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.
How to use this result
Use it as a travel-city prompt
Chiang Mai is included because it has traveler appeal beyond being a dot on the map. Use the themes, neighborhoods, notes, and season guidance to decide whether it fits a weekend, longer route, or writing prompt.
Build a realistic route
For a real trip, check how Chiang Mai connects with nearby cities, airports, rail or bus routes, local costs, weather, and entry rules for Thailand.
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
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
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
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
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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