Chiang Mai University
University Major northern Thai university with hilltop campus
On a ridge above Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai University’s campus hosts galleries, botanical spaces and views toward Doi Suthep; visitors drop in for exhibitions, student cafés and campus walks.
Chiang Mai University is a major public research university in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, established in 1964 and widely regarded as the principal university serving the northern region.
The university’s main suburban campus contains faculties across arts, sciences, medicine and agriculture, research centres and cultural institutions that draw students from across Thailand and neighbouring countries. It functions as a regional academic, cultural and medical centre.
Established in the mid-20th century as Thailand expanded higher education outside Bangkok, the university grew into a multi-faculty institution with a range of postgraduate and research programs.
The main campus is located in Chiang Mai city in northern Thailand, within easy reach of the city’s centre and cultural districts.
- Founding year: Founded in 1964 as the first comprehensive university in northern Thailand and a center for regional higher education.
- Campus: Main campus is a large suburban site in Chiang Mai that hosts most faculties, research centres and student facilities for the university.
How to Get to Chiang Mai University #
Chiang Mai University sits on Huay Kaew Road (Highway 107) just west of Chiang Mai city centre. By car or taxi follow Huay Kaew Road from the Old City (the university campus is directly on this road and has visitor entrances and parking).
Public transport: frequent red songthaews (shared pickup taxis) and local buses run from the Old City and Night Bazaar toward CMU/Huay Kaew-get off at the main CMU gate; the university gates are only a short walk (a few minutes) from these stops.
Tips for Visiting Chiang Mai University #
- Enter the campus from the Huay Kaew Road main gate to reach the central academic precincts and the Chiang Mai University Art Museum more directly; the campus sits at the foothills so that gate is the most convenient for city transport.
- If you want quieter grounds and local life, visit on weekday mornings when students are between classes - campus cafés and green spaces are active but less crowded than late afternoons or weekends when events and student gatherings peak.
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai University #
Best visited in the cool, dry months (November-February) when walking the campus and surrounding areas is most comfortable.
Weather & Climate near Chiang Mai University #
Chiang Mai University's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 13°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1054 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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May
May is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (159 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (150 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (199 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
