City trip Chiang Mai: temples, markets and nature in Northern Thailand
More than 300 temples, Thailand's largest night market, elephant sanctuaries and the country's highest mountain. Chiang Mai is the perfect combination of cultural richness and unspoilt nature.
✈️ Plan your trip to Chiang Mai →
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Updated on 4 September 2026
| Flight route | AMS → Bangkok → Chiang Mai (CNX) |
| Flight time | approx. 11h15 AMS-BKK + 1h15 BKK-CNX |
| Return from | approx. EUR 800 |
| Best months | November, December, January, February |
| Summer temp. | 30-38 degrees |
| Winter temp. | 18-30 degrees |
| Ideal stay | 7 to 10 days |
| Language | Thai; English spoken in tourist areas |
| Currency | Thai baht (THB) |
| Visa | Visa-free for Dutch passport (30 days) |
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?
The cool dry season from November to February is ideal: daytime temperatures of 18-30 degrees, cool nights (sometimes as low as 10 degrees on the mountain), almost no rain. This is also the period of Loy Krathong (lantern festival, November) and the Chiang Mai Flower Festival (February).
Avoid March and April: these are the hottest months (up to 38 degrees) but also the burning season in the region, when air pollution can be extremely high and visibility at the temples reduced. The rainy season from May to October brings lush greenery, lower prices and fewer tourists, but also daily downpours.
Best neighbourhoods in Chiang Mai
- Old City (within the city walls) The historic heart with more than 30 temples, galleries and the famous Sunday market. Compact and bikeable, ideal for culture lovers.
- Nimman (Nimmanhaemin) The hip neighbourhood full of specialty coffee shops, trendy restaurants, design stores and the One Nimman complex. Popular with young people and digital nomads. Near Chiang Mai University.
- Night Bazaar area The shopping and nightlife district east of the old city, busy every evening with market stalls, food vendors and entertainment venues.
- Santitham Local neighbourhood north of the Old City, less touristy, with cheaper eateries and an authentic Thai atmosphere.
Top sights in Chiang Mai with real prices
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Northern Thailand's most sacred temple, located at 1,073 metres on Doi Suthep mountain. Admission: THB 50 for foreigners (approx. EUR 1.35). The tram up costs THB 50 extra. Open daily 6:00-20:00. Come early for the best light; panoramic views over Chiang Mai from the temple. Reachable by songthaew (shared pick-up taxi) for approx. THB 50-80 per person.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Thailand's highest mountain (2,565m), 90 km southwest of Chiang Mai. National park entry: THB 300 for foreigners. Highlights include Twin Royal Pagodas (free), Wachirathan Waterfall and rare birds (362 species). Cold at the summit (10-15 degrees), bring a warm layer. Drive approx. 2 hours by car; day tours from THB 1,200 per person.
Sunday Walking Street market
Thailand's largest pedestrian street market, every Sunday evening (16:00-23:00) on Wualai Road. Free entry. More than 300 stalls with handcrafted goods, artwork, food and live music. Buy handmade silverware, silk and local art directly from artisans. Also visit the Saturday Night Bazaar on Wualai Road (same location).
Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium
One of Thailand's largest zoos with more than 400 animal species. Entry: THB 350 for adults (approx. EUR 9), THB 120 for children. Aquarium extra: THB 450. Open daily 9:00-17:00. Pandas (if available): check at the ticket desk. Accessible by songthaew or tuk-tuk.
Muay Thai fights
Real Muay Thai fights in Chiang Mai: Kalare Boxing Stadium (almost every Monday and Friday at 20:30, THB 600 standard, THB 1,000 ringside) or Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium (3-4 nights per week, same prices). This is not a tourist show but real sport; advance online booking is possible but not required.
Thai cooking class
Chiang Mai is one of the world's best places for a Thai cooking class. Examples: Baan Thai Cookery School (THB 1,100 per person, including market visit and recipe book), A Lot Of Thai (THB 1,400, family-friendly) or Air's Thai Culinary Kitchen (THB 2,500, private grounds). Half a day including market visit and 5-7 dishes. Reserve at least 2 days in advance.
Getting around Chiang Mai
The Old City is small enough to explore on foot or by bicycle. Rent a bike at your guesthouse for THB 50-100 per day. For longer trips, use a songthaew (shared red pick-up truck): a city ride costs approx. THB 30-50 per person. Tell the driver your destination and pay on arrival.
From Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), a taxi to the centre costs approx. THB 150-200 (approx. EUR 4-5). No direct bus service; Grab app works well and is more transparent on pricing than negotiating.
For day trips to Doi Suthep or the night markets: a tuk-tuk costs THB 100-200 per ride. Rent a motor scooter (THB 150-200/day) for more freedom, but note: an international driving licence is required.
Food and drink in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is famous for the rich Lanna cuisine, which differs from Bangkok cooking. Try Khao Soi (coconut curry soup with crispy noodles, the signature Northern Thai dish), Sai Ua (Northern Thai herbal sausage), Nam Prik Ong (tomato paste with pork) and Khao Kha Moo (braised pork leg with rice, approx. THB 60).
Good spots: Huen Phen (authentic Northern Thai lunch canteen, main dishes THB 50, rice THB 10), Blue Diamond (large breakfast and lunch menu, Thai and Western, THB 100-300), Dash! Restaurant (best value: chicken pad Thai, burgers, breakfast). Specialty coffee: the Nimman area has dozens of local roasters. Chang beer at Ben Cocktail Bar for THB 60.
Insider tips for Chiang Mai
Monk's Trail to Doi Suthep: a forest path (approx. 7 km) traditionally used by monks. Start at Chiang Mai Zoo and walk through the rainforest past Wat Pha Lat (a quieter temple with mossy reliefs, entry THB 100) up to Doi Suthep. Takes 1.5-2 hours; bring water and good shoes.
Kalm Village: a community space in the Old City (free entry) with free workshops such as weaving and meditation. A hidden gem that most tourist guides don't mention.
Spend a day at an ethical elephant sanctuary: choose a sanctuary that doesn't offer riding or shows, such as Elephant Nature Park or BLES (Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary). Day visits cost THB 2,500-3,500 but the experience is unique. Book at least 1 week in advance.
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Frequently asked questions about Chiang Mai
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?
November to February: 18-30 degrees, dry and clear. Avoid March and April due to the burning season with high air pollution. The rainy season (May-October) is cheaper but brings daily downpours.
How do I travel from the Netherlands to Chiang Mai?
Via Bangkok with KLM (AMS-BKK direct, 11h15) and then a domestic flight to Chiang Mai (CNX, approx. 1h15) with Thai AirAsia, Nok Air or Thai Airways. Total journey time approx. 14-16 hours. Return from approx. EUR 800.
How much does a trip to Chiang Mai cost?
Budget traveller: approx. EUR 40-60 per day (hostel, local food, songthaew). Mid-range: EUR 80-120 per day (hotel, restaurants, day tours). A week with flights realistically costs EUR 1,600-2,200 per person.
How do I get from Chiang Mai airport to the centre?
By taxi: approx. THB 150-200 (EUR 4-5). The Grab app works well and is more transparent. A songthaew is cheaper (THB 50-80) but not always available directly at the arrivals hall.
What should I not miss in Chiang Mai?
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at sunrise, the Sunday Walking Street, a Khao Soi meal at Huen Phen, a morning at an ethical elephant sanctuary, and the Monk's Trail walk to Doi Suthep through the rainforest.
🗺️ Where do you want to stay in Chiang Mai?
Hotels, holiday rentals and hostels in Chiang Mai on the map.
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