Looking for the best things to do in Chaing Mai, Thailand? We’ve got you covered…
Located in the North, Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s largest cities, and unlike the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is known for its calmness and relaxed environment.
The city of Chaing Mai is the custodian of centuries of Thai history and culture and is often referred to as the ‘Rose of the North’.
Chaing Mai is a picturesque city with amazing natural beauty, which makes it a wonderful place for nature-loving tourists.
There’s so much to see and do in Chiang Mai such as experiencing street food, temple visits, jungle trekking, and much more.
The number of things you can see and do will depend on the length of your stay, but here are the best things to do in Chaing Mai during your visit…
1. Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Temple)
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a Theravada Buddhist temple situated just outside of Chiang Mai (approximately 15km).
The temple is often referred to as “Doi Suthep” although this is actually the name of the huge mountain where it’s located, sitting approximately 5400 meters above sea level.
Doi Suthep is easily one of the most popular and famous attractions in Chiang Mai and the majority of tourists will make sure they visit whilst in Chiang Mai.
Doi Suthep is kind of like the “Big Ben” of London.
On a clear day, you get an overarching and fabulous view over the entire city of Chiang Mai.
The mountain is also home to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple
Also, it contains several white elephant shrines and is home to a beautiful, awe-inspiring replica of the Emerald Buddha.
There is a small fee to enter the temple which tourists have to pay.
Similar to many temples throughout Thailand, you’ll need to be covered up when visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, so dress accordingly to save yourself any hassle.
2. Explore Doi Pui Hmong Hill Tribe Village
Doi Pui Hmong Village is just a short drive from Chiang Mai (approximately 24km) and is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking to soak up some traditional Northern lifestyle and culture.
Moreover, you can stop for lunch at one of the small restaurants overlooking the greenery below and order a hot bowl of khao soi, which is Chiang Mai’s most famous dish.
We recommend you visit Doi Pui Villabe on the same day as visiting Doi Suthep as they’re fairly close by, you just need to travel a little deeper into the mountains to reach Doi Pui.
3. Explore Doi Inthanon (Mountain)
Did you know the highest mountain in Thailand is situated in Chiang Mai?
Doi Inthanon sits a staggering 2,565 meters above sea level and is definitely worth a visit whilst in Chiang Mai.
Doi Inthanon is not only the highest peak in Thailand but a stunning national park as a whole – Definitely one of Chiang Mai’s natural wonders and one of the best places to visit in Chiang Mai.
It is best if you plan a hiking trip for Doi Inthanon Mountain.
On the other hand, if you don’t feel like hiking you can choose a full of leisure walk around the park.
There are plenty of waterfalls, hill tribe villages and also many other attractions that you will encounter during your interesting hike or walk experience.
The Kew Mae Viewpoint is definitely one of the most beautiful attractions at Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai, with breathtaking views over the mountain range.
Why not book a jungle trek experience that includes an overnight stay with a local hill tribe to really immerse yourself into the local culture?
Any worth seeing element on this amazing trip is to see two pagodas that were originally built to honor the King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit.
For the best experience and to make sure that you don’t miss any important site it would be great if you hire a local driver who has already visited the site before as well.
However, you can also choose to rent a motorbike and see the sites on your own.
Because it’s just a two-hour trip (approximately 85km) from the city, it’s possible to spend a whole day on the mountain if you start early enough.
4. Visit The Local Elephant Sanctuaries
Chiang Mai is home to some absolutely amazing Elephant sanctuaries, helping re-home and care for these beautiful animals, funded by the caring tourists visiting and volunteering in the elephant sanctuaries.
Each elephant sanctuary is unique, however, most offer you the ability to serve the elephants in the form of feeding, bathing, and general caring for the elephants.
Almost all of the elephants in the sanctuaries are rescued from being used for display or work.
Contrary to popular belief, the tourism industry plays a crucial part in the livelihood and wellbeing of these beautiful animals.
Please do conduct your own research in advance of visiting any animal parks whilst traveling Thailand…
Here are a few elephant Sanctuaries we’ve shortlisted in Chiang Mai based on positive reviews and experiences:
- Into The Wild Elephant Camp
- Elephant Jungle Paradise Park
- Chiang Mai Elephant Legend
- Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
- Blue Tao Elephant Village
Just search the above sanctuaries in Google and you’ll quickly find their websites, what each package entails, associated costs, and how to book.
5. Explore Chiang Mai’s Best Waterfalls
Chiang Mai has many beautiful waterfalls in its Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, some more accessible than others…
We’d recommend speaking to the local travel centers and booking a guided tour which will include your transport to the national park and a local guide to help you get the most from the beautiful national park and its beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails.
Here’s our pick of the best waterfalls Chiang Mai / Doi Suthep-Pui National Park has to offer:
- Namtok (Waterfall) Mae Sa
- Mork Fa Waterfall
- Huay Keaw Waterfall
- Pha Dok Seaw Waterfall
- Chang Kian Waterfall
- Mon Da Than Waterfall
Each waterfall is unique, but each is just as cold as the other!
Bring a towel and some water shoes as there’s nothing better than a chilling dip after a humid hike up into the mountains.
The jungle scenes are phenomenal so be sure to bring your camera.
6. Wat Prasingh Buddhist Temple
Wat Prasingh is definitely a must-see and easily features among the best temples to visit in Chiang Mai.
This Buddhist temple dates back to the 14th century, to be exact 1345.
According to historical traditions, the temple was built by an ancient king in reverence of his father.
Phra Viharn Lai Kam is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in the temple that was built during the times of King San Muang Ma which also has Phra Singh Buddha is the famous ‘ calling the earth to witness’ posture.
Phara Singh Buddha is a Sukhothai-style figure that according to traditions came from Ceylon to Thailand.
If you will head to the temple in the early afternoon, on your way back you will also get the chance to visit the marvelous night bazaar of Chiang Mai and spend your spare change on some local souvenirs for friends and family.
7. Wat Chedi Luang
Generally speaking, Chiang Mai is a historical place and it won’t be hard for you to find some ruins from ancient times wherever you go.
Wat Chedi Luang has a unique kind of appeal attached to it with the beautiful elephant carving on it.
The structure was originally constructed in 1401 and later in 1545 due to an earthquake, it also got damaged.
However, it still remains remarkable today, and visiting the Wat Chedi Luang is easily one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai
8. Visit Chiang Mai’s Own Grand Canyon Waterpark
Did you know Chiang Mai has a Grand Canyon of its own?
If you’re looking for exciting water activities, check out Chiang Mai’s natural grand canyon waterpark, home to a huge floating obstacle course offering countless hours of fun with friends.
As you will visit the site, you will find some deep canyons roughly up to 50 meters in depth, usually filled with water, which present an astounding sight.
You will also find a good restaurant at the entrance where you can enjoy some drinks before (or after) taking on this exciting floating assault course.
Check out the main Facebook Page for the Grand Canyon Waterpark HERE.
9. Try Street Food at the Chiang Mai Gate Market
You would be foolish to miss the taste tantalizing street food at the Chiang Mai Gate Market during your Chiang Mai adventures.
Every nation, ethnicity, and locality has its own unique cuisines and so does Chiang Mai. The best thing is that the street food that you will find that the Chiang Mai Gate Market is really mouth-watering and simply the best that you can get in the entire Chiang Mai city.
As is customary for most street foods in the world, every night, vendors set up stalls at the Chiang Mai Gate and sell a large variety of dishes such as pad kra pow, fresh mango dessert, and sticky rice topped with coconut milk.
Even though it’s open every day, it’s preferable to go in the middle of the week, when there are fewer people.
10. Visit the Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Road
Chang Klan Road is just like a normal road during the daytime, but it represents something else during the night’s time where it is totally stunning and lively.
During the evenings, hundreds of traders set their stalls on the road selling a whole lot of different things including fake designer items, handcrafted goods, carpets, and lanterns.
The night Bazaar market is open every single day of the year whatever the weather.
The night Bazar on Chang Klan Road is surely one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai and a great trip out with the kids too.
11. Pay a visit to the Highland People Discovery Museum.
Wherever you travel, learning about the local cultures is one of the best things to do as a tourist as it gives you a fresh perspective and outlook on and of things.
In view of this thought, visiting Highland People Discovery Museum is one of the more cultural things to do in Chiang Mai.
For people with a love of different cultures and history, this ethnographic museum is an excellent place to visit.
The museum has preserved some phenomenal records of different ethnic representation in Thailand that predates hundreds of years.
You will get to learn about the minority hill tribes of Thailand
The North of Thailand has a great level of cultural diversity and has historically been home to diverse ethnicities.
While Karen and Hmong are the largest tribal ethnicities in Northern Thailand, there is still a long list of ethnicities including Mien, Lua, and Akha ethnic groups that you will get to know about during your visit to the museum.
You will get to see some of the traditional jewelry, attires, musical instruments, and several other items linked with Thailand’s culture.
Meanwhile, the photos on display in the museum will show you the rich cultural beauty of different ethnic groups in Thailand.
After visiting the museum you can also go for visiting some of the tribal villages.
12. Take A Boat Ride On The Mae Ping River
In the afternoon, if you are looking for the best things to do in Chiang Mai, a boat ride along the Mae Ping River is a great option. This is something the kids will thoroughly enjoy too.
Along the river, you will see beautiful scenic views all around you, including a large number of local flora.
You can book your tickets for the boat ride online. The boat tour companies currently operating on the site also take the tourists to the local farmers’ homes where they can have a close interaction with the locals and experience the true cultures of Chiang Mai.
Among many other things, it will be a learning experience for you to see how the local farmers plant jasmine rice as well as other agricultural products in the lush green fields.
13. Visit the Relaxing Bai Orchid And Butterfly Farm
Orchids are extremely popular among the general public in Thailand and Bai Orchid is also the symbol of Thailand as well as Thai Airways.
You can visit Bai Orchid and Butterfly farm all year round and they’re located just outside Chaing Mai.
The greenhouse houses a botanical garden, home to many species of mesmerizing butterflies and a wide array of plants, flowers, and orchids.
At the butterfly farm, you’ll see mesmerizing views of hundreds of butterflies in their natural habitat.
Feeling peckish? Grab a bite to eat at the cafe during your visit.
At the Souvenir shop, you will find unique and beautiful jewelry items made with orchids that are dipped in Gold, and can even buy seedlings to take home with you.
Summary: The Best Things To Do In Chiang Mai, Thailand
Now that you’ve learned about the best things to do in Chiang Mai, be sure to include this wonderful, ancient, and relaxing city on your travels.
Whilst exploring northern Thailand, you may want to visit Chiang Rai, just a 4-hour bus ride North East of Chiang Mai (approximately 188km). Chiang Rai has a similar feel to Chiang Mai, with plenty to see and do.
Looking for other ideas of places to visit whilst traveling Thailand? You can explore our other recommendations on the Best Places To Visit In Thailand to help make the most of your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chiang Mai
The easiest way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai from Bangkok is by Train (11 – 15 hours), however, you can also travel by bus (9 hours) or flight (1 hour 15 minutes). The most common method is by overnight sleeper train, saving on hotel costs and enjoying the scenery along the route.
Chiang Mai is well known for its surrounding jungle-covered mountains and residing tribal villages, deep history, and abundance of temples (300+). The city of Chiang Mai has so much character and is Thailand’s most famous Northern city.
We recommend at least 3 days exploring Chiang Mai and the surrounding area to get the most from this stunning Northern city.
Chiang Mai is located 700km (435 miles) North of Bangkok and can be reached in approximately 12 hours by Train or a speedy 1 hour 15 minutes by flight.
Map of Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai by Video
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