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Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of northern Thailand, founded in 1296 as the seat of the Lanna kingdom. The square moated old city contains more than 30 active temples - including Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang - and is small enough to explore on foot or by bicycle.
The city has become one of Asia's biggest hubs for long-stay travellers and digital nomads, thanks to cheap living, a strong cafe scene, and easy access to the mountains. Trips out of town include Doi Suthep temple, the ethical elephant sanctuaries around Mae Taeng, the Sticky Waterfalls, and the karst landscapes of Pai and Doi Inthanon National Park.
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November to February is the cool, dry, and most popular season, with the Yi Peng lantern festival usually in November. Try to avoid late February-April when seasonal agricultural burning produces heavy smog. The June-October monsoon is greener and quieter.
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is just 3 km southwest of the old city. Bolt or Grab rides cost around 80-150 THB and take 10 minutes; metered taxis around 200 THB. The official airport taxi counter charges around 150 THB.
Red songthaews (shared minibuses) cover the old city and Nimmanhaemin for around 30 THB per ride. Tuk-tuks are quicker and pricier - agree fares in advance. Bolt and Grab work well. Many travellers rent bicycles or scooters - drive carefully in Thai traffic.
Three to four full days cover the old city's temples, an ethical elephant sanctuary day, Doi Suthep, and a cooking class. With a week you can also visit Pai, the Doi Inthanon peak, the Mae Sa valley, or the Sticky Waterfalls.
Chiang Mai is very safe, with friendly locals and a long history of catering to travellers. The main risks are road safety on scooters and air quality during burning season. Standard precautions against pickpocketing apply in the Sunday Walking Street markets.
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Entry rules, stay length and passport validity by nationality.
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