How many days do you need?

Three full days is enough to cover the essentials: the Old City temples, Doi Suthep, and one market or neighbourhood to wander. Five to seven days lets you add a day trip (Pai, Doi Inthanon, or an elephant sanctuary visit) without feeling rushed. If Chiang Mai is one stop on a longer Thailand or Southeast Asia trip, three to four days is the realistic sweet spot.

Getting around the city

Songthaews — red shared pickup trucks that operate like informal shared taxis — are the classic way to get around, alongside metered taxis and ride-hailing apps, which are widely used and usually the most predictable option for visitors. Many people also rent scooters to get around and reach outlying temples, though city traffic and mountain roads (notably the road up to Doi Suthep) require real riding experience and an appropriate licence. The Old City itself is compact and very walkable.

Money matters

Thailand runs on the Thai Baht (THB). ATMs are widely available throughout the city, though most charge a foreign transaction fee on top of whatever your home bank charges — worth checking before you go. Cash is still preferred at markets and smaller local restaurants, while hotels, malls and larger restaurants generally accept cards.

Common early mistakes

  • Booking a hotel far from where you'll actually spend time. Decide roughly whether you want an Old City, Nimman or riverside base first — see our areas to stay guide.
  • Skipping temple dress code. Shoulders and knees covered is the standard rule at most temples, including Wat Phra That Doi Suthep — see our etiquette guide.
  • Not checking air quality dates. If you're sensitive to smoke/haze, the Feb–Apr burning season is worth researching before you book — see our weather guide.
  • Under-budgeting travel time to Doi Suthep. It's a mountain road, not a straight city drive — give it more time than a map app's straight-line estimate suggests.

SIM cards and wifi

Tourist SIM cards are sold at the airport and at phone shops around the city, and are the simplest way to get mobile data sorted on arrival. Most cafés, hotels and coworking spaces also offer free wifi.