Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Chiang Mai is Thailand's second-largest city, about 700km north of Bangkok in the mountains. The Old City sits inside ancient walls and a moat, with temples scattered throughout. Outside the moat you'll find Nimman, where digital nomads work from coffee shops, and the riverside area with restaurants and bars. The pace is slower than Bangkok - you can walk most places, traffic is lighter, and there's less noise.
• Lots of foreigners live here long-term, so you'll see people working on laptops in cafes, eating alone in restaurants, and generally doing normal daily activities. The mix of locals and expats means solo dining is common - nobody thinks twice about someone eating alone. You can find both authentic Thai food at local markets and international options in the tourist areas.
• Most people in tourist zones, cafes, and hostels speak some English. Tourist Police (1155) have English-speaking operators. In local markets and residential neighborhoods you'll need basic Thai phrases or Google Translate, though pointing and phone calculators work for shopping.
• Crime rates are low compared to most cities. The bigger risks are practical: motorcycle accidents (traffic accidents are common), tap water (don't drink it), and burning season from February to April when farmers burn agricultural land and air quality becomes seriously bad. During March and April the pollution can get severe enough that many expats and tourists leave the city entirely.

Thai is the main language. In tourist areas, cafes, and hostels - especially in Nimman and the Old City - most people speak some English. Tourist Police (1155) have English-speaking operators 24/7. Emergency services (191, 1669) have some English-speaking operators. In local markets and residential areas you'll need basic Thai phrases or Google Translate.

• Cover shoulders and knees at temples, take off shoes before entering buildings. Women can't touch monks or sit next to them on public transport. Some temples like Wat Sri Suphan don't allow women inside at all.
• People here are generally friendly and used to tourists. Smiling helps. Basic Thai phrases like 'sawasdee ka' (hello, for women), 'khop khun ka' (thank you), and 'mai pet' (not spicy) are useful. Don't worry about perfect pronunciation.
• Tipping isn't standard but people appreciate it - round up for street food, leave 20-40 baht at local restaurants, 10% at fancier places. For massages tip 50-100 baht depending on the service.
• Burning season (February-April) is serious - air quality hits hazardous levels. Check the AQI (Air Quality Index) daily during these months. Lots of expats and long-term travelers leave town during March and April because it's that bad.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Tourist Police: 1155. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Grab and Bolt ride-hailing apps work well here. You see the price upfront (usually 90-150 baht within the city), can track your driver, and pay through the app. Set up payment methods before arriving to make verification easier.
• Songthaews are red pickup trucks used as shared taxis - stick out your arm to flag one, pay 30 baht per person when you get off. Cheap and used by locals, but drivers rarely speak English. Have your destination ready on Google Maps to show them.
• The Old City and Nimman are walkable. The city is flat so walking isn't strenuous. Main roads stay lit and busy until midnight, but avoid dark side streets late at night like you would in any city.
• Motorcycle rentals are everywhere and traffic accidents are common - they're the biggest actual risk here. If you rent one anyway: wear a helmet, get proper insurance (not the fake tourist insurance they offer), photograph all existing damage before you leave, never ride after drinking. Police regularly check for licenses and helmets.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Chiang Mai with local guides and curated experiences.