Chiang Mai

Best time to visit

November to February is the golden season — cool, dry, and clear with temperatures between 15–28°C, perfect for trekking and outdoor activities. March to May brings intense heat and the notorious smoke season, when agricultural burning fills the valley with haze and air quality can be dangerously poor — avoid if you have respiratory issues. June to October is the rainy season, which is lush and green with fewer crowds and lower prices, though some mountain roads and trails may be inaccessible.

Getting around

The city is best navigated by renting a scooter (around 150–200 THB per day) if you're comfortable riding — it gives maximum flexibility for reaching temples, markets, and mountain roads. Red songthaews (shared red pickup trucks) are the local bus system and cost 30–50 THB per ride; flag them down and negotiate your destination. Grab (the regional Uber equivalent) is widely available, reliable, and affordable for point-to-point trips. The Old City and Nimman are walkable within themselves, but the city sprawls enough that you'll need transport between areas. Tuk-tuks exist but are primarily tourist-priced — always agree on a fare before boarding.