Chiang Mai

The best season for a holiday is November-February (cool and dry season). At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.

In summer, the air warms up to an average of +35.0°C, during the day — up to +33.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.

In winter, the air temperature stays around +15.0°C, during the day — up to +29.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.

The rainy season falls on May-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.

A holiday for one person will cost around $56.00 (≈ 4 700 ₽ · ≈ 1 960 THB) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.

Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $12.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $35.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $70.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $150.00 per night, an apartment — $50.00 per night, a villa — $80.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.

Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $4.00, dinner at a restaurant — $14.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.

a taxi from the airport — $15.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $30.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.

Among the main attractions are: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep — Famous mountaintop temple overlooking Chiang Mai. A golden stupa, ancient relics and panoramic city views — one of northern Thailand's top attractions.; Chiang Mai Old City — Square historic centre with ancient temples, including Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, surrounded by a moat and city walls.; Wat Chedi Luang — Magnificent temple with a partially ruined 14th-century stupa. One of the most significant landmarks in the Old City.; Chiang Mai Night Bazaar — Huge evening market on Chang Klan Road with clothing, souvenirs, crafts and street food. Open daily.; Sunday Walking Street — Grand pedestrian market held on Sundays on Ratchadamnoen Road. Crafts, food, street performances.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.

Be sure to try the local cuisine: Khao Soi — Famous northern Thai dish — egg noodles in creamy curry, served with crispy noodles.; Sai Ua — Northern Thai sausage with herbs and spices.; Sticky Rice with Mango — Sweet dessert of sticky rice with mango and coconut milk.; Thai Tea — Sweet tea with condensed milk.; Nam Prik Ong — Spicy tomato and minced pork dip.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.

For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Old City — Historic centre with temples, guesthouses and cafes.; Night Bazaar — Area with the huge night market, hotels and restaurants.; Nimmanhaemin — Trendy area with boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants, popular with young people.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.

Visa: e-visa (ETA) for most countries. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.

The nearest airport — Chiang Mai International Airport (code CNX). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $15.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.

Currency — THB. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $56.00 (≈ 4 700 ₽ · ≈ 1 960 THB). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.

Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.

Nightlife is rated as high. There are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants that stay open until morning.

Nearby you can visit: Chiang Rai — City with the White and Blue temples, ~180 km.; Pai — Mountain town with a canyon and hot springs, ~130 km.; Doi Inthanon — Thailand's highest mountain with a park and waterfalls, ~100 km.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.