A 101 guide to surviving your trip to Chiang Mai

If you don’t want to look like a lost tourist, follow our 101 guide to surviving your trip to Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai is a great destination for any kind of traveller. Luxury hotels and limos? They got you. Budget stays and songthaews? Right this way. Michelin Guide fine dining or casual street food? All is welcome here. No matter how you choose to vacation in Chiang Mai, the variety of accommodation, transportation, and even activities is suited to many. Nevertheless, it’s good to be informed on a few key pointers. Read our guide below.

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A 101 survival guide to Chiang Mai

What should I pack before going to Chiang Mai?

Like most places in Thailand, there is no strict dress code, and the weather is very much warm all year round. In the later months of the year, temperatures can be cooler, so a light jacket is highly advised. If you come towards the beginning of the year until around April, be mindful of the smoky season, where the air is filled with smog and dust particles from farmers burning their crops. A protective mask is highly recommended.

Outside of these seasons, dressing in Chiang Mai is relatively relaxed. Tourists and locals wear shorts and elephant pants, and there is a very casual way of dressing. Nevertheless, you should bring items that cover your shoulders, chest, and knees, as these are required to be covered when entering temples and religious sites. On that note, a pair of shoes that is easy to remove is also recommended. You’ll be slipping these on and off when you leave and enter temples, religious sites, or even people’s homes.

How can I get around in Chiang Mai?

It is very easy to get around in Chiang Mai, and options are plenty. From the airport, go for the local car service, as it is likely the most affordable (and surprisingly comfortable) option.

There are songthaew red buses scattered around town, charging around between THB 10 to THB 30 per ride, which you can hail much like a taxi. Tuk-tuks are aplenty too, but slightly costlier, at upwards of THB 50, depending on where you’re going.

To the relief of many Bangkokians, the Grab App works here too, and does not charge a fortune for rides. Both cars and bikes are available here, and as of late, don’t ask for much waiting time, either.

Unlike in Bangkok, its is fairly easy to walk your way around Chiang Mai, especially in the Old City. It is also relatively safe to do so.

How’s the food situation?

There is not a lot of fine dining in Chiang Mai, other than maybe at some of the fancier hotels. For the most part, dining in Chiang Mai is casual.

Having said that, you could spend your days dining at street food spots, at local restaurants, or even ordering Grab Food. The variety of cuisines is also noteworthy, with an overwhelming number of Thai restaurants, but also plenty of Western options (especially cafes) to suit. There is also an increasing number of Japanese restaurants.

One tip is to save some of your stomach for night time, too. At the many night markets there are many tempting street food dishes to try.

How’s the shopping?

You won’t find many international or luxury brands here, as the focus is mostly on shopping local. There are many handicrafts and unique craft items you can find in Chiang Mai. Local artisans are aplenty, and you’ll find many of their products at the various night markets.

It is also a prime location to shop for souvenirs, as there is a massive choice in a relatively small space — unlike Bangkok, where these things are scattered through different locations.

A tote bag for shopping is highly recommended, as the use of plastic is on the decline.

How long should I stay?

Bangkokians like to visit Chiang Mai for a weekend, or a long weekend at most. Depending on the purpose of your trip, at least 2 nights are recommended when visiting Chiang Mai.

Many use Chiang Mai as the gateway to visit other places in the north, be it Chiang Rai, Chiang Dao, Pai, or even Myanmar and Laos.