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.

Cultural experiences
Wellness and meditation
Nature adventures
Shopping and entertainment

As the cultural capital of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is where tradition comes to life. Its attractions give you a deep connection to its rich heritage.

Historic spots

Discover Chiang Mai’s past at Tha Phae Gate and the Old City Walls, where the spirit of the Lanna Kingdom lives on. You can also visit nearby villages like the Karen Long Neck and Mae Kampong to experience local customs.

Traditional shows

Witness Chiang Mai’s performing arts through a Khantoke dinner or a Muay Thai show. During the yearly Yi Peng Lantern Festival, you can also watch hundreds of magical paper lanterns float across the sky.

Craft villages

Experience the creative spirit of Chiang Mai in San Kamphaeng, where you can learn traditional crafts like silk weaving, handicraft, or pottery.

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.

Spa treatments

No trip to Chiang Mai is complete without a relaxing spa treatment. Pamper yourself with a traditional Thai massage, herbal compresses, body scrubs, and hot stone therapy.

Iconic temples

Explore Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Phra Singh Woramahaviharn, and Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai for peaceful meditation and a calm atmosphere. Or, venture outside the city to Chiang Rai and admire Wat Rong Khun, a white temple blending modern art with Buddhist traditions.

Yoga retreats

Rejuvenate at Chiang Mai’s peaceful yoga centres, where you can practise mindfulness, stretch while surrounded by nature, and restore your balance.

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.

Sanctuaries and parks

Whether you’re chasing an adrenaline rush or seeking serenity, Chiang Mai delivers. Test your limits at Pong Yang Adventure Park, trek through Doi Inthanon National Park — home to Thailand’s highest peak — or visit the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.

Bua Tong Waterfalls

Experience the wonder of Chiang Mai’s rare “sticky” waterfalls, where mineral-rich rocks allow you to climb against the flow. Feel the cool rush of water and reconnect with the soothing rhythm of nature.

Rivers and gardens

Wander through Chiang Mai’s lush Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden or unwind by the Mae Ping River to soak up the peaceful charm of Northern Thailand.

For a mix of culture and leisure, Chiang Mai’s markets, cafés, and evening spots provide plenty of engaging things to do.

Town bazaars

Head to Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and Sunday Walking Street to browse local crafts, souvenirs, and clothing while soaking up the vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere.

Nimman Road

Explore cafés, boutiques, and art galleries in this trendy district that’s perfect for socialising or quiet reflection.

Nightlife

From dazzling cabaret shows and live music to laid-back pubs and bars in Nimmanhaemin, Chiang Mai offers a relaxed yet vibrant nightlife scene.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Time to relax

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

4. Nature and adventure trips

Your next two days can be about nature and adventure tours. 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 Thong Waterfalls, explore Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, and unwind by the Mae Ping River.

5. 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.

6. 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.

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, passportand 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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Frequently asked questions

From November 2025, we’ll operate four flights a week to Chiang Mai, departing around 21:00.

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.