Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, Thailand

The complete guide to Chiang Mai

The rose of the north of Thailand - the city of temples and culture

Location

Northern Thailand

Population

About 1.2 million residents

Weather

Tropical-mountainous, more pleasant than Bangkok

Arrival

About an hour's flight from Bangkok

Introduction and general information

Chiang Mai, known as "the rose of the north," is the largest and most important city in northern Thailand. The city combines ancient tradition with modernity, with hundreds of historic temples, a rich Lanna culture, and a calm, pleasant atmosphere.

History

Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, and today it's an important cultural and economic center. The old city, surrounded by a wall and moat, preserves its historic character, while the new city offers modern services and a variety of nightlife options.

Why is it worth visiting?

  • Ancient temples and traditional Lanna culture
  • More pleasant weather than Bangkok
  • Stunning nature and mountain treks
  • Unique northern cuisine
  • A vibrant international community
  • More affordable prices than Bangkok

Recommended attractions

Chiang Mai, Thailand From 2500 THB Full day

Doi Inthanon - the peak of Thailand

★★★★★ 4.8

A trip to the highest mountain in Thailand, including stunning waterfalls, traditional villages and the Royal Pagodas.

More details
Chiang Mai, Thailand From 2800 THB Full day

Elephant Nature Park

★★★★★ 4.9

A leading ethical elephant sanctuary, allowing you to watch elephants in their natural environment and care for them.

More details
Chiang Mai, Thailand From 1200 THB Half day

A Thai cooking class

★★★★★ 4.7

Learn to make traditional Thai dishes, including a visit to the local market and gathering ingredients.

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Chiang Mai, Thailand From 1800 THB Full day

Jungle trek

★★★★★ 4.8

A trek through the stunning jungle of northern Thailand, visiting traditional villages and waterfalls.

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Chiang Mai, Thailand From 2200 THB Full day

A trip to the White Temple

★★★★★ 4.9

A day trip to Chiang Rai to visit the stunning White Temple and other sites in the area.

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Red brick tour Chiang Mai–Pai 3 days booking
Red brick tour Chiang Mai–Pai 3 days booking

An unforgettable 3-day experience among the mountains of northern Thailand — ancient temples, stunning waterfalls, traditional villages and extreme attractions

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Hotels

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Luxury

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

★★★★★
A view of rice fields Luxury spa Private pavilions

A stunning luxury resort set in the heart of the rice fields, offering a unique hospitality experience and service of the highest standard.

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137 Pillars House Boutique

137 Pillars House

★★★★★
A historic building Luxurious suites Personal service

A historic 19th-century boutique hotel combining colonial elegance with modern luxury.

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Anantara Chiang Mai Resort Luxury

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

★★★★★
On the riverbank Luxury spa Gourmet restaurant

A luxury resort on the banks of the Ping river, combining modern design with traditional Thai elements.

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Recommended restaurants

Chiang Mai, Thailand Kosher | Israeli

Chabad House Chiang Mai

Kosher food A homey atmosphere Shabbat meals

A popular meeting point for Israeli travellers, offering tasty kosher food and a warm, homely atmosphere.

Operating hours: 8:00-22:00 (closed on Saturday)
₪₪
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Chiang Mai, Thailand International | Luxurious

Service 1921 Restaurant and Bar

Chef restaurant River view Unique cocktails

A luxurious restaurant at the Anantara hotel, offering a unique culinary experience in a stunning colonial setting.

Opening hours: 11:30-23:00
₪₪₪₪
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Chiang Mai, Thailand French | International

David's Kitchen

Gourmet restaurant Excellent service A romantic atmosphere

One of the leading restaurants in Chiang Mai, offering high-level French-international cuisine.

Opening hours: 17:00-22:00
₪₪₪₪
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Markets and shopping

Chiang Mai, Thailand Night market

Night Bazaar

Souvenirs Street food Local art

The most famous and oldest night market in Chiang Mai. It offers a wide variety of souvenirs, local crafts, clothes and street food.

Opening hours: 18:00-00:00
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Chiang Mai, Thailand Weekly market

Sunday Walking Street

Local art Street performances Traditional food

The Ratchadamnoen Market held on Sundays, showcasing the best of northern Thailand's art and culture.

Operating hours: Sundays, 16:00-22:00
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Chiang Mai, Thailand Local market

Warorot Market

Local food Clothes Affordable prices

An authentic local market offering fresh food products, spices, clothes and everyday items at local prices.

Opening hours: 06:00-18:00
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Recommended temples

Chiang Mai, Thailand 60 THB

Wat Phra Singh

One of the most important and impressive temples in Chiang Mai, known for its traditional Lanna architecture.

Opening hours: 06:00-17:00
Chiang Mai, Thailand 40 THB

Wat Chedi Luang

An impressive 14th-century temple with a giant chedi (stupa) that was once the tallest in Lanna.

Opening hours: 06:00-17:00
Chiang Mai, Thailand 30 THB

Wat Doi Suthep

A famous temple on Doi Suthep mountain, with a stunning view of the city and impressive architecture.

Opening hours: 06:00-18:00

Traveller tips

Weather and seasons
  • The cool season (November-February) is the best time to visit
  • The hot season (March-May) can be very hot
  • During the rainy season (June-October) expect afternoon rain
  • Bring warm clothes for the evening during the cool season
A visit to temples
  • Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees
  • Remove your shoes before entering temples
  • Respect local customs and worshippers
  • Arrive early in the morning for a quieter experience
Shopping and bargaining
  • Bargain at the markets, but do so politely
  • Expect to pay about 60-70% of the initial price
  • Check prices at several stalls before buying
  • Keep receipts in case of returns
Transport
  • Use a songthaew (red taxi) for trips around the city
  • Book a taxi through Grab for longer trips
  • Renting a scooter is a convenient way to get around
  • Agree on a price in advance with tuk-tuk drivers

Nightlife

Although Chiang Mai is known as a more relaxed city than Bangkok, it offers a variety of nightlife options:

Chiang Mai, Thailand An entertainment district

Nimman Road

The modern and trendy area of the city, full of stylish bars, pubs and restaurants.

Operating hours: until midnight
Style: modern and trendy
Chiang Mai, Thailand Entertainment area

The night market area

A variety of bars and clubs alongside the night market, including live music performances.

Operating hours: until 02:00
Style: touristy and lively
Chiang Mai, Thailand Bars and pubs

The Old City

Quiet, pleasant bars, pubs with a good atmosphere and places for travelers to meet.

Operating hours: until midnight
Style: relaxed and friendly
Frequently asked questions

What to know before you book

Why is it worth visiting Chiang Mai?
Ancient temples and traditional Lanna culture, more pleasant weather than Bangkok, stunning nature and mountain treks, unique northern cuisine, a vibrant international community, more affordable prices than Bangkok.
What's recommended to do in Chiang Mai?
Doi Inthanon - the peak of Thailand, a trip to the highest mountain in Thailand, including stunning waterfalls, traditional villages and the Royal Pagodas • Elephant Nature Park, a leading ethical elephant sanctuary, allowing you to watch elephants in their natural environment and care for them • A Thai cooking class, learn to make traditional Thai dishes, including a visit to the local market and gathering ingredients.
Are there tips for travelers in Chiang Mai?
The cool season (November-February) is the best time to visit, the hot season (March-May) can be very hot, during the rainy season (June-October) expect afternoon rain, bring warm clothes for the evening during the cool season.
How do I book?
You leave your details in the form on this page or send a WhatsApp message. One of our agents gets back to you in Hebrew with availability and an updated price for your dates.

What our customers write about us on Google

liraz halfonJanuary 2025
★★★★★
Shai Memetok organized an amazing trip for us And he really took into account our wishes, our requests and of course the budget. Even during the trip he was available for any consultation and question. Thank you very much for an unforgettable experience
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lea meirApril 2025
★★★★★
I recently booked a flight tickets and hotel in Thailand with shay from Thailand Express in Pattaya and I couldn't be happier with the service everything was handled professionally with great care. I definitely recommend this office.
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Yinon TobiFebruary 2025
★★★★★
Amazing team! Gave me high-level service and all at cheaper prices than Booking! Already looking forward to my next trip with them!
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Raml AliaFebruary 2025
★★★★★
Number one travel company in Thailand very professional &reliable employees we will definitely use them again. Thank you
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Jaratrawee KongpearFebruary 2025
★★★★★
Amazing experience! Between the website and a quick stop by the office we were able to completely plan our trip. Hotels, flights, transport to and from the airport, attractions.....done before we left the house! I had a couple of questions so I sent a message after hours. Someone responded they would get back to me as soon as the offie opened the next day, and they did! I will 100% be back. Thank you for making our trip that much easier!!!❤️❤️
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ThanyaratMarch 2025
★★★★★
I booked tours, hotels, and flights through them, and everything was seamless. Their team is super helpful, the prices are great, and the booking process is easy and secure. From island-hopping in Phuket to exploring Bangkok, every experience was amazing! They helped us to find the best places to travel,also we booked with them attractions in every destination we been. Highly recommend for stress-free travel in Thailand! ✅ Great deals on tours & hotels ✅ Smooth booking & secure payments ✅ Friendly & reliable customer service 5/5 – Will book with them again! ✈️🌴🫶
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A little about us

Thailand looks simple, until you start connecting it all on your own. Different seasons between regions, distances and transfers, a hotel that looks perfect but is not in the right area, and attractions that are not quite right for who you are. We are here to make it simple and right: to build a smart itinerary, to choose destinations that match your pace and style exactly, and to connect it all precisely — flights, domestic flights, hotels, attractions and transfers — with Hebrew-speaking support, peace of mind and high availability.

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