Chiang Mai
Twin peaks rise above the city, with Doi Pui topping 1 700 metres and Doi Suthep exceeding 1 600 metres, framing Chiang Mai’s skyline in the Thai highlands. The city lies about 700 km north of Bangkok, occupying a basin on the Ping River in northern Thailand. With roughly 127 000 residents inside its municipal limits and an urban population of about 1.2 million, it serves as the provincial capital and a cultural hub.
The historic centre occupies a square of roughly 1.6 km by 1.6 km, where remnants of ancient red‑brick walls and a surrounding moat outline the old city. Within these bounds, the west bank of the Ping River hosts the Sriwichai ward, while the east bank contains Kawila ward. The municipality spreads over 40.2 km², but the urban area expands to 405 km², spilling into six neighbouring districts such as Hang Dong, San Sai and Saraphi, a pattern unique among Thai cities outside Bangkok. The Thanon Thong Chai range lies to the west, and the Khun Tan range to the east, giving the basin a varied topography at an average elevation of 300 m.
Founded in 1296 as the new capital of Lan Na, the city’s early ruler Phayu enlarged the walls and commissioned Wat Phra Singh in honor of his father. The site later endured occupation by the Toungoo Empire, incorporation into the Thonburi Kingdom, and periods of abandonment before modern municipal reforms in the 20th century. In 2017 Chiang Mai joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a City of Crafts and Folk Arts, reflecting its long‑standing reputation for traditional handiwork. The city also hosted the 2006 Chiang Mai Initiative, a landmark ASEAN‑plus‑three financial agreement, and appeared on TripAdvisor’s 2014 list of the world’s 25 best destinations.
The silhouette of Doi Pui and Doi Suthep, watching over ancient walls and a river‑lined old town, remains the most recognizable image of Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Chiang Mai itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Chiang Mai itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Family Adventure in Thailand
Absolutely, Thailand has been our favourite travel destination so far.
Southeast Asia Highlights Tour
Raj and his wife explored Thailand and Vietnam on a three‑week adventure that blended city buzz with coastal serenity. The itinerary traced Bangkok’s temples, Chiang Mai’s hills, island hops in Krabi and Phuket, then Hanoi’s streets, a Halong Bay cruise, and Saigon’s nightlife. Friendly local guides and bustling markets offered Raj authentic flavors and insights, leaving him with a lasting appreciation for Southeast Asia’s diverse traditions.
2 Week Thailand and Vietnam Discovery
This itinerary was created for clients of Anywhere who are visiting Thailand or Vietnam. Our trips can be customized to meet your travel preferences, dates and budget. Are you looking for alternative lodging, activities or hotels? You can count on our local experts to help you in Southeast Asia. For a personalized trip to Thailand and Vietnam, get in touch with us today.
Explore North Thailand
You’ll experience lush nature, diverse culture, delicious cuisine unique to the Northern region of Thailand.
Thailand Discovery
A great way to discover Thailand, take in the Central Plain and Bangkok, the north with Chiang Mai and the more remote Chiang Rai area.
A Quick Overview Of Thailand
Take a trip to Thailand that will satisfy your wonderlust and allow you to experience the diverse culture, landscape, and wildlife of Thailand.
Amazing Thailand
This amazing Thailand trip is perfect for you and your partner. It's full of adventure, romance, relaxation, and new experiences.
Thailand Panorama
This expansive tour of Thailand will broaden your understanding of the culture, the best places to visit, and the best ways to get insider information.
Experiences in Chiang Mai
Explore hand-picked Chiang Mai tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Bangkok fly to Chaing Mai, City Temples and Monk Chat at Wat Suan Dok
Chiang Mai Full-Day Chai Lai Elephant Jungle Expedition
Evening Khantoke Dinner at Old Chiangmai Cultural Center
Insider-led Thailand Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Thailand Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
