Chiang Mai, nestled in the mountains of Northern Thailand, is a must-see spot on your tour of Thailand. For those who want a break from the busy hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a breath of fresh air.
Between its stunning temples, vibrant street food, and interesting hikes and treks, Chiang Mai has a lot to offer.
I would know, as I’ve been living in Chiang Mai for the past year and a half. It is a true melting pot of cultures, traditions, and, of course, delicious local food!
For those who are keen to come and visit, here are 25 awesome things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand, along with a few day trips and unique experiences.
#1: Attend A Thai Cooking Class
Attending a Thai cooking class is always my #1 recommended activity for those visiting Chiang Mai. Thai food is so distinctly part of their culture, and learning how to prepare this food with locals will give you a better appreciation of the culinary craft.
I took my mom to Thai Farm Cooking School (~$30 / person) when she visited, and we had the best time! We opted for the half day class at the farm 20 minutes outside the city, which was definitely the right choice. Beautiful rice fields surrounded us as we cooked in the open air. It was wonderful!
We made a total of 5 dishes when we were there and left the place absolutely stuffed, our mouths tired from smiling (& eating) so much. Book today!
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#2: Watch A Muay Thai Match
If you are in need of a dose of adrenaline to get your heart pumping, you might consider watching a Muay Thai match. Commonly known as the National Sport of Thailand, watching the iconic event while in Chiang Mai is a must. As you walk around the streets, you will see people giving away flyers advertising a match that evening.
The Kawila Boxing Stadium and Thapae Boxing Stadium are two of the most visited. Fees are usually between 200-300 baht for entry.
#3: Take A Muay Thai Class
If watching Muay Thai isn’t your thing, and you’d rather do it yourself, then definitely take a Muay Thai class while in Chiang Mai! I’ve been to over 15 classes and it’s the absolute best workout. Who knew aggressively punching and kicking things would be so fun?
You can take a private class (~$20) with an instructor or a group lesson (~$10). Both are fun! Try out Sereephap Muay Thai, Chiangmai Muay Thai Gym or Bangarang Muay Thai Fitness Gym to get started.
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#4: Hit Up Some Markets
Thailand is known for its vibrant street markets, and Chiang Mai has some excellent ones you must visit.
Of course, there’s the night bazaar & Sunday Night Walking Street, but my favorite market is called Jing Jai Market.
Located a bit outside the old city, Jing Jai is a carefully curated and upscale market with artisanal handicrafts, stunning jewelry, and delicious food stalls. You really get a sense of the Northern Thai (Lanna) design at Jing Jai. There’s also usually live music!
They used to only be open on the weekends, but they’ve recently changed their hours to every day. So now you have no excuse not to visit!
Read: What to Pack for Thailand
#5: Get A Heavenly Massage
Incredibly relaxing and insanely cheap, massages in Thailand are a godsend. I try to get an oil massage every week (yes I know I’m spoiled). Every time I walk out of the parlor, I feel fresh as a daisy and at a 100% relaxation level.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try a Thai massage. They hurt like heck during the appointment, but afterward, you truly feel like a limp noodle. Currently, I’m sticking to my oil massages though!
My favorite spots are Green Bamboo Massage & Giving Tree Massage. Here, you can get an oil massage for ~$10.
#6: Check Out Live Music
Chiang Mai is an incredibly artistic and musical city, and I’ve found some epic live music spots over this past year and a half.
Let me list a few of my favorites, with insider tips, of course.
#7: Chat With A Monk
I will be the first to admit that I have a fascination with monks. You’ll often see them wandering around Chiang Mai, and you’ll soon learn that they are an important and revered part of Thai culture.
If you are as curious as me, I have good news for you! While you visit the many temples that are in Chiang Mai (I think they have over 300), you also have a chance to take part in the Monk Chat program.
Here, you can interact with them and ask them questions about their chosen path in life. Wat Chedi Luang, a temple located right in the middle of the city, allows you to get one-on-one time with monks who are part of the program. Apart from that, you can also make buddies with the monks in Wat Suan Dok.
#8: Go Cafe Hopping
Delicious coffee and cool cafes are in abundance in Chiang Mai, as you’ll see as soon as you step outside. My picks have a stunning aesthetic while also serving sublime coffee. There must be hundreds of cafes around the city, but here are my favorites.
#9: Challenge Yourself To A Hike
If you love to hike, or just generally want to see some beautiful sights, try hiking the Monk’s Trail. It’s around 4.5 miles (7.2 km), but you don’t have to do the whole thing if you get too tired.
At the top is the famous Doi Suthep temple in all its glory. Hiking to the temple will make its beautiful views even more worth it! But perhaps my favorite part of the hike is the midway point, Wat Pha Lat Temple. This temple is tucked away in the jungle, and truly a stunning display of beauty.
Beware, the second half of the hike is super steep! If you get too tired you can always take a red songthaew truck the rest of the way up to Doi Suthep. Good luck!
#10: Try Delicious Khao Soi
I think Thai cuisine is the best in Asia! The aroma, the delicate mixture of flavors, and the ever so subtle (or not subtle) spice that you will find lingering in every bite.
The best local food in Chiang Mai is Khao Soi, a traditional Northern Thailand noodle curry. It is made of flat wheat noodles, mixed with fried crispy noodles, and simmered in a spicy coconut curry soup. Accompanying the curry are lime wedges, red onions, and chili paste.
It is absolutely DELICIOUS. The big question is….where is the best Khao Soi?
My top picks are Khao Soi Maesi (street food vibe), Huen Muay Jai (a stunning northern Thai restaurant), and Kinphak cafe (for a cheap and delicious vegan Khao Soi!)
Read: What to Eat in Thailand | Best Restaurants in Chiang Mai
#11: Take A Pottery Class
I recently took a pottery class at Inclay Studio and loved every minute! The space is just outside the old city and nestled in lush greenery and trees. You feel like you’re in the middle of the mountains!
I took the half day hand building class ($27) since I’m a beginner, and it was a wonderful release of creative energy. The instructors were funny, supportive, and helpful, which made my experience even better.
Included in the cost are your own pottery creations, which I have proudly displayed in my apartment. If you’ve always wanted to take a pottery class, now is your chance to do it!
#12: Tour The City On A Tuk Tuk
Speeding around Chiang Mai on a Tuk Tuk is a great way to see the city and surrounding areas! Check out Paul from Best Tuk Tuk Tours for an all-day epic activity. Paul can customize each tour so when I asked him to do an “off-the-beaten-path” tour, he gladly obliged.
Each tour is different which is why it is so special! You can go temple hopping, or even visit the Bua Thong Waterfalls.
#13: Visit The Elephant Nature Park
If you love elephants, the only way to see them is through ethical companies which operate around Thailand. My top choice is the Elephant Nature Park. Their nature park is home to over 70 rescued elephants. They have various day programs, volunteering opportunities or even a day trip to the jungle!
Costs are anywhere from $70-$160 depending on the type of your visit.
Must Read: Elephant Nature Park: Karen Elephant Experience Review
#14: Hit Up The Massive Malls
Thai mall culture is a huge deal. The three main malls in Chiang Mai are MAYA, Central Festival, and Central Airport. Choose the one closest to where you’re staying and get ready to have an EXPERIENCE.
#15: Check Out The Best Bars
Though not as rowdy as Bangkok, there are some fun bars to drink and dance in Chiang Mai. Here are my top picks.
#16: Take A Drive Through The Mountains
Driving through the windy mountainous roads on a motorbike is one of the most freeing feelings I’ve had in my life! The wind in your hair, the epic mountain peaks, the feeling of freedom. There’s nothing quite like it!
Rent a motorbike (only if you’re comfortable driving) and head up to Mae Rim, ~45 minutes from Chiang Mai. You can also drive up to Doi Suthep and get the same windy roads. Trust me, driving a motorbike through the mountains makes you feel like a little kid again!
#17: Go Temple Hopping
Chiang Mai has hundreds of temples in and around the historic old city. Even just wandering through the old city will grant you views of ornate temples. But if you want to truly see all the best ones, here are my top 5.
- Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan
- Wat Suan Dok
- Wat Doi Suthep
- Wat Chedi Luang
- Wat Chiang Man
#18: Visit Beautiful Reservoirs
The Ang Kaeo Reservoir near Chiang Mai University is a wonderful (& free) place to go for sunset. Take a stroll along the beautiful water and through the green forests.
A hidden gem is the Huay Tueng Thao Reservoir ~30 minutes from Chiang Mai. This is a great Chiang Mai attraction for families, too! It’s a much bigger reservoir where you can rent bicycles, eat on a floating hut, and be awed by the nature surrounding you. The entrance fee is 50 baht.
#19: Pamper Yourself
My mom and I took a day to fully pamper ourselves at Fah Lanna Spa. We found a wonderful 4 hour spa package with an herbal steam, body scrub, 2-hour oil massage, and facial. I mean, does it get any better than this?
It’s a bit more expensive ~$100, but worth it if you want to really treat yourself.
#20: Splash Around At Grand Canyon Water Park
Grand Canyon Water Park is perfect for exploring Chiang Mai with families. It features a super fun (and massive) inflatable obstacle course, slides, a zip line, and even wakeboarding!
I went this year and can attest that it will make you feel like a little kid again!
#21: Visit A Park
Nong Buak Haad public park is a great day time activity to explore. It’s small but free to enter and a great spot to watch locals play sports or do dancing lessons. There’s ice cream and tons of benches to chill, too!
#22: Take A Yoga Class
Chiang Mai has excellent yoga studios, and usually for an inexpensive fee.
Try Wild Rose Yoga Studio or Freedom Yoga Studio to get your zen on. Between yoga, massages, and glamping, you’ll be extremely relaxed on your trip to Chiang Mai!
#23: Go Glamping In The Mountains
Glamping has officially come to Chiang Mai, and I couldn’t be happier! Head to Mae Rim or Doi Pui for a cozy glamping spot that will make you feel at peace in the mountains. Both are ~1 hour from the old city, and a truly spiritual break from reality!
If you search ‘Glamping Spots’ on Agoda or Airbnb you’ll find gems hidden within the mountains, and usually for less than ~$30 a night!
#24: Go On A Day Trip To Chiang Rai
Due to Chiang Mai’s prime location, there are loads of places to visit for a day. If you are tired of seeing the regular looking temples, head on over to Chiang Rai (either by organized tours or by a motorbike) and go see the famed white temple. It is pretty spectacular and a sight to see!
#25: Go See Doi Inthanon National Park
Another area that we recommend visiting is Doi Inthanon National Park which is home to the highest peak in Thailand. I spent a weekend camping there and I cannot recommend it enough!
Apart from that, you can head on over to one of my favorite places in Northern Thailand, the hippie town of Pai, for some relaxation and chill time!
Recommended Trips From Chiang Mai:
- Doi Inthanon (~1 hour from Chiang Mai)
- Doi Pui (~1 hour from Chiang Mai)
- Chiang Rai (~3 hours from Chiang Mai)
- Pai (~3 hours from Chiang Mai – better for a weekend)
- Chiang Dao (~1 hour from Chiang Mai – better for a weekend)
Related: The Nest in Chiang Dao: A Peaceful Getaway
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Similar to most places in Thailand, the range of accommodation varies from budget to high end. You can get dorm beds for as cheap as $5 to nice splashy luxury hotels. Being that Chiang Mai is a place we now call home, here are a few of our personal recommendations on where to stay in Chiang Mai.
Budget:
Mid Range:
Splurge:
Read: Best places to stay in Chiang Mai
I hope you enjoyed this epic list of 25 things to do in Chiang Mai province. Even if you hit just a few of the things on this list, you’re sure to enjoy your time in this gem of Northern Thailand!
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