The province of Chiang Mai

Province capital: Chiang Mai
Name in Thai: เชียงใหม่

Location on map

Province of region Northern Thailand

Nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai province is one of the most visited by foreign tourists and that is quite normal! It is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking culture, history, tradition and natural beauty. Renowned for its cultural richness, its ancient temples and its incredible mountain landscapes (especially in the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season), Chiang Mai is the most essential destination in the North.

The emblematic temples of Chiang Mai, such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on its mountain which dominates the city, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang or the astonishing Silver Temple to name just a few temples among the hundreds in the region, bear witness to the rich history of the Kingdom of Lanna and then of the province integrated into the Kingdom of Siam. The Buddhist spirituality and tradition that has permeated the region for centuries.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the magnificent landscapes of Chiang Mai. In particular, those of the Doi Inthanon national park, of course which is the roof of Thailand, the highest point in the country, and is home to lush forests, majestic waterfalls, small villages of tribes of mountains, terraced rivers and exceptional biodiversity. but the whole province is beautiful!

Chiang Mai is also renowned for its vibrant arts and crafts scene, its Night Bazaar markets and its Saturday and Sunday Walking Streets. You can also take Thai cooking classes, massages and meditation classes, etc.

Chiang Mai cuisine is a true feast for the senses, with an abundance of delicious dishes to discover. First and foremost, we find khao soï, a curry noodle soup. Or the very spicy sai oua northern Thai sausage.

As for festivals, there are many organized throughout the year but the two most important and unmissable are the Flower Festival in February and Loy Krathong and the Yee Peng Festival in November.

Whether you are interested in cultural exploration, outdoor adventures, immersion with locals in mountain villages or relaxation in the middle of magnificent landscapes, the province of Chiang Mai is undoubtedly one of the most interesting destinations from Thailand.

you are interested in cultural exploration, outdoor adventures, immersion with locals in mountain villages or relaxation in the middle of magnificent landscapes, the province of Chiang Mai is undoubtedly one of the most interesting destinations from Thailand.

Chiang Mai can be visited all year round! But the best time to visit Chiang Mai for me is July-August when nature is lush and rice is planted in the plains but also in the rice terraces in the mountains. The worst period is during burning which generates heavy pollution with fine PM2.5 particles. Generally, from February to mid-April.