Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Last Updated on March 11, 2024
To experience the real Thailand, head to the historical city of Chiang Mai. Here are the best things to do in Chiang Mai by Thailand expert, Robert Schrader.
Once the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom, the city of Chiang Mai is the cultural and spiritual heart of Thailand. It has the perfect combination of nature, history, food and adventure.
The old city of Chiang Mai is packed to the brim with golden temples, ancient sites, and bustling markets. But it feels more like a sleepy town, and it wonderfully charming and calm. And once you leave the city, you’ll find yourself surrounded by jungle-blanketed hills and rolling rice fields, where cottage craft industries still thrive and distinct temples dazzle.
I first visited Thailand more than 10 years ago — and I’ve returned countless times and even lived in Chiang Mai, exploring every nook and cranny of the city. In this article, I have handpicked the best of Chiang Mai attractions to help you plan your trip.
Table of Contents
- Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai
- Things to Do Outside of Chiang Mai
- Explore Thailand’s Highest Peak
- Swim in Wachirathan Falls
- See the Floating Pagodas of Lampang
- Explore Chiang Dao Cave
- Visit a Karen Hill Tribe
- Enjoy Ethical Animal Adventures
- Ride a Scooter along the Samoeng Loop
- Explore the White Temple and Black House
- Explore More of Northern Thailand
- How to Get Around Chiang Mai
- Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
- Where to Eat and Drink in Chiang Mai
- Enjoy Your Chiang Mai Trip!
- About the Author: Robert Schrader
Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai
With SO many things to do in Chiang Mai, how many days in Chiang Mai should you spend? The old city in Chiang Mai has a small town feel to it, but there are many interesting sights outside the city too that make for excellent day trips from Chiang Mai.
If you plan to spend two weeks in Thailand, I recommend spending around 3 days in Chiang Mai. With 3 days in Chiang Mai, you can cover quite a bit of ground without feeling rushed. We spent 5 days in Chiang Mai and found it the perfect amount of time to explore and do day trips. But most people love Chiang Mai so much they end up staying at least a week.
Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world, for good reason. It’s a special place, rich in culture, traditions and amazing people. And Chiang Mai is the highlight of Thailand for many. Prepare to fall in love!
Temple-Hop Through the Old City
The old city is fully of sacred sites, but we suggest picking just a handful to visit to avoid being ‘templed-out’. The best way to see these temples is to visit early in the morning, when others are asleep. This also spares you from having to sightsee under the hottest heat of the day!
Wat Phra Singh
Most travelers begin at iconic Wat Phra Singh, the most impressive of temples within Chiang Mai’s Old City. Wat Phra Singh is located in the western part of the old city at the western end of Ratchadamnoen Road. The main attraction here is the elegantly decorated Lai Kam assembly hall and its restored murals depicting the lives of locals hundreds of years ago.
Wat Chedi Luang
15th century Wat Chedi Luang isn’t as grand as Wat Phra Singh, but its towering Lanna-style chedi (Buddhist stupa) is much taller and the sprawling compound around the stupa is powerfully atmospheric. The famed Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) was moved from here to Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew in 1475. Today, you can see a jade replica.
Wat Lok Molee
Located on the north side of the old city, the intricate Wat Lok Molee dates back to the ancient Lanna Kingdom that preceded modern Thailand. The brickwork of the large chedi is left mostly bare, in contrast to the newer stuccoed chedis of other temples in Chiang Mai. What makes this temple stand out is the finely sculptured Nāgas and wooden temple façade.
Wat Doi Suthep
Far outside the Old City Wall, atop the Doi Suthep mountain, stands one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots in Thailand. Wat Doi Suthep receives around 120,000 visitors per month, with the numbers climbing higher during holidays like Visakha Bucha Day when locals climb the mountain and sleep on the esplanade of the temple to commemorate the birth of the Buddha.
Get a song thaew (a local transport) to get here. From the car park at the temple’s base, you can reach the pagodas by climbing 309 steps or taking a tram. It’s also possible to hike up to the temple from the city following the Monk’s Trail. From the temple, you can feast on the best views of downtown Chiang Mai.
Chat with a Monk
In Thailand it’s common to see monks clad in saffron robes on the streets. If you’d like to get to know them better and take a peek inside the Buddhist world, you can actually meet monks at the temples and have a chat with them. There are 5 temples with “Monk Chat” programs in the city. I did not do this as I wasn’t sure if it was respectful, but a few friends have recommended the experience.
Hike the Monk’s Trail
Just a few kilometers down the road from Doi Suthep is a hidden temple that’s worth visiting just for the trail that leads you there. Wat Pha Lat is nestled in the forest and is hardly visited by foreign tourists. The trail there is flanked by bamboo forests and trickling waterfalls.
To hike the Monk’s Trail, start from the end of Suthep Road. Just look for the ‘Wat Phat Lat Trail’ marker on Google Maps. The monks’ trail has a slight incline, but most people take just 45 minutes to reach the temple. Click here for more details on the Monk’s Trail.
Visit the Waterfalls of Chiangmai
Sticky Waterfalls
Located about an 1.5-hour drive from Chiang Mai, the Sticky Waterfalls are not only impressive, but a special feature allows you to climb directly up the rocks into the oncoming cascading water.
Most waterfalls are extremely slippery. But Bua Thong Waterfalls are an exception. They are fed by a spring rich in minerals that are incredibly grippy. In fact, the rocks feel like a hardened sponge. They are callous and even slightly prickly to the touch but surprisingly give a bit under pressure.
Huay Kaew Waterfall
Huay Kaew Waterfall is the closest waterfall to Chiang Mai city. It is located at the bottom of the mountain where Huay Kaew Road ends, and is next to Chiang Mai Zoo. You can climb on the waterfall and there are small pools of water to dip in. In December and January, the water can be very cold, but the rest of the year the water temperature is refreshing.
Join a Thai Cooking Class
If you’re a fan of Thai food and want to learn more about Thai cooking, Chiang Mai is seriously the best place to take a cooking class. Learn how to make authentic Thai dishes with a small group, using ingredients from a local market.
Join a cooking class that includes a tour of a local market or an organic farm to learn more about Thai ingredients. Even if cooking isn’t usually your thing, this is a great way to get acquainted with the staples of Thai cuisine. You’ll be surprised by how easy it is to make classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai and Tom Yum Goong.
Eat Street Food
Foodies alert! Chiang Mai has no shortage of amazing and authentic Thai street food, and you can find street trolleys almost everywhere in the city. Noodles, barbecue, curries and desserts, Thai street food is a smorgasbord of flavors that are incredibly affordable.
The best places to enjoy them are at the night bazaar and walking streets (more details in next section). Warorot Market is an excellent spot for authentic Thai street food. The market is one of Chiang Mai’s well-known landmarks.
Discover the Night Markets
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
You can’t come to Chiang Mai and not visit its night markets. The most famous of them is definitely the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, located on Chang Khlan Road, between Tha Phae and Sridonchai Roads.
In addition to enjoying the street food here, you can shop for souvenirs (I love images of elephants carved out of local wood!) and get various types of Thai massages. How about a foot massage while you watch one of the Muai Thai boxing matches that take place here a few nights every week?
Wualai Saturday Walking Street
The Saturday Walking Street takes over Wualai Street, running southwest from Pratu Chiang Mai at the southern entrance to the old city. There is barely space to move as locals and tourists from across the world haggle vigorously for woodcarvings, Buddha paintings, hill-tribe trinkets, Thai musical instruments, T-shirts, and silver jewelry.
Tha Pae Sunday Walking Street
If you happen to be in Chiang Mai on the weekend, don’t miss the Tha Pae Sunday Walking Street. This place can be extremely packed, but the unique combination of culture, cuisine and the buzz of activity is worth the stress of wading through unruly crowds. It’s more animated than the Saturday Walking Street.
Enjoy Drinks along River Mae Nam Ping
Wind down your busy first day in Chiang Mai with a relaxing sunset stroll along the River Mae Nam Ping. A landmark restaurant here is The Riverside, an atmospheric place offering affordable cocktails with river views and live music.
Another great riverside spot for dinner is Deck 1. I loved their water views, modern decor, and incredible food. If you can stay late enough, the restaurant often has live music, too, so the overall atmosphere can’t be beat.
Things to Do Outside of Chiang Mai
Explore Thailand’s Highest Peak
Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon, is an ultra prominent peak and known as “The Roof of Thailand”. The forests around Doi Inthanon have been protected since the 1950s, as part of the Doi Inthanon National Park. It is famous for its waterfalls, hiking trails, remote villages, viewpoints, birdwatching and the all year round cold weather on higher elevations.
Although local transport runs from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon (approx. 2 hours away), the easiest way to visit Thailand’s highest peak is on an organized day tour. The tour not only includes a visit to the summit, but a stroll through the botanical gardens beneath the King and Queen Pavilions and visit to a Karen hill tribe (read more below).
Swim in Wachirathan Falls
On the lower slopes of Doi Inthanon, you’ll find the beautiful Wachirathan waterfalls that tumble over a granite escarpment. The 40m tall waterfall is the most popular waterfalls in the national park due to its immense scale and its accessibility for visitors.
With a central location, Wachirathan Waterfalls are clearly signed from the main road and easy to find. There’s a large parking lot surrounded by restaurants and vendors. Visitors can walk up a short paved trail to see the towering falls.
See the Floating Pagodas of Lampang
For a truly off the beaten path experience, you can’t miss the Thai floating pagodas Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, about a 2.5-hour drive east of Chiang Mai. Hanging like baubles atop a Christmas tree of limestone karst, Thailand’s floating pagodas are rarely on anyone’s radar but they are easily among the world’s most spectacular temples.
The temple complex in Lampang Province is made up of a golden pagoda, prayer hall and clutch of white stupas, clinging vertiginously to limestone pinnacles. The floating pagodas are hard to get to, so the best way to get there is to rent a scooter or car or hire a driver. Tickets to the complex cost about $13 for adults and $8 for kids.
Explore Chiang Dao Cave
About a 2-hour motorbike or bus ride from Chiang Mai, you’ll find the famous Chiang Dao Cave. Boasting some of the most spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations in the country, Chiang Dao Cave stretches 12 kilometers into the mountains (although you can explore only a small part of it).
The cave is part of the 2,100m high Doi Chiang Dao mountain range, the third highest peak in Thailand formed by pushed up sea floors some 230-250 million years ago. The best way to go about exploring the cave is to hire a guide, who is well-equipped with a kerosene lantern and know his way around.
Visit a Karen Hill Tribe
Further up from Chiang Dao Cave, you’ll find the Padung Village, home to a Karen hill tribe. The Karen hill tribe in Thailand originated from Tibet, moving south to Myanmar and northern Thailand. Today, the Karen hill tribe live in proximity to areas alongside the Thai-Myanmar border.
The women wear brass rings around their necks, wrists and ankles as part of their culture. It is a good idea to show respect and greet them, and definitely ask for permission before taking any photos. You can also contribute by buying a few souvenirs (not a requirement though).
Enjoy Ethical Animal Adventures
When it comes to Chiang Mai animal adventures, there are ones you should partake in, and others you should avoid at all costs. Please avoid Tiger Kingdom and nearby Cobra Show in Mae Rim, regardless of what you’ve heard of them. The big cats at the tiger park are drugged to the point of being comatose, which is really sad to watch.
One way to get up-close and personal with Thai wildlife without contributing to their harm is to visit the Elephant Nature Park instead. It rehabilitates Thai elephants that were formerly abused, and takes care of older ones that can never return to the wild. If you plan to stay in Thailand in the medium- or long-term, you can ask about volunteering opportunities.
Ride a Scooter along the Samoeng Loop
For those comfortable on two wheels, I recommend hiring a scooter to explore the 100km-long ‘Samoeng Loop’. The route is a hit with locals and tourists alike, especially on the weekends and in the cold season.
Driving straight through will take you around 2.5 hours. However, throughout the route there are plenty of places to stop off, including the Nam Tok Mae Sa, a scenic tiered waterfall that’s good for swimming, and Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens, a manicured green space bursting with exotic flowers, so plan for four hours or more.
Explore the White Temple and Black House
Though a little taxing as a day trip, I recommend a visit to the neighboring Chiang Rai Province as part of your travels in Thailand. It is possible to see two of the region’s most beloved sites – Wat Rong Khun and Baan Dam – on a guided day tour from Chiang Mai.
Commonly known as the White Temple (though it is not actually a place of worship), Wat Rong Khun was the brainchild of contemporary Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. You have to walk past a sea of yearning arms to reach the temple’s interior, where trippy murals that include images of Keanu Reeves and Superman adorn the walls.
Nearby, Baan Dam, meaning ‘Black House’, is a quirky creation by Chiang Rai-born artist Thawan Duchanee. In contrast, Baan Dam’s sprawling collection of structures, sculptures and gardens feature dark teak wood, dead animal parts and macabre arrangements.
Explore More of Northern Thailand
Northern Thailand begins in Chiang Mai, but it doesn’t end there. Many travelers continue on to Pai, a once-Bohemian hippie town that’s not more of a hub for backpackers of all stripes.
A less trendy option is to ride a bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, which was another great city of the former Lanna Kingdom. Explore culture and cuisine in the city center, or use as it as a jumping off point for the Golden Triangle, where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar amid the scenery of the mighty Mekong River.
Yet another option is to ride the train southward from Chiang Mai to Phitsanulok. Here, you can get a taxi to ancient Sukhothai, Thailand’s first capital city (pictured).
How to Get Around Chiang Mai
By Foot
The Old City is relatively small and easy to explore on foot. I definitely advise staying within the Old City Walls (more on hotels below) and spending your first few days just walking all over the historical quarter.
By Scooter
In general, I don’t recommend hiring a motorbike, given how treacherous Thai roads can be. Many foreigners rent motorbikes without any experience or proper instruction, and end up having accidents. But if you’re confident on a scooter, then by all means! You can rent a scooter from a number of operators in Chiang Mai, including Mr Mechanic and Toon’s Bikes.
By Song Thaew
Chiang Mai doesn’t have great public transportation unlike Bangkok, with its SkyTrain elevated rail and underground MRT system. For the most part, you’ll need to take song thaew, which are pick up trucks with open seats.
Your hotel or hostel can help you hire these for yourself and your group (for a morning at Doi Suthep, for example), but you can easily flag down one and squeeze in with the locals.
By Day Tours
Chiang Mai makes a great base to explore the surroundings, and there are plenty of day tours that will bring you to nearby sights like Doi Inthanon. I always book my day trips with GetYourGuide as they offer free cancellation and great customer service. Here are some day tours that we recommend:
- Mae Teng River White Water Rafting
- Chiang Mai Muay Thai Boxing Match Entrance
- Chiang Mai Ethnical Elephant Nature Park Visit
- Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Visit
- Chiang Rai Famous Temples Small Group Trip
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Budget: Hostel One Art and Gallery
Located within Chiang Mai’s city walls, Hostel One is not only convenient, but boast clean and spacious common areas that make it easy to meet fellow traveler. Pair this with daily tours and an on-site art gallery, and it’s hard to find better bang for your buck in Thailand. Check rates here.
Mid Range: El Barrio Lanna
The best of both worlds, El Barrio Lanna combines traditionally decorated rooms with a location right in the heart of Chiang Mai’s old city. A boutique property with only a couple dozen rooms, this hotel strikes a balance between warmth hospitality and exclusivity. Check rates here.
Luxury: Siripanna Villa Resort
The only thing more enchanting than the individual teak-wood villas at this resort (pictured) is the incredible hospitality. From the moment you enjoy a welcome drink to your morning dips in the pool, Siripanna will have you feeling like Lanna royalty. One of the best places to stay in Chiang Mai, Siripanna is definitely a place we’ll keep returning to. Check rates here.
Where to Eat and Drink in Chiang Mai
As is the case throughout the rest of Thailand, many of the best restaurants in Chiang Mai are not brick-and-mortar establishments, but mobile stalls and food trucks. Street food is a charming aspect of life in Thailand and trying it out is a cultural and culinary delight.
A spicy chicken curry soup that’s now ubiquitous throughout Thailand, northern specialty Khao Soi Gai (pictured) is at its most delicious in Chiang Mai. Khao Soi Khun Yai offers a traditional preparation and homestyle service, and also English menu and English-speaking staff in case you phuut phaasaa Thai mai dai. Read reviews here.
If you want to enjoy traditional Thai food in a setting that’s somewhere between rustic and upscale, Dash is the place for you. Choose between local delicacies and pan-Thai favorites, like Gaeng Kiaw Wan (Green Curry) and Khaaw Niaw Ma Muang (Mango with Sticky Rice). Book a table here.
Although not explicitly a vegetarian restaurant, Delish has options for non-meat eaters, including its famous Banana Blossom Salad (Yam Dok Gluay). Other popular options include Koo Muu Yang (Char-grilled pork neck) and Pla Neung, whole steamed fish caught from local rivers. Read reviews.
Enjoy Your Chiang Mai Trip!
Once you narrow down your list and pick out the best things to do in Chiang Mai, the hub of Thailand’s north is a surprisingly manageable destination. This is true for all travelers, from those short on time with just 3 days in Chiang Mai, or for long-stay digital nomads.
Trust me, Chiang Mai will not disappoint. I hope this list of things to do in Chiang Mai has helped you prepare for your trip. Have a blast in one of my favorite places in the world!
Here are some other articles I’ve written that you might find helpful.
- 3-Day Singapore Itinerary
- Singapore Food Guide
- Malaysia Travel Guide
- My 2-Week China Itinerary
- 3-Day Beijing Itinerary
- Best Things to Do in Xi’An
- World’s Tallest Buddha Statue: Leshan, China
- A Story on Rice Planting in Yangshuo, China
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to companies I use and trust. I get a small commission when you click on my links, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.
About the Author: Robert Schrader
Robert Schrader creates Thailand Starts Here after living in the Kingdom on several occasions, but feeling frustrated by the lack of quality English-language Thailand travel guides on the internet. Whether it’s your first trip or your 50th, let Thailand Start Here be your one-stop shop for Thailand travel information—and inspiration.
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