1. Best time to visit Chiang Mai

Although Chiang Mai can be visited all year around, the best time to visit this northern gem is during the dry season spanning from November to February. During this time, temperatures hover around a pleasant 25ºC, offering a cooler climate for exploration. January marks the coolest month of the year, with temperatures ranging from 15-30ºC. Conversely, the rainy season descends upon Chiang Mai from May to October, with showers increasing in frequency, particularly from April onwards.

2. Festivals in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai hosts numerous festivals annually, among which Loy Kratong, Yi Peng Festival (also known as the Sky Lantern Festival), Flower Festival, Songkran, and Bo Sang Umbrella Festival stand out as the most renowned. The Yee Peng Festival is celebrated around November of every year and draws in thousands of visitors to Chiang Mai. It’s characterized by the simultaneous release of these large paper lanterns into the night sky. The Loy Krathong Festival happens around the same time as Yee Peng and involves the release of floating leaf containers with candles down a river. For a truly memorable experience, we suggest aligning your travel plans with these vibrant celebrations!

3. Top Things to do in Chiang Mai

Temple Hopping

The temples are for sure among of the best places to visit in Chiang Mai. You will find them almost everywhere in the old town. Most of them are free, and others are charging a very small entrance fee. It would be a shame to miss them!

Take a Thai Cooking Class

Cooking classes are among the most popular things to do in Chiang Mai, which isn’t surprising considering how delicious and widely accepted Thai food is. Classes usually last half a day. You will first visit the market to discover the different spices, herbs and vegetables used in traditional dishes. You will then go back to the school to cook the ingredients and at the end of the day, you will of course taste your creations!

Go on a Food Tour

It’s one of the best ways to learn about obscure hole-in-the-walls, the types of eateries that locals love but don’t always show up on Google.

Explore a Night Market

Night markets are a big part of Thai culture. Chai Mai’s biggest night market is located in the Night Bazaar area but there are plenty to choose from throughout the city.

Enjoy a Khantoke Dinner and Show

A khantoke is a traditional Thai Lanna meal that’s offered to guests to celebrate special occasions. Strictly speaking, it refers to the round pedestal tray used as a dining table during the meal. The Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center has been offering khantoke dinners with traditional Thai Lanna dancing shows since 1971.

Go on a zip-line adventure

If you want to combine nature and adventure, ridding a zip line in Chiang Mai is an excellent idea. And if you are visiting Chiang Mai with your family, it will allow your children to enjoy something else than temples or cities visits! We recommend the Flight of the Gibbon park, located about an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai.

Hikking in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is also a popular destination to go hiking in the wilderness. You can go on a day hike or a multiple-day adventure in the jungle of Northern Thailand. The best areas to hike around Chiang Mai are Chiang Dao, Mae Tang, Mae Wang or Doi Inthanon. The best time to go on a hike during your visit to Northern Thailand is from November to February.