When most people think of Chiang Mai, Thailand, temples and mountains come to mind. While those are certainly highlights, there is so much more to those – and we’ll go through all the best things to do in Chiang Mai.
With all the incredible activities and day trips from Chiang Mai, a week is hardly enough to experience everything the city and Northern Thailand have to offer.
From taking a cooking class to zip-lining through the jungle, here are 11 of the most unique things to do in Chiang Mai. So put on your adventure hat and get ready to explore!
11 of the Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a city with endless activities; From exploring temples and historic sites to indulging in amazing local cuisine, there’s something for everyone. Here are 11 unique things to do in Chiang Mai to make your visit memorable and have the time of your life.
Visit Doi Suthep
Regardless of the time of day, Doi Suthep is here to leave you breathless. Doi Suthep stands at 1,676 meters tall, and homes a national park and the temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the first of the many temples you’ll see in Chiang Mai.
This magnificent temple is located on a mountainside and offers stunning views of the city. The temple itself is incredible, with ornate architecture and intricate decorations.
You can explore the temple grounds, learn about its history, and enjoy the monks chanting in the early morning or evening when taking a tour to Doi Suthep.
You can climb the 306-step stairs and enter the temple or continue your way upward and watch its golden structures bathe in the last light of the day or welcome the first rays of the sun.
While going during the day is a unique experience, I recommend going in the evening before visiting Wat Umong.
Entrance fee: 100THB
Opening times: 6 am to 5 pm daily
Spend the Day at an Elephant Nature Park
For animal lovers, spending the day at an elephant nature park is a must-do while in Chiang Mai. These parks provide a safe haven for elephants that have been abused or injured, and allow visitors to get up close and personal with them.
There are several elephant nature parks to choose from, each with its own unique setting and activities. Generally speaking, you’ll be picked up at your hotel and head over to the camp. After that, you’ll get changed and wear traditional clothes to feed the elephants.
After that, and before having lunch at the park, you can jump into the river and have a bath with the elephants – how amazing is that?
And because the elephants are free to roam and interact with each other, you’ll be able to observe them in their natural habitat – something you won’t see at a traditional zoo!
Explore the Buddhist Temples in Chiang Mai’s Old City
Chiang Mai’s Old City is home to a number of beautiful Buddhist temples and is probably the place in Thailand with the most beautiful ones.
To start, Wat Chedi Luang is one of the most popular, thanks to its impressive size and striking architecture. The temple was built between the 14th and 15th centuries and once housed the remains of the city’s founder, King Mengrai.
Wat Phra Singh is another must-see temple and one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai old city, known for its ornate sculptures and golden stupa. And Wat Umong serves as a peaceful oasis, with its tranquil gardens and meditation caves.
Whether you’re a devout Buddhist or simply appreciate religious architecture, Chiang Mai’s Old City is sure to captivate you.
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Shop for Souvenirs at the Saturday & Sunday Night Market
When hunting for unique souvenirs to bring home from your trip to Chiang Mai, be sure to check out the Saturday & Sunday Night Markets – After all, you’re in one of the cheapest places in Asia, so why not go for a shopping night!
These popular markets are filled with stalls selling a wide variety of items, from hand-craftedjewelry and pottery to traditional Thai clothing and snacks.
The Saturday night market is located at the South of the Old City, not far from the Chiang Mai Gate. On the other hand, the Sunday night market starts right in front of Wat Phra Singh temple or at the Tha Phae Gate.
You can bargain with the vendors for a lower price, or simply enjoy browsing the interesting wares on display. The market is also a great place to sample some local food, as many vendors sell street food such as grilled meats and skewers, fried noodles, and sweet desserts.
With its lively atmosphere and array of goods, both markets are excellent places to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take back home!
Take a Day Trip to Doi Inthanon
While Chiang Mai is known for its Buddhist temples and elephant parks, you’ll find much more to offer. Just a 1.5-2 hour drive from the city is Doi Inthanon National Park, a nature lover’s paradise.
Best known for its pagodas, Doi Inthanon is actually a National Park that boasts stunning towering waterfalls, lush forests, and endemic bird species, and is well worth a visit. Also, Doi Inthanon is the highest point in Thailand and it gets very cold during the winter, sometimes even reaching 3 to 4 degrees Celsius.
The best way to experience the park is by taking a day trip from Chiang Mai. While you can rent a car or a Songtaew, there are many tour companies that offer guided tours for the same price.
Either way, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience so don’t miss your chance to say that you’ve been at the very top of Thailand!
Wander Around Chiang Mai Old City
The Old City is a beautiful and historic place to wander around, with a number of fascinating temples and other buildings to explore. The city is also home to a number of massage salons and local restaurants, making it the perfect place to spend the day exploring.
In addition, there are a number of great, Instagrammable cafes to relax in after a day of sightseeing. On top of that, it’s easy to get around the old city on foot, so forget about taxis and walk past shops, galleries, and cafes.
If it’s not too hot, consider renting a bike to get around the old city and explore all hidden corners. And, if you’re here on the weekend, definitely stay for the night market. Enjoy yourself!
Don’t Forget Pai and Mae Hong Son
Although often overshadowed by its more popular neighbor, the town of Pai is a hidden gem in Northern Thailand. Located about 130km from Chiang Mai, Pai is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with mountains, rivers, and forests all within easy reach.
The town itself is small and charming, with a vibrant art and music scene. From Pai, it’s also easy to explore the Mae Hong Son loop, an incredible journey that takes in some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the country.
The Mae Hong Son loop can be done by motorbike, which you can rent in Chiang Mai. But, if you don’t have any experience, joining a tour is definitely the way to go – the road can be deadly for beginners, and going to the hospital is the last thing you want.
Eat Khao Soi – Northern Thailand’s Best Dish
While it’s technically not one of Chiang Mai activities, you just can’t leave without eating Khao Soi.
Khao soi is a coconut milk curry soup that originates from the Lanna Kingdom in northern Thailand. It is made with egg noodles, chicken or pork, pickled mustard greens, and lime wedges. The soup is served with a crispy fried noodle on top, and the broth is usually quite thick and creamy.
The dish can be made mild or spicy, depending on your preference. Khao soi is one of the most popular dishes in northern Thailand, and it is often eaten as a main meal.
While you can taste Khao Soi together with other dishes on a street food tour, I recommend heading to Khao Soy Maesai, one of the best places in town to eat the traditional version – Plus, they make it with beef, which is pretty rare!
Explore the Nimman Area
Nimman, also called Nimmanhaemin, is one of the most convenient, vibrant, and exciting neighborhoods in Chiang Mai. The area is filled with boutique shops, trendy restaurants, and lively nightlife.
Stroll down Nimman Road and explore the many art galleries, or browse the stylish shops for handcrafted goods and period clothing. Be sure to try some of the delicious street food on offer, and wash it down with a coffee at Ristretto. Alternatively, have a burger at Rock Me Burger or taste your first Khao Soi at Khao Soi Nimman.
As the sun goes down, head to one of the atmospheric bars or nightclubs for an unforgettable evening out – for instance, Warm Up Cafe, Myst Rooftop Bar at Maya, or More Space night market for cheap, delicious food.
Last but not least, don’t forget Maya and One Nimman, 2 shopping malls in the district that are sure to entertain you!
Go Cafe Hopping
If you’re a coffee and Instagram lover, Chiang Mai is the place to be. This city is famous for its beautiful cafes, each with its own unique atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to curl up with a good book or a lively place to people-watch, you’re sure to find the perfect cafe for you.
And of course, the coffee is always delicious. So why not start your day with a leisurely stroll from cafe to cafe? It’s the perfect way to relax and explore Chiang Mai’s unique coffee culture.
TripCanvas came up with this amazing list of cafes in Chiang Mai and I highly recommend checking them out.
Spend the Day in Chiang Rai and See the White Temple
Chiang Rai is home to many beautiful temples, but the most famous is undoubtedly the White Temple. Built in 1997 mainly for tourism purposes, the White Temple is a stunning example of Buddhist architecture, with its intricate details and white exterior.
The White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun, is notable for its white color, which is said to symbolize the purity of Buddha’s teachings. The temple was designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. What is so unique about the White Temple is the statues of Spiderman, minions, Batman, and other famous characters all around the garden.
Apart from that, if you take a tour from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, you’ll get to visit the Blue Temple and the Black House, which are 2 other famous attractions in the city
Things to do in Chiang Mai – FAQs
Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting?
Chiang Mai is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in Thailand. The old city is especially lovely, with its winding streets and traditional architecture. There are also many great temples and museums to explore. In addition, the food in Chiang Mai is absolutely amazing!
Whether you’re looking for street food or Fine dining, you’ll find it all in this city. So if you’re looking for a fascinating place to visit with plenty to see and do, then Chiang Mai is definitely worth a visit.
How Long to Stay in Chiang Mai?
As you understood by now, there’s something for everyone in Chiang Mai. While it is possible to get a taste of the city in just a couple of days, I recommend staying for at least four days to really experience all that Chiang Mai has to offer.
This will give you enough time to explore the main sights as well as venture off the beaten path to find hidden gems, take a day trip, or relax a some cafe. With its rich history, delicious food and fascinating culture, Chiang Mai is a city that you will want to come back to time and time again. So why not stay a little longer and make the most of your time in this magical place?
Is Chiang Mai Expensive?
No, Chiang Mai is very cheap. The cost of food and accommodation is very reasonable, and there are plenty of cheap places to eat and stay. However, if you want to splash out on a luxury hotel room or an expensive meal, you can easily do so. Overall, Chiang Mai is a very affordable city, but it offers visitors the chance to enjoy a little luxury if they want.
Is Chiang Mai Safe?
There’s no place like Chiang Mai and it’s also incredibly safe. This is due in part to the low crime rate and the high number of police officers patrolling the streets. But it’s also because of the strong sense of community that exists in Chiang Mai. Residents look out for one another and strangers are always made to feel welcome. So if you’re looking for a safe place to travel, Chiang Mai should be at the top of your list.
How to Get to Chiang Mai?
There are a few ways to get to Chiang Mai – The first is by airplane. If flying, you will arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). CNX is served by many major airlines and is only a short distance from the city center and the old city. From there, it is easy to take a taxi or bus into town.
Another way to get to Chiang Mai is by train. The city is connected to Bangkok by rail, and the journey takes about 12 hours. trains depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Train Station several times a day. This option is usually cheaper than flying but takes significantly longer.
Lastly, you can rent a car and drive to Chiang Mai from pretty much anywhere in Thailand. From Bangkok, the trip takes about 10 hours and passes through some stunning scenery. No matter how you get there, Chiang Mai is definitely worth a visit!
What are the Best Months to Travel to Chiang Mai?
The best time in Chiang Mai is between November and February. The weather stays pleasant day and night, and the lack of summer heat will make traveling around much more manageable.
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11 Unique Things To Do in Chiang Mai
- Visit Doi Suthep
- Spend the Day at an Elephant Nature Park
- Explore the Buddhist Temples in Chiang Mai’s Old City
- Shop for Souvenirs at the Saturday & Sunday Night Market
- Take a Day Trip to Doi Inthanon
- Wander Around Chiang Mai Old City
- Don’t Forget Pai and Mae Hong Son
- Eat Khao Soi – Northern Thailand’s Best Dish
- Explore the Nimman Area
- Go Cafe Hopping
- Spend the Day in Chiang Rai and See the White Temple
