Plan Your Trip
The logistics, sorted — getting here, when to go, and what to know before you land.
All Plan guides
Flights, trains, weather, visas and first-timer basics — the logistics, sorted.
Getting to Chiang Mai
How to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok and abroad: direct flights into CNX airport, the overnight sleeper train, and long-distance buses, compared on time, cost and comfort.
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai
When to visit Chiang Mai: a month-by-month breakdown of the cool, hot and rainy seasons, burning-season air quality, and how festivals like Yi Peng and Songkran affect your trip.
Chiang Mai Weather
Chiang Mai weather explained: typical temperatures, rainfall and air quality patterns across the cool, hot and rainy seasons.
Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) Guide
A complete guide to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): its history, the 2026 expansion plan, transport into the city, terminal facilities, and SIM cards.
First Time in Chiang Mai
A complete first-timer's guide to Chiang Mai: how many days to spend, a sample itinerary, getting around, money, SIM cards, safety, and the mistakes most first-time visitors make.
Visa & Entry Basics for Thailand
Thailand entry rules for Chiang Mai visitors after the 15 September 2026 changes: visa-exempt stays, visa on arrival, e-Visa routes and the TDAC arrival card.
Chiang Mai to Bangkok
How to travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok — flights, the overnight train, and long-distance buses, compared for the return leg.
Phuket to Chiang Mai
How to plan a Phuket to Chiang Mai flight: direct versus Bangkok connections, baggage, airport timing, separate tickets and a smooth beach-to-mountains transfer.
Chiang Mai to Pai
How to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai — the mountain road, minivan and private transfer options, and what to expect from the journey.
Chiang Mai to Krabi & Koh Samui
Plan Chiang Mai flights to Krabi or Koh Samui: date-specific nonstop options, Bangkok connections, separate tickets, ferry alternatives and airport timing.
Getting Around Chiang Mai
A complete guide to getting around Chiang Mai day to day — songthaews (red trucks), Grab, metered taxis and tuk-tuks compared, with real fares and how each system actually works.
Scooter & Motorbike Rental
Before renting a scooter in Chiang Mai, understand the motorcycle licence and IDP rules, helmets, insurance, rental checks, mountain roads, rain and safer alternatives.
Cost of Living & Retiring in Chiang Mai
A practical guide to living or retiring in Chiang Mai: realistic budgeting, visas, tax, healthcare, housing, transport and how to test the city before committing.
Chiang Mai with Kids
Planning a family trip to Chiang Mai — kid-friendly activities, practical tips, and how to pace a trip with children.
Is Chiang Mai Safe?
A practical Chiang Mai safety guide covering road risk, scams, solo travel, smoke, weather, health, nightlife, emergency help and insurance.
Chiang Mai for Digital Nomads
Why Chiang Mai became a leading digital nomad hub, and what to know about wifi, co-working, community and visas before basing yourself there.
Chiang Mai Railway Station
A practical Chiang Mai Railway Station guide covering official booking, Bangkok trains, sleepers, arrivals, departures, baggage and delays.
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Every department is cross-linked — jump back to the full index, or browse the interactive map.