Left: Wat Doi Suthep; Right: Wat Phantao during the Chiang Mai lantern festival.
This post was originally published in 2021 and last updated on October 24, 2026.
Chiang Mai is the smaller laid-back sister to the chaotic madness of Bangkok. It has a population of 200,000 and centers around the historic old city, which is lined by a moat and the crumbling remains of retaining wall from its 13th century heyday as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. It’s a foodie town filled with temples and a great base for day trips for waterfalls, trekking and ethical elephant experiences.
I fell in love with Thailand in 2009 when I was running photo trips for a student travel company across Southeast Asia. While the Chiang Mai has changed a bit over the years, I still love the city. Now, I live Chiang every winter and wanted to share my experience for the best things to do in Chiang Mai!
Outside of Chiang Mai’s old city walls, the eastern area (Tha Phae Gate) along the Ping River is the commercial hub filled with markets. The west of the old city is the trendy, hip area along Nimmanhaemin Road (known as Nimman) that’s popular with both the digital nomad community and Chinese tourists for the shopping, cool cafes and coworking spaces.
Whether you’re here for two days or two months, this guide will answer ALL your questions about the best things to do in Chiang Mai, including day trips and the best hotels and hostels. For longer stays, I wrote a guide to living in Chiang Mai for longterm rentals, coworking spaces and healthcare.
Affiliate links are used in this post. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Plan Your Trip
Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
When to Go: October to January has the best weather. Avoid the smokey season from February to April.
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The Best Chiang Mai Temples
Wat Chiang Man in Chiang Mai’s old city
There’s literally a temple on every corner in Chiang Mai. Please be sure to dress appropriately when visiting temples—cover your shoulders and knees; remove hats and shoes. Avoiding pointing your feet at anyone or the Buddha statues because it is considered disrespectful. I’ve marked my favorite photogenic temples with asterisks! The famous temples charge 20-30 baht for entry, and the smaller ones are usually free. It’s often free if you go early or late.
Temples Inside Chiang Mai’s Old City Gates
**I added two asterisks to notate my favorite temples below.
**Wat Phan Tao – This teak temple is one of my favorites and was renovated just a few years ago.
Wat Phra Singh – This is one of the most popular and crowded in town. It’s famous for Lion Buddha Image and golden chedis (a mound-like structure containing relics) with elephants.
Wat Chedi Luang – This is the second most popular and one of tallest structures in town. The brick chedi ruins dates back to 1441 and features a few remaining elephant statues.
**Wat Chiang Man – This is the oldest in town and known for elephant chedi from 1297. It’s one of the best for photography.
**Wat Saen Muang Ma Luang (Wat Hua Khuang) – This small and slightly hidden temple is down a small road near north gate of the city. It’s also stunning for photographs.
Temples Outside the Chiang Mai Old City Gates
Wat Lok Molee – This temple is one of one of city’s older temples. It’s just outside of the north gate to the old city. It’s popular during the lantern festival and always has cool decorations.
Wat Sri Suphan – The silver temple is just south of city walls. It’s stunning except for the fact that women can’t go inside the main temple.
**Wat Buppharam and Wat Mahawan – These are two of the three stunningly beautiful Burmese temples near Tha Phae Gate.
Left:Chiang Mai Old City; Right: Wat Suan Dok
Temples in Driving Distance of Chiang Mai
Wat Doi Suthep – This is the most important temple in Chiang Mai and home to a Buddha relic. It’s located on top of a mountain just outside of town. It’s accessible by songthaew or a rideshare from the city or by foot via the Monk’s Trail. Be prepared to climb the 300+ steps to reach the temple.
Wat Pha Lat – This is a small jungle temple on the way to Doi Suthep. It’s accessible by car and foot via the Monk’s Trail.
Wat Umong – This cave temple is a couple kilometers out of city and one of the most unique ones.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham – You can’t miss this big white buddha temple on hilltop.
Wat Suan Dok – This temple is located in the Nimman area and known for the photogenic white stupas/chedis. They offer one-day and multi-day mediation retreats that I totally recommend and regular monk chats!
Left: Doi Inthanon National Park; Right: Sticky Waterfalls (Bua Thong)
The Best Day Trips from Chiang Mai
If you don’t have a motorbike or car for day trips, I’d recommend booking transfers or tours through Klook, an online travel booking site with the best deals in Asia. You get 5% off your first booking and discounts just for leaving reviews!
Cooking Classes – Chiang Mai is a total foodie town, so it’s a great place for a cooking class. I really loved the full-day cooking class at Grandma’s Home Cooking School, which I booked on Klook. We made six dishes, including dessert. They even have a photographer shooting the entire time and give you the photos for free along with the recipes! I’ve also heard good things about Asia Scenic. (1,200-800 baht/$50-65 USD).
Grand Canyon – This former limestone quarry carved out of red clay soil is a stunning place to relax and swim. It’s broken into three separate sections and two appear to be commercial – one waterpark/wake park on the far left of the canyon and a smaller water park in the center. Both have inflatable obstacle courses, cliff jumping and bamboo rafts for floating. Be careful with cliff jumping as deaths have been reported. Entry 300-150 baht depending on which park you visit.
Sticky Waterfall (Bua Thong) – This multi-tiered waterfall (my favorite!) is made of limestone and mineral deposits. The rocks are easy to walk on without slipping, hence, the name “sticky waterfalls.” It’s fed by a natural spring that’s connected to the parking lot by a path. There’s a series of ropes and wooden railings to assist with climbing. Entry is currently free. It a 90-minute drive from town so a day tour through Klook, motorbike, rental car or Grab (ride share app) are your best options. Go early to have the place to yourself.
Monk’s Trail – This hiking trail leads up to the city’s most famous temple – Doi Suthep and passes a smaller temple Wat Pha Lat. The first portion of the trail is easy but after the first temple, it gets steep. You can take a songthaew down after the end of the hike. Depending on your fitness level, it can take roughly 90 minutes one-way. Check AllTrails for the route.
A two-week old baby elephant and her mother at Journey to Freedom, an ethically-run elephant experience near Chiang Mai. Photos by Chris Rufflo.
Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries – While there’s no shortage of elephant activities around Chiang Mai, only book with ethical companies that don’t allow riding like Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center that offers half, full and overnight tours along with volunteer opportunities. For an intimate wilderness adventure experience with jungle treks and volunteering, consider the four- or seven-day overnight programs at Journey to Freedom.
Meditation Retreat – Wat Suan Dok offers weekly meditation retreats ranging from a one-day retreat on Monday and Fridays; weekly two-day retreats Tuesday to Wednesday and monthly four-day retreats. The one-day retreats are free but donations are appreciated. Two-day retreats are 800 baht. For more information, visit monkchat.net or stop by the monk chat office at the temple. (I personally LOVED the one-day retreat!)
Monk Chat – Wat Suan Dok offer chats on weekdays from 5-7 p.m. and Wat Chedi Luang in the old city offers it weekdays from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Both are organized by Wat Suan Dok’s Buddhist university, monkchat.net.
Doi Inthanon National Park– This national park is home to Thailand’s tallest peak at 8,415 feet! It’s also filled with hiking trails and waterfalls. It’s popular with cyclists as well. It’s located 70 kilometers from Chiang Mai, but there’s no public transport unfortunately. (I usually rent a car or hire a Grab driver for the day and split it with friends for day trips.) If you don’t feel comfortable renting a car, consider booking a day trip through Klook.
The Best Public Parks in Chiang Mai
The Chiang Mai Flower Festival is held at Chiang Mai Chaloem Phrakiat Park (Chiang Mai PAO Public Park) from November to early January.
Chiang Mai has some hidden parks that are a must-visit. My favorite is the well-manicured Buak Hard Public Park, the only greenspace in the old city that acts as a public gym. At sunset, the park comes alive—locals play takraw (foot volleyball on a badminton court) and foreigners slackline in the acroyoga corner, while runners loop the track. There’ s stationary workout equipment and a nightly 20 Baht aerobics class that’s tougher than it looks! A flower festival is held here every February.
Chiang Mai Chaloem Phrakiat Park (also known as Chiang Mai PAO Public Park) is the city’s largest public park with immaculate paved trails and photogenic green spaces. It opened in late 2024 and hosts a free annual flower festival from November to early January. It’s the best place to go for a run or rollerblade in the city.
The Best Chiang Mai Museums
FAM Fahlanna Art Museum is Chiang Mai’s newest with rotating art and historical exhibits.
For a deeper insight into the history of Chiang Mai and the Lanna culture, stop by the Chiang Mai Cultural Center and Lanna Folklife Center (my favorite of the two) in the central part of the old city by the Three Kings Monument plaza, a favorite nighttime haunt of local teenage skateboarders. Entry to each is 90 Baht ($2.89 USD). These are great spots to escape the heat.
Newly opened in late 2025, the modern FAM Fahlanna Art Museum features both historical and rotating art exhibitions on the Lanna culture. The entry fee is steep (999 Baht/$32 USD), but there’s a promotional rate of 555 Baht currently, with a free cafe drink included. While I enjoyed the museum, it did feel overpriced.
Kalm Village is a free arts, crafts and culture center housed in a serene three-story complex tucked in a quiet lane in the old city. It offers a series of paid yoga and craft workshops. If you just want to chill, there’s a restaurant, coffee shop and a series of comfy chairs for lounging in the shaded courtyard.
The Best Places to Eat in Chiang Mai
Left: Mango sticky rice; Right: Coconut yogurt bowl from Goodsouls Kitchen.
Budget Meals in Chiang Mai Under 100 Baht / $3 USD
Moo Ping Khun Por – This breakfast and lunch spot in Nimman serves up one of my favorite Thai dishes — moo ping (grilled pork usually in coconut milk) and khao niew (sticky rice). They also have chicken as well. 27 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 11
Anchan Noodle – This local spot is famous for blue noodles, which get the hue from butterfly pea tea. The noodles are served with a variety of meat choices and spicy dipping sauce. Only open for breakfast and lunch. 19/1 Siri Mangkalajarn Rd Lane 9.
Ming Kwan Vegetarian Restaurant – The vegan khao soi might just be my favorite khao soi in town (and I’m not vegan!)! This spot is budget-friendly and super tasty. I also recommend the veggie Northern Thai sausage! 98 Rachadamnoen Rd Soi 4 (Near Wat Phra Sing)
Mall Food Courts – All malls in Thailand have cheap (and super tasty) food courts with local stalls serving fresh food. The basement level of the Maya Mall and Central Festival are two good ones. The 4th floor of Central Festival is nice as well. I usually eat a meal for 50-60 baht ($2 USD).
Khao Tom Baht Diao – This is the cheapest spot in town for both food and beer with the most convenient hours. Portions are small, but it’s so cheap it doesn’t matter so just order a second dish. It’s open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily so it’s good any time of day!
Ploen Ruedee Night Market – This hip food truck market is located right beside the sprawling night market. It’s filled with tons of options for eating and small shops. There’s usually live music and cold beer readily available. 28/3-4 Changklan Rd.
Chang Phueak (North Gate) Market – Every night there’s a sprawling local food market located outside the walls of the old city across from the north gate. It winds down around 9 p.m. Highlights are the pork rice lady who wears a cowboy hat at Chang Phueak Pork Leg Rice, which was on Anthony Bourdain, and the sukiyaki spot (Suki Changphuak) that’s just over a few stalls from her. (The sukiyaki spot was on a Netflix show, so it’s always got a line. Get a number when you arrive and expect at least an hour wait!) I also love the roti pancake guy by the stoplight.
Left: Northern Thai dishes from Huen Muan Jai. Right: The purple butterfly pea noodles from Anchan Noodle.
Meals from 100 baht/$3 USD and higher
(Most of these spots are around 200-250 baht ($7 USD) depending on what you order.)
Goodsouls Kitchen – This vegan spot is my go-to breakfast spot. (I’m far from vegan but love the fruit bowl and homemade coconut yogurt and granola.) The dinner options and mains are also delicious. I dream of this place when I’m not in Thailand. 52/2 Singharat Rd.
Khao Soi Nimman (Michelin-Guide listed)– This is my next favorite khao soi spot in town. It’s open much later than the others. The northern Thai sausage is the best and spiciest option, but the fried pork is also good. 22 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 7.
Goodneighbor Cafe – This hidden breakfast spot is one of the best in town for bagels and coffee. The chill vibe is also great. 149, 49 M.2 Soi. Ban Pae, Chang Phueak.
SP Chicken – Rotisserie chicken, sticky rice and spicy stir-fried morning glory are my favorite meal at this local spot in the old city near Wat Phra Singh. Only open for breakfast and lunch.
Night & Day Resturant – For craft beer and northern Thai food, there’s no better place than this local favorite. This is off the tourist trail, which is why I love it. The hang lay curry is amazing, too. 34, 13, Suthep. (They opened a second location near Nimman called LaabReun Home Cuisine.)
Khao Soy Maesai (Michelin-Guide listed) – This local spot serves up the best khao soi (northern Thai soup curry) in town. It’s only open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Arrive early for the best selection. I recommend the chicken and to get extra pickled veggies to add in! 29, 1 Ratchaphuek Alley
Klay Cafe, Groon Bread & Brunch Cafe and The Moon Eatery are three of my favorite brunch spots in Nimman area. They all open around 8:30 a.m., which is early for the neighborhood! They each have homemade bread or bagels! Rob’s Berry does excellent homemade yogurt bowls.
A tray of four meats (brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork and sausage) with sides of fried okra slaw and a mustard-based potato salad at Dinky’s BBQ.
Dinky’s BBQ – That’s right Chiang Mai has authentic Texas barbecue made by an Austinite! Choose from brisket, pulled pork and sausage. The side dishes (slaw, potato salad and fried okra) are tasty just like their homemade tortillas for their tacos. There are several sauce choices, but the mustard is my favorite, which is crazy because I normally hate mustard. For more about Dinky’s, read the Texas Monthly story I wrote and photographed.
Huen Muan Jai (Michelin-Guide listed) – Located diagonally from Khao Soy Maesai, this is another popular restaurant specializing in Northern Thai food. I recommend their sampler platter and the hung lay curry with pork. 24 Ratchaphuek Alley.
Cherng Doi Roast Chicken (Michelin-Guide listed) – There will be a line at this hole-in-the-wall spot. The roast chicken with tamarind sauce is amazing! The menu offers a lot of other chicken dishes along with creative somtam (green papaya salad) options. 2/8 Suk Kasame Rd.
Tong Tem Toh (Michelin-Guide listed) – There’s always a line at this Nimman spot that serves up traditional northern Thai favorites like Hang Lay curry and red ant dishes. The chicken wings are perfection. 11/13 Nimmanahaeminda Road.
The Salad Concept – If you’re missing your veggies or are sick, this is the best spot in town. There’s a massive selection of build-your-own salads and wraps. The portions are huge and range from 100-150 baht/$4-5 USD for a main. There are two locations.
The FACES Gallery & Gastro Bar – Hidden in the southern corner of the old city, this fancy spot serves up tasty Thai food in a beautiful setting. Terracotta carvings line the walls. The atmosphere of this spot is 10/10! 33 ถนน Ratchamanka Soi 6.
The Hide Out – With homemade bagels, this is one of the best western breakfast and brunch spots in Chiang Mai. It’s not far from Tha Phae Gate.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
The Amanor Hotel is one of the nicest hotels in the Nimman neighborhood and has my favorite rooftop bar. Photo courtesy of Expedia.
The Best Hotels in Chiang Mai
For the best hotels in Chiang Mai’s Nimman neighborhood, I recommend Hotel YaYee ($38 USD/night) or Amanor Hotel ($138 USD/night) that both have great rooftop bars. The latter has an infinity pool. Both hotels bars are open to the public if you decide to stay elsewhere. A quiet, family-run option is the modern and sleek Chern Chiangmai Boutique Hotel ($65 USD/night).
In Chiang Mai’s Old City, Baan Hanibah ($82/night) is a lovely family-run guesthouse with comfortable rooms in the northeast corner, while Marigold Lanna Hotel is a cute comfy spot in the southwest corner. Smile Lanna Hotel ($82/ USD night) has a stunning pool. Hotel rates vary by season.
The Best Hostels in the Old City
For the best hostels in Chiang Mai’s old city, try the sleek rooms at The Common Hostel ($10 USD/night) or Pakping Hostel, which have private bunks with curtains and individual plugs. In Nimman, the highest rated hostels with the best location are Ray Hostel and Bed Addict Hostel. Both are around $13-14 USD/night. (Things are always slightly pricer in Nimman than the old city.)
For longterm rentals, check out my guide to living in Chiang Mai!
Live Music & Free Events in Chiang Mai
North Gate Jazz in Chiang Mai’s Old City
There’s no shortage of live music spots and open mic nights in Chiang Mai. My three favorite live music spots are North Gate Jazz Co-op (open mic night is Tuesdays), Boy Blues Bar in the Night Bazaar and Thapae East, a chill spot not far from the Ping River.
One Nimman – This huge shopping complex offers free events, including dance classes (salsa, swing and tango) and yoga classes. Check timings before visiting as events can change often. There’s always an event or market in the courtyard on weekends, and the White Market is set up along the side street Thursday to Sunday afternoons and evenings.
Jing Jai Farmer’s Market – This weekly farmer’s market is a must-visit! Aside from fresh produce, there’s a whole section of food stalls ranging from freshly baked banana bread to dumplings. The vendors are also really unique artists and not touristy at all. Open every Saturday and Sunday from roughly 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Best Shopping & Markets in Chiang Mai
The art galleries of Baan Kan Wat are just a few miles from Chiang Mai’s old city.
Baan Kan Wat – An adorable artist village just a few miles from Chiang Mai’s old town filled with galleries and cute cafes. Many spots offer workshops and classes. The village is a winding pathway through some cool building designs. It’s a lovely way to spend a few hours. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Jing Jai Farmer’s Market – The best place for shopping for unique items is Chiang Mai’s weekly farmer’s market! It’s a must-visit spot. There are no elephant pants or tourist trinkets here, which is part of the appeal. Most of the clothing is homemade. There’s an entire food court serving up everything from popsicles to dumplings. Open every Saturday and Sunday from roughly 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar – This is the main night market in town and runs every night from 6 -11:30 p.m. It’s a good place for food, souvenirs, clothing, luggage, etc. Intersection of Chang Khlan Road and Loi Khro Road.
Talat Warorot – This is where all the locals go to shop – a sprawling complex with food, cheap (not quality) suitcases, clothes, etc. Cnr Th Chang Moi & Th Praisani
Sunday Walking Street – This is a haven for street food and basic souvenirs, but it’s so crowded you feel like you’re at a music festival smashed against the person in front of you. Rachadamnoen Rd.
Ploen Ruedee Night Market – This food truck market is located near/in the night bazaar. It’s got a wide variety of food options, alcohol, live music and clothing vendors. It’s my favorite spot in the night bazaar. 28/3-4 Changklan Rd
The Best Shopping Malls in Chiang Mai
The largest mall in town is Central Festival, which is outside the city center. Maya Mall in Nimman and Central Chiang Mai Airport, largest mall in Northern Thailand.
All three have movie theaters and pharmacies – the British chains Boots and Watsons along with a Pharmacare Plus (usually the cheapest). From a shopping standpoint, there’s every chain from H&M to Zara to Uniqlo in at least one of these malls. Each mall has a food court with cheap and tasty eats (all homecooked Thai food), which I always frequent. Maya and Central Festival have a Daiso, the Japanese dollar store which is the most useful store on the planet.
The Best Thai Massage in Chiang Mai
Oasis Spa Nimman branch is one of the nicest spas in Chiang Mai.
Oasis Spa is hands down the best and nicest place to get a massage in Chiang Mai but also one of the priciest. Book an appointment before 1 p.m. online to save 20 percent! (I got a 90-minute hot oil massage recently for roughly $1,900 Baht/ $61 USD after the discount.) There are two locations (Nimman and Old City).
The runner up is Fah Lanna Spa with three locations in the Old City, Night Market and Nimman. It’s about 25 percent cheaper than Oasis, but the facilities aren’t as nice. (Don’t get me wrong—they are really nice but nothing compared to Oasis.) A 90-minute Thai massage is 1,150 Baht. Check Klook for deals at both Fah Lanna and Oasis!
My favorite budget-friendly massage spot is Phuphaya Massage and Spa in Nimman for a 300-baht, hour-long Thai massage. The nicest budget-friendly spot is Sense Massage & Spa, which has multiple locations, and charges 450 Baht for a 60-minute Thai massage. (The Nimaman one books out in advance, so reserve early.) In the Old City, Chinola Massage is a solid option starting at 450 Baht.
Chiang Mai FAQ
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Do you need travel medical insurance for Thailand?
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Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai, Thailand
When to Go to Chiang Mai
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is in the dry, cooler months from November to February. Temperatures are in the 70s/80s with lows in 60s. Beware of the burning season when the fields in the north are burned and the smoke heavily pollutes the city to unsafe air quality levels, which is normally February and March. (Download the free Air Visual app to check air quality levels!) It can start as early as late December. April and May are steaming hot. The monsoon rains arrive in June but peak in August/September.
How to get to Chiang Mai
The easiest way to get to Chiang Mai is to fly! International flight options are expanding with direct routes to Singapore on Scoot Airways (love this airline!) and Hong Kong via Cathy Pacific. Domestic flights are available from Bangkok and other large cities. There’s a train to Bangkok that takes roughly 12 hours and is always late. (I love the sleeper car. A bottom bunk is roughly $50.) Buses are the cheapest ($20ish) and take about 10 hours from Bangkok. For prices, check at the station directly or buy in advance from 12Go.Asia.
Local Transport in Chiang Mai
Flag down a red songthaew, a pickup truck with benches in the back, for a cheap lift around town. It’s 30 Baht flat rate.
The local transport in Chiang Mai revolves around a system of songthaews—pickup trucks with two benches in the back—that are constantly on the prowl for business. There’s a few different color truck lines (yellow, red, etc.) but the red ones will take you just about anywhere in the city for 30 baht ($1). I use these a lot and find it’s best to tell the driver a large landmark near where I want to go like Maya Mall or Tha Phae Gate. It’s really important to support the songthaews, so they don’t get replaced by Grab or other rideshare apps!
Chiang Mai City Bus Map. Source: https://www.facebook.com/rtccmcitybus
There are currently two city bus lines that both service the airport. Fare is 30 baht. It’s hard to find a good English map, so refer to maps posted in airport when you arrive. The bus line has a Facebook page that’s mostly in Thai, but the airport website lists the stops. Don’t expect buses to run on time. (The previous system, which disappeared during the pandemic, was only consistent at the terminal stops from my experience.)
There are several rideshare apps, including Grab (most reliable) that offers both car, bike taxi and food delivery options. Helmets aren’t always provided for bike taxis. Maxim is a new rideshare app that’s a bit cheaper than Grab but less relaible. Bolt works in Chiang Mai, too, but I’ve never had good experience with it.
Tuk tuks are a total tourist trap and outrageously expensive. Avoid them across Thailand, unless you can get them to match the pricing in a rideshare app.
Car & Motorbike Rentals in Chiang Mai
Motorbikes can be rented just about anywhere in town for roughly 200 baht/day ($6.60 USD). There’s several places along Huay Kaew Road.
SAFETY ALERT: If you don’t have a Thai license or an international motorcycle license, most travel insurance companies will NOT cover you if there’s an accident. The police also set up regular check points around the city and fines are 500 baht ($16.50 USD) if you don’t have a proper license.
I’ve rented a car from Budgetcatcher Car and Scooter Rental in Nimman and had a great experience. It was roughly $30/day for a car.
Where’s the best place to buy an eSIM card
in Chiang Mai?
The easiest thing to do is buy a Thailand eSIM card from Airalo that will work instantly when you arrive. If you are traveling to multiple countries in Southeast Asia on a short trip, then consider an Asia Regional eSIM card. It’s always cheaper to buy a country specific eSIM than a regional one. For more details, read my Airalo review for Southeast Asia.
The Chiang Mai Lantern Festival
The monk ceremony during the Yee Peng Festival at Wat Phaotao in Chiang Mai. (This temple was remodeled, and this pond no longer exists sadly.)
One of the big festivals in Chiang Mai is the Yee Peng (also spelled Yi Peng) Festival that’s held during the full moon of the twelfth lunar month every year (usually in November). This festival of lights is known as the lantern festival and also coincides with Loy Krathong. The best locations for the festival are the Three Kings Monument, Ping River to launch the krathongs (small floats made from banana leaves and flowers) and the bridge over the Ping River.
Events vary every year. Many temples like Wat Phantao and Wat Chedi Luang will have ceremonies. In 2022 and 2024, Wat Chedi Lunag had a cool light show reflected on the temple. There’s always a parade by Tha Phae Gate one night.
Before COVID, people were releasing lanterns everywhere, which was a real fire hazard. I literally saw a roof on fire by Tha Phae gate! The city seems to be cracking down on the lanterns for safety reasons. Every year it seems to vary. Sometimes, I’ve seen them release them across the Ping River but away from the buildings.
The main “lantern” release is an overpriced event outside of the city that sells out months in advance. It’s a nightmare to get to because it’s far from the city and you have to take shuttles. When you see photos online of a mass lantern release with no buildings in the background, this is what you are seeing photos of, not central Chiang Mai.
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