Chiang Mai GuideFood, Tours & Travel Tips
Doi Inthanon: Walking the Kiew Mae Pan Nature Trail at Thailand's Highest Peak
About two hours by car from HATAGO. We walked the Kiew Mae Pan Nature Trail on Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak at 2,565m.
Longan Picking in Mae Teng — Harvest Season at a Lisu Village
We visited a Lisu village in Mae Teng during longan harvest season. Our guests changed into Lisu traditional dress and picked fruit straight from the tree.
Jingjai Market — A Chiang Mai Favourite, Also Used by Buyers
We visited Jingjai Market on a buying trip with someone opening a northern Thai goods shop in Nagoya this September. Open from 6:30 on weekends, 8:00 on weekdays.
Where to Buy Butterbear in Chiang Mai — Found It on the 3rd Floor of MAYA
A guest asked us where to find Butterbear in Chiang Mai for their daughter. We found it in the character shop area on the 3rd floor of MAYA.
Lao Khao: Thai Rice Liquor at 110 Baht a Bottle — How We Drink It in Chiang Mai
Thailand is not a cheap country for alcohol. My daily drink is Lao Khao, a Thai rice liquor — 110 baht a bottle even at 40%.
Ratchaphruek (Golden Shower) | Thailand's National Flower That Paints Chiang Mai Yellow
Ratchaphruek, the Golden Shower — Thailand's national flower. In the hottest month of April, around Songkran, it dyes the roadsides a brilliant yellow. A story of the flower that colors Chiang Mai's hot season.
Kamthieng Plant Market | Chiang Mai's Permanent Market for Saplings and Greenery
Kamthieng, a permanent plant market in Chiang Mai lined with saplings and houseplants. A local market that plant lovers — even visiting botanists from Japan — adore.
Rotee Padae | A Michelin Bib Gourmand Roti Stall Near Tha Pae Gate
Rotee Padae, a roti specialty stall awarded the 2021 Michelin Bib Gourmand. Found near Tha Pae Gate toward the Ping River, in front of Wat Mahawan, open from 18:30 in the evening.
The Cocoon Sauna & Ice Bath — Herbal Mist Sauna in Hang Dong, Chiang Mai
20 min from HATAGO in Hang Dong. Herbal mist sauna, ice bath & pool. 300 THB. Bring your swimwear.
Eudemonia Sauna & Ice Bath — Chiang Mai's Most Stylish Sauna Experience
20 min from HATAGO. Dry & steam sauna, ice bath, pool, and bar counter. Best visited before sunset. 300 THB.
Elefin Farm & Cafe — The Only Cafe in Chiang Mai Where Elephants Roam Free
25km west of Chiang Mai city. A unique cafe where elephants live freely. Feed, bathe, and ride elephants with mountain views.
Krua Phet Doi Ngam — The Must-Visit Northern Thai Restaurant in Chiang Mai
Featured as the #1 restaurant in the Chiang Mai guidebook. The herbal salad Yam Samunprai is a must-try. Japanese menu available.
episode.0 Day Tour: Pha Chor, Baan Celadon & Chamcha Market
A full-day original tour by episode.0 — visit Pha Chor (Thailand's Grand Canyon), Baan Celadon pottery workshop, and Chamcha weekend market in one unforgettable day around Chiang Mai.
![Best Massage & Spa in Chiang Mai | Thai Traditional to Herbal Sauna [2026]](/images/blog/herbal-steam-sauna/3.webp)
Best Massage & Spa in Chiang Mai | Thai Traditional to Herbal Sauna [2026]
Chiang Mai is a massage paradise. Thai traditional, oil massage, herbal sauna — best spots and prices.
![Getting Around Chiang Mai | Grab, Songthaew & Motorbike Rental [2026]](/images/spot-04.webp)
Getting Around Chiang Mai | Grab, Songthaew & Motorbike Rental [2026]
How to get around Chiang Mai. Comparing Grab, songthaew, tuk-tuk, and motorbike rental with prices and tips.
![Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street Market | Complete Guide [2026]](/images/spot-05.webp)
Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street Market | Complete Guide [2026]
Complete guide to the Sunday Walking Street Market in Chiang Mai's Old City. Best food, crafts, timing and tips.
![Long Stay in Chiang Mai | Monthly Costs, Visa & Best Areas [2026]](/images/spot-02.webp)
Long Stay in Chiang Mai | Monthly Costs, Visa & Best Areas [2026]
Everything you need for a long stay in Chiang Mai. Monthly costs, visa options, and the best neighborhoods.
![Chiang Mai Rainy Season Guide (June-October) | Hidden Gem Season [2026]](/images/blog/doi-inthanon-kiew-mae-pan/1.webp)
Chiang Mai Rainy Season Guide (June-October) | Hidden Gem Season [2026]
Chiang Mai's rainy season is actually a hidden gem. Fewer tourists, cheaper hotels, and the greenest landscapes.
![Top 5 Temples in Chiang Mai | From Doi Suthep to Wat Chedi Luang [2026]](/images/spot-01.webp)
Top 5 Temples in Chiang Mai | From Doi Suthep to Wat Chedi Luang [2026]
5 must-visit temples in Chiang Mai. Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and more with visiting tips.
![Top 5 Stylish Cafes in Chiang Mai | The Ultimate Cafe Guide [2026]](/images/blog/chiang-mai-cafe-guide/1.webp)
Top 5 Stylish Cafes in Chiang Mai | The Ultimate Cafe Guide [2026]
Top 10 cafes in Chiang Mai's cafe paradise. From the old city to Nimman to hidden countryside gems.
![Best Money Exchange in Chiang Mai | Where to Get the Best Rates [2026]](/images/spot-06.webp)
Best Money Exchange in Chiang Mai | Where to Get the Best Rates [2026]
Best money exchange spots in Chiang Mai with the highest rates. Airport, old city, and mall options compared.
![How to Buy a SIM Card in Chiang Mai | AIS vs TrueMove vs DTAC [2026]](/images/spot-08.webp)
How to Buy a SIM Card in Chiang Mai | AIS vs TrueMove vs DTAC [2026]
How to buy a SIM card at Chiang Mai airport or in the city. Comparing Thailand's 3 major carriers: AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC.
![Chiang Mai Visa Guide | Tourist, Retirement & Digital Nomad Visa [2026]](/images/spot-07.webp)
Chiang Mai Visa Guide | Tourist, Retirement & Digital Nomad Visa [2026]
Complete guide to visas for staying in Chiang Mai. 30-day visa exemption, tourist visa, retirement visa, and digital nomad visa explained.
The Giant Chiangmai – An Instagrammable Café Hidden in the Jungle
Hidden deep in the mountains outside Chiang Mai, The Giant Chiangmai is a breathtaking café with massive art installations and panoramic jungle views — a reward for those willing to make the journey.
Salamorn Osot – A 70-Year-Old Herbal Pharmacy Turned Chiang Mai Icon
Salamorn Osot is a 70-year-old Tai Yai herbal pharmacy on Tha Pae Road, famous for its legendary Nam Ya Tat herbal tea — just 5–10 baht per cup and said to work wonders for sore throats.
Herbal Steam Sauna in Chiang Mai – A Local Gem for Just 100 Baht
A local herbal steam sauna near Airport Plaza in Chiang Mai, just 100 baht entry and 5 minutes from HATAGO.
Thamel Coffee – Chiang Mai's Hidden Specialty Coffee Gem
Thamel Coffee is a hidden specialty coffee gem on the second floor of an ethnic goods shop near Warorot Market — a quiet retreat in Chiang Mai's bustling café paradise.
Ferment Space Chiang Mai – Sauna, Ice Bath, and Co-working All in One
Ferment Space combines dry sauna, ice bath, pool, and co-working in one venue. 220 baht entry, 20 minutes from HATAGO.
Yee Peng Lantern Festival at Mae Teng – A Local Experience
A report on the 2025 Yee Peng Lantern Festival at a local Mae Teng venue, featuring lantern releases under a full moon, kratong floating, and a post-festival gathering at HATAGO.
Sang Ga Dee Space – A Bamboo Family Market for Weekend Getaways
Sang Ga Dee Space is a stunning bamboo-built weekend market outside Chiang Mai — a stylish, family-friendly space perfect for Saturday and Sunday outings.
Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai – Japanese Interpreter Available for Peace of Mind
Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai offers Japanese interpreters, 24-hour service, and excellent hospitality – peace of mind for Japanese visitors.
Cacao Farm & Chocolate Workshop Tour – Visiting COCOA DOI SHOP
HATAGOQUEST No.2 visits COCOA DOI SHOP in Doi Saket – a cacao farm and chocolate workshop run by a Lisu tribe woman, featuring cacao liqueur, whiskey, and hands-on chocolate making.
Mae Wang National Park – A Day Trip to Chiang Mai's Wild Side
Mae Wang National Park is an outdoor paradise just one hour south of Chiang Mai, featuring the stunning 30-meter Pha Chor sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and camping under star-filled skies.
Lisu New Year Festival at Ban Sam Li Village Near Chiang Mai
Lisu New Year Festival at Ban Sam Li village, 2 hours from Chiang Mai. Vibrant traditional costumes, music, and dance – an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Buatong Waterfall – Climb a Waterfall in Chiang Mai
Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall lets you climb up a waterfall barefoot. HATAGO's Arlee organized a spontaneous tour for British and Japanese guests.
Mon Cham – Chiang Mai's Stunning Hilltop Garden at 1,350m
Mon Cham is Chiang Mai's premier natural viewpoint at 1,350m elevation in Mae Rim district — featuring flower gardens, highland farms, summit cafés, and breathtaking mountain panoramas.
HATAGOQUEST – Arlee's Village Homestay Tour at Ban Sam Li
HATAGOQUEST No.1 – a homestay experience at Ban Sam Li, a Lisu tribe village where HATAGO's Arlee grew up, with seasonal fruit picking.
Nam Pai – Chiang Mai's Riverside Retreat & Songkran Secret Spot
Nam Pai is Thailand's answer to Kyoto's kawadoko — riverside dining platforms on the Ping River, just 5 minutes from HATAGO. During Songkran, it's the local alternative to the tourist-heavy old city water fights.
Chai Cafe – A Cozy Cafe near Chang Dha, Chiang Mai
Chai Cafe, a cozy local cafe near Chang Dha in Chiang Mai. Open 8:00-17:00, closed Tuesdays.
Episode.0 Tour Highlights – Pha Chor, Mae Ya Waterfall & Thanin Market
Episode.0's original tour takes you through Chiang Mai's highlights in one day — Pha Chor, Mae Ya Waterfall, Thanin Market, Saturday Night Market, and Santitham street food.
On Thai Massage School – Learn Thai Massage in Chiang Mai
On Thai Massage School in Chiang Mai – learn traditional Thai massage techniques, arranged by HATAGO for interested guests.
Chiang Mai to Bangkok by Sleeper Train – A 13-Hour Railway Journey
The Chiang Mai to Bangkok sleeper train departs at 17:00 and arrives at 06:15 the next morning — a 13-hour railway journey offering sunset-to-sunrise views that no flight can match.
Baan Karn Wat – Chiang Mai's Handcraft Market
Baan Karn Wat – a handcraft market with 30 artisan shops in Chiang Mai, featuring workshops and unique souvenirs. Open 10:00-18:00, closed Mondays.
Orange Picking Tour at Ban Sam Li Village – November Harvest
November orange picking tour at Ban Sam Li – the same Lisu village as our mango tour, but with a different seasonal harvest.
Satanee Patongko — Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside Thai Fried Dough
Thai-style fried dough (youtiao) — crispy outside, fluffy and chewy inside. Like Japanese age-pan.
Nongnueng Pohchana — Peppery Beef Noodle Soup in Chiang Mai
A long-established beef noodle shop with a beautifully peppery, spicy broth.
Gusto Site — Popular & Affordable Dining in Sankampaeng
Stylish, affordable, and delicious. Packed with Thai locals every day in Sankampaeng.
Vegetarian Center — Donation-Based Buddhist Restaurant in Chiang Mai
Pay-what-you-want Buddhist restaurant. Wash your own dishes when done. A unique Chiang Mai dining experience.
Khao Soi Lamduan Fahham — Bib Gourmand Noodle Shop with Lanna-Style Decor
The Bib Gourmand branch of the famous Lamduan khao soi with beautiful Lanna-style architecture. Spicy coconut curry noodles at their finest.
Saam Sen Villa — Sophisticated Riverside Dining on the Ping River
Riverside restaurant near the old city with frozen beer, extensive menu, and a relaxed atmosphere. Mild flavors perfect for Thai food beginners.
Tuey Tim Sam — Ridiculously Cheap Dim Sum in Chiang Mai
Giant shrimp dim sum for 50B, everything else 20-30B, free unlimited vegetables. Walking distance from Night Market.
Nai Khao Nueng — Chiang Mai's Best-Kept Secret for Northern Thai Food
A small local restaurant in Sankampaeng, unknown to tourists but far superior to famous Northern Thai restaurants. Affordable and incredibly delicious.
Rim Na La Cafe — A Hidden Riverside Cafe in Mae Rim
Cross a suspension bridge to reach this riverside cafe in Mae Rim. Indoor and outdoor seating by a stream, with lychee trees and fresh coffee.
Yook Samai — Instagram-Worthy Khao Soi at Baan Karn Wat Market
Stylish khao soi inside Baan Karn Wat craft market. Beautiful plating, quite spicy, a unique dining experience.
Vikun Panit — Chiang Mai's Legendary Pork Buns with Chestnuts
A legendary takeaway pork bun shop near the Ping River. Packed with meat and 3 whole chestnuts. Their shumai is also excellent.
Haan Thung — 3-Year Michelin Bib Gourmand Winner with 200+ Northern Thai Dishes
3 consecutive years of Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition. 200+ menu items from khao soi to ant egg omelette. The ultimate Northern Thai experience.
Santitham Street Food — Chiang Mai's Authentic Late-Night Food Scene
No tourists here — just locals enjoying 69B buffalo steak, som tam, and pad thai at Chiang Mai's most authentic night food street.
Meena Rice — Elegant Thai Dining That Delights All Senses
An elegant Thai restaurant where you can enjoy beautiful presentation and gentle, aromatic flavors in a relaxed atmosphere.
Jok Somphet — Chiang Mai's Most Famous Rice Porridge Shop
The most famous rice porridge (jok) in Chiang Mai. Rich broth with silky smooth rice — comfort food at its finest.
Nong Bee's Burmese Restaurant — Cheap & Delicious Myanmar Food in Nimman
A casual Burmese eatery on Nimman with incredibly cheap prices. The Tea Leaf Salad is a must-try with its unique texture.
Lamdee Tee Khua Daeng — Delicious Northern Thai Cuisine Without the Heat
Michelin-recognized Northern Thai restaurant. Flavorful dishes without excessive spice — perfect for Thai food beginners.
Neng Moo Op On — Crispy Jar-Roasted Pork in Chiang Mai
Unique jar-roasted pork with crispy skin and juicy meat. A must-visit local BBQ spot in Chiang Mai.
Khao Soi Baan Bua Roi — The Best Khao Soi in Chiang Mai (Mae Rim)
A hidden gem in Mae Rim serving the most delicious mild coconut milk khao soi. Perfect for those who prefer less spicy dishes.
Songkran in Chiang Mai 2026: episode.0 Original Water Festival Tour
Experience Songkran in Chiang Mai with episode.0 original tour. Riverside dining, splash with locals, then join the battle at MAYA intersection.
![Handmade Spoon Rings for 99B at Chamcha Market in Chiang Mai [Weekend Market Guide]](/images/blog/chamcha-market/02.webp)
Handmade Spoon Rings for 99B at Chamcha Market in Chiang Mai [Weekend Market Guide]
Discover handmade rings crafted from vintage spoons and forks at Chamcha Market in Chiang Mai. Just 99 Baht for a unique, one-of-a-kind ring made to fit your finger.
![Mango Picking Tour in a Lisu Hill Tribe Village near Chiang Mai [June-July 2026]](/images/blog/mango-tour/01.webp)
Mango Picking Tour in a Lisu Hill Tribe Village near Chiang Mai [June-July 2026]
Experience mango picking in Ban Sam Lee, a hidden Lisu hill tribe village north of Chiang Mai. Limited to June-July 2026, with transportation included. Open to all visitors.
8 Must-Try Local Foods in Chiang Mai: Northern Thai Cuisine Guide
From Khao Soi to Sai Ua and Laab, discover essential Northern Thai dishes in Chiang Mai.
5 Best Night Markets in Chiang Mai: Day-by-Day Guide
Chiang Mai has night markets every day! From Saturday Walking Street to Sunday Market and the nightly Night Bazaar.
Getting from Chiang Mai Airport to the City: Complete Transfer Guide
Complete guide to getting from Chiang Mai Airport to your hotel. Compare taxis, songthaews, Grab, and hotel transfers.