- 48.3Kshares
- Share on Facebook
- Share on Twitter
- Share on Pinterest
We’ve lived in Chiang Mai for a few years and have tried hundreds of places in and around the Old City. Whether you’re into culture and food, pampering yourself, or into exploring what the nearby mountains have to offer, here are some of our favorite things to do in Chiang Mai.
Go to a Thai Cooking School
Thai food features an incredible balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and salty flavors. Conveniently enough, many Thai dishes can be easily prepared even by the most novice cook. Although there are dozens of Thai cooking schools in Chiang Mai, our experience at Best Trip Cooking School rocked. Our instructor is temporarily taking a break from teaching, but her friend at Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School comes highly recommended.
Eat at the North and South Gate Food Stalls
Want to try Thai street food? The food stalls at the Chang Puak (north) and Chiang Mai (south) Gates along the Old City’s square moat are not only easy to find but they offer a great variety of Thai dishes, too. From stir-fries and curries to vegetarian food, fruit smoothies, and Thai desserts, this is a fun and easy way to sample Thai food on a budget.
| TIP: The Chiang Mai Gate is easier to order from because the majority of the vendors offer English menus. Plus, we’ve dedicated an entire post about how to order from these food stalls and what you can find there. |
Walk Among the Clouds at Doi Inthanon
If you want to spend some time in the outdoors and experience some breathtaking views, visit the Doi Inthanon National Park. About an hour and a half drive from Chiang Mai’s Old City, the national park is home to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain. There are temples, flower gardens, waterfalls, caves, and stunning hiking trails. Make it a day trip or spend the night in a Thai-styled bungalow.
Shop at Extravagant Malls
Cool off in the air conditioning and meander through any one of Chiang Mai’s malls. Featuring movie theaters, familiar Western brands, and a great selection of international food options, we recommend checking out just how spectacular the MAYA, Promenada, or Central Festival Malls are. No third-world country here! In fact, they’ll probably give your malls back home a run for their money.
Take a Temple Tour + Monk Chat
Chiang Mai is home to hundreds of temples. Although we’ve only been to a fraction of them in and near the Old City, we think Wat Sri Suphan and Wat Umong are among the most stunning. Wat Sri Suphan is the only temple in Thailand made entirely of silver and located less than one kilometer south of the Old City’s square moat. Wat Umong is peacefully situated in shady groves and moss-covered brick caves about two kilometers directly west of the Old City’s square moat. Another favorite of first-timers is Wat Chedi Luang. It’s in the heart of the city and offers a unique service – chatting with local monks!
Learn About Northern Thai Lanna Culture
In the heart of the Old City is the Lanna Folk Museum. What was once an old royal residence, its rich art displays offer insight into the colorful Lanna culture of the northern Thai people. Spend an hour browsing there and then hop over to the Cultural and Arts Center just across the street for more.
If you’re planning a trip to Chiang Mai, you might also like a…
7-Day Guide to Chiang Mai
These week-long itineraries are a collaboration of the best things to do in Chiang Mai plus our personal recommendations for hotels, restaurants, vehicle rentals, and more. Perfect for:
- Adventure seekers
- Future expats
- Culture lovers
- Families with kids
Enjoy High Tea in the Thai Country
For a unique East meets West cultural experience, try dining on English pastries and tea surrounded by beautiful Thai surroundings. Treat yourself to an afternoon enjoying a variety of muffins, scones, other sweets, and finger sandwiches in addition to several coffees, teas, and juices. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The Dhara Dhevi, Four Seasons, and Anantara are three beautiful places to try.
Treat Yourself to a Luxurious Spa Treatment or Cheap Thai Massage
Any guidebook will mention getting a Thai massage as one of the top things to do in Chiang Mai. The luxury treatments and spa packages are so affordable here that it’s hard to pass up the opportunity to pamper yourself. Treat yourself to a facial or aromatic oil massage at some of Chiang Mai’s finest spas such as De Chai Spa, Oasis Spa, and Fah Lanna Spa. They’ll cost a fraction of what you’d typically pay in other countries.
On the other end of the spectrum, try a cheap Thai or foot massage. There are several massage shops on Loi Kro Road (across the street from the Raming Lodge) that offer a satisfying 30-minute foot massage or back and shoulder for less than 3 USD. As an added bonus, you can enjoy a cool evening breeze and people watch as patrons from the nearby bar and club scene meander down the road in your direction.
Play With Elephants
One of the most memorable things to do in Chiang Mai is spending the day with elephants. Our experience at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary was captivating, soul satiating, and unforgettable. It’s one of the very few elephant parks in Thailand that treats their elephants humanely; there’s no riding, no tricks, and no performances! We’re happy to be part of the movement for responsible tourism and encourage others to do the same. The Elephant Nature Park is another popular organization and a great alternative.
Climb Waterfalls
A must see activity for nature lovers! This incredible set of waterfalls, dubbed the Sticky Waterfalls (also known as Bua Tong Waterfalls), is unusual due to a natural limestone deposit that creates a non-slippery rock surface on which to climb up against the cascading waters. Beautiful, refreshing, and relaxing.
Visit Hill Tribe People
One of the most incredible ways to see the untouched side of Thailand is to visit an authentic hill tribe village in the quiet countryside of Chiang Mai. We enjoyed a two-day hill tribe tour and homestay experience with Thailand Hilltribe Holidays, a company that connects travelers with locals in a respectful and ethical way. Touring outdoor markets, eating home-cooked Thai meals, walking through rice fields, and taking in the life and culture of a Karen hill tribe community is a truly unique experience only found in Northern Thailand.
Indulge a Beer Buffet
Beer is cheap in Thailand, but 189 baht (5.50 USD!) all you can drink beer buffet from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm is a steal. Enjoy a posh outdoor atmosphere and live soul, funk, and pop music at Rush Bar located in Nimmanhaemin on Soi 9.
Transportation in Chiang Mai
In our experience, Chiang Mai is one of the easiest cities in Thailand to get around. It has a plethora of private and public transportation options, the city’s layout is easy to navigate, and other drivers are generally respectable.
If you prefer to drive your own vehicle, you can easily rent a car (starting around 1,200 THB or 35 USD per day) or a motorbike and explore on your terms.
The Old City, which is bounded by the square moat, is also very easy to walk or rent a bicycle (for about 50 baht a day). It’s pretty effortless to hail a songthaew (a red truck taxi) or take a Grab Car. Get 100 THB off your first ride when you download the Grab app and use our discount code: GRABTIETOTHAI (or just sign up with here).
Chiang Mai is also a gateway to other cities in the country because there are two bus stations (north), a train station (east), and an airport (southwest) within a few miles of the moat.
Guesthouses and Hotels in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has countless places to stay in. From hostels and guesthouses to hotels and villas, there’s something here for any budget and taste. Here are the gems we’ve found in town:
Shared Dorms from 5 USD
This backpacker-friendly hostel is in the heart of Chiang Mai’s Old City. The hostess, Bee, may even show you around town.
Deluxe Rooms from 25 USD
The boutique guesthouse is decorated with authentic Londonite items. Run by a fun Thai and British couple who bake their own pastries and blend their own teas. Located on a quiet street in Nimmanhaemin.
Double Rooms from 48 USD
This relaxing boutique guesthouse has teakwook furniture and northern Thai decor. Conveniently located between the Old City and the trendy Nimmanhaemin area.
Studio Suite from 95 USD
Sleek, modern hotel with many Western amenities. Onsite pool, restaurant with delicious brunch and dinner buffets, and just a short walk from the hip Nimmanhaemin area.
Double Deluxe from 120 USD
Nestled in a rain forest garden, this teak hotel is has Lanna-style furnishings in a luxurious colonial setting. Situated just south of the famous Night Bazaar and a stone’s throw from the Ping River.
Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. There’s no extra cost if you click one, but in doing so it helps compensate us for our time researching and sharing great finds with readers like you. Thanks!
I have visited Ban Roi An Phan Yang four times (the queen visited at least three) and every time I find it overwhelming in its massively detailed wood carvings. There are a few things for sale, but mostly it is a 5-storey museum and shrine to traditional Lanna woodcarving. Pay 200 baht for the museum tour, and prepare to lose yourself in very Thai mythology, culture, nature, erotica, village life, all captured in carvings of stunning skill and delicacy. It is located in Hang Dong, on the main road a few kilometers south of the Chiangmai airport. Telephone is 053-311410… Read more »
Hi.. Me n My friend will be visiting chiang mai in november and will be there only for 1 night. What places do u recommend in such short time.
We recommend checking out Faces / Terracotta Arts Garden. Since writing our post, there is now an impressive restaurant open until midnight daily. Have a wonderful time!
Hi, I am an outdoors type, and live for cycling, camping, and backpacking. How is northern Thailand for camping and backpacking? I know cycling is very popular there. I am seriously considering moving to Chiang Mai.
Excellent. You’ll love it. Chiang Mai has countless outdoorsy things to do.
Hi! Is it easy to get Drivers or transport to those beautiful places like Mae Hong Son or Chiang Rai? Am bringing 2 elderly parents. Can recommend where is good?
Yes, there are private drivers or private tour guides with drivers who can take you anywhere you need to go around Northern Thailand (originating from Chiang Mai). We recommend Chiang Mai Lady Driver.
You might want to reconsider the beer buffet at Rush seeing as they’re getting awful reviews and seem to not want to serve it
Thanks for sharing that info. If it’s getting bad reviews then we can’t justify the free publicity form our blog. Looks like it’s time to freshen up our ‘things to do’ list!
Hi guys. Came across your page as I was doing some research for an upcoming trip in September to Chiang Mai. Some of the items we are considering to do are the Sameong loop, cooking classes, elephant nature sanctuary, temples, waterfalls/river rafting and night Bezzars. We arrive on around 2pm one day, then we have 3 full days there before we leave the next day in the evening . Can you suggest an itinerary based on the activities I mentioned above as I know all may not be possible? We’ll be staying near the city at Chia De Deco as… Read more »
Hi Matt, this is how we would tackle it:
Day 1 – Check in at Hotel / Temple Hopping and Night Bazaar
Day 2 – Samoeng Loop
Day 3 – Elephant Nature Park
Day 4 – Waterfalls & River Rafting
Day 5 – Morning Cooking Class / Check out of hotel
Have fun! If you need more ideas we have several Chiang Mai Guide Books that offer plenty of other activities and food recommendations. Safe travels :)
Hello, great post!
I am visiting Thailand for 8 days from South Korea on December 29th and will be coming alone. I’m looking for a relaxing but productive New Year’s Eve break and thinking about Bangkok and Chiang Mai. It’s my first time in Thailand- what would you recommend?!
Thanks and I look forward to more of your blog posts :)
Thank you :) If you want to relax but be productive, we think that Chiang Mai and Bangkok are good choices. They have many things to do, both have excellent coworking spaces if you need an office to get some work done, and you can easily relax – spa treatments, day trips out to the quieter countryside, comfy hotels with awesome views and poolside cocktails, etc). Have a great trip!
Hi there, I have stayed in Chiang Mai for 3 months in the year 2002 (totally 12 months, most of the time in Nakhon Nayok and Mahasarakham) and have never been back there again and would see how the city has been changed the last 15 years. I am going to visit Chiang Mai again in August 2018 with my thai wife and our 7 years old daughter……. is it a good time (August) to visit Chiang Mai? As we will stay there only for 5-6 days I would like to stay in a resort with tropical gardens, not to… Read more »
A lot has changed in Chiang Mai in the past 15 years! We think you’ll find it nearly unrecognizable… Jungly resorts with a pool near city center we recommend are Amala Lanna (4-star) and Loghome Boutique (3-star) As far as things to do, Elephant Nature Park and Elephant Jungle Sanctuary are kid friendly. Your 7-year old daughter will be fine – it’s the really young kids that will tire out quickly. Consider doing a half day morning trip in case you think the heat will get to your family or if a full day will be too long. Day trip… Read more »
Hi we are visiting thailand next march 18 and want to come to chiang mai for 3 days to visit the city and the elephants, where do you recommend staying, what part of the city? Also I read below that you know of nice resorts on koh samui?
Thank you so much
Nikki
At the bottom of our Things to Do in Chiang Mai post we suggest five places to stay at various budgets that are all in the heart of the city. We think this is most convenient if you are only there for a quick 3-day stay.
As far as hotels on Koh Samui, we stayed at the Nikki Beach Resort. Excellent quality, service, and their Sunday brunch is to die for.
Are you able to play and or interact with the elephants? I love em and would like pics of this once in a lifetime experience I will have when I go in May
Yes, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai both allow you to interact with the elephants without any riding. It’s such a unique experience. Have a great time!
Hello guys. We follow each other on Instagram too! Love this blog post. I have been invited to a Thai colleagues wedding in Chaing Mai in January and I am looking for things to do on the saturday! the sticky water fall climbing and the elephant sanctuary look great! thanks so much for the great ideas! :) x
Wow – a Thai wedding, Sticky Waterfalls, and the Elephant Sanctuary? Sounds you have a great start to your trip next year. Hope you have a blast!
Hi! Great blog! My husband and I will be visiting Chiang Mai mid-December and I’m unsure about visiting Doi Inthanon Park. Is it a good time of year for it? Photography is a hobby of mine and I’d like to get great photos but I don’t want to waste my time if it’s likely the weather won’t cooperate or there will be excessive crowds. Is it worth the visit at all, regardless of weather or crowds? We have only a few days there so I need to pick and chose our activities carefully!
That’s the same time we visited Doi Inthanon last year. (You can read more about it in our post here). It was gorgeous. The skies are so clear and there’s almost no chance of rain (it’s the dry cool season). We saw about a dozen people on the nature trail, which is where we thought the photos were the best. But overall it wasn’t crowded at all – the most people we saw were probably 25 or so at the Twin Pagodas. Well worth it!
Im travelling this Christmas and New Year to Chiang Mai with my adult daughter and your tips are just perfect. we are only there 5 days and I think you’ve covered it. My daughter really wants to see Long Neck tribe! What do you think .. worth it? We thought of hiring Scooters for day out roaming around. Can you recommend a Bike hire? And Thank you for your info. i especially am looking forward to the Live Jazz bar. We are coming from Seychelles and looking forward to buzz of chiang Mai
So glad this post is helping you on your upcoming visit to Chiang Mai! It’s certainly possible to see/do all of the things on this list during your five days in town. As far as visiting a Long Neck Hill Tribe, from what have heard from others is that it’s not worth making a special trip to go see them. Instead take a group or private tours that includes a visit within the itinerary. Some visitors enjoy seeing the women and take photographs with them and buy souvenirs to help support their community. Other visitors see it as a human… Read more »
please do not ride on elephants ! treat these amazing creatures with love and respect ! thank you!
We don’t – that’s why we recommended the two places in the list. They don’t do elephant rides….
This is so helpful! Do you have any hotel/lodging recommendations while in Chiang Mai? Also while I’m asking, are there any resorts you recommend in Phuket? Trying to go for New Years but it seems many are booking up quickly during that time! Thank you!
Absolutely! For starters, what’s your budget like, would you prefer to be in or out Chiang Mai’s Old City, and do you want something Thai or Western style? As far as Phuket, we don’t have any recommendations because we haven’t spent enough time there but we do know of some fantastic resorts on Koh Samui if you’d prefer that. Our friend Linda at onyxthailand.com can hook you up with breathtaking villas, perfect for celebrating New Years!
Just enjoyed the video of your walk home! Hope to visit Chiang Mai for 1st time — arriving during last week of Sept.and stay about 7 days (travel alone).Question: What is the air quality likely to be at that time of year? Although I have never smoked first hand, I have some mild chronic bronchitis that does NOT require any meds to control. Other wise I’m exceptionally healthy and fit for age 77. Is late Sept. likely to have blue skies often to enhance photography?
The air will be super clear and the skies will be a gorgeous robin egg blue – perfect for amazing photos! If you’re looking for more things to do, we’ve designed week long Chiang Mai itineraries that may be perfect for your schedule. Have a wonderful time!
Awesome post, thanks guys :) You have a similar story to ours, although we’re still hopping around…we haven’t found our landing point yet! Keep it up!
Im graduating from High school in like a month and a half! My auntie is deciding to take me to Cambodia as a graduation gift. But I also really want to go to Chiang Mai, Thailand!
That’s very kind of your auntie to take you abroad! Cambodia will definitely be a rustic experience. It is much less developed than Chiang Mai (or Thailand in general) and has a few main touristy sites to visit. Chiang Mai is easy to navigate on your own with things to do and places to go everywhere you look. Have fun on your trip whatever it is you chose to go!
Thanks for this blog post, we live in Japan and we’re are trying to visit Bangkok and Chang Mai in April. We have three children, is Chang Mai a good place for families?
Definitely.
Thank you! Love your blog! Am planning to start my 2016 with a Thai adventure & will be traveling solo. are the night activities safe for females traveling alone? Any inputs will be much appreciated :) thanks
Absolutely. I (Angela) have never been bothered or felt unsafe and think that all these activities, night and day, are suitable if you are traveling alone. Have fun!
Thanks a lot for these suggestions, it is helping me to plan my christmas trip to Chiang Mai this year. Will definitely go for the cooking class. Almost ready for my trip now :)
Thai cooking classes rock :)
Would you recommend Patara Elephant farm? My husband and I are thinking of going to Chiang Mai Feb. 2016 and have been doing my research in regards to elefant farms, Patara seemed to be all about the elephants, is that correct or what other place would you recommend?
No, we don’t recommend Patara Elephant Farm because it allows riding. A we mention in this post, we recommend going to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary or Elephant Nature Park where you do not ride the elephants at all but still get to play and feed and bath with them. Hope you have fun at whatever place you choose!
Just done the thai cooking school today and I have to say its one of the best and nicest experiences I’ve ever had, they are soooo wonderful there at Asia Scenic, and talk about value for money! Cheap as chips compared to bangkok. Generally speaking this article has been a great help for my time in Chiang Mai and I just wanna say thank you very much for this and you other articles, you’re both what we call in Ireland “gooduns”….sounds low key, but it really means your right up there with the best of them ?
How nice of you to write this. It put smiles on our faces! It’s great to hear you’ve been using this mini guide during your time here in Chiang Mai and took a moment to let us know we’re “gooduns” :)
Hi there, we’re 4 friends going for the first time later this year!! Looking forward to all the excitement offered in Chiang May and still have to decide which islands!!! So so excited!! Want to experience all
that we can!!!
You won’t be bored that’s for sure!
Don’t forget for tea try The Celedon Tea House on Thapae Raod and Love at First Bite just over Narawat Bridge 1st or 2nd on the left. Also please remember that Thapae Road is one way up to the gate and you cannot go down to the river etc.instead use Loi Kroa. Thanks for an inetresting site.
Thanks for the extra suggestion! Will do :)
Chiang Mai is so awesome! We love being here-Definitely have partaken in the north and south gate food stalls and we take everyone that visits there too!
That’s great. Both spots have just about anything you could want for so very cheap :)
I was there many years ago. Planning to go back soon :-)
You may be surprised how much it’s grown!
Some fab ideas, I did a few but not all of them while I was there a few years ago. I’m so glad I educated myself about the downsides of Thailand’s ‘elephant tourism’ before I went – the nature park was an unforgettable experience!
We commend you for making that educated choice and choosing to go to ENP!
Looks like there’s so many great things to do! I’m in for waterfalls, elephants, and high tea–sounds like a great adventure!
Chiang Mai has such incredible diverse things to do. Love it!
I rented an AirBNB here for a month so I’ll be crossing off a lot of these in the next couple weeks! Thanks for a great post!
AirBNB is getting popular! Have fun!
Greeting!! Glad to know that you have a great time staying in our country : D Don’t miss a chance to take a drive to the top of Doy Inthanon in winter time. If there is anything you need to know about Thailand you are welcome to ask me. I will help to find answer for you : D
Yes, that mountain is gorgeous! We recommend our readers to trek up Doi Inthanon in our Adventure Seeker’s Travel Itinerary. We’ll keep you in mind if we have questions. Thank you for offering :)
Hi guys , my wife and I love your posts.. If you get the chance and your in Hang Dong (behind Makro) there is a little restaurant you guys have to try.. Its called Eakkanak, its a family owned place with GREAT FOOD.. Very inexpensive and a real large menu too. When my wife and I were there in CM a few week’s ago on vacation , this place is right at the entrance to our development ( How convenient for us LOL). We ate lunch and dinners there almost every day, SOOOO Good. Try it ! Tell them Ted… Read more »
Eakkanak, got it. Thanks for giving US a “thing to do” in Chiang Mai. Looking forward to trying it out!
I know I’ve subscribed to your wonderful blog, but every time I see one of your posts, I Sooooo want to return to Thailand. I guess in a good way I’m just jealous of you.
Thanks so much and best regards!
We’re happy to bring back the good memories :) Thanks for always reading up on our newest posts.