Chiang Mai
City guide · Northern Thailand · Thailand
Wat Phra Singh · Wat Chiang Man
About Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand and the capital of Chiang Mai province, located roughly 700 km north of Bangkok in a mountainous region known as the Thai highlands. Founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lan Na kingdom, the city's historic heart is defined by a square area about 1.6 km by 1.6 km, bordered by remnants of ancient red brick walls and a surrounding moat. The city municipality covers 40.216 km² and had a population of 127,240 in 2019, while the broader urban area, including surrounding districts, had an estimated population of about 1.2 million as of 2023. Chiang Mai was designated a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts in 2017.
Who this destination fits
Highlights worth planning around
Strong fit
- Historic old city with ancient walls, a moat, and significant temples such as Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chiang Man
- Designated a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts in 2017
- Located in the mountainous Thai highlands, offering access to scenic landscapes
- Serves as a major urban center in northern Thailand with an international airport and rail connections
Tradeoffs
- City municipality population is relatively small (127,240 in 2019), but the urban area is much larger and sprawling
- Located 700 km from Bangkok, requiring a longer journey for travelers coming from the capital
- Historic walls remain only as remnants, so the full ancient fortifications are not intact
Decision factors
Getting around
Chiang Mai is served by Chiang Mai International Airport and the Northern Line inter-city rail. The city is located 700 km north of Bangkok.
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