Search and Compare Chiang Mai Flights

Known as “The Rose of the North”, Chiang Mai was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. For centuries, the city, which is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, was accessible only by river and elephant; a geographical isolation that has helped it to maintain its ancient charm. Chiang Mai has undergone a transformation in the last quarter of a century, evolving from a sleepy, rural region into a tourist hotspot, which welcomes visitors from Thailand and across the globe. With its abundance of natural beauty, ancient architecture, and modern and Buddhist culture, Chiang Mai offers something to people of all tastes, ages and cultures. It is no wonder, then, that more and more people are flocking to this incredible city.

Direct flights to Chiang Mai will bring you to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) , just over a mile southwest of the city centre.

Experiencing a typical sub-tropical climate, Chiang Mai is cooler from October to February, when daytime temperatures average around 30°C, dropping to about 17°C at night. March to June are consistently hot, with temperatures soaring to the mid-to-high thirties, and rarely dropping below 25°C at night, while the rainy season starts in mid-June, bringing with it elevated humidity and a slight drop in temperatures. For cheap flights to Chiang Mai and good deals on hotels, plan your trip in the shoulder seasons of October-November or March-May.

Chiang Mai is a tantalising combination of modern and ancient Thailand. The spaces between temples (wats) and ancient structures have been filled with modern houses and hotels, however they don’t detract from the city’s sleepy charm. A trip to Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre will help you get to grips with the city’s wonderful heritage. Housed in a Thai-colonial building built in 1927, the museum gives you a whistle-stop-tour of the city’s history, detailing conflicts and battles, and displaying precious artefacts, arts and crafts as well as a delightful replica of a traditional Lanna village. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to wats and it is impossible to view them all on your trip to Chiang Mai. It is a good idea to make a list of wats that you particularly want to visit and settle for a “walk-by” viewing of the others. Built in 1441, Wat Chedi Luang is thought to have been one of the biggest structures of ancient Chiang Mai, but the top of the temple was destroyed sometime between the 16th and 18th centuries. Until 1475, Wat Chedi Luang was the home of the famous Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew), which is now located in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. However, you can view a jade replica, which was presented to the temple in 1995 by the King of Thailand, to commemorate its 600th anniversary. Ongoing renovation projects over the last two decades have seen the magnificent temple restored to at least part of its former glory and today the imposing structure with its vast grounds is a haven of tranquillity. Wat Phra Singh is Chiang Mai’s most celebrated temple. Its revered status is evident in the immaculate upkeep; from perfectly manicured grounds, to gleaming mosaic-work and prosperous coffee stands. Tourists and pilgrims gather at Wat Phra Singh to take in its magnificent architecture and to pay homage to the Lion Buddha (Phra Singh), whose image is kept in the chapel, Wihan Lai Kham. The icon’s provenance is unclear, but it is said that it came from Sri Lanka to Thailand in 1367. Whatever its origins, the icon itself, the chapel that houses it, and the broader compound of the wat are simply exquisite and promise to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Chiang Mai is fringed by two of Thailand’s most sacred peaks, Doi Suthep and Doi Pui. The Doi Suthep-Pui National Park encompasses both peaks and is full of lush, imposing tropical forest. Crowds of nature lovers and pilgrims gather at the natural park; the former to explore the myriad flora and fauna on display and the latter to worship at the temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. A visit to the national park is a must on your trip to Chiang Mai; as soon as you enter the lowland rainforest you will be entranced by the meticulously preserved forestry. Ascend into the upper forests, wreathed in wisps of cloud, where you will encounter hundreds of bird species and thousands of tropical plants. Don’t worry about walking or climbing in the heat: take swimming kit and cool off in one of the park’s many incredible waterfalls, such as Nam Tok Wang Bua Bahn, a series of rapids running into crystal clear pools. Nam Tok Wan Bua Bahn is free to use and often packed with locals; if you want something a little more white-knuckle and are willing to go off the beaten track, head for Nam Tok Monthathon. You will need to pay park fees to visit this waterfall but its imposing cascades and dozens of pools are worth the effort and the (small) fee. The national park is more than a day trip; on your trip to Chiang Mai you can spend days in the park mountain-biking, walking, sight-seeing or visiting the Hmong villages. If that seems a little too much like hard work, find a coffee- house where you can sit, relax and enjoy.

Just as Chiang Mai’s culture is unique, so is its cuisine. A heavy influence from China and Burma and its erstwhile relative isolation from the rest of Thailand have heralded the delicious flavour of typical Chiang Mai food. Chiang Mai cuisine utilises indigenous jungle foods, such as wild game, roots and plants, instead of the traditional coconut milk, palm sugar and fish sauce, more readily available elsewhere in Thailand. Chiang Mai is a heaven for gourmands; its maze of streets is laced with the scents of delectable street food, the smells of sai ua (a sausage spiced with lemongrass), and mu ping (pork skewers) sizzling in the air. Pork is a favourite meat and comes in myriad guises: barbecued, stewed, stir-fried and served with egg, garlic, the obligatory sticky rice and a range of chilli dips. Whatever your culinary tastes, you will be spoilt for choice in Chiang Mai. Whatever you do on your trip to Chiang Mai, you are guaranteed to fall in love with its unique culture and incredible fusion of old and new. Chiang Mai’s calm ambience means that visitors can’t fail to leave the stunning city refreshed, invigorated and desperate to return. If you want to make memories that will last a lifetime, let Travangelo help you to find cheap flights to Chiang Mai.