How to Find Cheap Flights & Accommodations in Chiang Mai, Thailand
1. Skyscanner
A flight comparison website that helps you find the cheapest flights by comparing prices from all major airlines and travel agents.
- Price Comparison: Provides prices from multiple sources for side-by-side comparisons.
- Flexible Dates: Allows you to see flight costs over a range of dates so you can find the cheapest days to fly.
- Price Alerts: Sends notifications when flight prices drop or rise.
2. Klook
An app that offers travel activities, transportation, and accommodation bookings, providing discounted rates for popular destinations like Chiang Mai.
- Activity Packages: Offers a variety of activity packages, including temple visits, cooking classes, and adventure tours.
- Attractive Discounts: Provides significant discounts on activities, transport, and accommodations compared to walking up and booking individually.
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly app that allows for quick and easy bookings.
3. Agoda
An online travel agency that provides hotel bookings in Chiang Mai with a variety of budget-friendly options.
- Wide Selection: Offers a vast range of accommodation options, including hostels, guesthouses, apartments, and resorts.
- Best Price Guarantee: Provides the lowest prices guaranteed or pays the difference if you find a lower price elsewhere.
- Customer Reviews: Features customer reviews for each accommodation to help guide your choice.
4. Hostelworld
A platform dedicated to hostel bookings in Chiang Mai, offering low-cost accommodations for solo travelers and budget-conscious visitors.
- Social Atmosphere: Hostels provide a social environment, making it easy to meet other travelers.
- Affordable Prices: Typically offers lower prices compared to hotels.
- Amenities: Many hostels offer free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and common areas for guests.
5. Airbnb
A service that connects travelers with locals offering accommodations in Chiang Mai at competitive rates.
- Unique Experiences: Offers a chance to stay in local homes, apartments, or villas for unique and authentic experiences.
- Variety of Prices: Accommodations range from budget-friendly options to luxurious properties.
- Amenities and Facilities: Properties often come with amenities like kitchens, washing machines, and air conditioning.
6. Couchsurfing
A community-based platform that allows travelers to stay with local hosts for free in Chiang Mai.
- Cultural Exchange: Provides a unique cultural exchange opportunity between the host and the traveler.
- No Cost Accommodation: Offers free accommodation, saving on your travel budget.
- Local Guidance: Hosts often provide local insights and recommendations for attractions, restaurants, and activities.
7. Budget airlines
Flying with budget airlines like AirAsia or Thai Lion Air can save money on flights to Chiang Mai.
- Low Cost: Offers significantly lower fares compared to traditional airlines.
- Limited Services: Services may be more limited, with additional fees for checked baggage and seat selection.
- Variety of Destinations: Connects Chiang Mai to numerous domestic and international destinations.
8. Chiang Mai Guesthouse Association (CMGA)
An organization representing guesthouses in Chiang Mai, offering quality budget accommodations.
- Quality Assurance: Member guesthouses must meet certain standards to ensure a comfortable stay.
- Discounts and Promotions: Participating guesthouses often offer discounts and promotions to travelers.
- Central Location: Guesthouses are typically located in central Chiang Mai, close to attractions, restaurants, and shops.
9. Thai Smile Airways
A budget airline offering flights between major Thai cities and Chiang Mai.
- Affordable Flights: Offers lower prices compared to full-service airlines for the same routes.
- Limited Services: Services may be more limited, with additional fees for checked baggage and seat selection.
- Domestic Destinations: Connects Chiang Mai to other popular Thai destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi.
10. Train Travel
Taking the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a scenic, affordable way to travel.
- Scenic Journey: Provides beautiful views of Thailand's countryside along the route.
- Affordable Prices: Offers lower prices compared to flying, especially for sleeper berths.
- Slow but Comfortable: Though slower than flying, the ride is comfortable and relaxing.
11. Local Transportation
Using local transportation like songthaews or tuk-tuks in Chiang Mai can save money on getting around.
- Affordable Rates: Local transport options are generally cheaper than taxis.
- Convenient: Songthaews and tuk-tuks can be hailed easily on the street or found at designated stops.
- Flexible Routes: Local transport options often provide flexible routes, making it easier to get around town.
12. Street Food and Markets
Dining at Chiang Mai's street food stalls and markets is an affordable way to enjoy local cuisine.
- Authentic Food: Offers traditional, authentic Thai dishes.
- Affordable Prices: Street food and market prices are generally lower than restaurant meals.
- Cultural Experience: Provides a chance to interact with local vendors and experience the local culture.
13. Tour Packages
Booking tour packages from reputable companies can save money on activities and attractions in Chiang Mai.
- Bundle Discounts: Offers bundled discounts for multiple activities, saving you money compared to booking individually.
- Time-Saving: Allows you to plan your itinerary in advance, maximizing your time in Chiang Mai.
- Quality Assurance: Reputable companies ensure quality services and reliable transportation.
14. Thai Visa Extension
Extending your Thai visa can save money by allowing you to stay in Chiang Mai for a longer period.
- Save on Accommodation: Staying for a longer duration allows you to negotiate lower accommodation rates.
- Save on Travel Costs: Reduces the need for frequent travel in and out of Thailand.
- More Time to Explore: Allows you more time to explore Chiang Mai at a leisurely pace, saving on rushed trips.