Chiang Mai is one of the main tourist attractions in Thailand. This city with a rich historical background is known as the cultural, tourism, and economic center of the region. For this reason, it is very valuable among tourists around the world. Chiang Mai is located seven hundred kilometers from Bangkok and in the Ping River.
Along with busy highways and modern and luxurious buildings, it has many historical areas full of old houses and beautiful temples. Cozy rainforests with spectacular waterfalls and beautiful summer villages are only a part of the beauty of Chiang Mai’s countryside. Colorful markets and elephant protected areas are other attractions of Chiang Mai.
The major city in northern Thailand is Chiang Mai, has a fascinating and diverse cultural heritage. This city is teeming with many cultures, friendly locals, vibrant food markets, stunning temples, a calming and tranquil environment, and spectacular natural scenery. Thousands of restaurants and cafés in Chiang Mai provide western and other cuisines if you don’t like Thai food, despite the city’s enormous culinary diversity.
A few days journey is not enough to fully appreciate all of Chiang Mai’s splendors since it takes weeks or even months to explore all of its nooks. Most visitors to this city schedule a brief trip to Chiang Mai, but they frequently postpone their return by a few weeks.
Climate in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai’s hot summers last from March to May. It becomes very hot during the day and can be unbearable for many people. The rainy season is from October to October and the cool season is from November to February.
In January, November and December you will experience the best weather in Chiang Mai and the temperature is pleasant and mild. Overall, the weather is hot in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai experiences relatively dry weather in January, February, March and December.
On average, the hottest month of the year is April and the coolest month of the year is January. August is always the wettest month of the year and if you don’t like a lot of rain, it is better to avoid traveling during this season. February is the driest month of the year.
Three different seasons may be identified in Chiang Mai’s climate. Seasons with rain, chilly and dry weather, and hot and dry weather. You can pick the most advantageous time to go by being aware of these seasons.
Best time to travel to Chiang Mai
The months of October through April are the finest for visiting Chiang Mai. The weather during these few months of the year is cool and very pleasant; there is a gentle breeze and because of this, it is the busy tourist season in Chiang Mai.
Another great time to see Chiang Mai is during one of the city’s many celebrations, when the city comes alive with enthusiasm and brightness. Next, we examine the different months of the year to choose the good time to travel to Chiang Mai:
November to February: The greatest number of tourists visiting Chiang Mai is from November to February since the weather is ideal for all types of leisure pursuits. Although the weather does not get very cold, it is better to take warm and light clothes. January is the best month of the year to travel and of course the busiest month of the year.
The influx of tourists makes the city very busy and lively. If you plan to travel in November, you can take part in the Loi Krathong festivities. If you visit the city in February, you will have the opportunity to attend the Chiang Mai Flower Festival.
From March to May
At this time, Chiang Mai’s hot summer is slowly starting. Despite this, tourists still travel to Chiang Mai and take advantage of this opportunity to pay the lowest prices for flights and hotels in Chiang Mai.
During this season, the daytime temperature is very high, but you can spend your afternoon swimming in the pools and go out after sunset. The temperature is around 40 degrees from April to May. For this season, don’t forget cool clothes, sunglasses and a brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun and the heat.
From July to October
the temperature drops in the rainy season, but the air humidity increases. Although the rainfall in Chiang Mai is less than in southern Thailand, the rainy season or monsoon in Chiang Mai is relatively heavy. Therefore, you should be prepared for a lot of rain and bring an umbrella, raincoat and suitable shoes.
During this season, the number of tourists in Chiang Mai is very low, so if you like to have a quiet vacation in an ancient city, choose this time to travel.
International Airport of Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai International Airport with its official name Chiang Mai International Airport and IATA code CNX is the only airport in Chiang Mai city. This airport handles more than 2 million passengers annually and is known as the fourth busiest airport in Thailand. Chiang Mai Airport is the gateway to this city and is located about 3 kilometers southwest of it.
Travel expenses to Chiang Mai
Below are the usual expenses for traveling to Chiang Mai:
The cost of staying in hostels:
Hostels in Chiang Mai start from 10 baht per night in large 10-bed hostel. Smaller rooms with 6 beds start at 120 baht. The free hostels are more centralized, located in the city areas, and most of them have breakfasts and decent heating and cooling systems. They cost about 300 baht per bed in places with 4 to 6 beds.
Private rooms in these hostels are 800 baht per night, although if you look around the city, you can find private rooms with double beds for 350 baht per night. Guesthouses, choose another one to stay in Chiang, with accommodation costs starting at 200 Baht per night.
The cost of staying in cheap hotels
Two-star hotels located in the central areas of the city start from 400 baht per night. A room that has free Wi-Fi, hot water, a comfortable bed, and suitable cooling and heating systems will be more than this amount. On the Airbnb website, you can find good rooms for rent for 350 baht. The cost of renting a full apartment is 1,000 to 1,750 baht each night.
Average food cost
The tastiest Thai street cuisine can be found in Chiang Mai, and it costs between 25 and 50 baht. A main course and a drink usually cost around 80 baht. Western dishes start at 170 baht. You can find the cheapest possible food in Chinese restaurants and daily and local markets.
The cost of public transportation
The Songthaew is the most often-used mode of transportation in Chiang Mai. Their rent is about 20 baht per day and 30 baht per night. Their drivers usually charge a lot of money from tourists, so you must coordinate the price with them before getting on.
Tuk-tuk is another vehicle that you can use to get around the city and their fare is 50 to 100 baht. Local bus services also serve important places in the city and their fare starts from 15 baht.
The average daily cost suggested
900 Thai baht is the suggested daily rate in Chiang Mai. Of course, this cost is if you save money by staying in a hostel, cooking most of your own meals and eating out less, or buying inexpensive street food and taking public transit instead of cabs.
Your travel costs will be significantly more than this sum if you wish to stay in a nicer hotel and eat the majority of your meals at Chiang Mai dining places.
Chiang Mai sightseeing attractions
Chiang Mai is recognized as Thailand’s second most significant city. A more tranquil and compact city than Bangkok, it is ideal for tourists who wish to see both modern and historical Thailand, as well as both urban and natural sights.
Chiang Mai is now a very well-liked vacation spot for travelers of all tastes. Even if you are one of those interested in culture and history, you cannot leave Chiang Mai empty-handed. In this city, you can visit different temples and enjoy the diverse culture of the city.
In this city, tourists can visit different places by bicycle, tricycle, or on foot. In the following, we mention some of the most important attractions of this city.
Wat Phra That Temple in Doi Suthep
One of the most well-known tourist destinations in Chiang Mai is the Wat Phra That Temple. The main shrine of this temple is one of Chiang Mai’s most well-liked tourist destinations, and almost all tourists have plans to go there.
To get to the temple, you may trek its trail, which is a bit challenging but worthwhile. You may also drive yourself to the temple, which is a considerably shorter journey and would take around 2 hours.
Bua Thong Sticky Waterfall
You may explore natural landmarks in Chiang Mai, such as the Bua Thong sticky waterfall. However, what sets this spot apart from other natural areas in Chiang Mai is the possibility to climb the waterfall.
The forest region that surrounds the waterfall provides a serene, intimate, and unspoiled ambiance. Even when the water is flowing, you may easily climb up the middle of the waterfall since the limestone that creates it is sticky.
To visit this waterfall, choose mid-week days because weekends are usually too busy.
Night Bazaar
The night market is the finest location to shop in Chiang Mai, especially if you can bargain. From clothes, shawls and scarves to home appliances and inlaid handicrafts, it is offered in the stalls of this market. Take care of yourself and your belongings as it is a crowded and touristy market.
After shopping, you may attend a Muay Thai competition or test your talents in this martial art in the designated area. Muay Thai fights are one of the most important parts of the culture of the people of this region. Fights cost between 200 and 400 baht to enter.
Doi Pui village
Doi Pui village is an old and tourist village, but these days the tourist aspect has overcome the traditional aspect. From its many shops, you can buy products such as handwoven textiles, handmade jewelry, tea and other souvenirs of the region. Information about the presence of native tribes and their residences and their way of life is provided to the tourists.
There is a large garden in this area, which is full of various and beautiful flowers and plants, and you can watch the breathtaking views of the village.