Chiang Mai is bustling now with activity. "Tourists" are flocking to travel during the extended New Year holiday, causing traffic congestion on all routes. It is expected that on 30-31 December, the volume of vehicles entering Chiang Mai will be no less than 30,000 per day.
On 29 December 2025, reporters reported that the atmosphere of travel into Chiang Mai province throughout the day was very crowded. People gradually returned to their hometowns and traveled in advance before the long holiday begins on 31 December 2025. Many roads were congested with traffic, especially the Chiang Mai–Lampang Superhighway and the Chiang Mai–Mae Rim routes.
These are main routes leading to several natural tourist destinations in Mae Rim, Chiang Dao, and Fang districts. Traffic was heavy throughout the day, similar to roads in Chiang Mai city such as Huay Kaew Road heading up to Doi Suthep. It is expected that on 30-31 December, the number of vehicles entering Chiang Mai will be no less than 30,000 per day.
Meanwhile, the Traffic Division of Chiang Mai Provincial Police has organized traffic control to reduce accidents and congestion on routes ascending to major tourist mountain peaks. They have announced a ban on large buses and double-decker buses from ascending Doi Suthep in Mueang Chiang Mai district, Doi Inthanon in Chom Thong district, and Doi Ang Khang in Fang district on all Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and from 31 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. They also request cooperation from tour companies, tour drivers, and related parties to comply strictly with traffic officer orders and traffic laws to prevent serious accidents and traffic jams in key tourist areas.