Chiang Mai · Northern Thailand
Mountains & Culture
Culture, mountain trails, and elephants walking right beside you.
Mountain treksLanna templesStreet foodCosy cafés
See what we love About Mountains & Culture
Northern Thailand's cultural heart. Chiang Mai is where ancient Lanna traditions meet cosy coffee culture, mountain trekking and some of the most beautiful temples in Asia.
Mountain Escapes
Misty peaks, rice terraces and hidden hill-tribe villages.
Lanna Culture
Ancient temples, artisan markets and deep local traditions.
Food & Flavour
Khao soi, night bazaars and Lanna cooking lessons.
Cosy City Life
Specialty cafés, boutique stays and a warm, easy pace.
01Where you'll be
A city with the mountains at its back
Most of Chiang Mai life centres on the old moated city and the hills around it. Here's how the areas fit together.
02Getting there
How to get there
Chiang Mai has its own international airport (CNX), a short hop from Bangkok (~1h 15) and a handful of regional cities. From the airport it's a 10–15 minute ride into the Old City — we'll have everything lined up for your arrival.
03When to come
Best time to visit
Sunny & dryMixedRainyHeavy rain
January
Peak cool season. Cool mornings, warm days and clear blue skies — the very best time to visit.
04The people
Meet our local friends in Chiang Mai
The hosts, guides and cooks who were born and raised in the north.
Meet everyone we trust05What you can do
Experiences we'd recommend
Every one led by a local friend who knows the north inside out.
Stay in Mountains & Culture
View all staysHandpicked places to rest, hosted by people we know and trust.
Hahn Haven
Our Local Friend Chiang Mai · Courtyard pool villa
A private four-bedroom courtyard villa with its own plunge pool, a short ride from the Night Bazaar — breakfast and parking included, the whole place yours, hosted by Jane.
From $187 / night ฿5,600
Luxury Hannah Villas
Our Local Friend Hang Dong, Chiang Mai · On the Ping River
Chiang Mai's celebrated Lanna heritage retreat — a riverside estate of 5 teakwood suites with a private pool, tropical gardens and daily breakfast by your private chef. An 8-year Airbnb Superhost, 4.92★, taken as the whole villa.
From $567 / night ฿17,000
06Go deeper
Choose your destination
Ready to zoom in? Pick a coastline and see every stay, experience and local friend there.
Got a question? Just ask.
Tell us where you want to go, what you're into, or what you're not sure about. We reply within 24 hours — from real people who live here.
Book with us and we'll send your personal itinerary & local list before you arrive.