chiang mai tourist information

• Phra That Doi Suthep
• Thapae Walking Street
• Doi Ang Khang
• Nimmanhaemin road
• Doi Inthanon

With beautiful nature blended with Lanna Culture and colours of contemporary perfectly Chiang Mai is, therefore, a province that has many tourists, both Thai and foreigners, come in many millions each year. Popular tourist activities in Chiang Mai include worshipping the Phra That doi suthep , which is an important Landmark of Chiang Mai people. Experience the Local way of life and shop for stylish handmade products at Thapae Walking Street. Visit various species of plants at the Queen Sirikit botanical Garden and Rajapruek Royal Park. Do not miss to shop art products, taste local CUISINE and see Culture s on Nimmanhaemin Road . In addition, nature and mountain tours are another activity that should not be missed when visiting Chiang Mai , whether stepping on the highest point of Thailand at the top of doi inthanon . Absorb the beauty of the rice fields, feel the Cool breeze while watching the giant tiger flower at Doi Ang Khang. Experience Ecotourism HomeStay in Mae Kampong and visit Hmong villages in Doi Pui and many more.

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15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Written by Diana Bocco and Meagan Drillinger Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Meagan Drillinger visited Chiang Mai most recently in 2022.

Chiang Mai is essentially Thailand's second city - the smaller, more relaxed answer to the madness of Bangkok . It was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, but now is a major draw for backpackers and travelers of all kinds, not to mention retiring ex-pats and humanitarians.

Many who come here return again and again or stay for years when they had meant to stay only a few weeks. There's an energy in the city that captivates those who visit, whether they seek a trekking adventure or a spiritual awakening as they travel from temple to temple.

The city itself offers plenty of things to do in the way of cooking classes, temple visits, street food, and culture. But beyond its boundaries, you'll find natural perfection, awe-inspiring animals, and unique communities deep in the mountains. Explore the sights with our list of top attractions in Chiang Mai.

See also: Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

1. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

2. discover doi pui village, 3. walk around doi inthanon, 4. wat chedi luang, 5. the old city, 6. wat prasingh, 7. try street food at the chiang mai gate market, 8. get your shopping done at sunday walking street, 9. end your day at the night bazaar, 10. stop by the highland people discovery museum, 11. mingle with rescued elephants at elephant nature park, 12. explore bua thong sticky waterfalls, 13. relax at huay tung tao, 14. art in paradise, chiang mai, 15. wat lok moli, where to stay in chiang mai for sightseeing, more tropical adventures in thailand.

This mountaintop temple is a must-see in Chiang Mai. Wat Doi Suthep's central shrine contains a much-revered seated Buddha and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

You can reach the temple by hiking up the mountain (a sweaty but surely memorable endeavor), renting a motorbike, or hopping into a songthaew (red trucks that essentially operate as communal cabs). The drive is a short one, so you can do this whole trip in about two hours. Tip: Visiting just before sunset is a special treat, as this is the hour when the monks begin their evening chants.

At the base of the staircase leading up to the temple, you'll find vendors selling souvenirs, antiques, and snacks. Brace yourself for the climb because the staircase is steep, but the effort is well worth it. Statues of two demons guard the entrance to the temple precinct.

Generally, only two of the six gates leading to the gallery and the chedis are open. The gallery is adorned with statues of Buddha in the Chiang Mai and Sukhothai styles. The temple itself is ornate, with many representations of the Buddha, detailed dragon statues, and elephant carvings. There is also a small museum on the premises.

On a clear day (and most of them are clear unless you're visiting during the rainy or burning seasons), you can look out over the entire city and spot the chedis atop other wats poking out among the clustered buildings. If you're wearing shorts, you will be required to put on a sarong-like wrap to cover your legs. It is advised to cover your shoulders and your legs at least past your knees when visiting any temple. There is a small fee to enter the temple complex.

This small Hmong village is admittedly more tourist-oriented than authentic. Yet there is a small exhibit of a traditional hill tribe home and information on the history of the many groups that have settled in the Thai mountains in past generations.

Here, you will find many small shops where you can purchase hand-woven textiles, handmade jewelry, tea, and other goods. You can also explore a large garden with a diverse array of plants and enjoy breathtaking views from the village. Stop for lunch at one of the small restaurants overlooking the greenery below and order a hot bowl of khao soi, Chiang Mai's most famous dish.

It's a good idea to add this to your itinerary the same day you visit Doi Suthep since you only need to drive a bit farther into the mountains to reach Doi Pui. Enjoy the ride; it's a beautiful one.

This is the highest peak in Thailand, and the national park that surrounds it is filled with some of the many natural wonders that make the country such a draw in the first place. You can do some trekking and hike the mountain, or take a more leisurely route around the park.

Several waterfalls and a hill tribe village are other attractions, along with two pagodas built to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. You'll want to either hire a driver for the day or rent a motorbike and see the sites on your own, as you won't be able to make your way through the entire park on foot. But it's only about a two-hour drive from the city, so if you leave early, you can get in a full and satisfying day on the mountain.

Ruins aren't exactly a rare sight in Chiang Mai, or in Thailand generally, for that matter. But there's something about Wat Chedi Luang that is particularly beautiful and haunting. Constructed in 1401, the imposing structure was damaged during an earthquake in 1545. But it remains remarkable today, and you can still see the massive elephant carvings that adorn it.

Beneath a huge gum tree on the left of the entrance to the precinct stands a delightful little temple, the Lak Muang . Built in 1940 on the site of an earlier wooden building, the shrine is the abode of Chiang Mai's guardian spirit (Lak Muang). According to tradition, if the great tree should fall, disaster will overtake the city. The temple is something to behold at any time of day, but it's particularly lovely at night, when it is all lit up.

One of the first stops on your visit to Chiang Mai will certainly be the Old City. In fact, this is often where most visitors opt to stay, as it's fairly walkable and is packed with temples, restaurants, and charming back streets. You'll recognize the Old City because it is bordered by water channels that resemble a mote. You'll also see remnants of the old walls.

This was the original site of the city when it was founded as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. It was founded in the 13th century on the banks of the Ping River.

Today the Old City is highly concentrated with some of the best things to do in Chiang Mai, from the Three Kings Monument to the Chiang Mai Art and Cultural Centre, massage houses, temples, cooking schools, and the Sunday Walking Street Market.

The Old City has so much to see and do that you can fill an entire itinerary just by staying within its boundaries.

This temple stands at the heart of the Old City. Amid the sois, or alleys, and heavy motorbike traffic, Wat Prasingh rises at the end of Rachadamnoen Road.

It is the largest wat in the city and dates to 1345, when an ancient king built it in his father's honor. The father's ashes are still buried on the grounds - but don't let that spook you from visiting. The decadent structures are impressive, and it's an especially great place to check out on Sundays.

The wat's most sacred shrine is a small building called the Phra Viharn Lai Kam, erected during the reign of King San Muang Ma (1385-1401) to house the famous, now sadly headless, Sukhothai-style figure known as the Phra Singh Buddha.

According to tradition, the Buddha, in the familiar "calling the earth to witness" pose, came to Thailand from Ceylon, finding its way first to Ayutthaya and then to Kamphaeng Phet, Chiang Rai, Luang Prabang, and back again to Ayutthaya before, in 1767, arriving in Chiang Mai, where it has been ever since (but there are doubts as to the relic's authenticity).

Head to Wat Prasingh in the early afternoon, and you'll have a chance to browse a market on the grounds, perusing creative souvenirs and sampling fresh juices and teas after visiting the temple.

This is the place to find the best street food in Chiang Mai. Every night, vendors set up at the Chiang Mai Gate and sell everything from pad kra pow (spicy meat and basil dish) to the perfect dessert of fresh mango sticky rice topped with coconut milk.

Do yourself a favor and order a smoothie from Mrs Pa. Her stand is located directly across from the 7-Eleven and says Pa's Smoothies on the sign. Your best bet is to let her mix up a concoction of her devising; you can never go wrong this way. The market is held seven nights a week, but it's best to go on weeknights since there are fewer vendors on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

If you're wondering where to get your street grub on during the weekend, fear not. Chiang Mai has a market for every occasion. The Sunday Walking Street is a must for eating and shopping in Chiang Mai. Go early, though, if you're not one for crowds.

The main market thoroughfare is Rachadamnoen Road, which begins just behind Thapae Gate, where you'll find vendors selling handcrafted lamps, dolls, soaps, jewelry, clothes, Christmas ornaments, local handicrafts, and just about every other keepsake you can imagine.

As you reach the end of the first block of Rachadamnoen, you'll find yourself flanked by two temples. The courtyards of both are filled with food stalls offering a grand mix of pad Thai, Japanese curry, sushi for 15 cents a piece, samosas, fried bananas, and dumplings.

The market stretches the length of the road, and if you're interested in doing any shopping at all, leave yourself several hours to wander, shop, and eat. Also make sure to be patient, as the throngs can make it slow going when it comes to browsing.

The Saturday Walking Street on Wualai Road is a slightly tamer, and slightly less crowded, version of the Sunday market. You'll find it just behind the Chiang Mai Gate, and it's a great place to pick up hand-woven clothing, pillow covers, purses, wallets, and other items sold by members of local hill tribe communities.

This is a great spot for shopping if you are prepared to do some haggling. Because the Night Bazaar attracts many tourists, you'll want to be on your guard against getting ripped off. But there are some great finds here, from clothes and scarves to carvings and housewares.

When you've finished shopping, you can take in a Muay Thai boxing fight at the stadium on the premises. Muay Thai fights are a big part of local culture and can add an exciting element to your stay in Chiang Mai. Entrance to the fights is usually between 200 and 400 THB.

Location: Chang Klan Road

Also known as Chiang Mai's Tribal Museum, this is the perfect starting point to learn about Thailand's minority hill tribes before you head out on a hike or visit a tribal village. Northern Thailand is home to several mountain tribes, including the Karen and Hmong (the two largest), as well as smaller ethnic groups, such as the Akha, Lua, and Mien, among others.

This great little ethnographic museum should be at the top of your places to visit if you want to learn more about the local hill tribes and their unique identity and culture. Indoor exhibits cover jewelry and costumes, traditional tribal music, handiworks, and more. There are also photo and video presentations explaining the unique differences among tribes and their difficult history and conflicting relationships with mainstream Thai society.

Because most of the tribes don't have a written language, the museum plays an important role in preserving and showcasing the history and culture of these ethnic minorities.

Outside the museum building, visitors can explore recreations of tribal huts in a tranquil garden setting. The museum's gift shop sells authentic handiwork from the various tribes represented here.

Address: Chotana Road Rd., Chang Phueak, Muang Chiang Mai

There are many elephant camps around Chiang Mai, but all are not created equal. Many have been criticized as treating the animals poorly and overworking them. Elephant Nature Park is not one of these places.

Visitors are invited to spend a day volunteering with the elephants, feeding them, and bathing them in the river. Most of the elephants are rescues, having suffered as show or labor animals. Once they come to ENP, they are no longer workers and are treated gently and respectfully.

A day spent here is an eye-opening experience, as you get to spend time up close with the elephants and learn about their plight. The cost of volunteering includes transportation and lunch, and the money goes toward maintaining the grounds and providing for the animals. Be sure to book in advance, as the volunteer spots do fill up ahead of time.

You'll definitely want to spend a day outside the city checking this place out. The wooded area surrounding the falls is serene and peaceful, but the real draw is the fact that you can walk up the falls. The limestone is "sticky" even as the water runs over it, so you can climb up and down to your heart's content. It's a real treat and provides a welcome complement to some of the more traditional tourist activities.

Aim to go on a weekday, since the place is fairly crowded on weekends. For between a few hundred and a thousand Thai baht, you can hire a songthaew or tuk-tuk driver to take you out and back.

This is a perfect place to laze away a day under the Thai sun, surrounded by hills and with a lake to swim in at your leisure. This reservoir is popular with locals and ex-pats. You can rent a hut on the lake for the equivalent of a few dollars and a huge tube to lounge on in the water for a small fee.

Don't worry about packing lunch because you can order fresh fish and other dishes from the local kitchens. And it's only about 10 kilometers from the city, so it makes a perfect day trip. You can hire a driver and negotiate a pickup and drop-off rate. It's worth purchasing an inexpensive Thai SIM card, so you can give the driver a call if you need to make adjustments to your meeting times.

At Art in Paradise, you can surf a big wave, ride a magic carpet, and stand amid an erupting volcano, or at least look as though you are. This illusion art museum displays 3D art that has an incredibly realistic effect, providing plenty of fantastic photo opportunities.

The collection includes more than 130 photos divided into six different zones, such as the underwater world, wildlife, Ancient Egypt, and European cities. Plan on spending at least two hours here, posing for photos in the scenes of your choice for fun mementos of your visit.

Address: 199/9 Changklan Road, Changklan, Muang Chiang Mai

Wat Lok Moli sticks out like a beautiful, amber-colored beacon — especially at sunset when the light hits it just right. It's next to a gas station, which is a perfect synopsis of Chiang Mai — ancient and modern coexist everywhere here.

The Buddhist Temple sits just outside the Old City, about 400 meters from the Chang Phuak city gate. It dates back at least to the middle of the 14th century and is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai.

Of the many temples in the city, this is one of the most beautiful. The most noticeable feature of the temple is the large chedi, which sits behind a temple structure that contains a large Buddha. In fact, one of Lanna's kings invited monks from what is now Myanmar to Chiang Mai during the 14th century to help spread Buddha's teachings. While the monks were in Chiang Mai, this is the temple at which they lived. Monks still work on the grounds today.

Inside the chedi are the ashes of many of the kings of the Mengrai dynasty, which ended in the 16th century when Burma invaded Thailand. For many years the temple was abandoned and was recently renovated in the 20th century.

Address: 298/1 Manee Nopparat Rd, ตำบล ศรีภูมิ อำเภอ เมืองเชียงใหม่ Chiang Mai 50200

If you're planning to see the top tourist attractions in the city of Chiang Mai, the best place to stay is near the walled Old City, a wonderful place to explore on foot, with its Buddhist temples, bookstores, antique shops, and cafés. Near the Old City's Tha Phae Gate, the lively Night Bazaar buzzes with activity and the surrounding area is also popular and centrally located for sightseeing.

Hotels in the area of town called Riverside tend to be a little more tranquil but still lie within easy access of all the attractions. Below are some highly rated hotels in convenient locations for sightseeing:

Luxury Hotels:

• Minutes from the Old City and Night Market yet in a tranquil Riverside location, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is a stylish sanctuary with contemporary Asian accents.
• Also within walking distance to the Old City is the more intimate colonial-style Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa with charming gingerbread trim.
• The stunning teak buildings of 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai have been lovingly restored and now offer suites with private pools, open-air showers, and vintage tiled verandahs overlooking the lush gardens.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• An excellent mid-range option in the heart of the city is the Golden Bell Hotel next to the Sunday Walking Street market.
• If you're seeking a little more serenity, a good-value boutique hotel on the outskirts of the city is Rimping Village , a 10-minute walk from the Night Market.
• Shewe Wana Boutique Resort and Spa is a great choice if you want easy access via tuk-tuk to all the top attractions.

Budget Hotels:

• If you're on a budget, Varada Place offers excellent value within walking distance of the Old City.
• Simple but charming, Amora Resort Tapae Chiangmai is close to many great restaurants and attractions and also offers great views.
• Rustic River Boutique is also centrally located and a short hop from the Night Bazaar.

From palaces to picturesque beaches, Thailand is packed with plenty of things to do. Near Chiang Mai, beautiful Mae Hong Son blends both the Thai and Burmese cultures. In Bangkok, you can explore sacred temples and the magnificent Grand Palace , while the old Thai capital of Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Not far from Bangkok lies the bustling beach resort of Pattaya , the historical attractions and national parks of Kanchanaburi , and the Buddhist monuments of Nakhon Pathom .

A short flight from the capital is Surat Thani Province , with the popular islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, and Phuket Island , with plenty of appealing day trips , including Khao Yai National Park .

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Your Trip to Chiang Mai: The Complete Guide

The capital of an expansive, independent Lanna Kingdom that maintained a separate identity till the 19th century, Chiang Mai retains a unique culture that is both a part of Thailand and yet separate from it. As the urban center for Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai goes beyond its roots as a Lanna heartland to become a destination for digital nomads, an example for world ecotourism, source of high-quality handicrafts, even a noted foodie stop for world-hopping gourmands!

For first-time visitors, Chiang Mai can be hard to make sense of at first glance: before planning your trip, read the information we’ve provided below.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit: Between November and February, Chiang Mai experiences the lowest overall temperatures and humidity for the year, making this period the best time to visit . This time of year also coincides with festivals like Loi Krathong and the Chiang Mai Flower Festival.
• Language: The majority of people speak Thai, with older and rural folk speaking Lanna (the Northern Thai language) as a first language. Local English proficiency is all right for workers in the city’s service industries, but don’t expect to be understood the further you venture out to the countryside.
• Currency: The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB), with its value hovering around 33 baht to the U.S. dollar. You can convert money at one of Thailand's many banks.
• Getting Around: The best way to go places in Chiang Mai is by riding the songthaew, the cheapest way to travel in the city. Red songthaew (rod daeng, Thai for “red car”), are the most common type, running throughout the city; other colors can go as far as neighboring provinces.
• Travel Tip: Chiang Mai is an excellent jump-off point for exploring the rest of Northern Thailand, with easy transport access to Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, and Pai . The city of Chiang Rai , for instance, is just a three-hour bus ride away.

Things to Do

The Chiang Mai experience begins at the Old City and radiates out to the countryside into your choice of adventures. From buying Thai handicrafts to climbing waterfalls to browsing through night markets, Chiang Mai offers different travel experiences to suit a wide variety of tastes.

Consider the following experiences when you’re planning a trip to Chiang Mai.

• Walk inside the Old City: This 370-acre walled district houses the oldest part of civilized Chiang Mai, along with many of its finest temples, restaurants, and attractions. Set your own itinerary on foot, and you’ll discover many of the Old City’s hidden gems.
• Buy Northern Thai handicrafts: Many Thai handicrafts sold in Bangkok and abroad originate from the handicraft specialty villages outside Chiang Mai city. Cut out the middleman and visit villages like Bor Sang (for mulberry-paper umbrellas) and Ban Tawai (for hand-carved wooden crafts) to buy Thai artisanal crafts straight from the source.
• Experience an ethical animal encounter: The wilds around Chiang Mai also host a number of ethical elephant sanctuaries that permit care activities like feeding or bathing the animals, but no riding or abuse of the pachyderms in their care.
• Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Chiang Mai’s most sacred temple is set on a mountain slope some 10 miles from the city center, at an altitude of 3,500 feet above sea level. Despite the distance, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep remains a singular must-visit temple: take in the culture, the crisp mountain air, and the gorgeous views of the city from above.
• Shop at Chiang Mai’s night markets: The O.G. Night Bazaar is still going strong, but it’s getting some serious competition from the weekend night markets in the Old City. These night markets have everything—cheap souvenirs, jewelry, home furnishings, and as much Thai street food as you can eat!

Explore more things to do in Chiang Mai with our full-length articles on the top things to do in Chiang Mai , top shopping stops in Chiang Mai , Chiang Mai’s nature parks , and the top temples to visit in Chiang Mai .

What to Eat and Drink

The former capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom is the best place to try Northern Thai food—a regional cuisine with close links to Lao , Burmese, and Yunnanese Chinese food traditions.

Don’t be fooled by the foreign influence, Chiang Mai’s cooks have perfected the use of local ingredients to create something completely unique to the province, and is completely tied to the Chiang Mai tourist experience today.

You can’t say you’ve visited Chiang Mai until you’ve had khao soi (flat egg noodles in a coconut-based curry), sai oua (Lanna sausages) and som tam (papaya salad); in fact, these dishes have become iconic all-Thai dishes in their own right!

Explore our full-length articles on the foods to try in Chiang Mai and the best restaurants in Chiang Mai to try them.

Where to Stay

As one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, Chiang Mai offers tourist accommodations for every budget, from backpacker-friendly hostels to five-star resorts.

Look through Chiang Mai’s individual neighborhoods for a hotel, hostel, or resort that fits your needs: budget guesthouses and boutique hotels in the Old City; mid-to-high-end boutique hotels in Wat Ket; and luxury, mid-range, and economy hotels around the Night Bazaar, among others.

Beyond city limits, you’ll find a cool assortment of mountain resorts promising eco-friendly stays with nature encounters as part of the mix. The Anantara Golden Triangle, for instance, sells overnight stays in their Jungle Bubbles , where you can sleep in transparent hemispheres next to roving bands of elephants!

Getting There

Most international visitors fly in to Chiang Mai via Chiang Mai International Airport , located only 3 miles from the Old City. From Chiang Mai, you can take buses, trains, or domestic flights to other parts of the country, including Pai, Mae Hong Son, and Chiang Rai.

Citizens of over 60 countries (including the U.S.) can visit Thailand (and Chiang Mai) without a visa for up to 30 days. Check with the Ministry of Tourism for any rules changes before planning your trip.

Culture and Customs

Cover up in Buddhist temples: Thailand’s Buddhist temples, as a rule, require modest clothing from its visitors; any skimpy clothing signals disrespect for the monks. Cover your shoulders and legs when visiting active Buddhist temples , whether you’re in the Old City or visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

Tipping is not necessary: As a rule, service personnel do not expect tips from their guests. If you do feel authentic satisfaction with their service, tips will not be discouraged.

Don’t lose your temper: Showing strong emotions is a big no-no in Thailand. The locals prize saving face above all , so they smile and stay cool even when they have every reason to blow their top.

Read these articles about tipping in Asia , Thai temple etiquette ; dos and don’t’s to observe in Thailand , and table manners in Thailand .

Money-Saving Tips

Stay at a hostel: Thai hostels and budget hotels are great deals for scrimping travelers; chosen well, your hostel will have just the right amount of comfort, with walking-distance access to local tourist sights. Many budget hotels in the Old City fit this description—for not a lot of dollars per night, you can sleep well and explore the Old City’s sights from your doorstep.

Learn to ride the songthaew: Red songthaew run all around the city, costing as little as 30 baht (around $0.90) per ride. They don’t follow set routes but will take a general direction where they’ll pick up and drop off passengers on demand.

Look for free stuff to do: In several Old City temples, for instance, you can sign up for “monk chats” where you can ask questions about the local religion and culture; and the monks get English-language practice. Win-win!

Eat local: Go where the Thais go to eat in Chiang Mai, generally, food courts or eateries where they serve only local food. You’ll be fed delicious Northern Thai food at a fraction of the cost of a comparable meal at a touristy restaurant.

Buy a local SIM card for phone and mobile internet use: Using Chiang Mai’s cellular and 4G network is just a matter of buying a local SIM card and slapping it into a compatible handset. You can choose from a variety of cellular providers in Chiang Mai—the top three brands (AIS, DTAC, and True Move) can be found at almost every convenience store around the city.

For more details on saving costs in Chiang Mai, read our articles on how much money you’ll need for a trip to Thailand and what $100 buys in Southeast Asia .

Encyclopedia Britannica. " Chiang Mai ."

Tourism Authority of Thailand. " Language & Culture ." Jan. 9, 2020.

Tourism Authority of Thailand. " Thailand Currency ."

• Royal Thai Consulate - General. " List of Countries – Allowed 30-Day Stay Without a Visa ( For Tourism Only) – Passport MUST be valid for at least six more months ."

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© Pakin Songmor/Getty Images

The former seat of the Lanna kingdom is a blissfully calm place to relax and recharge your batteries – in a city still firmly Thai in its atmosphere and attitude.

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, attractions, must-see attractions.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Overlooking the city from its mountain throne, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples, and its founding legend is…

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang isn't as grand as Wat Phra Singh, but its towering, ruined Lanna-style chedi (built in 1441) is much taller and the sprawling compound…

Wat Phra Singh

Chiang Mai's most revered temple, Wat Phra Singh is dominated by an enormous, mosaic-inlaid wí·hăhn (sanctuary). Its prosperity is plain to see from the…

Talat Warorot

Chiang Mai's oldest public market, Warorot (also spelt Waroros) is a great place to connect with the city's Thai soul. Alongside souvenir vendors you'll…

Wat Phan Tao

Without doubt the most atmospheric wát in the old city, this teak marvel sits in the shadow of Wat Chedi Luang. Set in a compound full of fluttering…

Wat Pha Lat

A hidden jungle temple tucked into the mountain along the way to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Old stone structures, intricate carvings, naga-flanked…

Lanna Folklife Museum

Set inside the former Provincial Court, dating from 1935, this imaginative museum re-creates Lanna village life in a series of life-size dioramas that…

Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham

Not to be confused with the small Wat Umong in the old city, this historic forest wát is famed for its sylvan setting and its ancient chedi, above a brick…

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The best things to do in chiang mai from night bazaars to nature walks.

Baan Kang Wat

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North Gate Jazz Co-Op

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Sunday Walking Street

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Wat Srisuphan

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Akha Ama Cafe

Akha Ama serves locally harvested, sustainable, direct-trade beans from the jungles north of Chiang Mai, but – perhaps most importantly to some – the…

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is one of the city’s main night-time attractions, especially for families, and is the legacy of the original Yunnanese trading…

Chiang Mai's best chicken emerges daily from the grills at this tiny cafe near Wat Phra Singh. The menu runs to salads and soups, but most people just…

Saturday Walking Street

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Riverside Bar & Restaurant

Almost everyone ends up at Riverside at some point in their Chiang Mai stay. Set in an old teak house, it feels like a countryside reimagining of a Hard…

Talat Ton Lam Yai

Adjacent to Talat Warorot, Talat Ton Lam Yai morphs from a covered household market into an animated flower market (gàht dòrk mái), flanking the river on…

Wat Suan Dok

Built on a former flower garden in 1373, this important monastery enshrines one half of a sacred Buddha relic; the other half was transported by white…

Wat Umong Maha Therachan

This historic wát is in the heart of the old city. Though it was first constructed in 1367 and boasts some very old, Lanna-style chedis, it's also worth a…

Wat Bupparam

This highly ornate temple shows the clear influence of the Burmese teak merchants who immigrated to Chiang Mai during the 19th century. The eye-catching…

Wat Chet Yot

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13 Awesome Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: April 2, 2024

When you’re looking for the best things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand, you can’t go past these top 13 attractions and activities. You’ll be amazed at all the choices for what to do in Chiang Mai!

From the world-class beaches in the South to the mountain forests in the North, Thailand really does have something for everyone.

While Bangkok is its bustling capital, the north is the heart of culture and creativity, and there are hundreds of things to do in Chiang Mai.

See the best things in Chiang Mai, such as the temples of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Chedi Luang or visit a national park such as Doi Inthanon or Doi Suthep-Pui.

Stay busy with Chiang Mai’s busy markets and street food in the old city, relax with meditation or a Thai massage, or even take a day trip to Chiang Rai or to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Thailand.

Table of Contents

1) Visit Elephant Nature Park

2) enjoy the cafe scene, 3) ride the mae hong son loop, 4) spend time with a local, 5) explore the buddhist temples, 6) hill tribe trekking in the surrounding mountains, 7) wander the sunday walking street markets, 8) visit san kamphaeng hot springs, 9) do a meditation course at wat doi suthep, 10) get a thai massage at the chiang mai women’s correctional institution, 11) cliff diving at the hang dong rock quarry, 12) get a sak yant from a monk, 13) go shopping at the night bazaar, where to stay in chiang mai, best backpacker’s hostel in chiang mai, best mid-range accommodation in chiang mai, best luxury hotel in chiang mai – 137 pillars, the best things to do in chiang mai.

You could easily spend a month (or more) in Northern Thailand, making Chiang Mai a base for exploration.

With the best restaurant and cafe scene in the country, excellent nightlife, a strong Buddhist presence, and enough activities to fill a calendar year, there is definitely no shortage of things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand!

It really is the cultural capital of Thailand, and no doubt you’ll fall in love with it on your next visit. Best of all it’s very affordable compared to the south of the country.

There are so many places to visit in Chiang Mai, and every day we found more and more to do! If you want to know what to do in Chiang Mai, have a read of this article and come visit the city for yourself!

READ MORE: When planning to visit Thailand be sure to use our comprehensive Travel Guide to Thailand !

Unfortunately, Thailand has a history of animal abuse to help boost its tourism economy. Activities such as riding an elephant or visiting the sedated tigers in many of the temples only add to this cruelty and should be avoided at all costs.

But in Chiang Mai, there is one sanctuary that is committed to education and rehabilitation. Elephant Nature Park is a rescue centre for elephants that have been abused by the tourism industry over the decades.

Here you can either visit the elephants in their natural environment or volunteer at Elephant Nature Park to help out around the sanctuary.

Riding elephants are prohibited; instead, the focus is on treating and protecting these beautiful creatures. Definitely one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

Elephant Nature Park is also the most expensive option for visiting elephants in Chiang Mai, but that’s because they are the absolute best company in town.

Ok, we admit it – we’re suckers for a city with a great cafe scene. And in Thailand few places offer the kind of coffee-hopping joys that Chiang Mai does.

Because we work online, we love a good cafe with tasty coffee, a comfortable setting, funky music and fast wifi.

After a huge morning seeking out all the Chiang Mai attractions, we’d often find ourselves in one of the quirky cafes to while away the afternoon hours.

Our favourites were Good Morning Chiang Mai and Bird’s Nest Cafe, but you could spend weeks bouncing from place to place and never get sick of it.

The cafes really are the bomb and one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

Ok, this isn’t exactly in Chiang Mai, but no trip to Northern Thailand would be complete without renting a scooter or motorbike and riding this incredible four-day loop.

Starting from Chiang Mai, you complete a circuit, spending nights in Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son and seeking out the beauty in Pai, before returning back to the city.

It is known to be one of the best motorbike loops in Southeast Asia, and after we spent 10 months riding two motorbikes 15’000km around the region, we can honestly agree that it is well worth doing.

There’s a lot to see and do along the way, and first up is the sensational mountain scenery. Make sure your travel cameras are charged because it’s seriously going to blow your mind.

There are also a lot of cool detours you can take that will take you up to some unique hill tribes. The people up there are very friendly and welcoming, but make sure you are dressed modestly and show them respect.

And if the temperature is getting the better of you, there are plenty of gorgeous waterfalls to stop off at and take a quick dip.

The Mae Hong Son Loop is probably up there with Chiang Rai as being one of the best trips from Chiang Mai. Many travelers hit up Chiang Rai afterwards, but save time for the Mae Hong Son Loop, you certainly won’t regret it!

(Seriously, don’t be one of those digital nomads or backpackers who spend all their time in the city and never leaves.)

Read our complete guide on riding the  Mae Hong Son Loop .

We’ve been lucky enough to spend months backpacking Thailand, and one thing we never tire of is the welcoming and generous culture of the Thai people.

When you’re in the country you will no doubt have countless incredible interactions that will help convince you Thailand may just be the best country in the world.

If you’re in the city and on a limited schedule, there are plenty of things to do with locals in Chiang Mai, such as trekking and a Thai cooking class.

Our absolute favourite experience with locals is a Thai cooking class. We did this one and absolutely loved it.

READ MORE: Check out our brand new 3-days in Chiang Mai itinerary guide!

Chiang Mai is full of amazing Buddhist temples, known as ‘wats’, and the majority of them are open to visitors. While Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is probably the most beautiful, the ones in the city should not be missed either.

Even if you don’t consider yourself spiritual, Chiang Mai’s temples are a must-see.

Definitely check out Wat Phra Singh, Wat Pan Tao, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Umong. One of the real unique things to do in Chiang Mai is to attend a monk chat.

Basically, this is where you can visit a temple and talk to the monks about Buddhism, life in the temples, or just about anything you can think of.

They are often very excited to practice their English, so it is mutually beneficial. Check out the posters plastered around the temples to see when the regular monk chats are on.

The monks might even give you some more tips on what to do in Chiang Mai!

A lot of people who visit Thailand start in the Southern islands, which are undoubtedly beautiful, but can lack a bit of culture and authenticity.

It is no wonder then that when people arrive in Chiang Mai, they are often craving to learn about the history and ethnic development of the country.

Chiang Mai’s jungles are a trekker’s paradise, filled with waterfalls, valleys, mountains and, perhaps more interestingly, various hill tribes.

Just make sure you sign up for your treks with a reputable and responsible tour operator, where the majority of the money will go to the local people of northern Thailand.

Avoid visiting the Karen long neck tribes.

These minority people have been forced to continue their paralysing traditions, at the insistence of the government, to keep growing the booming tourism economy.

This one trekking at Doi Suthep Mountain is really cool (booked with Klook).

Every Sunday night the centre of the Old City is closed to traffic, and food vendors, craftspeople and artists take over with their unique and bargain-priced street markets.

The night street markets are among the most popular of Chiang Mai’s tourist attractions.

It’s a wonderful evening out, and you’ll find locals and tourists alike wandering around, checking out the items for sale and just enjoying themselves.

If you’re looking to buy any souvenirs or trinkets this is the place to do it. You’ll find all kinds of things here, from traditional to contemporary, and usually at very good prices.

Or if you would rather spend your money on something different, you can get foot massages for only a few dollars, and literally stuff yourself silly with all the delicious local food that is scattered all over the markets.

Definitely one of the better things to do in Chiang Mai at night. The Saturday Night Market is also just as great!

Hot tip – don’t eat lunch on a Sunday, because you’re going to fill yourself up at the walking street markets for dinner!

Renowned for its therapeutic and relaxing qualities, the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs offers visitors a rejuvenating experience amidst serene surroundings.

It’s one of the best tourist destinations near Chiang Mai!

Visitors can immerse themselves in a series of hot mineral pools while enjoying the picturesque surroundings of tropical gardens.

Additionally, the site offers recreational activities such as egg-boiling in the natural hot springs and exploring the nearby Mae On Cave. With its tranquil ambiance and healing waters, San Kamphaeng Hot Springs offers a lovely day of relaxation and natural therapy.

Chiang Mai is full of ways to get in touch with your inner self, but perhaps the most famous one is the Doi Suthep Vipassana Meditation Centre . Situated on top of Suthep Mountain, this temple receives thousands of visitors every single day.

For those that want to stay longer and learn more about this life-changing method of meditation, the monks open their doors and provide courses that range from 3-28 days.

Speaking is forbidden during your time in the temple, and all your energies are focused on breathing and clearing your mind of thoughts and troubles.

Courses are run on donations. Alesha completed a 7-day course in 2014 and absolutely loved it.

Click here to find out more about her Vipassana meditation course in Chiang Mai .

READ MORE: Be sure to check out all of the great things to do in Krabi !

That’s right – get a Thai massage at the women’s prison . Before you turn your nose up at this idea, it is important to realise that this is actually a wonderful and hugely beneficial enterprise.

The women in this correctional facility are all serving short sentences for minor offences, and this is a way for them to learn a new skill to help them migrate back into society.

There’s a cafe and crafts store on site, and the massages and spa facilities are very reasonably priced (expect 180 Baht for a massage). One of the strangest, but more interesting, things to do in Chiang Mai.

If jumping off of high things into water sounds like your idea of fun (it is for us), then make sure you head out to the Hang Dong Rock Quarry in northern Thailand.

Originally used as a mine to clear out limestone, the quarry has now filled with water that glows a vibrant turquoise green. The massive pool is deep enough to launch from the highest cliffs, some of them up to 12m high.

If you would rather take a dip without taking the dive, there are plenty of spots you can just swim out.

It can be hard to find, so hiring a scooter or songthaew is the best way to get there. The spot is also sometimes called Chiang Mai Grand Canyon.

If you’re done with Chiang Mai sightseeing and you’d like to commemorate your northern Thailand adventure – get a sak yant.

If you’ve ever wanted to get a bamboo tattoo, then Chiang Mai is the place to do it. Luckily there’s an incredible way to have this experience too.

A sak yant is a traditional, sacred tattoo in the Buddhist religion that is performed by an Ajarn, or tattoo master.

These Ajarns are often Buddhist monks, and the sak yants given are ancient script and designs that offer protection and strength to the person wearing it.

Getting a sak yant is often something many travellers want to do on their trip around Thailand, but finding a clean and hygienic place to do it can be tough.

Not wanting to risk infection, we signed up for a sak yant tour with Where Sidewalks End and even had an English-speaking guide to help translate the entire experience for us with the monk.

It was one of the real highlights of our time in Chiang Mai, and if you’re interested in doing this yourself, we highly recommend it.

Check out our detailed article about our experience getting a sak yant in Chiang Mai .

The night bazaar in Chiang Mai is an absolute must for anyone who wants to dive into the myriad options for gifts and trinkets from Chiang Mai as well as various practical items for travellers.

Hundreds of vendors begin setting up their stalls around 6 PM. But the night bazaar doesn’t start kicking off until an hour or so later.

If you’re not in the mood to buy anything, there is plenty to see in just walking around the night bazaar.

Plus there are lots of places where you can pick up something to eat or drink. Thai street food is among the best in the world!

Chiang Mai Travel Guide

Organising a trip includes so much research and planning – it can be a bit tiring. To save you the hassle and time, we created a list to help you find accommodation options regardless of your budget situation.

The Chiang Mai International Airport is also just 20 minutes from the center of town, so transport to your accommodation should be quick and easy. If you’re wondering where to stay in Chiang Mai while visiting northern Thailand, read on!

Chiang Mai has a huge number of accommodation options to match every budget, from backpacker hostels and tiny guesthouses to 5-star luxury resorts.

We stayed in a few places while visiting Chiang Mai, and they were all very decent. If you are a backpacker, check out the options on Hostel World .

If you are a couple or would prefer something a bit higher-end, Booking.com has a huge selection of accommodations.

Which Neighbourhood in Chiang Mai?

If you’re wondering where to stay in Chiang Mai, it’s important to choose the right neighbourhood to stay in.

While a lot of ex-pats and digital nomads choose the popular Nimmanhaemin area for its abundance of cafes, bars and restaurants, the truth is it’s a bit far away from the tourist attractions.

If you’re a backpacker you’ll want to stay near the Old City, which is the most picturesque and is walking distance to most of the Chiang Mai points of interest.

However high-quality hotels are quite limited in the Old City, so you’ll have to venture further afield. Don’t worry though – you’re never too far from anything in Chiang Mai, and tuk-tuks and motorbike rentals are very cheap ways to get around.

There’s an overwhelming number of awesome hostels in Chiang Mai, and it can be daunting trying to narrow it down to just one.

But the hostel with the most good reviews is Hostel Lullaby . With over 1,000 positive traveler reviews, and a 9.7 out of 10 rating on Hostelworld, this is easily a top pick.

Travelers love that it’s centrally located in the Old City and social, yet not super loud like a party hostel.

There’s no shortage of mid-range accommodation in Chiang Mai, but one of our favourites is the Sakorn Residence and Hotel .

It’s just outside of the Old City, so it’s a quieter place to rest your head and it really has a stunning setup.

There’s a pool, huge, bright and clean rooms, a great restaurant and friendly staff. It really has just about everything you would want for a stay in the city.

If money isn’t an option and you really want to splurge out on the most brilliant accommodation in Chiang Mai, then you need to check out the beautiful and historic 137 Pillars .

We stayed here on our most recent visit to Chiang Mai and absolutely fell in love with it.

It is arguably the best 5-star hotel in the city, and when you see it for yourself you’ll understand why. The suites surround private courtyards, and there are art galleries and delicious cafes and restaurants on-site.

The history of the place is unrivalled, and the service provided is seriously next level. The rooms feature deep, ancient teak timbers and huge 4-post beds like you’d see in the movies.

Seriously, if you want to live in pure luxury in Chiang Mai, this is the place to do it.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Great list of things to do in chiang mai, thanks for sharing great information.

Thank you. Glad it was helpful.

What a fantastic Post! This is so chock full of useful information, most concise step-by-step guide, I was looking for some places around Thailand, and your blog really helped me. Thanks for sharing the information. Can you suggest me some places to visit around Phuket?

Hi Finnich, we are so happy this article was helpful. As for Phuket, we have an article about accommodation https://www.nomadasaurus.com/where-to-stay-in-phuket/ and doing a detox if you are interested in that https://www.nomadasaurus.com/healthy-living-detox-atmanjai/ . As for things to do, we did some day tours out to some islands. There are many nice beaches to visit but do keep in mind they are all going to be busy as Phuket is a holiday destination. Do your research about visiting any animal entertainment places. There are many bad ones out there and treat the animals horribly. Have a great time and enjoy Thailand.

Thanks a lot for this article ! Very helpful ! I have a question regarding the message in the women correctional institution. Is it actually inside the Prison that is located outside the old city ?

It is located near the prison (not inside) and they have an area set up. It is like you are walking into a message salon. There are officers there supervising.

Thanks for your detailed article on Chiang Mai! We love it there because it is so great for digital nomads. We try to stay a few months every year to work on our blog. Gotta make it in time for the lantern festival one year!!

You are welcome. Glad it was helpful. It definitely is a great place to work. The internet is great. We have never been to the lantern festival. We just missed it a couple of years back when we moved there. Have a great time.

hi , thank you for this blog. its awesome..! you guys spent lot of time there. I’m also planing to visit Chiang Mai. But I won’t have that much time to spend in there. may be 2-3 days. I want to visit Buddhist temples and visit local area. could you give me your suggestions where to visit? I really really appreciate it.

Hi Varuni, that is awesome you are travelling to Chiang Mai. You will have a great time. There is so many Buddhist temples to visit, so we know what you mean about seeing the best ones.

Our friends over at Southeast Asia Backpackers have written a great post about the top 5 temples. Check it out. https://southeastasiabackpacker.com/chiang-mai-temples-top-5/ and if you get them all done and want more check out our friends, Hannah and Adam over at Getting Stamped’s post https://www.gettingstamped.com/chiang-mai-temples/

Have a great trip. :_)

Wow, thanks heaps guys for the tips and recommendations. I’m going to Thailand next month for my birthday and by reading your blog you guys really did inspire me to adventure and explore Thailand. Such a beautiful country 🙂

Hi Sarahia, so awesome. You are going to have a great time in Chiang Mai. Happy birthday for next month. Have a great trip.

Waoo, Thailand is really awesome. I wish to visit there. Thanks for sharing such amazing images and information about Thailand. I appreciate your blog post.

Hope you get there one day. Glad you enjoyed our post. 🙂

As a local farang living and working here in Chiang Mai it takes a bit to impress me when it comes to blogging and writing articles about this city. Anyway you guys made it and I enjoyed your writing which gave me some great flashbacks from when I came to CM the very first time as a tourist, hungry for adventures.

Keep it up thanks

Hi Jack, Thank you so much. We love visiting CM, no matter how many time we have been there. You really can find more awesome things to do every time. How long have you been living there for? We stayed for a short period of 3 months one time and really enjoyed it. We tried so many local restaurants and loved food shopping at the local markets. Hope you are going ok with the air pollution at the moment. It is crazy how terrible the air gets in the burning period.

Love all of the helpful information I am finding in your blog. Love the opening video and am wondering where this lovely via ferrata is located.

Thank you so much. Glad the article was helpful. That must of been our “world’s most dangerous hike” video. It is located in China.

About learning more about Thai culture and Hmong, Karen and other hilltribes and rural life: I would totally recommend for openminded travellers is to live in a (hill tribe) village for a few days.

We stayed through Duara Travels in 2 different villages 3 nights each, first being a Thai farmer village with the most amazing vegetarian food.

And the second was a Karen village on the slopes of Doi Inthanon – but no longnecks for display, only warm-hearted hosts. The idea is to really to connect with the locals and participate in their daily lives, far from the tourist scene.

There was also 3 thirth village available but as we are travelling with two kids we did not go, as the journey would have been too much. But may be next time, as those days spend with our new friends are the total highlight of our numerous travels.

If you’re a nature lover you’ll definitely fall in love with Chiang Mai. Aside from enjoying the stunning scenery there are lots of activities that you can also do here. Whenever I go here I usually go to the elephant sanctuary, sticky waterfall, explore the temples and talk to the monks and also enroll myself in a short cooking class.

Totally agree with you. They are great places to visit. We are looking forward to going back to Chiang Mai and going back to these attractions. 🙂

If you’re talking massage Chiang Mai is also one of the few places you’ll get a Tok Sen or hammer massage. Rather than using their hands the therapist uses a dowl-like bit of wood that they hit with a hammer. Despite it sounding a bit like a building site it’s surprisingly relaxing!

Oh wow. That sounds interesting. Thanks for the tip Helen. We will have to check that our next time.

A CM local stumbled upon your blog. Normally I would just read but there is a misunderstanding I’ve found (again and again and again in many foreigner’s blog.)

…Avoid visiting the Karen long neck tribes. These minority people have been forced to continue their paralysing traditions, at the insistence of the government, to keep growing the booming tourism economy…. >>>> 1. No forcing. They do that on therir own will. Of cause they can give up their tradition whenever you want and nobody would do any thing to force them to be back to their tradition. They just don’t do that (give up their tradition) beacuse it gaive them money.

2. Most of your tourists think they are Thai and the gov fored them to live that way. Fact is they are not Thai. Thai is nationality, not race. Problem is that many of the hilltribes has no Thai nationality. They are refugee from neighbor: Myanmar, Laos. That’s the case of many long neck Karen you see.

3. What most of tourists (roughly 99.99 percent from what I’ve read/talk) don’t understand is that Thai nationality is given by blood, not by birthplace like most Western countries. That’s why some who are not Thai, even though they gave birth in TH, sill be Myanmese, Lao, etc. That’s included these hioll tribes.

4. For those hilltribes who has Thai nationality they can gain any access Thai people have. I’m teacher in an acdemic institution in the north and I have many student who are hilltribes. They can get student loan. Some even got the Queen scholarship. They can get health insurrance and any benefit others Thai have. Of cause some of my student are from long neck Karen tribe. They give up their tradition on their own and nobody forced them to be back to their ways.

No offense, I know you like Thai. I’m appreciate that fact. But, like most tourists, You don’t understand us and, worse, you assume based on your own thought. And worst, they would not listen to us no matter how we explain them.

Hope you are not one of those tourist, otherwise, just ignore my explantion. Thank you.

I loved Chiang Mai! Been there two years in a row for weeks. One of my favorite things was to walk or bike around and visit the temples. I went to ENP as well, but I thought it was too big and touristy and you had not really a lot of time with the elephants. x

Hi Stephanie, That’s awesome. Chiang Mai is a beautiful place. Sorry you felt like that about ENP. We felt like we had a lot of time viewing the elephants. We didn’t look at our visit to the park as spending time with the elephants close up but by watching them, learning about them and their past and what the park is doing for them to better their lifes. There are a lot of tourist that visit this park, but this is the same as everywhere else in Chiang Mai. The elephants looked happy and well looked after and by having very little human contact is amazing. They have had a hard life. Thank you for your comment and happy travels 🙂

Great post!

Chiang Mai is a perfect gateway from the hustle and bustle of big city, like Bangkok. I’d definitely use this list for my next trip to Chiang Mai – thanks!

Besides exploring Chiang Mai town, I’d recommend to drive a bit up north to Mae Rim! It’s only 25 mins driving and the nature there is incredible. It is a perfect place to go for a day trip. The waterfalls and butterfly farm are the highlights of this place.

Thank you so much for the tip. That’s great. We love being in nature. Glad our post can be handy for when you go to Chiang Mai again. Happy travels

Great read! Are there any tours or hill tribes you recommend visiting that are ethical?

Hi Lauren, sorry we have no idea. There is a lot of websites that have written about Chiang Mai. Maybe try Together in Thailand, Tieland to Thailand or Travelfish. Sorry we can’t help you anymore. All the best and we hope you find the right tour. 🙂

Love this list! I finally made it to Hang Dong on my last visit to Chiang Mai, and I couldn’t believe I never heard about it during the year I spent living and teaching in Thailand. It’s amazing, and a definitely must! I’ll have to check our your suggested cafes on my next visit 🙂

That’s awesome Jessica. We are stoked you had a great time out there. Thank you for reading.

A great list of things and I’m so annoyed I didn’t get to see the Hang Dong Rock Quarry, I love jumping off things like that! Chiang Mai is amazing so I’ll be going back an I’ll definitely be doing some of the stuff off this list!

I also did a Bungy jump just outside of Chiang Mai (AJ Hackett certified) and the Zip lining, both great fun things to do around Chiang Mai.

Hope all is well back in home and you can get back on the road soon!

Wow we didn’t even realise you could bungy jump just outside Chiang Mai. We will have to hit that up next time. Next time you head back be sure to head out to the Quarry. Thank you for your concern. We have been back on the road again for the last 5 months and all is well. We were run down and some rest definitely did the job. Cheers Oscar

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• PERSPECTIVE
• INFORMATION
• PRESENTATION
• เชียงใหม่สานสัมพันธ์ต่างประเทศ

Perspective

Thailand's "Rose of the North" is a cultural and natural wonderland with ethnic diversity, a multitude of attractions and welcoming hospitality.

Chiang Mai literally means "new city" and has retained the name despite celebrating its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai the Great founded the city as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom on Thursday, April 12 1296 around the same time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai even conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded. Henceforth, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also to be the center of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was a very religious leader who even founded many of the city's temples that remain important to this day. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to experience both historical and modern Thai culture coexisting side by side: the city features centuries-old pagodas and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. This dichotomy is best appreciated within the moat-encircled old city, which retains much of the fortified wall that once protected the city center as well as the four main gates that provided access to the former Lanna capital city. Strangely, for many years tourists had mistaken Chiang Mai simply as the base from which they could plan trekking and rafting trips to hill tribe villages and explore other provinces. Once in Chiang Mai, however, tourists are surprised by the fact that there are so many things to discover other than its beautiful and historic temples. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes, a number of elephant camps, many cooking and massage schools, numerous outdoor activities, a variety of handicrafts workshops, various cultural performances, and breathtaking scenery make Chiang Mai one of Asia's most attractive tourist destinations. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around town" was once a common expression. Today, two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for travelers to experience all that Chiang Mai has to offer.

The old city of Chiang Mai is a showcase of the north's fascinating indigenous cultural identity that includes diverse dialects, a delectable cuisine, distinctive architecture, traditional values, lively festivals, numerous handicrafts workshops, northern style massage, and classical dances. Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources including mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. The presence of numerous hill tribes that feature a wealth of unique cultures enhances Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity. Hill tribe trekking, often combined with river rafting and elephant riding has always been one of Chiang Mai's greatest tourist attractions. Nowadays there are innumerable activities and attractions both in the city and the surrounding province, including massage instruction and golf. Moreover, visitors can visit workshops where they can learn about the production of silk or silver, and purchase memorable, hand-crafted souvenirs. With such a diverse range of attractions and an equally grand selection of dining and accommodation options, Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy the ultimate Thailand holiday.