Chiang Mai Travel Stories

Oct 7, 2024 • 12 min read

From bustling night markets and a thriving nightlife to serene temples and mountain villages, these are the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

May 13, 2024 • 5 min read

Andy Ricker, chef, American restauranteur and Thai cookbook writer, shares his top dining recommendations in Chiang Mai.

Apr 28, 2024 • 6 min read

Find out how to make your bhat stretch further with these budget travel tips for Chiang Mai, Thailand's “Capital in the North.”

Apr 26, 2024 • 7 min read

With rainy and smoky seasons, it can be tricky to choose the right time to visit Chiang Mai. Here are our tips.

Apr 25, 2024 • 8 min read

From elephant encounters to theme parks in the jungle, here are the best family experiences in and around Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Apr 19, 2024 • 7 min read

Plan your trip to Thailand’s northern city of Chiang Mai with these tips on eating, shopping and health and safety.

Dec 9, 2023 • 8 min read

Chiang Mai's known for being budget-friendly with lots to see and do for free. Here's a guide to exploring without spending a Bhat

Apr 2, 2020 • 5 min read

From elephant interactions to temple etiquette, here's how to travel responsibly in Chiang Mai.

Sep 27, 2019 • 5 min read

Thai cuisine is a feast for the stomach and senses. Vegetarian and vegan Chiang Mai visitors can expect superfood smoothies, meat-free fast food and more

Sep 18, 2019 • 6 min read

Filled with monks, markets, massages and meals on repeat, here’s our guide for how to spend a perfect weekend in Chiang Mai.

Sep 5, 2019 • 5 min read

Between meditation trainings at Buddhist temples, local and visiting healers, and the famous traditional Thai massage, the northern hub of Chiang Mai naturally…

Aug 23, 2019 • 4 min read

You’ve seen the photos: hundreds of floating fire lanterns lighting up the sky as small banana leaf boats with flowers, incense and candles drift down the…

Jun 24, 2019 • 4 min read

You’ve spent the perfect day in Chiang Mai discovering glittering wats, savouring your fill of kôw soy (famous noodle soup) and fitting in a foot massage…

Jun 17, 2019 • 4 min read

Tired of large bottles of Chang and buckets of SangSom? While sinking shots with the rest of the backpackers is a rite of passage for many travelling in…

Feb 25, 2019 • 5 min read

Chiang Mai may not be able to compete with Bangkok’s myriad wining and dining establishments, but what it lacks in options it makes up for in charm and…

Feb 18, 2019 • 4 min read

Lonely Planet Local Alana Morgan first moved to the northern Thai town of Chiang Mai thinking she would stay six to eight months. Seven years later and…

Feb 7, 2019 • 4 min read

Move over, Melbourne. Thailand’s burgeoning cafe scene is grabbing firmly onto the spotlight. With hundreds of cafes, locally-grown beans and plenty of…

Jul 31, 2018 • 5 min read

If you're planning to shop in Thailand, Chiang Mai is the place to bring an empty suitcase. The Rose of the North's reputation for shopping extends back…

Jul 18, 2018 • 4 min read

On the east side of Mae Ping in Chiang Mai is the Wat Ket neighbourhood. Home to enterprising locals, foreign missionaries and Chinese traders who brought…

Jun 6, 2018 • 5 min read

Chiang Mai has been heralded as an arty and mellow alternative to Bangkok for decades, and its popularity continues to grow. University students, locals…

Feb 15, 2018 • 9 min read

Buddhist New Year is the time to see Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second city, at its most animated, from the religious processions to the water-warring,…

Dec 10, 2014 • 2 min read

The laid-back city of Chiang Mai is an endearing mix of old and new: the moated, walled old quarter shelters ancient temples, while a traveller-friendly…