3 days in Chiang Mai for Loy Krathong and Yi Peng

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. 1
   AfternoonWorth the time

   Warorot Market

   The big local market near the river, with stalls of flowers, banana leaves, candles and incense heaped for the festival. Walk through and see what goes into a basket. Pay respect to the stallholders, and ask before a photo.

   Go when Afternoon, when the stalls are full of flowers.

   Local tip Look for banana trunk, leaves, flowers and incense, and ask before you take a photo. If you buy a basket, ask what it is made of, and choose one of natural materials only. The market may be crowded in the days before the festival.

   

   About 6 min walk0.5 km
2. 2
   EveningCheck ahead

   Nawarat Bridge

   The bridge over the Ping River that, in the festival, is one of the usual places for setting out baskets. The crowd is dense and moves slowly, with lanterns, music and fireworks around it. Dates and arrangements change, so check ahead.

   Go when Evening, early, before the crowd is thick.

   Local tip The bridge and its banks are one of the usual places for setting out baskets, and they get very crowded. Keep to marked areas, hold on to your group and watch for firecrackers.

3. Treat

   Mango sticky rice

   Sweet sticky rice with coconut cream and ripe mango, a dessert from the market stalls. The mango is at its best in the hot season, so in November it may be a different fruit.

   Local tip Ask what fruit is in season. The coconut cream is rich, so share a portion.

   

   About 2 min walk0.2 km
4. 3
   EveningTake care by the water

   Ping River

   The river that runs along the east side of the city. On the full moon night people kneel on its banks to set baskets on the water, light the candle and make a wish. Keep to the marked areas and the steps, and never swim at night.

   Go when Evening, for the baskets on the water.

   Local tip Choose a basket of banana trunk, leaves and flowers only, never foam or plastic, and leave out a coin you do not need. Kneel on the steps, light the candle and set it down gently. Never swim at night.

   

   About 6 min walk0.5 km
5. 4
   EveningA place to stroll

   Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

   A night market of stalls selling crafts, clothes and snacks, with places to eat close by. In the festival season it is busy and may be hung with lanterns, and it is a gentle way to spend an evening before the big night.

   Go when Evening, after dinner.

   Local tip Wander before you buy anything. It is busy in the festival season, so keep your bag in front and bargain with a smile.

   

6. Dinner

   Night market snacks

   Skewers of grilled meat, fried dumplings, sweet pancakes and a bowl of noodles from the food stalls near the bazaar, eaten standing or at a low table.

   Local tip Choose stalls with a steady line and food cooked in front of you. Tell the staff about any allergy first.

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Wat Chiang Man

   Often described as the first temple of the old city, with a chedi held up by a ring of stone elephants, in a quiet courtyard. In the days before the festival, people come to pray and make merit.

   Go when Morning, before the families arrive.

   Local tip Look at the row of elephants round the chedi. Give people at prayer plenty of room, and ask before photographing anyone.

   

   About 10 min walk0.8 km
2. 2
   AfternoonCheck ahead

   Tha Phae Gate

   The old brick gate on the east side of the old city. On the festival evening a parade of lit floats and people in costume has often set out from around here, though arrangements change, so check ahead. Watch from the side of the road.

   Go when Late afternoon, for the crowds forming and the lights.

   Local tip A parade has often set out from around here on the evening, though the arrangements change, so check ahead. Watch from the side, keep your hair away from candles and leave a way out.

   

   About 8 min walk0.7 km
3. 3
   AfternoonWorth a short stop

   Three Kings Monument

   A bronze monument to three kings of the north in a square at the center of the old town. It is a place for a quiet pause, with flowers left at its base by people who stop to pay their respects.

   Go when Early afternoon, while the square is still.

   Local tip Stand back while people leave flowers and incense, and keep off the steps of the monument.

   

   About 3 min walk0.3 km
4. 4
   EveningWorth the time

   Wat Phan Tao

   A small temple of golden teak next to Wat Chedi Luang, hung with lanterns in the festival season. After dark the carved wood and the soft light make it one of the most beautiful corners of the old city.

   Go when Evening, when the lanterns are lit.

   Local tip Look at the carved gables from the courtyard, and do not touch the old wood. A few quiet minutes are enough, and a slow second look after dark is worth it.

   

5. Dinner

   A northern dinner on a low tray

   Shared northern dishes served on a low round tray: a chili dip, curries, fried pork and vegetables, with sticky rice. Many restaurants in the old city offer it, often with music or a dance in the evening.

   Local tip Tell the staff about any allergy before the dishes come, and share a little of each rather than ordering too much.

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Wat Phra Singh

   The most important temple of the old city, with a graceful hall in the northern style, a much loved Buddha image and painted walls. Go early, before the day trippers, and sit for a minute in the hall.

   Go when Morning, before the tour groups.

   Local tip Take off your shoes at the hall door and sit quietly for a minute to look at the painted walls. Keep your shoulders and knees covered, and do not point your feet at the Buddha.

   

   About 11 min by car or transit3.2 km
2. 2
   MorningWorth the time

   Wat Umong

   A temple set in a wood, with old tunnels, a pond and shady paths, still lived in by monks. In the cool season it is a calm, green place to wander slowly.

   Go when Morning, in the cool of the trees.

   Local tip Follow the paths down to the tunnels and the pond. Monks live here, so speak softly and do not stage photographs in the tunnels.

   

3. Lunch

   Gaeng hang lay

   A mild, rich pork curry with ginger and tamarind, a dish of the north with a Burmese touch, eaten with sticky rice. A slow lunch in the shade before the evening.

   Local tip Tell the staff about any pork or peanut allergy first, since the paste and garnish can contain them.

   About 12 min by car or transit3.7 km
4. 3
   MiddayWorth the time

   Wat Chedi Luang

   The great temple at the heart of the old city, where a huge brick chedi stands partly in ruin. In the festival season it is often hung with paper lanterns, and monks may be preparing for the evening ceremonies.

   Go when Midday for the ruin, and again after dark for the light.

   Local tip Walk once around the great chedi and look at the elephants carved on it. Lanterns and chanting may be part of the evenings, so stay at the edge and keep your voice low.

   

   About 18 min by car or transit7.1 km
5. 4
   MiddayWorth the time

   Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

   The mountain temple on the hill above the city, with a long stair, a golden chedi and a wide view of the plain. Dress modestly. It is cool at the top in this season, and haze can soften the view.

   Go when Midday, then back before the late light fades.

   Local tip Climb the stair on foot if you can, then walk once around the golden chedi in the direction the others go. Bring a layer, since the top is cooler than the town.