Culture
Customs
Welcoming to foreigners? Yes LGBTQ friendly? Yes, however, public displays of affection are not encouraged.
Etiquette tips
A few things to you can do to be respectful of local customs: - When visiting Wat’s (temples), always dress conservatively - The image of the Buddha is considered sacred. Don't wear t-shirts with the image of Buddha or, if you have a tattoo, try to keep it covered - Do not take pictures of Monks without asking for permission.
How to great people
Place your palms together and give a slight bow of the head. Men should say "Sa-waa-dee-krab" and women should say "Sa-waa-dee-khaa".
Tipping norms
A little goes a long way: 20THB is an appreciated amount in most mid-range places.
Food
Chiang Mai is an epicenter of Thai food culture. Street food is considered some of the best in the world, so don’t pass up on investigating food stalls or mobile food carts.
National dish
Must try local food
Pan-fried spicy meat with dried chilies, larb curry, blood chunks, herbs and spices.
Mixed vegetables with a delicious chilli dip.
This grilled herb sausage with aromatic curry paste is a very popular dish served with fresh vegetables and rice.
A refreshing young jackfruit salad with a garlic-dried chili-shrimp paste base.
Also called boat noodles, this dish has strong flavors - both pork and beef, pickled bean curd, meatballs, and pig's liver while the broth is made with pig or cow blood.
Pan-fried spicy meat with dried chilies, larb curry, blood chunks, herbs and spices.
Mixed vegetables with a delicious chilli dip.
This grilled herb sausage with aromatic curry paste is a very popular dish served with fresh vegetables and rice.
A refreshing young jackfruit salad with a garlic-dried chili-shrimp paste base.
Also called boat noodles, this dish has strong flavors - both pork and beef, pickled bean curd, meatballs, and pig's liver while the broth is made with pig or cow blood.
Pan-fried spicy meat with dried chilies, larb curry, blood chunks, herbs and spices.
Mixed vegetables with a delicious chilli dip.
This grilled herb sausage with aromatic curry paste is a very popular dish served with fresh vegetables and rice.
A refreshing young jackfruit salad with a garlic-dried chili-shrimp paste base.
Also called boat noodles, this dish has strong flavors - both pork and beef, pickled bean curd, meatballs, and pig's liver while the broth is made with pig or cow blood.
Restaurants to visit
Restaurant recommendations from nomads & locals. 4.0+ rating, great atmosphere and good food guaranteed.
Amazing menu with affordable prices. The restaurant is quite small, make a reservation through their Facebook page.
A great spot for trying the famous Khao Soy. It tends to get crowded during lunch hours.
Amazing menu with affordable prices. The restaurant is quite small, make a reservation through their Facebook page.
A great spot for trying the famous Khao Soy. It tends to get crowded during lunch hours.
Amazing menu with affordable prices. The restaurant is quite small, make a reservation through their Facebook page.
A great spot for trying the famous Khao Soy. It tends to get crowded during lunch hours.
Food Festivals & Markets
Sunday Walking Street - Every Sunday, the center of the old city turns into a huge market, filled with artisanal stalls, street food and live entertainment.
Food delivery apps
Grab (Android | iOS) Food Panda (Android | iOS) Tuk (Android | iOS)
Art & music
Where to listen to live music
Nightlife / Clubbing
ReD Chiang Mai — Late night drum n bass, techno, breakbeat, house and trance
Zoe in Yellow — Popular with backpackers & nomads
B.Y.B — After hours
Listen to some local artists while you're preparing for your trip!
Theatre & Film
If you’re lucky, you may catch some street theatre happening around Chiang Mai’s old city.
Siam Dragon Cabaret Show — Cabaret shows run regularly throughout peak tourist season.
6ixcret Show — For an LGBTQ+ extravaganza, you can’t go wrong with a show from 6Secret. Locations change regularly, so check beforehand.
Visual art
You’ll see a wide range of Art Galleries treading the streets of the old city, most are open to walk-ins.
