Chiang Mai: Overview

Old-fashioned Thai-style hospitality in a thriving metropolis.

Chiang Mai has a striking mountain backdrop, over 300 temples and a quaint historical aura. It's also a modern, friendly, internationally-flavoured city with much to offer the visitor - food, accommodation and shopping are all top quality and cheap, and the nights are relatively cool.

Thailand's second-largest city and the gateway to the country's north was founded in 1296. You can still see the moat that encircled the original city. Doi Suthep, topped by one of Thailand's holiest wats, rises behind the city, providing a dramatic backdrop and fine views of the city.

Travel Warning: Security Situation

Most travellers visiting Chiang Mai will encounter no trouble but they should be aware of more serious security concerns elsewhere in Thailand .

severity: Low-level alert

Fast Facts

Population

170,000

Currency

Name: Baht
Code: THB
Symbol: ฿

Electrical Plugs

European plug with two circular metal pins Japanese-style plug with two parallel flat blades
220V 50Hz

Languages Spoken

Official: Thai

Time Zones

GMT/UTC +7 

Country Dialing Code

+66

Weights & Measures

Metric

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