Visit Chiang Mai This November
November is one of the best times to visit Chiang Mai, Thailand, offering a harmonious mix of pleasant weather, cultural festivities, and natural beauty.
Imagine a night sky lighting up with thousands of floating lanterns, or a river shimmering with candlelight. Magical experiences await you in Chiang Mai, so read on and find out why you should be planning your Chiang Mai itinerary right now! Before you jet off, always remember to purchase your travel insurance to safeguard your trip.
Why Visit Chiang Mai Specifically in November?
1. Perfect Timing
This year, the year-end school holidays in Singapore begin on 16 November, which makes it a perfect time for a family vacation, and it’s just a 3-hour flight to get to Chiang Mai from Singapore. November is still considered the shoulder season in Thailand, where crowds may just only begin filling in at the major tourist areas such as Bangkok and Phuket, but places like Chiang Mai are still lovely to enjoy with some breathing space away from tourist hordes.
2. Lovely Weather
November is exactly the month where it transitions out of the wet season into the dry season, which is why December and January are the peak tourism months. The two weeks of November may present a little lingering rain, but then you can expect temperatures between 18°C and 28°C, lower humidity compared to the rainy season, and cool breezes in the mornings and evenings. This lovely Chiang Mai weather in November makes exploring and engaging in outdoor activities really pleasant, not having to deal with sweaty weather.
3. Local Calendar
This time of the year, the markets are bustling again after the monsoon season is over, which makes it lovely to meander through local markets or people-watch along the river. It’s also just out of the “Burning Season”; farmers also haven't started burning their crop fields yet (they usually begin in January or February), so you’ll still be able to enjoy haze-free skies and beautiful sunsets.
4. Lush Greenery
Since November follows just after the rainy season, the rain would have transformed the city into an emerald paradise. This is when Chiang Mai is actually at its most vibrant, with lush green landscapes that all nature lovers will appreciate. The mountains, forests, and rice fields are particularly scenic at this time, making it perfect for trekking, hiking, and visiting waterfalls.
5. Floral Bloom
November, marking the start of the cool and dry season, is also when Thailand becomes in full bloom. This is when Chiang Mai’s mountains, parks and gardens all burst to life with seasonal blooms flowering in the bright sunshine. It’s a gorgeous time to visit places like the I Love Flower Farm, Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, and Royal Park Rajapruek.
6. Loy Krathong
We may be familiar with that old childhood song “Loy, Loy Krathong…” but to actually participate in this Thai festival in Chiang Mai is a whole other experience.
On the evening of the full moon in November (this year, 16 Nov 2024), people throughout Thailand gather along bridges and rivers where they light decorative lanterns (khom loy) and send off beautiful flower boats into the water (krathong). It’s believed that this ritual can help with letting go of negativities from your past, and to bring about a brighter future.
Even if you don’t participate, you can explore the colourful night bazaars, or sample the local street food (including adventurous delicacies like insects!). Being surrounded by the joyous atmosphere of this festival will be a wonderful experience for the whole family.
7. Yi Peng Lantern Festival
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai is famous for the sight of thousands of glowing paper lanterns being released into the night sky, symbolising the letting go of misfortunes and making wishes for the future, quite similar to that of Loy Krathong.
This year, the festival will take place on 15 and 16 November (coinciding with Loy Krathong!). You can participate in the lantern releasing, or simply enjoy the awe-inspiring sight of the sky filling with light. The festival usually also includes traditional Thai cultural performances and parades, surrounded by a peaceful and celebratory atmosphere, illuminated by candles and lanterns.
9 Unique Experiences in Chiang Mai
So now you know that November is really the perfect time to visit, what about a Chiang Mai “Things to Do” list? Let us suggest a couple of unique experiences that will guarantee not only an amazing trip, but a deeper connection with the nature, animals, people and culture of Thailand.
1. Climb the Sticky Waterfalls
The Bua Thong Waterfalls are affectionately known as “Sticky Waterfalls” because of a unique property that sets it apart. Most waterfalls can be extremely slippery and dangerous to climb because of the mossy rock surfaces.
This waterfall, however, features porous, calcified limestone rocks that, when combined with the flowing mineral-rich spring water , feel slightly spongy and “sticky”, allowing you to climb the falls barefoot.
It’s safe enough for kids to clamber up the falls, but there are also adjacent stairs that take you to the source of the springs, a deep hole filled with water that’s a gorgeous and vibrant shade of blue.
2. Enjoy Elephants Ethically
Elephants are iconic to Thailand, and most tourists love the idea of interacting with these gentle giants, but finding ethical elephant sanctuaries dedicated to their welfare is key.
Elephant riding and bathing elephants are now a thing of the past as more tourists are realising that the only way to effect change is by saying “No” to elephant interactions that are unnatural for them.
Most ethical sanctuaries that have rescued elephants from riding and performing tricks now adopt a “hands-off” tourist policy , but it doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to enjoy a fulfilling experience with these beautiful creatures.
There are many programmes that allow you to prepare food for the elephants and feed them, learn how to feed them medicines or supplements, go on jungle hikes alongside the elephants, or just watch them doing what comes naturally to them — foraging in the forest, having a dust bath, or a mud spa in the river, or simply interacting with each other. Some sanctuaries also offer an overnight stay so you can wake up to the sounds of elephants in the morning. (Check out this blog for some ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai.)
3. Cycle Through Rice Paddies
Cycling through the rice paddies of Chiang Mai is a peaceful and scenic way to explore the countryside, especially for families looking for a relaxed outdoor activity. The best routes for easy cycling are in the Mae Rim and San Kamphaeng areas just outside the city, with flat, quiet roads that wind through picturesque rice fields, small villages, and fruit orchards.
November is the perfect time for an easy cycle tour thanks to the cool weather, and the rice fields are still vibrant and green from the rainy season, creating a stunning postcard-perfect view .
4. Exchange of Education
The northern slopes of Chiang Mai are home to the hill tribe of the Karen people, were originally from Burma but who settled in the northern Thai mountains. In the village of Pha Mon, you can arrange for authentic homestays with host families from the tribe. Spend time learning about Karen culture, witness local village life, learn how to cook their traditional dishes, or learn from one of the village elders how to weave a basket — the old fashioned way.
In return, you can volunteer to teach English to the local people. Join a volunteer programme which takes you to a local school to assist the teachers in the classroom and help local kids improve their English skills, so that they will be able to carve a livelihood out for themselves in Thailand’s tourism industry.
5. Kayak to Lunch
Mae Ngat Dam is a massive reservoir bordered by mountains and located within the Sri Lanna National Park in Chiang Mai. Here you can kayak across the serene waters surrounded by lush mountains and pristine nature, and then glide right up to one of the floating restaurants that dot the reservoir for a delicious, freshly prepared lunch. Mostly serving local Thai dishes, this is where you can enjoy the freshest catches amidst a uniquely peaceful, floating dining experience. Beyond kayaking, you can also paddleboard, swim, sunbathe, or opt for an overnight stay in one of the floating bungalows.
6. Boil Eggs in Hot Springs
In San Kamphaeng Hot Springs Park, there are pools with comfortable soaking temperatures… and some that are filled with nearly boiling water (talk about HOT springs!). In fact, you can actually purchase baskets of eggs at the park and cook them right in the boiling geothermal pools. It’s a quirky experience for both kids and adults, and hey, boiled eggs make for a tasty snack any time of the day. You’ll see Thai families doing the same as well! Of course, there are also (reasonably warm) hot springs for soaking your feet in, and you can also choose to relax in a full mineral bath. You’ll also find gardens and scenic walking paths in this park, and you can also book a spa massage to top off your relaxation.
7. Learn to Cook Local
You can go on a food tour such as this Northern Flavours Chiang Mai Food Tour, and 15 different tastings at a go, or you could get right to the heart of it and learn how to cook some authentic Thai dishes yourself.
Sign up for a local cooking class, like the ones offered by Thai Farm Cooking School or Thai Secret Cooking School. Located on farms, you’ll be able to pick your own vegetables and herbs from their “backyards”. They’ll also take you on a tour of the local market and teach you a thing or two about the commonly used ingredients in Thai cooking.
Expect some hard work though — you might be pounding the mortar and pestle to make curry paste from scratch, or making your own coconut milk the traditional way.
Especially in November, you might even be able to sign up (in advance) for a cooking class that teaches you to make your very own krathong, which you can float down the river alongside locals on the evening of the Loy Krathong festival.
8. Chat With a Monk
You might see their iconic orange robes everywhere in Thailand, especially if you’re visiting some temples, but in Chiang Mai you can actually get up close and personal with a monk and ask them anything you would like to!
To sign up for this exclusive experience, simply turn up at Wat Suan Dok’s Monk Chat office any time between 4-7pm, Monday-Friday. (Be sure to be appropriately dressed, with your shoulders and knees covered.)
Whether you want to ask about a day in a monk’s life, about Buddhism, Thai culture, or meditation and mindfulness, it’s a great way to interact with these Buddhist monks in a friendly, relaxed setting. Wat Suan Dok also offers half-day to 4-day meditation retreats if you’re interested in a deeper experience beyond just a chat.
9. Shop Local
Of course, what’s a trip without some shopping, right? Chiang Mai is known for markets and night bazaars that are open every day of the week, so you will never miss the chance for a good deal! Apart from the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar (Chang Klan Road), Saturday Night Market (Old Pagoda) and Sunday Night Market (Phae Gate) which are well-known amongst tourists, here are some local markets that you’re sure to love.
- Warorot Market in Kad Luang (open in the day time) is a local treasure trove of fresh produce, Thai snacks, northern Thai delicacies, spices, dried fruits, teas, handicrafts, traditional Thai textiles, and handmade wicker baskets. Adjacent to it is the Ton Lamyai Flower Market, where you can marvel at the colourful displays of fresh local flowers.
- Jing Jai Market is a charming open-air market (open Saturdays and Sundays) focused on organic products, locally sourced honey (and honeycomb ice cream!), artisan bread, homemade jams, freshly roasted coffee, local artisanal handicrafts, and Northern Thai crafts. You’ll also find live music performances, workshops, and a gathering of local farmers and artisans.
- Bor Sung Market, located just outside Chiang Mai, is renowned for its traditionally handmade and beautifully painted umbrellas made from bamboo and rice paper. You’ll also find hand-painted fans, silk items, and wood carvings. Many artisans can actually be seen at work, a glimpse into the intricate craftsmanship that goes into making each piece.
- Malin Night Market (open daily from 5pm) is the trendy night market popular with the Chiang Mai university students. It’s where you’ll find stylish streetwear, shoes, accessories, and bags, but with budget-friendly price tags! It’s also popular for its local and international food stalls, youthful vibe, and live music performances.
Visit Chiang Mai in November
With more than a dozen good reasons to visit Chiang Mai in November, what are you waiting for? Ah yes, how prudent of you — make sure you grab your travel insurance ahead of time (at least 30 days before flying off) for a guaranteed peaceful trip!
