Flights to Chiang Mai arrive at the Chiang Mai International Airport, which is located about 3 kilometers from the center of the city. Cheap flights to Chiang Mai are available through several low-cost carriers that offer service to this airport. It is quite a busy facility and passengers on Chiang Mai flights have access to a number of amenities such as complimentary Internet terminals and free Wi-Fi connectivity. There is also a duty-free zone as well as several gift shops, cafés, and eateries. Local produce and silk merchants have stands inside the airport as well.

Rental car agencies are available inside the airport, so you can hire a car when you reserve your airfare to Chiang Mai, or after you arrive in the country. You can also take one of the airport taxis from the taxi stands outside. The local transportation is primarily by tuktuk or songthaew, and both of these unique modes of travel are quite cheap. There are also city buses and taxis for inexpensive vicinity travel, or you can rent bicycles or motorbikes to drive yourself around.

Chiang Mai offers visitors a look at its rich culture and history through many local museums and religious temples. The temples are considered sacred places by the Thai people, so you should always ask permission before taking photos while you tour the sites. The walled historic center of Chiang Mai contains a number of temples and shrines. On the outside of the wall is WatPhrathatDoiSuthep, which is a pagoda-style shrine, called a chedi. The unique feature of this chedi is that its roof is plated in gold. If you enjoy nature parks you should also visit the Elephant Reserve and Zoo as well as Bhuping Palace and Dokmai Garden.

There are so many markets in Chiang Mai where you will be able to spend your entire trip shopping if you desire. The most popular local wares are electronics, Taiwanese arts and crafts, and various souvenirs. If you like green celadon stoneware you should go to the Mengrai Kilns during your trip. Chiang Mai rivals Bangkok with its vast array of culinary choices. The best areas to sample the local cuisine are Anusarn Market and Chang Khlan Road. For tourist-friendly nightlife go to LoiKroh Road for the bars and clubs, but if you want to party with the locals you can explore the establishments on Moon Muang Road.