Chiang Mai Travel Guide
Thai Nam Prik Num Recipe for Smoky Green Chilli Dip from Northern Thailand
This Thai nam prik num recipe makes a smoky green chilli dip that’s one of the best known Northern Thai specialties – so much so that it’s often called Chiang…
Tasty Thai Nam Prik Ong Recipe for a Spicy Pork and Tomato Dip from Northern Thailand
This Thai nam prik ong recipe makes a spicy pork and tomato dip from Northern Thailand. Served with fresh or steamed vegetables or sticky rice, which you dip into the…
Sustainable Souvenirs to Buy in Southeast Asia – No, Not Elephant Pants
Sustainable souvenirs to buy in Southeast Asia include anything that’s handmade and handcrafted, fair trade and ethically-produced rather than factory-made, and locally created rather than imported. Traditional crafts, art and…
One Day in Chiang Mai Itinerary for a Perfect Day in Northern Thailand’s Laidback Lanna Capital
This one day in Chiang Mai itinerary for a perfect day in Northern Thailand’s laidback Lanna capital is aimed at time-poor travellers who want a taste of the city, old…
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Chiang Mai Essentials
WHEN TO GO
Nov–Feb The perfcet time to visit the city, with great weather and festivals in Nov and Feb.
Mar–May Chinag Mai really starts to heat up and activities are best done early or late afternoon with temps up to 40°C in the middle of the day. Note that crop burn-off can make the city hazy.
Jun–Oct Wet season cools things down but the humidity is high and monsoon rains can be relentless, but better weather than Southern Thailand. On the flip side, it’s very quiet tourist-wise
HEALTH
Chiang Mai is a large city and has excellent healthcare facilities, with several very good hospitals. It’s still of great importance that you get full medical insurance for your visit – particularly if you’re hiring a motor scooter. Recommended Vaccinations
VISAS
Nationals of most countries can get a free tourist visa on arrrival in Thailand, it’s the length of the visa that varies and can range from 15 days to 90 days. Overstaying visas incurrs daily fines and rules can change overnight so be aware. Some visas can be extended, check the Thai Immigration website.
CURRENCY
CURRENT EXCHANGE RATES
$1.00 USD = 37.13 THB
$1.00 AUD = 23.47 THB
€1.00 EUR = 38.88 THB
£1.00 GBP = 44.87 THB
The Thai currency (THB) is called the ‘Baht’, and it’s the only currency used in the country. In touristy areas they may acccept USD but and give change in THB but you’ll suffer an unfavourable exchange rate. It is, however, easy to change most major currencies into THB.
LANGUAGE
THAI IS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF THAILAND.
ELECTRICITY
ELECTRICITY IN THAILAND IS 220 VOLTS. 50 CYCLES/SEC.
LOCAL TIME
Time in Chiang Mai:Chiang Mai’s Time Zone is (GMT+7) Chiang Mai’s has never utilised daylight saving.
WEATHER
CURRENT CHIANG MAI WEATHER
TRANSPORTATION
AIR/LAND/SEA
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) caters to domestic and international flights. The airport is only 3km southwest of the old city. Local carriers such as Nok Air and regional carrier Air Asia can fly from Bangkok for as little as US$35. Internationally, the main destinations are Kuala Lumpur, Luang Prabang and Vientiane. To get around the city, it’s best to use Sŏrng·tăa·ou or Rót daang which are red trucks two rows of seats in the back. You can hire them like a taxi or get on board with other passengers heading the same direction.
Chiang Mai Daily Costs
BUDGET
Daily Budget Up To:
US$30
- Guesthouse dorm room: US$10–20
- Night Market dish: US$1.50
- Rót daang ride: US$0.80-1.20
MID RANGE
Daily Budget From:
US$31–200
- Air-con hotel room: US$30–45
- Good local restaurant meal: US$5–15
- Food Tour & Cooking Class: US$35
LUXURY
Daily Budget From:
US$201+
- Boutique hotel or resort: US$80–500
- Thai multi-course meal: US$35+
- Chiang Rai White Temple Tour: US$80+