Planning a trip to Chiang Mai
How many days in Chiang Mai, where to stay, budget guidance in baht, the Thailand visa and TDAC, families, solo travel and first-timer advice.
Read our in-depth guides
Chiang Mai budget guide: real daily costs for 2026
Realistic Chiang Mai daily budgets in THB and USD for backpacker, mid-range and luxury travel, by accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Chiang Mai packing list: what to bring by season and activity
A realistic Chiang Mai packing list for cool, hot/burning and rainy season, plus what to pack for temples, trekking and elephant sanctuaries.
Chiang Mai SIM card and internet guide: eSIM, local SIM and wifi
eSIM vs physical SIM for Chiang Mai: real 2026 prices, where to buy at the airport or in the city, and what wifi coverage actually looks like.
How many days do you need in Chiang Mai?
3 days covers the highlights, 5 is the sweet spot, 7+ adds Pai or Chiang Rai. A day-by-day breakdown for every length of Chiang Mai stay.
Is Chiang Mai safe? An honest assessment for travellers
Chiang Mai's real safety picture: low violent crime, common scams, road and scooter risk, burning-season air quality, solo and family travel notes.
Money, ATMs and currency in Chiang Mai: a practical guide
How to handle money in Chiang Mai: realistic ATM fees, cash vs card, currency exchange, tipping norms and how much THB to carry each day.
How to plan a trip to Chiang Mai: the complete checklist
The master Chiang Mai planning checklist: how many days, when to go, where to stay, budget, visa, SIM, money and packing, all in one place.
Thailand visa requirements for Chiang Mai: entry, TDAC and extensions
What to know before flying into Chiang Mai: visa exemption categories, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, and extending your stay at local immigration