Chiang Mai Travel Guide 2025: Chiang Mai is a peaceful and charming city in the northern part of Thailand. Surrounded by green hills and old temples, it gives you a perfect mix of culture, nature, and relaxation. Many Indian travellers like visiting Chiang Mai because it feels calm and welcoming, far from the busy tourist places.
In this travel guide, you will learn about the best time to visit Chiang Mai, how to reach there, top things to do, where to eat, and useful tips for your journey. Whether you want to explore temples, try Thai food, enjoy nature, or just relax, Chiang Mai has something for every kind of traveller.
A Quick Overview of Chiang Mai
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Country | Thailand |
| Official Language | Thai |
| Currency | Thai Baht (THB) |
| Time Zone | UTC+7 (ICT) |
| Best Known For | Temples, night markets, mountain views, local culture, elephant sanctuaries |
| Best Time to Visit | November to February |
| Peak Season | December to January |
| Off-Season | June to October (rainy season) |
| Ideal Duration | 3 to 5 days |
| Popular Indian Restaurants | Accha Authentic Indian Cuisine, Rajdarbar Indian Restaurant, New Delhi Restaurant |
| Famous Market | Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Sunday Walking Street, Warorot Market |
| Things to Do | Visit Doi Suthep Temple, explore Old City temples, Elephant Nature Park, night markets, Thai cooking classes |
| Nearest Airport | Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) |
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is from November to February. During these months, the weather stays cool and pleasant. The sky remains clear, and the temperature is just right for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and temple visits.
Many travellers from India prefer this time because it feels like a nice winter break. The days are sunny but not too hot, and the evenings are cool. It is also the season for festivals like the Yi Peng Lantern Festival and Loy Krathong, which make your trip even more special.
If you want to avoid crowds, you can plan your trip in early November or late February. The months from March to May are hot and dry, while June to October is the rainy season. During monsoon, there are fewer tourists, and the hills look green, but you may face sudden rains and wet roads.
So, for a comfortable and enjoyable trip, November to February is the ideal time to explore Chiang Mai.
How to Reach Chiang Mai from India?
Chiang Mai is a peaceful and cultural city in northern Thailand. Many Indian travellers love visiting it for its temples, night markets and mountain views. Reaching Chiang Mai from India is simple if you know the best routes.
By Air
The easiest and most common way to reach Chiang Mai from India is by flight. There are no direct flights from India to Chiang Mai, but you can take a connecting flight.
- Major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru have flights to Bangkok.
- From Bangkok, you can take a domestic flight to Chiang Mai. The flight takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Airlines like Thai Airways, AirAsia, and VietJet offer regular services.
Popular Flight Routes
- Delhi — Bangkok — Chiang Mai
- Mumbai — Bangkok — Chiang Mai
- Kolkata — Bangkok — Chiang Mai
You can also transit through other countries like Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, but Bangkok is the most preferred option.
By Train
If you want to enjoy a scenic journey, you can take a train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
- The train ride takes around 10 to 12 hours.
- Overnight trains are comfortable and have sleeping berths.
- Many travellers prefer this route to experience local life.
By Road
You can also travel by road from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
- Buses and private taxis are available.
- The road journey takes 8 to 10 hours.
- It is best to book a bus ticket in advance if you plan to travel by road.
Tip: The best option for most Indian travellers is to fly to Bangkok and then take a domestic flight to Chiang Mai. It is fast, easy and comfortable. Make sure to check visa rules before booking your trip. Thailand offers Visa on Arrival or e-visa for Indian citizens, which makes travel even easier.
Things to Do in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a beautiful city in the north of Thailand. It is full of old temples, green mountains, and friendly people. Many travellers from India visit this place to enjoy peaceful holidays and learn about Thai culture. Here are some simple and interesting things you can do in Chiang Mai.
1. Visit Old Temples
Chiang Mai has many temples with beautiful designs and peaceful surroundings. Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang are two of the most famous temples. People go there to pray, take blessings, and enjoy the calm feeling.
2. See the Golden Temple on the Hill
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a famous temple on a hill near the city. You can go up by car or walk up the stairs. From the top, you get a lovely view of the whole city. Many people visit it early in the morning.
3. Try a Thai Cooking Class
Many Indian travellers enjoy learning how to make Thai food. You can join a cooking class and learn to cook dishes like Pad Thai, green curry, and sticky rice with mango.
4. Explore the Night Markets
Chiang Mai’s night markets are full of colours, food, clothes, and gifts. The Sunday Night Market and Night Bazaar are very popular. You can walk, eat street food, buy souvenirs, and enjoy live music.
5. Spend Time with Elephants
You can visit an elephant sanctuary and feed or bathe elephants. These places take good care of the animals and allow you to meet them safely. Avoid any place that offers elephant rides.
6. Enjoy a Thai Massage
Chiang Mai is a good place to relax. You can try a simple Thai massage or a foot massage at local massage centres. It helps your body feel fresh and relaxed.
7. Go for a Trek in the Hills
The areas near Chiang Mai have forests, small villages, and waterfalls. Many people go on short or long treks. It is a nice way to enjoy nature and see the lifestyle of local people.
8. Visit a Local Village
You can go to tribal villages around Chiang Mai to see how people live in the mountains. You can also see handmade clothes, local crafts, and simple houses.
9. Try Local Food
Chiang Mai has tasty food like Khao Soi (a curry noodle dish). If you are vegetarian, you will also find many places that serve veg Thai food or Indian food.
10. Join a Festival
If you go in November, you can enjoy the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. People light paper lanterns and let them fly in the sky. It is a peaceful and magical experience.
Places to Visit in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is full of beautiful places that show both nature and culture. From old temples to green hills, you will find something peaceful and interesting in every corner. Here are some of the best places to visit in Chiang Mai.
1. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
This is a famous golden temple on a hill. You can see it from many parts of the city. To reach the temple, you can go by road and climb a few steps. From the top, you can enjoy a lovely view of Chiang Mai.
2. Wat Chedi Luang
This old temple stands in the heart of the city. It has a big chedi (stupa) which was partly broken in an earthquake many years ago. People come here to pray and feel peace.
3. Wat Phra Singh
Another famous temple known for its detailed art and calm atmosphere. It is easy to reach and many visitors include it in their city walk.
4. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
This market is open in the evening. You can shop for clothes, bags, handmade items, and souvenirs. It also has many food stalls where you can taste Thai snacks and sweets.
5. Doi Inthanon National Park
It is the highest mountain in Thailand. The park has waterfalls, flower gardens, and beautiful views. It is a good place for a day trip.
6. Elephant Nature Park
This is a rescue centre for elephants. You can feed the elephants, walk beside them, and learn how they are taken care of. It is a good place for animal lovers.
7. Sunday Walking Street
Every Sunday evening, the old town road turns into a walking market. You can shop, eat, and watch live music. It feels very lively but peaceful.
8. Huay Tung Tao Lake
This quiet lake is near the city. You can relax in bamboo huts, eat lunch by the water, and enjoy mountain views. It is a good break from city life.
9. Bo Sang Handicraft Village
This village is famous for colourful umbrellas and handmade items. You can see how local people make them and also buy gifts to take home.
10. Royal Park Rajapruek
A large flower garden with plants from many countries. It also has a big wooden building with Thai-style design. A good spot for photos and quiet walks.
These places show the simple beauty of Chiang Mai. Whether you enjoy temples, markets, hills, or gardens, you will find joy in every place.
Local Foods to Try in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a great place to taste different flavours of Northern Thai food. The food here is full of herbs, spices, and simple cooking styles. Many dishes are not too spicy and suit Indian taste as well. Here are some local foods you should try when you visit Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai also offers many vegetarian and halal food options too. You can also find Indian restaurants, but do try these local dishes for a real Thai experience.
1. Khao Soi
This is the most famous dish in Chiang Mai. It is a curry noodle soup made with crispy and soft noodles, served with chicken or sometimes beef. It comes with lime, onions, and pickles on the side. You will find this in almost every local restaurant.
2. Sai Oua (Northern Thai Sausage)
This is a grilled sausage made with herbs, lemongrass, and garlic. It is usually eaten with sticky rice and is full of flavour. It may not be suitable for vegetarians, but it is very popular among locals.
3. Sticky Rice with Mango
This sweet dish is simple and tasty. The sticky rice is cooked in coconut milk and served with fresh mango slices. You will find it in local shops and night markets.
4. Nam Prik Noom
This is a green chilli paste eaten with boiled vegetables and sticky rice. It is mildly spicy and very tasty. People eat it as a side dish or dip.
5. Gaeng Hang Lay (Northern Pork Curry)
This is a slow-cooked curry with a sweet and sour taste. It does not have coconut milk and has a deep flavour of tamarind, garlic, and ginger.
6. Khanom Krok
These are small coconut pancakes made in round pans. They are crispy outside and soft inside. You can eat them hot from the street food stalls.
7. Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen)
This is a cold drink made with strong tea, milk, and sugar. It has an orange colour and sweet taste. It is perfect to beat the Chiang Mai heat.
8. Fresh Fruit Smoothies
You can find fruit smoothie stalls everywhere. Try fresh watermelon, mango, banana, or pineapple shakes with ice. They are cheap and refreshing.
9. Pad Thai
Though it is popular all over Thailand, you can try Chiang Mai-style Pad Thai too. It is stir-fried noodles with vegetables, egg, and sometimes tofu or shrimp.
10. Roti with Banana and Chocolate
This is a street dessert made with a thin roti filled with banana and topped with chocolate or condensed milk. Kids and adults both enjoy this snack.
