Chiang Mai Trip Plan

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Best time to Travel

  • November to February is ideal — cool, dry, and perfect for outdoor exploration.

  • Avoid March to May (hot season) and late April (burning season with air pollution).

  • Yi Peng & Loy Krathong Festivals (usually November) offer a magical experience with lanterns lighting up the sky.

  • 3–5 Days is enough to cover major highlights and soak in the cultural vibe.

  • Ideal dates: Plan for mid-November (for festivals) or early December (comfortable weather, fewer crowds).

Must visit attractions/places

  • Old City Temples: Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Man

  • Doi Suthep: Iconic mountain temple with panoramic views

  • Elephant Nature Park: Ethical elephant sanctuary

  • Doi Inthanon National Park: Thailand’s highest peak, waterfalls, trekking trails

  • Nimmanhaemin Road: Trendy cafes, art, boutique shops

  • Chiang Mai Night Bazaar & Sunday Walking Street: For souvenirs and street food

  • Bo Sang Umbrella Village: Traditional handmade crafts

Transportation/ Commuting

  • Airport to City: Taxi (~150 THB), Grab app (~100–200 THB)

  • Within City: Songthaews (red trucks), tuk-tuks, motorbike rental (~200–300 THB/day)

  • Day Trips: Private car rental (~1,200–1,800 THB/day) or group tours

Budget/ Accommodation/ Food

  • Budget: Deejai Backpackers, Green Tiger House

  • Mid-Range: 99 The Gallery Hotel, BED Chiang Mai Gate

  • Luxury: 137 Pillars House, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

Documents & Travel Arrangement

  • Passport valid for 6+ months

  • Thai tourist visa (exempt for many nationalities up to 30 days)

  • Return flight ticket

  • Travel insurance (recommended)

  • COVID/travel regulations – check current guidelines

Pro Tips

  • Use Grab app for transport instead of negotiating tuk-tuks

  • Carry cash – many local shops don’t accept cards

  • Rent a motorbike only if experienced; roads can be tricky

  • Shop at local markets in the morning for authentic Thai snacks

  • Take Thai cooking class – a fun, interactive experience

  • Sunset at Doi Pui – less crowded than Doi Suthep

Things to be careful of

  • Burning season (Feb–April) – poor air quality

  • Scams with elephant rides – choose ethical sanctuaries only

  • Overpriced tuk-tuks – always agree on price before boarding

  • Temples – dress modestly, remove shoes, and be respectful

Secrets helpful in the trip

  • Wat Pha Lat – hidden jungle temple on the Monk’s Trail

  • Use red songthaews for cheap local transport

  • Visit during Yi Peng Lantern Festival (November)

  • Picnic at Huay Tung Tao Lake

  • Explore Chiang Mai’s specialty coffee shops

  • Avoid travel during burning season (Feb–April)

  • Visit temples early in the morning for peace and monk encounters

  • Shop at Jing Jai Market and Chang Phuak Night Market

  • Explore Baan Kang Wat artisan village

  • Climb the Sticky Waterfalls (Bua Tong Waterfall)

Estimated Budget Per Person
Budget Traveller

Accommodation: ฿300–700
Food: ฿150–300
Transport: ฿100–200
Attractions: ฿100–300
Total/Day: ฿650–1,500

Mid-Range Traveller

Accommodation – ฿1,000–2,500
Food: ฿400–800
Transport: ฿300–600
Attractions: ฿300–700
Total/Day: ฿2,000–4,000

Luxury Traveller

Accommodation – ฿4,000+
Food: ฿1,000+
Transport: ฿800+
Attractions: ฿1,000+
Total/Day: ฿6,000+

Note:  Never exchange with the business people like hotels, restaurants, tuk tuk, taxi etc. Their conversion is too low. 

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