Here are some links to additional pages to help you plan your trip to Chiang Mai.
- Day Trips
- There are a number of day trips you can take to places outside of Chiang Mai. The linked page lists those that can be booked in advance.
- Events
- See our article on Thailand Events for a list of national holidays and festivals. The linked page shows some events that are specific to Chiang Mai and the north.
- Excursions
- In addition to the many sights of Chiang Mai itself, the city makes an excellent base for exploring the far north. Most of the other major attractions of the north can be visited as a day trip from Chiang Mai, making the city a great base for exploring the unique culture of the old "Lanna" kingdom.
- Maps & Guides
- Chiang Mai is not as well covered with specific guidebooks as Bangkok. Of the major guidebook series, only Lonely Planet has a book dedicated to northern Thailand. It's worth noting that most hotels and many restaurants have free maps and tourist booklets freely available. There's no real need to purchase a map, although both the Nancy Chandler and Luxe maps have content you won't find elsewhere.
- Suggested Itineraries
- Chiang Mai is the kind of place where you can easily spend a few days or a few weeks. You can reach most other places of interest in the north on day trips, so the city can be used as a base for exploring almost all of the north.