Why visit
Chiang Mai is northern Thailand's cultural capital. 300+ temples, Sunday Walking Street, ethical elephant sanctuaries, and the hill tribes of Mae Hong Son.
Chiang Mai at a glance
City population
130k
Metro: 960k
Elevation
316 m
1,037 ft
Time zone
UTC+7
Asia/Bangkok
Airport
CNX
Chiang Mai International
Founded
1296 (Lanna Kingdom)
Getting around
Songthaew (red trucks) + tuk-tuks + Grab; very bike/scooter-friendly
Signature dish
Khao soi, sai ua (northern sausage), nam prik ong, kanom jin
Neighborhoods for travelers
Old City (walled)NimmanhaeminWat KetSantithamChang Phueak
Thailand at a glance
Country center
15.0°, 100.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
513,120 km²
198,117 mi²
Country population
71.7 million
140/km²
Subregion
South-Eastern Asia
Currency
Thai baht (฿)
THB
Dial
+66
Language
Thai
Demonym
Thai
Internet
.th
UN
Member state
ISO code
TH / THA
Where in the world
15.0° · 100.0°
Thailand
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Did you know
- Chiang Mai means "new city": it was founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom.
- The Old City is bordered by a square moat and remnants of 14th-century walls with five original gates.
- The city hosts the Yi Peng lantern festival in November: thousands of paper lanterns released into the night sky.
- Thailand was never colonized by a European power: one of only a handful of Asian countries with this distinction.
- The official capital name is the longest city name in the world: Krungthepmahanakhon... (listed in the Guinness Book).
Bordering Thailand
Traveler notes
- Doi Suthep temple on the mountain above the city
- Elephant Nature Park is the ethical choice
- Loy Krathong (November) with floating lanterns
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Chiang Mai
What currency is used in Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai uses the Thai baht (฿), ISO code THB.
What languages are spoken in Thailand?
The primary language is Thai.
What is the international calling code for Thailand?
The calling code is +66.
What airport serves Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai International (IATA: CNX).
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