Northern Thailand's most sought-after vacation spot is a far cry from the humidity of capital city Bangkok or the beach towns. Chiang Mai was the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom, nestled at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. Today, the ancient city is fast gaining popularity with New Age seekers, yoga practitioners, nature lovers, foodies, and culture travellers. Your flight to and hotel in Chiang Mai await.
Both domestic and international flights land at the Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), one of Thailand's busiest hubs, welcoming travellers from all over, beginning their city breaks in Chiang Mai. The airport is a ten-minute ride from the city centre. A flight from London to Chiang Mai or a flight from Manchester to Chiang Mai is easy to find.
British nationals can enter Thailand without a visa for a period of up to 30 days. Chiang Mai, Thailand is seven hours ahead of United Kingdom. The official currency in use is the Thai Baht (THB), and ATMs and money exchange bureaus are easy to find. Standard Thai is the main language spoken, along with regional dialect Kham Muang. English is spoken at most attractions.
Chiang Mai enjoys a favourable climate thanks to its northern location and moderate elevation. The hot season, from February to June, is a great time to avail yourself of package holidays to Chiang Mai at attractive rates. Occasional showers from June through October help cool things down. Peak visitor season lasts from October through February. Consider planning a flight and hotel for Chiang Mai in advance in this period!
You can easily plan your city breaks in Chiang Mai around various festivals. The autumnal festival of lights, Loi Krathong Festival (Yee-Peng Festival), sees thousands of colourful lanterns released into the night skies. What a spectacle! April's Songkran is an unending water canon party — get ready to be splashed! Chinese New Year and Christmas are magical times to visit, too.
Bamboo rafting down Chiang Mai's rivers on a flat-bottomed boat is a top-rated attraction. White water rafting, ultra-light trips, balloon rides, and jungle bungee-jumping are all possible on adventuresome city breaks in Chiang Mai. Embark on the City Cultural Ride, which weaves through hill tribe villages, ancient temples, and ruins. Off-road trails and dirt paths are fun too. Package holidays to Chiang Mai often recommend exploring the city by bike.
The best nightlife is centred around the Nimmanhaeman quarter, where you'll find cafés, bars, and clubs. Indulge in some riverside drinking as local live bands belt out classic rock, reggae, jazz, and blues. Go-go bars and massage parlours can be found (or avoided) on Loy Kroh Road. Shop at the city's oldest public market, Talat Warorot. Nearby is the main flower market, Talat Ton Lam Yai, and fruit vendors selling rambutans, mangosteens, and longans.
If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai's food is inexpensive, delicious, and hygienic. Favourites include the iconic Kho Soi, a coconut milk-based yellow curry cooked with noodles, meats or seafood and veggies. Or how about juicy pork leg (Khao Kha Moo), served with rice, greens, and an egg? The stir fried Pad Thai noodles with peanut and shrimp are a must, as is the Thai roast chicken. Your weekend in Chiang Mai is now complete!
The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar near the walled city stocks it all, from sarongs, scented soaps, and fruit teas, to elephant pants and neckties. Silver wares are best purchased from the silversmiths at Wualai Road. A unique souvenir are hill tribe clothing items, which can be bought near Warorot Market. Fried-flavoured insects (think BBQ or cheese flavours) are an exotic souvenir from a weekend in Chiang Mai. These can be found at the Rimping supermarkets.
Planning on flying to Thailand? If a city break in Chiang Mai doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities in Thailand ? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!