The best months to visit Chiang Mai are Nov – Feb. 18–30°C, cool & dry with clear skies.
Quick facts
Currency THB (฿ Baht) 1 USD ≈ ฿35
Language Thai English widely spoken in tourist areas
Timezone ICT (UTC+7) No daylight saving
Best Months Nov – Feb 18–30°C, cool & dry with clear skies
Daily Budget ~$20–40 USD ฿700–1,400 budget traveller
Visa Visa-free 60 days Most nationalities, no advance application
When to go
An ancient walled city where golden temples rise above leafy lanes, street food sizzles at every gate, and mountain culture infuses everything.
Getting Around in Chiang Mai
- The Old City is compact and walkable: most temples are within 10 minutes of each other on foot
- Red songthaews (shared pickup trucks) are the local bus: ฿20–30 per person for trips around the city. Wave one down and state your destination
- Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) works well for bikes (฿20–50) and cars (฿60–100). Much cheaper and more reliable than tuk-tuks
For itineraries, costs and practical travel advice, see the full Chiang Mai travel guide.
Timezone: ICT (UTC+7) (No daylight saving)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?
The best months to visit Chiang Mai are Nov – Feb (18–30°C, cool & dry with clear skies), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Chiang Mai budget breakdown.
