Your Digital Nomad Guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand 🇹🇭

The ideal time to visit Chiang Mai is during the cool season, between November and January. The temperature during the day ranges between 18-32 degrees Celsius, and there is relatively less rain.

However, it will also be the busiest and most expensive time of the year since it is Thailand’s peak season for tourism.

The rainy or monsoon season runs from May till October. Rain is frequent during these months, and the temperature can be hot and humid. Most of the time, the rain doesn’t linger all day, but when it pours, it pours heavily!

Many hotels and tours often offer attractive discounts during this low-season period. The weather is inconsistent torrential downpours mixed with clear skies and overcast days.

The hot season runs from February to April when the daytime temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius. There is a minimal breeze and relatively little rainfall, although you should be prepared for the occasional summer storms.

In several regions of Southeast Asia, farmers burn their fields to prepare for the upcoming growing season and paired with dry weather; the air becomes exceptionally polluted and smoky—something to remember if you are planning to visit Chiang Mai during this time of year.

Chiang Mai has one airport: Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). The hour-long flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is the fastest way to travel between the two cities. Daily flights depart from Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport several times a day.

Depending on which airline it will depart either from Don Mueang Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport, so be aware when booking. Prices vary depending on the day you would like to fly, the season and the time of the day.

Most of the time, Air Asia and Nok Air have better deals when you don’t want to spend much money. After arriving at Chiang Mai International Airport, you can catch a taxi or a Tuk Tuk for around 150 Baht to the city centre.

The bus is the most affordable method of transportation from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Mo Chit Northern Bus Terminal is the only bus terminal that operates buses to Chiang Mai, and several bus companies make the 11-hour trip every day.

Book your bus tickets directly at Mo Chit Northern to avoid travel agents and private buses, which are not the most reliable and are probably more expensive or at an online portal such as 12go.Asia.

For budget-minded travellers, the cheapest bus tickets are for a seat on Express buses. Though they are called “Express” buses, they don’t go any faster than regular buses. However, amenities such as air conditioning and onboard food make them more comfortable.

However, VIP buses provide several upgrades for a little bit more money to make the journey more comfortable and enjoyable. These include a host, onboard entertainment, bigger seats with more legroom, and free snacks.

A private car or taxi is ideal if you crave freedom and are willing to spend more money. This allows you to leave Bangkok whenever you desire and arrive at any time of the day. The average journey time between Bangkok and Chiang Mai is 9 hours and starts around 10704,77 Baht (€288,00)

Travelling can be a delightful experience, but it can also be a bit of a hassle. There are different ways to get from one place to another, but the decision depends on your budget, time and preferences.

The bus or train may be your best bet if you’re on a budget. If you have more time, you might prefer to take the plane. And if you’re looking for convenience, a private taxi may be just what you need.

Chiang Mai is well connected by train, and Thai Railways offers a reliable service between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The fastest train is train number seven, which departs Bangkok Hua Lamphon at 08:30 and arrives at 19:30 in Chiang Mai. The train ride takes 11 hours.

The best overnight train is train number nine, which departs Bangkok Hua Lamphong at 18:10 and arrives at 07:15 in the morning. This train ride takes 13 hours and 5 minutes.

• Book your ticket online or at the train station a few days in advance, as spots fill up quickly.
• Remember to bring your passport or a photo/ copy of your ID since they request it for the booking.
• You get a little snack package and a small water bottle on the train. But you couldn’t choose, and there were no vegetarian/ vegan options.
• It is freezing on the train because of the air conditioning. So bring a jumper or blanket to keep yourself warm.
  

If you’re looking for the cheapest place to stay in Chiang Mai, the Old City is where you’ll find it. The Old City is the backpacker hub of the city, with an abundance of hostels and budget guesthouses suitable for travellers on a tight budget.

But even if you’re not looking to save money, the Old City is still a great place to stay. It’s centrally located, which makes it completely walkable. If you want to be in the heart of the action and save some money simultaneously, the Old City is the best place to stay in Chiang Mai.

This popular neighbourhood in Chiang Mai is known for its digital nomad culture and stylish restaurants, shops and galleries. The area has a very artistic vibe, with a vibrant nightlife scene. The accommodation is very varied, and there are options for everyone’s budget.

If you want to experience authentic Thai culture without being surrounded by tourists, Santitham is the perfect place for you. It is a quieter neighbourhood, just a short walk from Nimman’s trendy nightlife and the Old City’s major attractions. Accommodation is mostly budget hotels and guesthouses, so perfect if you are on a budget.

It is close to the Old City, the perfect shopping and entertainment area, and the best place to experience Chiang Mai’s nightlife. We stayed in this area and found it very convenient since it was close to the Old City and less touristy.

Riverside is the perfect place if you’re looking for a taste of old Chiang Mai. This neighbourhood has a lot of charm, like the Old City, but with an added touch of luxury. Therefore riverside is one of the more luxurious areas to stay in Chiang Mai.

• Buying an AIS SIM card is only possible at one of their retail stores, generally found in shopping malls.
• You must show your passport so remember to bring it with you.
• It costs 250 Baht (€6,78) for a SIM card and unlimited data for 30 days. (Cash only).
• You can buy extra top-ups in AIS stores or online (if you do it online, be aware that you need a Thai bank account). We usually ask a local Thai person to top it up and pay them in cash.
• A top-up costs 200 Baht (5,43) for unlimited data for 30 days.

It is on the pricey side but delicious. Great atmosphere, and on certain days there is live music. They have a charming balcony where you can enjoy your meal. You could even order a pizza with two different toppings on each side.

A nice restaurant with a great view over the Ping River, which makes it extra special. Although the food was decent, it was quite expensive for its portion size.

An authentic Thai place with delicious food and lovely service. The prices are affordable, and the staff are friendly.

During our stay in Chiang Mai, we visited this restaurant several times. Not only because it was close to our accommodation at “Iron32” but also because the food was perfect every time we went. Welcoming service with reasonable prices and many options for vegetarian people, and their chicken satays are a must-try.

Amazing place to enjoy some tasty Mediterranean food. The menu has many different options, and the staff is friendly. We went twice during our trip and enjoyed the Shakshuka with feta cheese and their falafel sandwich. But we are sure that everything is very tasty.

Cheap, tasty and quick! We ate here a couple of times. The khao soi soup and wonton soup are very delicious.

ORB cafe is a cosy, relaxing place and perfect for getting some work done or catching up with a friend for a coffee. They have comfy couches and chairs, lots of space inside and outside, and a beautiful garden. They serve eye-catching drinks, which are also very delicious. Don’t forget to try their fish and chicken burger; they are so flavoursome!

Japanese restaurant outside the Tha Pae Gate. The restaurant has a cool vibe and is decorated with Japanese anime and vintage stuff. Everything on their menu is 69 Baht, including Asahi. A restaurant with a very cool concept and worth a visit.

If you are craving something other than Thai food, this is the place to go. Delicious, flavoursome Indian food for a modest price. The waiters are very kind, and the service is fast. It is highly recommended.

A lovely chill restaurant situated in the Old City. The atmosphere is cosy, and the restaurant is beautifully decorated. A perfect place to relax. We just went for a drink, but we read that their food is also amazing.

Very delicious food and a nice ambience. We reserved a table via Facebook and sat outside. It is a bit on the higher end, but perfect for a special occasion. We recommend the Thai Northern Sausage, which was particularly very tasty.

We enjoyed eating here. It is a local Thai place with flavourful dishes and a low price. Great for a quick bite after work. The curry fish cakes are satisfying.

A cute family-owned cafe where you can have some breakfast or lunch with a nice coffee. The family makes all their bread in the house, and their sourdough is very good.

A coffee place with a great atmosphere. It is a bit more expensive, but it is a cool venue. It is also a perfect cafe to do some work. We read that their croissants are delicious, but we haven’t tried them ourselves.

If you’re into painting and art, you’ll love this place. It is a cute cafe where you can enjoy a cup of coffee whilst admiring the artwork or, if you feel creative, it is possible to create your masterpiece. They offer a wide range of drinks and desserts.

A cute little place. Great for a coffee and cake after you visit ORB cafe. Try their cheesecake; it is delish.

This place got us a little bit confused, to be honest. It is quite dark, and they play music you would play in a bar or club. Yet they don’t serve alcohol. Nevertheless, it is a great place to chill and admire the graffiti on the wall.

Great place to get yourself a reasonably priced sandwich and coffee. They are open early in the morning, so it’s perfect if you are an early bird or want to get some food before you head out exploring.

For the best French breakfast, you have to visit L’opera. They have the best baguettes, quiches and pastries.

An excellent place to grab a smoothie, shake or smoothie bowl. They also serve toast or some Thai food if you don’t feel fruity. You shouldn’t be in a rush when you’re visiting this place since the wait could be quite long. The three ladies working there do everything themselves.

Good indoor and outdoor options with a beautiful garden with tropical greenery. Awesome place to relax or do some work. They serve good coffee and a small menu of different food.

We came here on a rainy afternoon, and it was an enjoyable cafe to sit in and spend a few hours. We only had a drink, so we can’t comment on the food. But the service was friendly, and it is a relaxing place.

A minimalistic cafe founded by Thai and Japanese people. Their coffee was a bit on the higher end and tasted okay, but it wasn’t the best. It is a nice place to come and work for a couple of hours. They have a small menu, and the signature of this shop is a Japanese homemade bakery with a variety of scones, bagels, muffins and cakes.

A rooftop with great vibes. Perfect for watching the sunset whilst enjoying a wood-fired pizza. It is a bit more pricey, but that is with every ‘western’ food in Chiang Mai.

A unique venue with an industrial vibe. It is a new creative community space with different kinds of shops. They even have a chocolate factory where you can taste chocolates with a Thai twist.

Think of chocolate with durian or chocolate panaeng. We went on a Saturday night, and it was quite empty, but maybe it was still the aftermath of COVID-19. Very cool place to check out, though.

A hidden location and, therefore, not so busy. The rooftop has a stunning view and is great for watching the sunset with a drink.

HIDELAND is located on the fifth floor and is a great hang-out place. We just came up for a drink to watch the sunset from the rooftop. But they also have an extensive food menu.

Incredible place to watch the sunset. Great to finish the day after a big stroll from the Sunday Night Market. They have a delicious food menu where you pay per stick. If you are lucky, there is also a DJ playing some good tunes. Great to visit with a few people and try the different skewers.

A fun jazz bar with great vibes, local beers and selections of mixed drinks. It can get quite packed, so if you want to guarantee a seat, you must come early.

Open Tuesday-Saturday, 19:00 until 01:00 am.

Cool ambience with art and blacklights. Unfortunately, when we were there, there were not many people. It has a relaxed vibe and a nice place to get a drink.

During the Sunday Night Market, we stopped here to have a drink. It has a lovely bird' s-eye view of the market. On Google, it says it is already open at 11:00, but when we wanted to go during the day, it wasn’t open. Maybe it will change when it gets more touristy again.

The White Rabbit is a small and softly lit cocktail bar. A little bit hidden in Chiang Mai Old Town. You won’t find any cheap drinks here–but that’s because quality comes at a price.

King Mangrai built Chiang Mai walls and moats in 1296 to protect the city from invasion by neighbouring Thai and Burmese kingdoms. Chiang Mai has grown and expanded for over 700 years, and its physical, historical, and cultural uniqueness is still evident today.

The Tha Phae Gate on the east side of the city wall is the most famous gate in Chiang Mai. This gate was historically the main gate through which monks, traders, and diplomats entered the city.

Today, the area around the gate is full of hotels, restaurants and cafes. Tha Phae Gate is the centre of Chiang Mai and hosts many cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Chiang Mai’s most famous market runs once a week on Sunday night on Tha Pae Walking Street. It’s a whole experience where locals sell delicious food and beautiful arts and crafts.

There are also several performances. We loved to try the different food from the many stalls, and our favourite was the Khao Soi on the corner, close to Wat Chai Phra Kiat. You’ll also discover some souvenirs that are a bit more unique than what you usually would find in Thailand.

It starts around 16:00 – 22:00.

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park got its name from the two mountains inside the park; Doi Suthep and Doi Pui. The Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is perfect for those who love nature and adventure.

The park is approximately 12 kilometres from Chiang Mai and is separated into two areas that do not border each other. Popular attractions at the park include Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Doi Pui Mountain, waterfalls, viewpoints and trails.

The majority of the park is easily navigable without a guide. But if your goal is to hike longer trails or visit remote locations such as villages or coffee plantations, we recommend hiring an English guide.

This temple offers a breathtaking panorama of the city and can get to by car or songthaew. The temple can be reached by walking the 309 steps or by taking a tram for 30 Baht.

Keep in mind that you should dress appropriately before entering the temple terrace. This means that shorts aren’t allowed and that shoulders must be covered. Rental clothing is available near the entrance.

The temple is open from 6:00 – 19:00. 

This waterfall is near the park entrance, only a short walk from the main road. Very popular with local tourists. No entrance fee is required to visit Doi Suthep Temple or any other temples, and you will only need to pay the entrance fee if you’re camping or hoping to see any of the major waterfalls.

As of June 2022, the entrance fees for Doi Suthep-Pui National Park are 100 Baht for adults and 50 Baht for children 3-14 years old, and Thai citizens pay 20 Baht for adults and 10 Baht for children. The park, including the campsites, visitor centre and waterfalls, is open daily from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. However, there are no time limits for staying in the park.

Kad Luang, which translates to ‘Great Market’ in the Northern Thai dialect, is Chinatown’s oldest and most well-known authentic market. It is one of those places where you can buy everything you need.

There are stalls with various things, fresh flowers, street food, clothes, souvenirs and household goods. It is a bit busy and could be overwhelming, but that is also part of the charm.

Even if you are not into shopping, Warorot Market is worth a visit because it is the perfect place to experience the Thai community of different cultures.

Open daily from 04:00 – 18:00.

Due to its waterfalls, few trails, remote villages and viewpoints, Doi Inthanon is one of Thailand’s most beautiful and popular national parks. This national park surrounds the mountain from which it gets its name. Did you know that Doi Inthanon is part of the Himalayas, which extends from Nepal to Thailand.

How to get to Doi Inthanon:

1. Taking a day tour. This is the easiest and most convenient option.
2. Drive up with your car or scooter. But be aware this is not recommended for beginners. The road is long and windy.
3. The only public transportation option to reach the park is by Songthaew. It will cost around 140 Baht each way. Getting there can be challenging because you’ll need to change songthaews in Chom Thong. The journey will take 2 to 3 hours.
4. You could hire a private driver for the day if you can spend more money.
   
   Open daily from 08:00 – 16:30.

There is a lively and fun night market at Wua Lai Road every Saturday. The road is an ordinary street, but when the market starts, they close the road to any traffic between 16:00 and 23:00.

Though smaller than the more famous and buzzing Sunday night market, this hidden gem is still one-of-a-kind. With fewer people, it creates a much more leisurely stroll. You can enjoy local products and handicrafts, and plenty of tasty snacks are on the way.

It starts around 17:00 – 23:00.

The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a popular shopping destination open every evening regardless of the weather. The market has everything you would expect from a Thai night market on a larger scale.

Therefore it is the best place to buy souvenirs. Even though the vendor’s prices seem cheap, you can still haggle. When you are done shopping, you can enjoy plenty of food options on the street or in a sit-down restaurant.

Open daily from 17:00 – 23:00.

Chiang Mai is known for its digital nomad hub, and there are many cafes to relax and unwind or work in the many cafés. Check out the list of our best cafés and enjoy the many lovely and stylish cafés. Perfect after a long day of temple hopping or exploring the town.

An excellent place for a good massage. The ladies that work there are super lovely. We walked past to have a massage, but they were full, so we booked for the next day. If you are short on time, it is wise to book in advance. You could book either via mail or phone.

The place is spotless, and they wash your feet before you get a massage. You will also have to complete a questionnaire to let them know your desired needs. The massage was great, and you get tea and something sweet afterwards. We highly recommend getting a massage here.

Open daily from 10:00 – 21:00

With an increase in knowledge of elephant abuse and the fact that elephants’ bodies are not built to carry people. Today’s travellers are more likely to visit so-called “elephant sanctuaries.”

Even though this is a great change, the best way to help elephants is by donating money to reliable organisations rather than visiting them. Yet an up-close encounter with these majestic animals is mostly a dream come true; it was, at least for us. So we did some research and visited ‘Into the Wild’. An ethical elephant camp located in the south of Chiang Mai.

We booked a full-day tour. Our guide picked us up at our accommodation around 09:00 and drove us to the park with a halfway stop at a local market, where we bought ourselves breakfast. After quite a bumpy but nice drive in a songthaew, we arrived at the elephant's home. After we arrived, they provided us with an explanation of where the elephants came from.

It’s important to them that foreigners understand their country’s elephant history and culture. This has evolved and shaped their philosophy on what qualifies as an ethical elephant sanctuary. Into the Wild Elephant Camp currently has four elephants.

Two of those elephants were rescued from unethical elephant tours in Thailand and Myanmar, where they were forced to give rides and entertain crowds.

We gave the elephants bananas and went on a trek in the jungle. The elephants lead the way and are left to do what they want. After that, we had a delicious Thai lunch whilst watching the elephants from afar. As last, you have the option to join the elephants in the mud bath.

Of course, we still think that elephants should be in the wild and not interact with people. Still, we experienced people who genuinely cared about the elephants and elephants that were not abused or mistreated.

Half day – 06:30 – 13:30
Adult 1,700 Baht per person
Child (5-9 Yrs.) 1,200 Baht per person
Child <4 Yrs. Free

Full day – 08:00 – 17:30
Adult 2,400 Baht per person
Child (5-9 Yrs) 1,700 Baht per person
Child <4 Yrs. Free

Releasing a sky lantern is an experience many travellers hope to have during Thailand’s famous Festival of Lights. Those fortunate enough to travel to Chiang Mai in November can catch the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals.

The date for the celebration changes yearly, as it is based on the lunar calendar. So you will need to investigate when it takes place when you’re planning to visit Chiang Mai.

Loy Krathong’s historical roots are somewhat of a mystery, though it is one of Thailand’s most important holidays. Loy Krathong is the perfect time to start fresh after reflecting on any wrongdoing from the past year.

Simultaneously, people take this opportunity to set their intentions for prosperity in the months ahead. People will symbolically place a floating Krathong (a vessel decorated with flowers and a candle) onto the river as they repent and make a wish.

Yi Peng is a festival with lanterns that get released into the sky. When preparing for this festival, people create lanterns and hang them outside of their homes or at temples. This act represents fighting against the darkness and welcoming a brighter future.

During the Yi Peng festival, people make a wish and release their lanterns into the sky. According to the legend, your wish will come true if your lantern stays lit until it disappears.

Take a break from city life for an afternoon with this cooking class. You will see many kinds of organic herbs and vegetables they proudly grow. It is the perfect place to learn how to cook your favourite Thai dishes with fresh ingredients.

Each person gets their station, and you will be given plenty of time and space during the cooking class. The setting for the kitchen is lovely and peaceful, and at the end of the day, you can enjoy your prepared meals on the terrace.

You have a great view of the entire farm and nearby mountains from the terrace. You even get a book with instructions for all the dishes you learned to cook.

Half-day
Morning 08:00 – 14:30
Evening 15:00 – 21:30
1,200 Baht per person

Full day
08:00 – 16:30
1,500 Baht per person

Our new addiction in Chiang Mai was definitely Khao Soi, and we ate it at least twice a week whilst we were there. It is a coconut and curry-flavoured soup filled with yellow egg noodles and chicken (sometimes beef or vegetarian options are possible).

On top of the soup are crispy fried egg noodles giving the dish a real mix of textures. On the side, you will be given some red onions, pickled green and a wedge of lemon to add to the soup if you like.

We had the best Khao Soi at the Sunday Night Market, on the corner close to Wat Chai Phra Kiat and for only 40 Baht. You can’t leave Chiang Mai before trying this fantastic soup.

Thailand is the home of Muay Thai. If you want to see some Muay Thai, walk through the east gate (Thaphae) of the Old City, and you’ll come across a Muay Thai area where you can watch several fights up close. A fight lasts about 2 hours.

 Standard seat entrance is 600 Baht per person.

Open Monday – Saturday, 21:00 – 23:30