, craft beer bars and shopping malls.

If you want to stay closer to where the action is, then the area along the Ping River and Chang Khlan Road is ideal. This area is high on adrenaline.

When in Chiang Mai, you cannot point to a place and say – ‘this is it!’. Your mouth starts watering at everything you see. I have always preferred eating from local, roadside stalls and even carts, but I do have one favourite place in Chiang Mai, which is Boat Bakery. If I am with a bunch who would rather sit, chat, and have a good time, this will be the easiest pick!

Sprawling across several blocks on Chang Khlan Road is the largest night market – Chiang Mai Night Bazaar that remains open from 6 pm till midnight. and head top every night market there is. Apart from that, there’s Warorot Market, which is the largest and oldest market in Chiang Mai.

Last but not least is the famous Sunday Walking Street or Tha Phae Market, laid along the length of the Rachadamnoen Road, starting at a point across the Tha Phae Gate and ending right at the junction where Wat Phra Singh sits.

Most people won’t understand how a good cup of Joe can shift moods. The aroma of meticulously brewed beans hits differently – only coffee connoisseurs will know. And I am married to one. Although our ‘black’ flavour palates are on opposite poles, when it comes to a creamy blend, we put our differences aside. Most places serve a good cuppa joe that includes Sapa Coffee 786, Gopuek Godum Chiangmai, and Zohng Coffee. If you want to learn about roasting beans acquainting yourself with flavours, then MoR Ministry of Roasters​ Chiang Mai is for you.

One underrated place that sells modestly priced good cold coffee is 7-Eleven! A big cup (imagine the Trenta of Starbucks) cost us THB 40!

It’s completely safe to rent a bike or a car in Chiang Mai as long as you have your IDP (International Driving Permit) and your passport as you need to show both.

But ensure to wear your helmet while riding, and so should your pillion. IT IS MANDATORY.

It is good to be informed that renting a vehicle would require you to either deposit cash or your passport as a guarantee. You also have to fill out an extensive form along with it. If you haven’t been asked to fill out a form, then there’s no evidence whatsoever. So, avoid being scammed and choose the right rentals.  

• Do not honk unnecessarily.
• Maintain lane discipline. There are arrows marked on turns precisely 100 metres before a turn. Ensure you follow the lane instead of taking a sharp turn.
• Do not try overtaking.
• Do not attempt to turn anywhere; check the signs.
• A ‘No-entry’ means a no-entry. Do not enter when you see these signs. Thai people are used to sticking to the rules, and so should you, or else you’ll be fined heavily.
• There are pedestrian‑activated crossings in Thailand where the traffic stop typically lasts only six to twenty seconds, depending on the road width. After pressing the button, you may wait a couple of minutes for the signal cycle to change. However, exercise extreme caution. Never assume that oncoming traffic will stop.

Since most of the temples are Buddhist temples, your arms and legs are supposed to be covered. The dress code is always mentioned at the entrance. In case you missed, here they are:

• Avoid wearing shorts – both men and women
• Avoid wearing sleeveless tops/ vests – both men and women
• Cover your legs and shoulders in case you are wearing shorts or sleeveless clothing.
• You can either carry a sarong or a scarf, or rent one from one of the stalls within or outside the temple premises.
• Then there are others which are maintaining civic sense, being respectful towards the culture, avoid being noisy and so on.

As someone who melts in the heat, covering my body while riding wasn’t an option. It was compulsory. Without covering, you’ll not only get a tan but also heatstroke.

• Keep yourself hydrated because you are sure to lose a lot of fluid due to the heat. Keep a bottle with you at all times.
• Carry essential meds like metrogyl, avomin, and other antibiotics.
• Always carry a scarf to cover yourself in temples and a portable fan to keep you dry.

From Bangkok, you can take a flight from Don Mueang International Airport to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) that takes between 45 minutes and an hour to reach. Or take the bus from Mo Chit Bus Station, a train from Don Mueang station, or Krungthep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station. First time we flew to Chiang Mai, but somehow due to a late flight reached at 9:40 pm and wasted an entire day. But the second time around, we boarded a bus from Mo Chit bus station and reached Chiang Mai in the wee hours of the morning (before sunrise!). That way, we did not waste a day.

72 hours is a good enough time to rejuvenate and cover the most attractive things in Chiang Mai. If you want to throw in a little adventure like climbing the sticky waterfall, hiking through Pha Chor, or taking a shot at a shooting range or trekking through a national park, then a week would be a preferred option.

Though there are Grabs, songthaews, and normal rickshaw rides, the best way to explore in and around the Old City is on foot. The day we decided to explore a little further from the Old City, we rented a bike, and for day-trips, we rented a car. Since we carried our International Driver’s Permit, it wasn’t an issue.

Besides India and Bali, there’s only one other destination where temples can be considered otherworldly – Thailand’s. Like celestial palaces drifted down to earth, designed by gods themselves, never have I seen such elaborate, intricate designs. I have always been left awestruck.

The best ones to visit are

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep crowns the mountain above Chiang Mai, its golden pagoda a beacon against the sky. The panoramic views are as sacred as the temple itself, best savoured in the cool of a Chiang Mai morning, before the crowds arrive.
• Wat Chedi Luang stands at the heart of the Old City, a weathered giant whose broken Lanna chedi once touched the sky and still commands awe.
• Wat Phra Singh is a masterclass in Lanna artistry: gold stupas catching every ray, wooden prayer halls carved with stories that date back to 1345. It is, without question, the city’s most photographed wat.
• Wat Sri Suphan shimmers like a vision. Clad entirely in hand‑beaten silver and zinc, it gleams under the sun, a temple unlike any other.
• Wat Umong hides in the forest at the base of Doi Suthep, a maze of moss‑covered tunnels and a stupa slowly surrendering to time. It is the temple for wanderers, not worshippers.
• Wat Phan Tao sits quietly beside its grand neighbour, built entirely of dark teak, a rare and serene contrast.
• Wat Chiang Man, the oldest of them all, has held its ground since 1296, preserving two Buddha images that have watched over Chiang Mai for centuries.

Picking ethical sanctuaries is complicated as all claim their authenticity. But some genuinely ensure the well-being of these gentle giants. You have to make sure you choose the one that does not allow rides, trekking, tickets, forced interaction like bathing, hugging, or kissing, and tools of control. Presence of calves is a major red flag. There are a couple of tours that are specially designed for every conscious traveller’s needs. They are:

day-tour at this no-touch, no-feed, no-bathe sanctuary, or those who want to spend 2D1N through hidden Doi Inthanon Trails or looking for a more immersive community-led 4D3N experience at BEES where rescued elephants are provided a safe and natural environment, you gotta try Seek Sophie.

Yes, absolutely!

Anything that covers your shoulders and knees.

Yes, they are. Now with PAY&TOUR (KBank), TAGTHAi App, and Rabbit Cards, you can travel cashless in the major Thai cities, including Chiang Mai.

Minus the accommodation, the food and transport should account for somewhere between THB 1000 – THB 1200/ person (at least), on budget. Although it completely depends how frugal or generous you are with money. This includes four meals and usage of public transport.

Absolutely. Having said that its good to be cautious at times

Yes, you can, but keep it civil. Bargain but don’t haggle!

It is mandatory, not optional. Get your International Driving Permit in case you plan on riding or driving.

Yes, it is. Both for the driver and the pillion.

Which side of the drive is Thailand?

In Thailand, you drive on the left-hand side of the road. Because of this, standard cars in Thailand are built with the steering wheel and driver’s seat on the right-hand side.

Yes, there are. Here’s a list of vegan places one can visit.

• Begin Vegan – 183, 1 Moon Muang Road, Old City
• Vegan Heaven – 44/6 Loi Kroi Road, Chang Khlan
• Good Souls – 52 Sinharat Road, Soi 3, Old City
• Rad Rabbit Vegan Pizzeria – 27, 2 Moon Muang Road, Soi 9, Old City
• Asa Vegan Kitchen and Studio – 217 Tha Phae Road, Tambon Chang Moi (just outside the Old City near Tha Phae Gate)
• Aum Vegetarian Restaurant- 1/4 Suriyawong Alley, Haiya 
• Free Bird Cafe – 14 Sirimangkalajan Road, Muang (Nimman area)
• Shewe Vegan & Vegetarian – 296, 298 Charoen Muang Rd, Tambon Wat Ket
• Tien Sieng Vegetarian Foods – Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District
• Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant – Nimmanhaemin area

• Pad Thai – Tamarind paste, soy sauce, palm sugar, lime juice, rice noodles, tofu, crushed peanuts, bean sprouts
• Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Stir-fry) – Mushroom soy sauce (dark and light), Thai holy basil, garlic, chilies, and your choice of protein
• Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad) – A spicy and sour salad with shredded green papaya. A vegetarian version is made by skipping the fish sauce and dried shrimp and using soy sauce to add saltiness 
• Vegetable Stir-fries (e.g., Pad Pak Boong) – Stir-fried morning glory (water spinach) or pumpkin is made savory with fermented soybeans, garlic, and chilies, without any fish sauce.
• Stir-fried tofu with vegetables or spicy mushroom basil (Pad Gra Pao Het Jay) is naturally plant-based.

Yes, cannabis is legal, BUT NOT FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES. You can purchase it strictly for medical use. You will see a lot of weed cafes and shops selling weed; however, bear in mind that if you are caught purchasing for recreational purposes, then you have to pay a hefty fine of THB 25,000 or even more. For more info on Chiang Mai cannabis laws, check out Haze Buds or Space Trees

I do hope (and wish with all my heart) that I return to Chiang Mai (soon), to dive deeper into its exotic Lanna culture, stroll through its enigmatic national parks, perch on rocks settled into the course of wild waterfalls and turn hundreds of hairpin loops to score all the northern Thai frontiers and write more on the off-track trails of Thailand enlightening travellers and seekers alike!