A Visitor’s Guide for The 4th Law CMU International Conference
Welcome to Chiang Mai — Thailand’s cultural and creative city. This guide helps you plan your stay, enter Thailand smoothly, and enjoy the city before or after the conference. Information was checked on 22 October 2026; please confirm details with the providers before you travel.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Conference | The 4th Law CMU International Conference |
| Theme | Global Perspectives on Social Justice and Sustainability: Challenges, Innovations, and Partnerships |
| Date | Friday, 20 November 2026 |
| Venue | Kantary Hills Hotel, Nimmanhaemin Road Soi 12, Chiang Mai (map) |
| Programme | Tentative programme on the conference website |
| Contact | lawcmuconference@gmail.com · +66 53 942 936 |
Good to know: Chiang Mai’s biggest festival, Loy Krathong and Yi Peng, takes place a few days after the conference (around 23–25 November 2026). Hotels fill up and prices rise for those dates, so book early — see the festival section below.
1. Before You Travel: Entering Thailand
Thailand’s entry rules changed in 2025–2026. International participants should check the points below well before departure.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) — required for all foreign visitors. Submit it online, free of charge, within 3 days before arrival at the official site tdac.immigration.go.th. It is not a visa. Use only the official site and never pay a fee for it. (Royal Thai Embassy notice)
Visa exemption is now 30 days, not 60. From 15 September 2026, the 60-day visa exemption ended. Passport holders of 60 listed countries and territories may enter visa-free for tourism for up to 30 days; some nationalities have 15 days, Visa on Arrival, or bilateral arrangements of 14, 30 or 90 days. Others need a visa. (TAT announcement, 1 Sep 2026)
Attending a conference. The new exemption is described as being for tourism. Please confirm with your nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate whether conference attendance or presenting a paper is permitted under the exemption for your nationality, or whether you need a visa.
Invitation letter. If you need an official letter of invitation, email lawcmuconference@gmail.com. Letters are sent within 5–7 working days; request it at least 3 weeks before applying for your visa.
Other entry conditions. Immigration may ask for proof of funds (20,000 THB per person or equivalent under the exemption scheme), a confirmed onward ticket, and your accommodation address. Carry these documents with you.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Visa or visa-exemption eligibility confirmed for your nationality
- TDAC submitted within 3 days before arrival
- Hotel booking and return ticket ready to show
- Invitation letter (if needed)
2. Loy Krathong & Yi Peng 2026 (Right After the Conference)
Loy Krathong falls on Tuesday 24 November 2026, and Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng celebrations run around 23–25 November, with the main nights on 24–25 November. If you can extend your stay by 4–5 days, you can experience both.
| Date | What’s happening |
|---|---|
| Fri 20 Nov | Conference day at Kantary Hills Hotel |
| Sat 21 Nov | Wua Lai Saturday Walking Street (evening) |
| Sun 22 Nov | Sunday Walking Street, Tha Phae Gate (evening) |
| Mon 23 Nov | Festival period begins; lanterns decorate the Old City |
| Tue 24 – Wed 25 Nov | Main Loy Krathong and Yi Peng nights; parades, temple ceremonies, krathong floating on the Ping River |
Exact programmes are announced by the city and TAT closer to the date; please check the Chiang Mai festival page and Tourism Authority of Thailand for the official schedule.
Sky lanterns: please follow the law. Releasing sky lanterns (khom loi) inside Chiang Mai city is prohibited outside licensed venues, mainly for aviation safety. Penalties include heavy fines, and are stricter near the airport. To release a lantern, join a licensed, ticketed event outside the city, such as the CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival (24–25 November 2026). Buy tickets only from official organisers.
Free ways to enjoy the festival: float a natural-material krathong (banana leaf or bread, not styrofoam) on the Ping River; see the lantern-decorated Tha Phae Gate and Old City; visit Wat Phan Tao and Wat Lok Moli in the evening (dress modestly).
Flights and traffic. Some evening flights at Chiang Mai airport may be rescheduled on lantern-release nights. Check your flight status if you fly on 24–25 November. Expect very heavy traffic in the Old City and along the river.
3. Staying Near the Conference Venue
The easiest option is to stay at the venue itself, Kantary Hills Hotel. The hotels below are alternatives in Nimman and the nearby Huay Kaew and Chang Phueak areas. They are listed by price tier, not ranked; rates and availability change, especially in festival week.
| Hotel | Tier | Area | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kantary Hills Hotel (venue) | Mid–upper | Nimman Soi 12 | Map |
| HOP INN Chiang Mai | Budget | Huay Kaew Rd (Soi Saijai), Chang Phueak; about 15 min walk to Nimman | Map |
| Sakulchai Place Hotel | Budget | Huay Kaew | Map |
| The Dome Residence | Budget | Huay Kaew | Map |
| The Bliss Chiang Mai | Budget | Huay Kaew Soi 2, near MAYA | Map |
| ALEXA Nimman | Budget | Nimman | Map |
| The Nimman Hotel | Budget | Nimman | Map |
| S17@ Nimman Hotel | Budget | Nimman Soi 17 | Map |
| Victoria Nimman Hotel | Budget | Nimman | Map |
| Travelodge Nimman | Budget–mid | Nimman | Map |
| Kokotel Chiang Mai Nimman | Mid | Nimman | Map |
| L Nimman Boutique Hotel | Mid / boutique | Nimman | Map |
| At Pingnakorn Hotel Nimman | Mid / boutique | Nimman | Map |
| Buri Siri Boutique Hotel | Mid / boutique | Sirimangkalajarn Rd | Map |
| Hotel MAYU Chiang Mai | Mid | Next to MAYA, Chang Phueak | Map |
| ibis Chiang Mai Nimman Journeyhub | Mid | Nimman–Huay Kaew | Map |
| Stay with Nimman | Mid | Nimman | Map |
| Moose Hotel Nimman | Mid | Nimman | Map |
| G Nimman Chiang Mai | Mid | Nimman | Map |
| Art Mai Gallery Nimman Hotel | Mid–upper | Nimman | Map |
| U Nimman Chiang Mai | Upper | Nimman | Map |
| Eastin Tan Hotel Chiang Mai | Upper | Nimman / MAYA | Map |
| Yantarasri Resort | Upper | Nimman | Map |
Booking tips
- Book early: late November overlaps with Loy Krathong and Yi Peng, one of Chiang Mai’s busiest weeks.
- Compare the total price (taxes, breakfast) and the cancellation terms before you book.
- Check the walking route to Kantary Hills (Nimman Soi 12); some hotels in Chang Phueak or Huay Kaew are a short ride rather than a walk.
- Ask for a quiet room if you are sensitive to nightlife or traffic noise on Nimman Road.
- Confirm check-in time, airport transfer and accessibility directly with the hotel.
4. Exploring Nimman: Cafés, Shopping & Contemporary Chiang Mai
Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) is the neighbourhood around the venue, full of cafés, restaurants, creative businesses and lifestyle shopping — easy to explore on foot during breaks or after the sessions.
- One Nimman — an open-air lifestyle complex with Lanna-inspired architecture, shops, cafés and restaurants, at the start of Nimman Road.
- MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center — a large mall with fashion, food courts, a supermarket, banks and mobile-phone shops (useful for SIM cards).
Café hopping
- Ristr8to (Original) — specialty coffee known for award-winning latte art, on Nimmanhaemin Road near Soi 3.
- Roast8ry Lab — the sister brand of Ristr8to with experimental brews; branches on Nimman Soi 17 and Soi 3.
- Café Kantary — inside the venue area, convenient for coffee and cakes between sessions.
Opening hours change often; please check the café’s latest information before visiting.
5. Local Food & Dining
Northern Thai (Lanna) cuisine is milder in sugar and richer in herbs than central Thai food, and Nimman has good options within walking distance of the venue.
Specialities to try
- Khao Soi — curry noodle soup with chicken or beef, crispy noodles, lime, shallots and pickled mustard greens.
- Sai Ua — grilled Northern Thai herb sausage.
- Nam Prik Ong — tomato and minced-pork chilli dip with vegetables.
- Nam Prik Noom — roasted green chilli dip, often with pork crackling.
- Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao — rice noodles in a tomato-based pork broth.
- Sticky rice — the staple served with most Northern dishes.
Suggested places near the venue
| Restaurant | Good for | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Tong Tem Toh | Classic Northern Thai dishes | Map |
| Khao Soi Nimman | Khao soi | Map |
| Ginger Farm Kitchen (in One Nimman) | Modern Thai with farm ingredients | Map |
| Anchan Vegetarian | Vegetarian and vegan Thai; check closing days before visiting | Map |
Visitors with allergies or dietary needs (halal, vegetarian, gluten-free) should ask about ingredients; fish sauce and shrimp paste are common. This is a starting list, not a full dining directory.
6. Walking Streets & Night Markets
The weekend right after the conference gives you both famous walking streets: Saturday 21 November on Wua Lai Road and Sunday 22 November at Tha Phae Gate.
| Market | When | Highlights | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday Walking Street, Wua Lai Road | Saturday evenings (Sat 21 Nov) | Silver crafts, local products, street food | Map |
| Sunday Walking Street, Tha Phae Gate & Ratchadamnoen Road | Sunday evenings (Sun 22 Nov) | Handicrafts, art, souvenirs, street food in the Old City | Map |
| Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Chang Khlan Road | Every evening | Souvenirs, food, night-market atmosphere | Map |
Market tips
- Bring small notes in Thai baht; many stalls also accept Thai QR payments but not foreign cards.
- Wear comfortable shoes and expect large crowds, especially in festival week.
- Allow 20–40 minutes from Nimman to the Old City by car in evening traffic.
- Schedules may change around the festival; confirm before you go.
7. Culture, Heritage & Local Attractions
Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, and its temples and crafts reflect that heritage.
| Place | Why visit | Distance from venue | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wat Phra That Doi Suthep | Hilltop temple with city views | Mountain road, about 30–40 min by car | Map |
| Wat Umong | Quiet forest temple with old tunnels | Short ride, near CMU | Map |
| Baan Kang Wat | Artists’ village with studios and cafés | Short ride, near Wat Umong | Map |
| Wat Phra Singh | Major Old City temple, classic Lanna architecture | Old City, about 15–20 min | Map |
| Wat Chedi Luang | Large ancient chedi in the Old City centre | Old City, about 15–20 min | Map |
At temples, cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes where required, and follow local guidance on photography. Some temples charge a small entrance fee for foreign visitors.
Travel times are approximate and depend on traffic.
8. Tour Operators & Community-Based Experiences
For guided trips, use a licensed operator and agree the details in writing before paying.
- Find licensed operators: the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s tour agent directory lists agencies you can contact directly. The TAT website also lists the Chiang Mai office.
- Green Beauty Scented Network (เขียว สวย หอม): a local network on urban greenery, environmental awareness and Chiang Mai’s cultural identity — a good fit for the conference’s sustainability theme. Contact them via Facebook to confirm programmes, languages, prices and group arrangements.
Before booking, confirm the itinerary, transport, entrance fees, meals, cancellation policy, and the operator’s tourism business licence. Avoid activities involving elephant riding or wildlife shows; choose sanctuaries with observation-only programmes. The organiser provides these links for convenience and does not endorse or guarantee any provider.
9. Day Trips Around Chiang Mai
With a spare day before or after the conference, the mountains around the city are within easy reach.
| Destination | What to expect | Time needed | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doi Inthanon National Park | Thailand’s highest peak (2,565 m), waterfalls, twin royal pagodas, forest trails; national park entrance fee applies | Full day | Map |
| Mae Kampong Village | Mountain community, coffee, homestays | Half to full day | Map |
| Doi Pui | Hmong village and viewpoints beyond Doi Suthep | Half day, often combined with Doi Suthep | Map |
Mountain areas are much cooler in November, especially early morning; bring a jacket. Join a guided tour if you are unfamiliar with mountain roads.
10. Getting Around Chiang Mai
Ride-hailing apps are the simplest way to move between hotels, the venue and attractions.
- From the airport (CNX): Chiang Mai International Airport is about 4–5 km from Nimman, usually 15–25 minutes by car. Use the official airport taxi counter or a ride-hailing app; confirm the pickup point in the app.
- Ride-hailing apps: apps such as Grab show the fare before you book. Pickups near Nimman Soi entrances can be busy at peak hours.
- Red songthaews (rot daeng): shared red trucks. Agree the destination and fare with the driver before boarding.
- Taxis and private transfers: useful for day trips; confirm price, pickup time and vehicle in advance.
- Walking: Nimman is walkable, but pavements are uneven and crossings can be busy; the Old City is a ride away.
During Loy Krathong and Yi Peng (23–25 November), roads near the Old City and the river are heavily congested or closed; allow extra time.
11. Practical Information
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Currency | Thai baht (THB). Cards are accepted at hotels and malls; carry cash for markets, songthaews and small shops. ATMs charge a fee for foreign cards. |
| Weather | Late November is the cool, dry season: warm days and cool evenings, colder in the mountains. Bring a light jacket. |
| Electricity | 220 V; most sockets accept two-pin flat and round plugs. Bring an adapter if needed. |
| Connectivity | Use roaming, an eSIM, or a Thai SIM from the airport or mall shops (passport required). |
| Culture | Dress modestly at temples, remove shoes where asked, and do not touch monks (women should not hand items directly to a monk). Show respect for the Thai monarchy. |
| Responsible travel | Reduce single-use plastic, use natural-material krathongs, and choose ethical wildlife experiences. |
| Health & safety | Keep valuables secure, stay hydrated, and use insect repellent in the evening. Tap water is not for drinking. |
Emergency numbers (Thailand): Tourist Police 1155 (English-speaking) · Medical emergency 1669 · Police 191.
12. Suggested Itineraries
| Time available | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| 2–3 hours (around the conference) | Walk Nimman, coffee on Soi 3 or Soi 17, browse One Nimman, khao soi for lunch. |
| Half a day | Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang in the Old City, or Wat Umong and Baan Kang Wat nearer the venue. |
| Thursday 19 Nov (arrival) | Night Bazaar or dinner in Nimman. |
| Saturday 21 Nov | Morning at Doi Suthep; evening at Wua Lai Saturday Walking Street. |
| Sunday 22 Nov | Day trip to Doi Inthanon or Mae Kampong; evening at the Sunday Walking Street. |
| Extend to 24–25 Nov | Loy Krathong and Yi Peng: krathong on the Ping River, Wat Phan Tao at night, or a licensed lantern event. |
We Hope You Enjoy Your Stay
We look forward to welcoming you to Chiang Mai for The 4th Law CMU International Conference — an opportunity to exchange academic ideas and to experience the city’s cultural heritage, creative communities and commitment to a more sustainable future.
Information last checked 22 October 2026. Entry rules, opening hours, prices and festival schedules may change; please confirm with official sources. Listings are for convenience and are not endorsements.