Experience Chiang Mai 

Where Thailand takes a breath

Chiang Mai: A city of culture and calm

Chiang Mai isn’t a place to rush; it’s where Thailand slows down to breathe. Once the heart of the Lanna Kingdom, this city located in Northern Thailand seamlessly blends heritage with a sense of calm. Think wellness retreats and traditional Thai massage experiences, national parks, night markets, and trendy cafés. Whether you want to meditate or explore, travel to Chiang Mai and move at your own pace.

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Landmark pagoda in doi Inthanon national park at Chiang mai
Fisherman on wooden boat with floating lamp

Highlights of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is best known for being one of the country’s top spiritual and cultural destinations. From historic temples to mountains, waterfalls, and lush national parks, a holiday in Chiang Mai is all about recharging and self-discovery.

If you’re travelling in search of mindful meditation experiences, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Chiang Mai. From peaceful retreats to soul-soothing spas, there’s no shortage of things to do in Chiang Mai for anyone looking to relax, recharge, or reconnect.

Wat Rong Khun or white temple in Chiang Rai
Shot of a mature couple enjoying a relaxing massage
Woman practicing yoga

Chiang Mai is surrounded by lush mountains, tropical forests, and cascading waterfalls, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. From tranquil gardens to animal sanctuaries, there’s no shortage of things to see in Chiang Mai for anyone drawn to the great outdoors.

High angle view of girl with arms outstretched standing at Bua Thong Waterfalls
Elephant Rescue Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Ping River in Chiang Mai

Plan your trip to Chiang Mai

Make the most of your days in Chiang Mai with this sample itinerary offering a glimpse into Chiang Mai’s top attractions, must-see sites, and the best things to do.

When you arrive

Fly with us to Chiang Mai and arrive in the evening. Check into your hotel, relax, and prepare for tomorrow’s activities.

Street At Dusk in Chiang Mai

Heritage tours

Spend a day touring around Chiang Mai’s historic attractions, such as Tha Phae Gate or the nearby Karen Long Neck villages. The next day, visit the temples of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, such as Wat Phra Singh Woramahaviharn and Wat Rong Khun.

Wat Rong Khun or white temple in Chiang Rai,

Time to relax

Take a full day to enjoy Chiang Mai’s rejuvenating activities like yoga, Thai massages, and spa treatments.

Beautiful composition of spa treatment on wooden table

Nature and adventure trips

Start with thrilling rides at Pong Yang Adventure Park. Then, trek through Doi Inthanon National Park, visit the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, take a dip at Sticky Bua Tong Waterfalls, explore Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, and unwind by the Mae Ping River or the moat in the Old City.

Mother elephant and baby elephant eating bamboo in the wild

Day of arts

Spend another day learning about Chiang Mai’s arts and entertainment. Try silk weaving and pottery, watch a cabaret show in Nimman Road or a Muay Thai tournament, enjoy a traditional Khantoke dinner, or attend Yi Peng Lantern Festival – if you’re travelling during that season.

 

 

People floating lamp in Yi Peng festival at Chiangmai Thailand

Last day

On your last day, stroll through the town’s markets to buy some souvenirs before you fly home or continue exploring other parts of Thailand.

Handicraft souvenirs, Chiang Mai

Important travel information

Planning your holiday in Chiang Mai is easier when you know what to expect. Learn about the visa rules, the best time to visit, and how to get around, so you can spend less time researching and more time exploring its beauty.

Chiang Mai’s weather consists of two main seasons: wet and dry. From March to May, the days are warm and sunny, while the rainy season from late May to October turns the region into a vibrant, green paradise. The best time to visit Chiang Mai is between November and February, when the weather is cool and comfortable.

The main gateway to Northern Thailand’s cultural capital, Chiang Mai International Airport – located in Mueang District – welcomes millions of guests each year. With four flights weekly, we offer you convenient options to plan your Chiang Mai holiday. The IATA airport code for Chiang Mai International Airport is CNX.

Check if you need a visa before you travel to Chiang Mai. Knowing the latest entry rules before booking your flight to Thailand helps your holiday start smoothly.

 

  • Single-entry tourist visa duration: A single-entry tourist visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days. You can extend your visa by an additional 30 days at any Thai immigration office.
  • General tourist visa requirements for Thailand: Some of the general requirements for a visa for Thailand include a signed application form, passport and coloured photographs, a No Objection Certificate from your employer or sponsor, round-trip flight tickets, hotel reservations, bank statements, and international health certificates (if applicable).

  • Currency: Thai Baht (THB) is Thailand’s official currency. In Chiang Mai, you’ll find plenty of ATMs and currency exchange centres to withdraw cash during your trip.
  • Language: Thai is the official language in Chiang Mai, but you’ll find English widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and popular tourist spots.

Getting around Chiang Mai is easy thanks to a variety of transport options. You can hop on a songthaew, take a tuk-tuk, or grab a taxi to reach some of the best places to visit in the province.

 

  • Songthaew: Explore Chiang Mai in this open-air shared vehicle. Flag one down in the city centre and hop on if it’s heading your way.  
  • Tuk Tuk: Ride a colourful tuk-tuk around the city. Zip through streets in these iconic, open-air cabs for a traditional way to see Chiang Mai’s attractions. 
  • Car rental: Rent a car and see Chiang Mai at your own pace. Discover temples, markets, and hidden corners of the city without sticking to fixed routes. 
  • Scooter: Explore Chiang Mai on a rented scooter and reach temples, valleys, and hidden waterfalls with ease. Enjoy the freedom to travel quickly between attractions at your own pace. 
  • Buses: Hop on a blue RTC City Bus for an affordable, air-conditioned ride and reach the best places to visit in Chiang Mai easily. 
  • Taxis: Use taxis to go to the top spots in Chiang Mai quickly, offering a private and convenient way to explore the city. 

Fly to Chiang Mai with Etihad

Book flights to Chiang Mai with Etihad, the national airline of the UAE, and begin your journey in comfort. With four flights per week, we make reaching this cultural paradise simple. Travel with us and arrive refreshed and ready to explore the top attractions in Chiang Mai and the serene beauty of Northern Thailand. 

When you fly with Etihad, you can look forward to comfort at every step of your journey. Relax in our cabins, from ergonomic seats in Economy to fully flat beds in Business, or experience premium luxury in First and The Residence. Stay connected with onboard Wi-Fi, explore hundreds of hours of entertainment on E-BOX, and savour freshly prepared meals made with locally sourced ingredients. With us, your journey flows smoothly from take-off to landing.

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Phra Singh Waramahavihan Temple of Thailand
A321LR
Frequently asked questions

We operate four flights a week to Chiang Mai from Abu Dhabi, departing in the evening, at around 21:20.

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is from November to February, when the weather is cool and comfortable.

Chiang Mai suits everyone – solo travellers, couples, families, or wellness seekers. It offers meditation, nature escapes, cultural experiences, and peaceful adventures suitable for all ages.