Your first trip to Chiang Mai
Everything you need, nothing you don't

The taxi desk is right by the arrivals exit: give your destination and take a ticket. The fare into the city is a fixed ฿150–200 depending on distance — handy with several bags or a late arrival. Alternatively, call a Grab (around ฿120–180), or use your hotel's shuttle if it offers one.

If you're travelling light and want to save, walk out of the terminal and flag a red songthaew. Tell the driver your destination and agree the price before you get in — roughly ฿40–60 per person shared into the Old City (more to charter the whole truck). It's the cheapest, most local way in. See all in-city options at getting around Chiang Mai →

Every temple asks you to cover your shoulders and knees — no sleeveless tops, vests, shorts or short skirts. Keep a light scarf in your bag just in case. Some larger temples such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep lend a sarong at the entrance, but not all do, so it is safer to bring your own.

Remove your shoes before entering any prayer hall or ordination hall — a rack or a pile of shoes by the door is the signal. You can keep your socks on if the floor is hot. Inside, speak quietly, silence your phone, and take your hat off as a sign of respect.

When you sit inside a hall, tuck your feet behind you and never stretch out or point your feet toward the main Buddha image — it is considered rude. Don't climb on or point at the Buddha for photos, and keep the noise and horseplay out of the hall area.

By custom, women should not touch a monk or hand something directly to one. To make an offering, place it on a cloth or have a man pass it instead. If you pass a monk, give way and keep your manner composed. It is an etiquette observed across Thailand.

Red songthaews mostly don't run a meter, so tell the driver your destination and agree the price before getting in. In-town hops are usually around ฿30–50 per person shared. If you call a Grab, the price is shown clearly in the app already — easier for a first-timer still learning the going rates.

Plenty of people rent a scooter to explore Chiang Mai, but you need a valid licence, you must wear a helmet, and you should check the bike's condition and photograph any scratches before you take it. Confirm the insurance. The mountain roads are steep and winding — if you're not used to it, a red truck or Grab is the safer call.

Even though PromptPay scanning is widespread, foreign visitors without a Thai account should carry cash, because markets, street stalls and songthaews take cash only. ATMs are everywhere, but a foreign-card withdrawal carries a fee of about ฿220 each time, so it's cheaper to take out larger amounts at once.

Many first-timers don't realise Chiang Mai has a smoky season from roughly February to April, when PM2.5 climbs and the mountain views turn hazy. If you can, pick the cool season (Nov–Feb) instead. If you do come then, pack a haze mask and check the AQI daily. Best months at the season guide →

Chiang Mai is a temple city, and arriving in unsuitable clothing can mean being asked to wait outside. Carry a light scarf, take your shoes off before entering a prayer hall, and keep your manner composed inside — small things that let you visit with ease and respect the place.

Chiang Mai is very safe, but in busy places like the Night Bazaar and the walking streets, look after your bag and valuables as you normally would. Keep your bag in front of you, don't leave your phone sitting on a table, and stay aware of your things as you squeeze through the market. That's all it takes to enjoy it worry-free.