Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai · Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
Rose of the Lanna Kingdom: an old northern Thai city of temples, night markets and slow living
Know before you go
- Don't ride elephants (choose a no-riding elephant sanctuary)
- don't buy wildlife products
- don't be loud in temples.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
King Mangrai's new city
Chiang Mai means 'new city' in Thai. At the end of the 13th century Mangrai, founder of the Lanna kingdom, founded Chiang Mai at a place the Lawa called 'Wiang Nopburi' as a new capital to replace Chiang Rai; the founding year is generally given as 1296. Mangrai's mother was a daughter of the Tai Lue ruler of Chiang Hung in Sipsongpanna; he also mediated a dispute between the king of Phayao and Ram Khamhaeng of Sukhothai, and the three kings formed an alliance — commemorated today by the 'Three Kings Monument' in the centre of Chiang Mai's old city.
Source: Wikipedia: Mangrai; Wikipedia: Chiang Mai
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The old capital of the Lanna kingdom from 1296, with more than 300 temples scattered in and around the old city: the weathered chedi of Wat Chedi Luang, the Lanna murals of Wat Phra Singh, and the golden chedi of Doi Suthep looking out over the whole city. At the Loy Krathong festival in November, the moment thousands release sky lanterns together is a once-in-a-lifetime sight; the Sunday Walking Street, jungle ziplines and elephant sanctuaries blend the old city's slowness with wild fun.
Local customs
- Northern Thais are unpretentious
- temple dress codes are the same as nationwide
- follow guidelines when interacting with monks and elephants
- bargain politely and gently at night markets.
Religion & beliefs
- A stronghold of Theravada Buddhism
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (often called the 'Twin Dragon Temple' in Chinese) is the holiest temple in northern Thailand
- remove your shoes and dress modestly
- the monks' alms round (morning alms-giving) is a sacred ritual — if you watch, keep your distance and don't block the way.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Drones must be registered in Thailand
- Register with Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) within 30 days of arrival or purchase, even if you don't plan to fly
- Bringing in an unregistered drone
Fines of up to THB 100,000 or 5 years in prison, or both.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
E-cigarettes are completely illegal in Thailand
- Leave e-cigarettes, pods and e-liquids at home before you travel
- Carrying or using e-cigarettes, pods, e-liquids or heated-tobacco devices
Confiscation, fines (usually THB 5,000–30,000), detention and prosecution; no exceptions for tourists or personal use.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
Never insult the Thai royal family
- Treat portraits of the royal family and related topics with respect and care
- Posting or sharing any criticism of, or jokes about, the royal family, online included
The lèse-majesté law is interpreted very broadly and can bring long prison sentences; it applies to past and present members of the royal family.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
Temples and the Grand Palace: cover shoulders and knees
- Wear sleeved tops and long trousers or skirts below the knee
- Take off your shoes before entering a hall
- When seated, don't point the soles of your feet at a Buddha image
- Entering in a vest, shorts or see-through clothes
- Covering a sleeveless top only with a shawl may not be accepted at the Grand Palace
You will be refused entry and will need to rent or buy a sarong at the gate.
Not yet verifiedSource: Grand Palace dress code and visiting rules (travel guide)
Don’t DON'T
- Don't ride elephants (choose a no-riding elephant sanctuary)
- don't buy wildlife products
- don't be loud in temples.
Locals appreciate DO
- Chiang Mai people appreciate visitors who travel slowly, learn to cook Thai food and try meditation
- having coffee on Nimman Road and taking part in merit-making or alms-giving will mark you out as someone who 'gets Chiang Mai'.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | The cool season (November–February) is best (Loy Krathong usually falls at the November full moon) |
|---|
Travel tips
- The cool season (November–February) is best (Loy Krathong usually falls at the November full moon). Wat Phra That Doi Suthep costs about THB 30
- in the old city you can rent a motorbike or take a songthaew
- for jungle ziplines and elephant camps, be sure to choose licensed eco-operators and book ahead.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Curry noodles
- Sai ua (northern Thai sausage)
- Nam phrik num with pork crackling
Khao soi (Chiang Mai's famous coconut curry noodles), sai oua (northern Thai sausage), nam prik noom (green-chilli dip with pork crackling), mango sticky rice, northern Thai mini hotpot
| Where to eat | Old-city night markets / the Saturday and Sunday walking streets, restaurants on Nimman Road, local khao soi shops (around the old city's north gate) |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | There are many temples — cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes; during Songkran, protect food and phones from water |
| Typical price per person | THB 200–450 ≈ CNY 40–90 |
| Tips | Season khao soi yourself with pickled greens and lime; the Sunday Walking Street has the fullest range of snacks to eat as you browse. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0
Photos
Photos
Philip Nalangan · CC BY 4.0
Jakub Hałun · CC BY-SA 4.0
Jakub Hałun · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
Compiled from Tourism Authority of Thailand guides to Chiang Mai
More in Southeast Asia
Also nearby
Marina Bay Sands
Three legs holding up a 'ship in the sky': the Lion City skyline's futurist manifesto
Hạ Long Bay
A 'Guilin on the sea' of 1,600 limestone islands: Vietnam's 'where the dragon descended into the sea'
.jpg?width=800)
Hội An Ancient Town
Lantern-lit banks of the Thu Bồn River: an old dream of a Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese trading port