Where to Stay in Chiang Mai, For First-Time Visitors
👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Chiang Mai | Best Areas | Tips | FAQs
Chiang Mai is among my personal favorite places in the world. I’ve spent almost two years total in Chiang Mai on dozens of visits over a decade. I’ve stayed in every major area and scouted many of the city’s top hotels. Now I’m here to help you pick the perfect place to stay!
First visit to Chiang Mai? I suggest you stay in the Old City area. The ancient part of Chiang Mai is home to the most attractions and also the most central part of the city.
El Barrio Lanna is a great Old City hotel with a perfectly central location.
Alternatively, luxury travelers will enjoy a stay in Riverside, which is home to my personal favorite hotel: the quintessentially-Thai RatiLanna Riverside Resort & Spa.
Chiang Mai has loads of options to consider though, so stick around and I’ll break down the pros and cons of my favorite areas. First up, though, a quick list of top-rated hotels for all you skimmers out there:
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The Best Places to Stay in Chiang Mai
If you’re short on time, these are my top picks:
- 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort
- 🗺️ Best Location – El Barrio Lanna
- 💎 Luxury Hotel – Chala Number6
- ❤️ For Couples – De Chai the Deco or Shamrock Adults-Only
- 👨👩👦 For Families – Rarin Jinda Wellness Spa Resort
- 📷 Boutique – The Inside House
- 🛕 Best Near Tha Pae Gate – De Chai the Deco
- 🛖 Most Unique – BaanBooLoo Village
- 🛏️ Best Budget – Marigold Lanna
Click here to see all top Chiang Mai hotels or here for apartments.
Traveling around Thailand? I’ve also got guides to where to stay in Bangkok and in Phuket. Bookmark and read them next!
Ok, now let’s explore each area of Chiang Mai, one by one:
5 Best Areas to Stay in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is centered on the Old City, an area that’s unmissable on a map thanks to the stark square outline created by the ancient moat (and less ancient roads) that surround it. Extending outward in each direction is a sprawling urban area, mostly consisting of low to mid-rise buildings.
In my opinion, most tourists to Chiang Mai should probably stay in the Old City or in Riverside. But I’ll still cover the pros and cons of the five most popular areas just so you know all your options.
Old City / Tha Phae Gate
👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best Old City Hotels: Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts • El Barrio Lanna • BaanBooLoo Village • The Inside House • De Chai the Deco • Marigold Lanna
Is it your first visit to Chiang Mai? I recommend staying within the Old City walls. It’s home to many of the city’s main attractions, like Wat Phra Singh and the Sunday walking street. Compared to the modern development that surrounds it in every direction, Old City is also probably closest to the version of Chiang Mai you’re envisioning in your head.
7 centuries old and surrounded by moat and fortress walls, the city’s narrow streets wind through temples, stylish boutiques, and bars and restaurants galore. This layout does mean getting in and out of Old City can take some time, but it’s all part of the charm.
You’ll find lots of stylish and unique boutiques inside the city walls, like the highly-rated Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts or El Barrio Lanna, which has an incredible location, practically dead-center of the Old City. Shamrock Adults-Only is also a good option for couples who don’t want to deal with noise from the kiddos. Chala Number6 also caters to the luxury couples crowd.
Want to stay in a traditional house built on stilts? Check out the rustic villas at BaanBooLoo Village, which is probably the most unique stay in Chiang Mai.
Want a swimming pool directly in your room? The Doi Suthep Pool Suite at The Inside House is an Instagram sensation and the epitome of luxury.
For more affordable accommodation, check out Marigold Lanna Boutique or Ed Hostel.
One downside of staying in the city walls is that many hotels are showing their age. For more modern accommodation still steps from the action in Old City, you could stay near Tha Phae Gate. De Chai the Deco Chiang Mai is a great modern option here. Clara and I spent a week at the hotel and loved the modern clean rooms, stylish pool, and quiet location tucked into a soi (alley).
Pros of Staying in Old City:
- Home to Chiang Mai’s historic sites and attractions
- Most “walkable” part of Chiang Mai (note: that’s a relative term in Thailand, though)
- Many dining, drinking, and accommodation options
Cons of Staying in Old City:
- Lots of tourists
- Hotel buildings can be quite, well, old!
📚 Old City Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for First-Timers
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts • El Barrio Lanna • BaanBooLoo Village • De Chai the Deco • Marigold Lanna • The Inside House
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Old City
🍽️ Where to Eat – Baan Landai Fine Thai Cuisine ($$$), The House by Ginger ($$), Goodsouls Kitchen – Vegan ($$), Coconut Shell Thai Food ($)
🍸 Where to Drink – The North Gate Jazz Co-Op, Zoe in Yellow Nightclub Complex
🎟️ Top Attractions – Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Sri Suphan, Tha Phae Gate, Sunday walking street market, Wua Lai Walking Street Saturday Market
Riverside
👉 Best Area For Luxury Resorts | ✨ Best Riverside Hotels: RatiLanna Riverside • Anantara Chiang Mai Resort • Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai • Rarin Jinda Wellness Spa Resort
While most first-time visitors really should stay in the Old City, if you want to stay in style, the best luxury hotels in Chiang Mai can be found along the Ping River.
Riverside is home to my #1 overall hotel RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort. Though you’ll need to take short taxi rides to get to and from the hotel, the reward will be a peaceful riverside retreat that’s just perfect after a day out exploring the city. I love the massive pool overlooking the Ping River, the beautiful outdoor lounge area (pictured above), and the 5-star service. If you can afford it, RatiLanna is totally worth the splurge. Of all the Chiang Mai hotels I’ve personally stayed in, this one was far-and-away my favorite.
Two other newer 5-star Riverside resorts to consider are the Maladee Rendezvous Hotel and the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort.
Rarin Jinda Wellness Spa Resort is another solid option, perfect for families or couples.
Pros of Staying in Riverside:
- Beautiful luxury resorts
- Peaceful and quiet (unlike the rest of Chiang Mai)
- Lots of nature
Cons of Staying in Riverside:
- Not especially walkable
- Somewhat far from the city’s main attractions
📚 Riverside Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Luxury Resorts
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – RatiLanna Riverside • Anantara Chiang Mai Resort • Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai • Rarin Jinda Wellness Spa Resort
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Riverside
🍽️ Where to Eat – The Consul’s Garden ($$$), Bodhi Terrace ($$), At Khua Lek ($$$), Wanlamun Rim Nam ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Sai Ping Bar & Restaurant, River View Bar
🎟️ Top Attractions – Ping River, Wat Chai Mongkhon, Wat Ket Karam, Chansom Memorial Footbridge
Nimmananhemin
👉 Best Area For Digital Nomads | ✨ Best Nimmananhemin Hotels: Eastin Tan Hotel • Moose Hotel Nimman • Art Mai Gallery Nimman Hotel Chiang Mai
Nimmananhemin (often referred to as just “Nimman” by foreigners) is the place to be if you’re a digital nomad or a younger traveler planning a longer stay in Chiang Mai.
The neighborhood centers on Nimman Road and is the most modern part of Chiang Mai. In addition to the city’s large community of digital nomads and younger expats, you’ll also encounter many local students from the nearby Chiang Mai University.
In terms of hotels, the largest here is the Eastin Tan Hotel, conveniently located on the main intersection across from Maya Mall. For a quieter location, check out the stylish art-themed Art Mai Gallery Nimman Hotel.
Nimmananhemin has many apartment complexes that cater to the digital nomad crowd, as well as loads of cafes, bars, and restaurants. You’ll find a much wider variety of cuisines, including vegan and vegetarian establishments.
Looking to rent an apartment in Nimmananhemin for a few months as a remote worker? Many nomads choose to book a hotel for their first few days, then walk around the area and inquire about availability at the many apartment complexes.
Some popular condo complexes to check out are The Nimmana, Palm Springs, and Play Condo. Note most complexes require a 3-month minimum lease (sometimes 6 months).
Years ago, I spent two months living in Nimman. I will say that I did enjoy my time there (especially the abundance of cafes and restaurants).
But, if I’m being honest, I really did not enjoy waking up to the sounds of jet engines overhead. The airport is just too close, and the district sits right in the takeoff path. For this reason, I personally don’t stay in Nimman anymore and suggest most tourists stay elsewhere. You’ve been warned.
Pros of Staying in Nimman:
- The most modern part of the city
- Lots of remote workers and digital nomads live here (also a con!)
- The highest concentration of restaurants, cafes, and bars
Cons of Staying in Nimman:
- Loud airplane sounds (on the plus side, the airport is so close that some backpackers even walk to their accommodation!)
📚 Nimmananhemin Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – Eastin Tan Hotel • Moose Hotel Nimman • Art Mai Gallery Nimman Hotel Chiang Mai
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Nimmananhemin
🍽️ Where to Eat – Blackitch Artisan Kitchen ($$$$), Why Not? Italian ($$), Chai n Thai Indian ($$), Yangzi Jiang ($$$), Sanmai Ramen ($$), Sushi Umai ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Warm Up Cafe, Surr Bar
🎟️ Top Attractions – MAYA Shopping Center, One Nimman, Angkaew Reservoir
Night Bazaar / Chang Khlan Area
👉 Best Area For Night Markets | ✨ Best Night Bazaar / Chang Khlan Hotels: Shangri-La Chiang Mai • Intercontinental Chiang Mai • Chiang Mai Marriott • Melia Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar area is a neighborhood that extends from the Tha Phae gate area towards the Ping River. Along with the adjacent Chang Klan area to the south, it’s home to many larger big brand hotels, like the newer Intercontinental Chiang Mai, the recently updated Chiang Mai Marriott, and the classic Shangri-La (which has a massive pool slide for the kids).
Honestly, I’m kinda torn about what to say about this area. On the one hand, there is an abundance of accommodation options, restaurants, and proximity to the night markets (which really are a must-see when visiting Chiang Mai). It’s a good area to visit and explore, no doubt.
However, after spending months living nearby and walking around the area for my nightly walks, I honestly don’t think most tourists should stay here.
The area is chaotic and loud, traffic is bad, and the many red-light establishments and bars might be a put-off for families (don’t say I didn’t warn you!). But it is a popular area, so I gotta include it and then you can make your own choice. If you really want to stay here, I’d say go for the Shangri La or the Melia Chiang Mai, as they are located furthest away from those issues.
Pros of Staying in the Night Bazaar / Chang Khlan Area:
- Walking distance to Old City, Night Bazaar, and many attractions
- The most “walkable” part of Chiang Mai
- Many dining, drinking, and accommodation options
Cons of Staying in the Night Bazaar / Chang Khlan Area:
- Traffic noise
- Parts of it are a red light area
📚 Night Bazaar / Chang Khlan Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Night Markets
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – Shangri-La Chiang Mai • Intercontinental Chiang Mai • Chiang Mai Marriott • Melia Chiang Mai
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Night Bazaar / Chang Khlan Area
🍽️ Where to Eat – Phaploean Market ($), Barefoot Restaurant ($$), Home Burmese and Vegetarian Restaurant ($$), Neighborhood Community ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Phaploean Market, The A Ter – Music Bar
🎟️ Top Attractions – Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Anusaran Market, Mae Kha Canal
Santitham
👉 Best Area For Budget Hotels | ✨ Best Santitham Hotels: Seven Senses Guesthouse • ISTY Hotel • Book Design Hotel
Santitham is a lesser-known residential area north of Old City and adjacent to Nimman. It’s becoming more popular as an alternative to neighboring Nimman, thanks to the local vibe, cheaper accommodations, and distance from airplane take-off routes.
For most first-timers, I probably wouldn’t recommend staying here, but Santitham is a good option if you’re on a tight budget or if you’re planning a long-term visit. For digital nomads, expats, or retirees, it’s a nice quiet alternative to Nimman.
You can find many boutiques here, sometimes for less than $50/night. Check out Seven Senses Guesthouse for a local vibe or ISTY Hotel for a more modern feel. Both are quite affordable and well-rated.
Pros of Staying in Santitham :
- Close to Nimman Road, but out of airplane takeoff path
- More locals compared to other areas
- Accommodation tends to be more affordable
Cons of Staying in Santitham:
- Not the most convenient location
- Not many attractions or sites
📚 Santitham Mini Guide📚
Best Area to Stay for Budget Travelers
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – Seven Senses Guesthouse • ISTY Hotel • Book Design Hotel
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Santitham
🍽️ Where to Eat – Khao Soi Maesai ($), Baan Mae Café & Restaurant ($$), Sowon Korean ($$)
🎟️ Top Attractions – Siri Wattana Market, Suan Chang Puak
Tips for Staying in Chiang Mai
Avoid Travel to Chiang Mai During “Burning Season” (February to April)
I cannot emphasize this enough: if you can, avoid coming to Chiang Mai between February and April.
This is the “burning season,” when smoke fills the sky, sometimes blocking out the sun and view of the mountains for weeks at a time. It is not a pleasant time to visit in my opinion. You are better off visiting Thailand’s southern islands (where the air is much clearer) during these months.
Plan Ahead if Visiting for a Festival
Many tourists visit Chiang Mai for festivals, especially:
- Songkran (April) – Also known as “Thai New Year,” the entire city turns into a giant water fight for several days during this festival. If visiting during this time, avoid staying near Tha Phae gate, and also be cautious about arriving or departing during the festival (as your luggage could get soaked).
- Yi Peng and Loy Krathong (November) – Two festivals that take place concurrently, typically in November. You may know Yi Peng as the “lantern festival” from social media, though note that in recent years the city has limited lantern releases to specified areas only.
If visiting during these festivals, be sure to book well in advance!
If Visiting in Summer, Stay Somewhere with a Pool
Summer in Chiang Mai is actually my personal favorite season. The burning season has passed, the air is clear, and the tourists have all cleared out. The streets are less busy, the attractions and restaurants are uncrowded, and accommodation is at the cheapest prices of the year.
Of course, the big downside to visiting Chiang Mai in summer is obvious: it gets super hot and humid! If you can’t stand the heat, stay away during these months. But if you’re like me and actually enjoy the tropical weather, just be sure to book a hotel with a pool.
Search for Chiang Mai hotels with pools on Booking now.
Most Apartment Buildings Prohibit Short Term Rentals
Yes, you’ll find some apartments listed on peer-to-peer accommodation apps. But usually, those buildings actually prohibit short-term rentals in their condo agreements. So you may end up in this situation where the host is kinda trying to sneak you in. It doesn’t make for a comfortable experience in my opinion.
If you do want apartment-style accommodation, you can find aparthotels on Booking that are actually licensed to provide such accommodations.
Don’t Rent a Scooter Unless You Can Truly Drive One
Scooters are a convenient and popular way to get around Chiang Mai, but be careful – this is not the place to learn how to ride! Many foreigners think they are saving a few baht by renting a scooter, only to end up leaving Thailand with a medical bill and a pair of crutches.
Also, do not drive a scooter unless you are actually licensed to ride motorbikes! While many shops do not check licenses, the police do set up checkpoints and fine foreigners who are not properly licensed.
Instead of riding yourself, you can use the Grab application to order a car or scooter taxi around town. It’s fast, convenient, and affordable.
Only Visit Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries
Elephants are one of the big tourist attractions in Northern Thailand, but unfortunately, many elephant companies mistreat their animals. In particular, experts especially recommend against riding elephants, as this often results in mistreatment of the animals in order to get them to comply.
You can still view these magnificent creatures, though, at one of Chiang Mai’s ethical elephant sanctuaries.
Personally, I only recommend visiting Elephant Nature Park. The park provides sanctuary for rescued elephants, as well as other animals, and the elephants live as natural a life as possible in a massive park in the middle of the mountains.
👉 Read Next: Packing Essentials for Thailand
FAQs about Chiang Mai Hotels
What are the best areas to stay in Chiang Mai for first-timers?
Most first-timers should stay in Chiang Mai’s Old City for their first visit, as it’s home to most of the city’s historical sites and attractions. Alternatively, luxury travelers may enjoy a stay at one of the 5-star resorts in Riverside, running along the Ping River that bisects Chiang Mai.
What areas of Chiang Mai should I avoid staying in?
In general, Chiang Mai is a very safe city. All of the above-mentioned areas are safe to stay in. With that said, families should be aware that there are red light districts around the Night Bazaar area.
What are the best parts of Chiang Mai to stay for temples?
The highest concentration of temples in Chiang Mai can be found in the Old City. But actually the entire city is dotted with hundreds of temples, and no matter where you are staying you are likely to be near one.
***
Thanks for reading!
Keep planning your Thailand trip with my guides to Where to Stay in Bangkok and Where to Stay in Phuket.
Hi
Hoping for some help… We are kinda booking this trip last minute.
Bangkok – Dec 31 – Jan 2 – Need a decent hotel in a good part of town. Range of you have ideas
want to do
-Water Market Tour
-Food trucks, lively outdoor squares for New Years
Our dates for Phuket are Jan2nd -6th
Also hoping you can help with small hotels in Phuket, on the beach and in a quiet area?? We want to snorkel, boat ride.. etc..
Chiang Mai Jan 7-11
the El Barrio Lana Hotel in – looks great!! thanks for the reco…
Can you suggest any places to look into for:
hike
Meditation
Massage
cooking class
THANK YOU SO MUCH…
Hi Misha –
Sounds like an awesome trip! First, note I also wrote full guides to staying in Bangkok and staying in Phuket that you can check out for more detail.
But a few quick suggestions:
Bangkok:
Notes: availability is getting limited already. Most of my top pick boutiques like Villa Mungkala or Tints of Blue are already full for NYE (though monitor those two because if they have a cancellation, they’re worth it). For such a short stay, I’d suggest Old Town so you can be at least see the temples and the Grand Palace.
Hotels: DE Phanakron Boutique Hotel or Pranakorn Heritage Hotel both have availability for your dates. They’re the best boutiques I can find for those dates in Old Town.
-Floating market tours – check out this tour or this tour, both of which still have spots on Jan 1 as of just now. Note that’s going to be most of your only full day in Bangkok (the floating markets are a bit outside the city), so you may find it hard to squeeze in the sites of the city itself (it’s doable, but you’ll need to plan well). Note the Grand Palace is closed on Jan 1, so you may want to plan to get up at opening on the 2nd or see it on the 31st if you arrive in time.
-NYE: I would suggest finding a spot somewhere along the Chao Phraya river to watch the fireworks. I think there is an event at Asiatique The Riverfront, which is sorta an upscale shopping area with night market like food stalls in front. ICON Siam is another mall along the river that will have viewing areas. You could also consider a rooftop bar at any hotel along the river, which will give you a panoramic view of the city (though they’ll usually charge heavily for it).
Phuket:
-Hotels: I’d suggest staying in Kamala or Karon, which are both more laid back beach towns. I feel like Kamala is probably the best based on what you described. There, you could stay in the Vivace Hotel if you want value for money or Kamala Beach Estate if you want to splurge.
-Boat Tours: check out these boat tours. There are many that will pick you up and take you out to the small islands. The Phi Phi island tour is the most famous one, but James Bond and Hong Island are also really nice and closer to Phuket so you get more time to snorkel and enjoy. You have enough time that you could do both if you wanted.
Chiang Mai:
-Hiking: the obvious choice is to do the Monk’s Trail Doi Suthep hike. It’s a climb for sure, but the temple at the top is iconic and you’ll get great views.
-Massage: they’ll be a new place around every corner in Chiang Mai. My personal go-to is Sense Massage Somphet. It’s walkable from El Barrio Lana but you should make a reservation by calling or stopping by earlier in the day (easy to do as it’s near the main walking street).
-Cooking Class: check out options here. I don’t have a strong recommendation for one over another, but come back here and let us know your experience if you find one you love.
-Meditation: Most of the meditation retreats I know of are multi-day, but there are some half-day ones that operate as tours like this one. Though not exactly meditation, I’d also suggest to check out the “Monk Chat” programs at Chiang Mai’s temples. Wat Chedi Luang offers this most days. You just go in and talk to the monks! They can also give you tips on meditation, or talk about anything you want (it’s a way for them to practice their English and also to engage with visitors).
-Restaurant: I strongly suggest a reservation at either Baan Landai Fine Thai Cuisine or The House by Ginger.
Hope that helps and hope you enjoy Thailand!
-Nate
What is the best area and condos in for expat retirees to live in?
I have lived in Bangkok for four years. I love the culture. But Bangkok is way too crowed for me.
Hi Sam –
I know many Chiang Mai expats and the frank answer is that retirees live all over the city, as well as in the surrounding suburbs. Some popular expat areas include Hang Dong, Sansai, and Santiham. But that’s non-exhaustive, and there are many others to consider. If you are already in Bangkok, I would suggest making a scouting trip and feeling it out for yourself. It really depends on your budget, lifestyle, and preferences.
Cheers!
Nate
Is it advisable to rent a car in Chiang Mai?
No, I would not suggest renting a car in Chiang Mai unless you experienced driving in Thailand and planning for a lot of day trips. Getting around the city is very easy using the Grab application, which functions similarly to Uber.
Hey thanks so much for this!
Quite a niche question here.
We will arrive in Chiang mai on 6th June for a week and I will have a wheelchair with me. I don’t expect it to be easy at all but just as a clue, does the old city tend to have quite high, often blocked with posts, pavements like say Bangkok?
I can walk but not long distances so that’s why I have the chair.
And also any recommendations for a hotel that does a good vegan/vegan options breakfast please? And have you heard of any tour companies that offer tours for less mobile people? Thanks!
Hi Emma –
Yes, unfortunately Chiang Mai’s Old City has very inconsistent and often blocked curbs (if there is a sidewalk at all, that is).
For something exclusively vegan, check out the hotel Away Chiang Mai Thapae. I’ve eaten at their cafe and it was delicious. Also has a perfect location close to the Old City gates but on a quieter back street.
Also note that massive breakfast buffets are very common in Thai hotels, especially among 4 and 5 star hotels. Picture something 4-5x as big as you’d see in the UK. So usually lots of options of all kinds even at other hotels.
I hope you enjoy Chiang Mai and thank you for reading Travel Lemming!
-Nate
We (husband & I) will have a short stop (2 nights) in Chiang Mai on the second week of June (our first time) before flying to Bangkok. We were planning to stay at Na Nirand Resort but after reading your post, it might be a good idea to stay in the Old City. Just not sure about traffic. Only activity planned for our one full day is “Elephant Jungle Expedition by Chai Lai Orchid”, suggested by travel agent. I originally planned on going to the Elephant Nature Park ( Elephant Highlands (?) or Wallking w/ Elephant Tour) but she said that if I wanted to meet a Karen Tribe, Chai Lai Orchid tour might be good choice.
Any suggestions on hotel and elephant tour? We are fit and healthy 64yo, prefer the nicer hotels, and are foodies (from las Vegas, NV…so used to the heat, not so much the humidity). I had to add this because agent in Vietnam was discouraging us from doing a lot of the hikes because of our age.
Hi Grace!
Sounds like a fun trip. So for where to stay, I think Na Nirand Resort is still in a perfectly great and central location. It’s on the river which is nice, near the night markets, but just a 10 minute ride in a Grab (Thailand’s version of Uber) to Old City. If you like that hotel, I suggest staying there. If you really want to stay in Old City, maybe check out The Inside House.
Elephant Nature Park is fantastic and by far the best of the elephant parks in my opinion. With that said, you’re right that they don’t offer hill tribe visits. Chai Lai Orchid I haven’t been on, but I think is probably your best bet if you want both in a single tour.
I hope you enjoy Chiang Mai and thank you for reading Travel Lemming!
-Nate
Hi. Your post is super helpful!
I was planning to visit in somewhere between 20th May to 20th June for a week.
What would be the best dates and how is the weather?
Hi Aviana – the weather in Chiang Mai in late May and June is going to be hot, humid, with intermittent rain and quite a bit of cloud cover. That’s the bad news. But, if you are ok with the heat and humidity, I actually love this time of year personally, as there are far fewer tourists, the air is typically quite clean, the days are an hour longer than in high season, and usually the rain comes in the afternoon and then it cools down for a more pleasant evening temperature.
In terms of specific dates, there isn’t much difference within that range. There are no major festivals during that period to plan around. The weather will be pretty similar no matter when you go (possibly ever so slightly cooler on the later end of that range, but the difference is minor and up to chance anyway). So I would just pick whatever dates work best for your schedule.
Let me know if you have any more questions and I hope you enjoy Chiang Mai!
-Nate
I chose to stay at RatiLanna after reading your post. Thank you so much – best choice I’ve ever made and I can’t wait to come back.
It’s such a lovely hotel (incredible pool, and even better service!). My heart is warmed that you found my guide helpful and came back to leave this comment. Thank you for reading Travel Lemming!
We want to go to Chaing Mai in November after landing in Bangkok. We are not really big city people but love history so the old city sounds great. How much time should we spend in Bangkok before going to Chaing Mai? Is flying the best option?
Hi Bob! Most visitors allocate at least 2-3 days to Bangkok, which is usually enough to take in the basic sites and maybe a day trip. For Chian Mai, personally I fly because there are many cheap flights and it is by far the fastest way. Some tourists like to take the overnight train because there is a certain romanticism to it, but it is significantly longer and often not all that much cheaper anyway.
Hi Nate,
I’m thinking on going to Chiang Mai for the flower festival start februar 2026. But I can read from your blog that februar onwards is not good due to burning season. Have you attended the flower festival? And what are your thoughts in regards to the burning?
Kind regards
Dina
Yes, February is peak burning season so you should be prepared for air quality issues. How bad it will be depends on the day. In general it is worse later in February, so you might get lucky as the flower festival is the first week of the month.
The flower festival is interesting if you really like seeing flowers in a parade-style atmosphere. That’s basically what it is: a parade of vehicles decorated in flowers. Personally, I wouldn’t plan a trip around it, but you might depending on your preferences! If that seems worth it to you, and you do not have sensitivities for the air, you’ll probably be fine if it’s just a short trip.
Hi Nate,
We are a family of 5 with teenage children and planning to go in early April and it will be our first time. Based on your advise April month is to be avoided. How bad is the air quality? Is the API reading above 100?
Is there any outdoor activities that you can recommend besides the elephant sanctuary?
Looking forward to your reply. Thank you.
Hi Arnida!
Yes, early April Chiang Mai does get pretty bad air quality from the smoke. You should be prepared for the possibility that the sky will be almost completely blocked by smoke. Though it could be better, just depending on the day. You can get a sense of historical air quality by scrolling down to “Air quality historical data” on this site, then looking at how past Aprils were. As you can see from that graph, every single day of April last year was above 100 AQI – and 8 days were over 175. In 2023, it was even worse, with 12 days over 200. But in 2022 it was a little better. Just depends on the year, but generally April is one of the worst months for air quality in Chiang Mai.
If the trip is only for a few days, you may find that the air quality is tolerable. Certainly many tourists visit Chiang Mai during April and have a good trip. But I would caution against going if anyone in the family is sensitive or has respiratory issues.
In terms of things to do outdoors, again I’d emphasize that April is not the best month to be outdoors in Chiang Mai. Even the elephants feel sickness from the air quality. But with that said, there are tons of places you can get into nature around Chiang Mai like Doi Inthanon National Park. Huai Nam Dang National Park is also two hours away. Within the city, there are many temples and markets you can visit that are outdoors. You can check the mini guides for each neighborhood above for more specific suggestions.
I would also add that on April 13, Songkran starts. That’s the annual Thai new year water festival, when the entire city turns into a giant water fight. If visiting during this period, plan ahead and buy a super soaker so you can join in the fun.
I hope that helps and I hope you are able to enjoy Chiang Mai! I wish I had better news about the smoke, but just trying to give you fair warning.
Cheers,
Nate
Hi Nate,
Thanks for this helpful information. My wife and I are traveling and staying in Nimman for 2 weeks in January. What’s the best way to plan daily outings/experiences and get around Chiang Mai? Any advice on things to see/do and celebrating the Chinese New Year? Thanks.
Getting around – Grab is the local equivalent of Uber and very affordable and efficient. A ride to Old Town will only cost a couple dollars. If you’re on a super tight budget, you can take a Songthaew (local shared transport in the back of a pickup). You could also rent a motorbike if you know how to ride.
Stuff to do – There’s lots! Elephant Nature Park, Doi Inthanon National Park, the Sunday Walking Street Market in Old Town, and loads and loads of Temples (my favorite is Wat Sri Suphan). In the guide above I’ve got more things listed under each area. You can also click the link under the map at the top for a Google map with everything.
Chinese New Year – Go to Chiang Mai’s Chinatown for the celebration! It’s not massive compared to other Asian cities, but I went two years ago and it was busy and I enjoyed it.
Hi, we are looking for a holiday home in Chiang Mai as 1 of our options.
We see many condos being advertised and was wondering which location would be best.
A place where we can relax/chill, with convenient to buy groceries, restaurants and not too many tourists.
Any good condos to recommend? 2 bedders, high floor with good unblocked view of river or mountains.
Thanks
There are not that many high floor condo buildings in Chiang Mai, as most buildings are mid-rises in the city. There are some in the Nimmananhemin area, but you better be prepared for airport noise there plus lots of tourists. There are also some near Central Festival that are significantly cheaper, but note that area definitely requires a motorbike or car to get around as it’s a bit further out. Best area is probably along Chang Khlan road in my opinion. Astra and Astra Sky River are two larger buildings there.
Hello!
My daughter and I will be in Thailand for 4 weeks in March. From what I understand, it’s not an ideal time for Chiang Mai…should we avoid it all together? If not, would it be best at the very begginning of our trip or at the end? Thank you!
Hi Geneviève – March is the peak of the burning season, when smoke fills the sky, sometimes for days on end. Personally, I avoid Chiang Mai in March. It is somewhat a matter of luck, as some days and some years are worse than others. If you are only going for a couple days and are not sensitive to air quality issues, then you might find it tolerable and worth seeing the many things Chiang Mai has to offer. To give you a sense of what to expect, you can scroll down this page halfway and find historical air quality charts.