Chiang Mai UniversityAbout Chiang Mai University
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.
Exploring Chiang Mai University
Chiang Mai University is a place of study for tens of thousands of students, and while it is not exactly a tourist attraction, a wander round its ample campus at the base of Doi Suthep, near the zoo, is a pleasant way to pass the day and offers the chance to meet Thai students. The university (CMU) opened in 1964 under royal patronage and was the first of its kind outside Bangkok; it has since expanded across a wide range of disciplines and has a reputation as one of the best places in the country to study subjects such as medicine.
The area around the campus hosts a thriving restaurant and bar scene that draws students and expatriates, especially along Nimmanhaemin Road and the western ends of Suthep and Huay Kaew Roads, giving this part of town a distinctive atmosphere. There are entrances to the grounds on both Huay Kaew and Suthep Roads.
Nearby Attractions to Chiang Mai University
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 13° - 28° | 21° | 3 mm | mostly sunny | 67% | 0.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| February | Ideal | 15° - 31° | 23° | 6 mm | mostly sunny | 56% | 0.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.4h |
| March | Excellent | 19° - 35° | 27° | 22 mm | mostly sunny | 52% | 1.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 22° - 36° | 30° | 49 mm | some cloud | 56% | 1.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Acceptable | 23° - 34° | 32° | 159 mm | overcast | 75% | 1.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.9h |
| June | Good | 23° - 32° | 31° | 119 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.1h |
| July | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 31° | 150 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.0h |
| August | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 27° | 199 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.6h |
| September | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 27° | 184 mm | overcast | 89% | 0.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 21° - 31° | 26° | 107 mm | overcast | 87% | 0.7 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Excellent | 18° - 29° | 24° | 45 mm | some cloud | 82% | 0.6 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.2h |
| December | Ideal | 15° - 27° | 21° | 11 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 0.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 10.9h |
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.