Chiang Mai Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in Chiang Mai province, Thailand
About Chiang Mai
With a population of over 127,000 registered residents in the city municipality (as of 2016), and 1.2 million in the urban city area as of 2022, it is Thailand's second-largest city. Founded in 1296 CE, Chiang Mai is a culturally and historically interesting city, at one time the capital of the ancient Lanna kingdom. In the rolling foothills of the Himalayas 700km north of Bangkok, until the 1920s it could only be reached by an arduous river journey or an elephant trek. This isolation helped preserve Chiang Mai's distinctive charm, which remains intact. Chiang Mai's historical centre is thewalled city("city" ischiangin the northern Thai dialect whilemaiis "new", henceChiang Maitranslates as "new city"). Sections of the wall dating to their restoration a few decades ago remain at the gates
Top Attractions in Chiang Mai
Explore the best things to see and do in Chiang Mai:
- ★8Adventures
- ★Aerobics
- ★Alliance Francaise
- ★Baanchang Elephant Park
- ★Bhubing Royal Palace Gardens
- ★Blue Garden Chiang Mai
- ★Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts Festival
- ★Centre of the Universe Swimming Pool and Resort
Where to Eat in Chiang Mai
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Anchan
- 🍴Anusarn Market
- 🍴Archers Bar and Restaurant
- 🍴Arcobaleno Italian Restaurant
- 🍴Blue Diamond
- 🍴Cafe de Siam
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
- 🏨2230 Hostel
- 🏨7 Century Guest House
- 🏨A Little Bird Guesthouse
- 🏨Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
- 🏨Baan Na Na
- 🏨Baan Orapin
Chiang Mai Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 14 sections including: