What to do in Chiang Mai Thailand- Must Visit Places
- Fletch
- 1 day ago
- 10 min read
Whether you're exploring historic old town alleyways, learning to cook Thai cuisine, or heading into the hills to visit elephant sanctuaries and hill tribe villages, Chiang Mai offers a unique experience at every turn.
Here you'll find the best ways to explore this enchanting northern gem. This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!
A list of Amazing Things to Do in Chiang Mai: A Mix of Iconic, Local, and Experiences based on our experience of living in Chiang Mai as digital nomads with kids who slow travel full time to find THE best things to do wherever we call home for that particular month!
Whether you're here for a whirlwind weekend on the way to Chiang Rai or Pai, OR like us, spending a slow month soaking in its rhythm, pottering around the old town, stumbling on scared ceremonies, taking photo's of the mix of old and new. Every turn a photogenic must take photo. The city offers something for every type of traveler. Perfect for foodies too. Food is next level in Chiang Mai. And of course the classic must do's and some magical encounters that left us breathless and a little bit changed for the better. Here's a curated list of the best things to do in Chiang Mai —perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers looking to go beyond the obvious. This is our list of really good things to do in Chiang Mai, for those spending more time in the city, mixing daily life with sightseeing, and likely with kids in tow. This isn’t just a tourist checklist; it blends must-sees, slow moments, and local gems because with our guides we want to share with you all the things to do in Chiang Mai city that allow you to experience the city rather than just see it.
27 Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Cultural Highlights
Climb to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep This iconic temple perched on a mountain offers sweeping views over Chiang Mai. A must-see for first-timers!
Old Town Ramble - Walk Inside the Old City of Chiang Mai’s Old Town - the heart and soul of northern Thailand — a charming 700 year old square-shaped historic district surrounded by ancient brick walls and a scenic moat. See the Tha Pae Gate
Tha Pae Gate marks the entrance to the Old Town and is one of the most famous landmarks in the city walls. Having once acted as a fortress for the Old City, it faces the Ping River and is also close to many popular sights and shops. Markets, stalls etc. Get Your Guide has tons of Chiang Mai Old Town City walking tours. But within these centuries-old boundaries, you'll discover a world of serene Buddhist temples (over 300 for you to explore), vibrant street markets, cafés, and quiet lanes to get lost in. Whether you’re wandering through temples, trying delicious khao soi from a street stall, or stumbling upon a hidden café, Old Town is the ideal base for exploring Chiang Mai’s unique character at a slower, more authentic pace. We loved to just potter. No real plan just walk and walk and each time discover something new.
📍🗺️ Address: Chiang Mai, Thailand | Google Map
➡️ 🚗 How to get there: Get a grab taxi or a songthaew directly to one of the entrances to the old town or take a guided tour trip like this one here where you can combine with some other fun things in the area to pack out your trip.
Explore the Old City Temples Chiang Mai’s Old Town is over 700 years old and home to over 300 temples. Take a simple walk through and around the streets within the Old Town and you can't help but stumble upon a temple. But just a simple unplanned Old Town Ramble will give you a handful on any walk through the town. Each beautiful, magnificent, awe inspiring and brimming with history. If you prefer something more structured, then Check out our temple guide here. Visit these centuries-old temples. Make sure you visit the bigger ones including Wat Phra Singh with the highly respected Phra Singh Buddha as well as a school for young monks.
Experience a Traditional Monk Chat Learn about Buddhism and Thai culture directly from monks at select temples, like The Monk Chat at Wat Suan Dok. If there's only one thing you do off this whole list in Chiang Mai it's this. Closely followed by Elely Cafe. But this was a wonderful experience for myself and Si and something we feel very lucky to have had the chance to do.
https://www.monkchat.net/web2020/index.php
📍🗺️ Address: Chiang Mai, Thailand | Google Map
➡️ 🚗 How to get there: Get a grab taxi or a songthaew directly to the University or take a guided tour trip like this one here where you can combine with some other fun things in the area to pack out your trip.
Visit Wat Umong Temple. A fairytale forest temple with tunnels. Close by to Baan Kang Art Market to combine a day trip.
📍🗺️ Address: Chiang Mai, Thailand | Google Map
➡️ 🚗 How to get there: Get a grab taxi or a songthaew directly to Wat Umong Temple or take a guided tour trip like this one here where you can combine with some other fun things in the area to pack out your trip.
Take a Thai Cooking Class Learn to make khao soi, pad thai, and mango sticky rice in a hands-on experience often paired with a local market visit.
Try the Best Khao Soi If there's one dish you have to try when in Chiang Mai it's Khao Soi. Khao soi is Chiang Mai’s famous noodle soup, made with boiled and deep-fried egg noodles in a chicken or beef, coconut curry broth, served with lime, roasted chilli, mustard greens and shallots. I have not had a bad Khao Soi in all my time in Chiang Mai. But you should try this northern Thai cuisine from the best restaurant in town in Nimman here. Other dishes to try: Gaeng Hang Lay, Sai Oua, Nam Prik Ong.
Nature & Adventure
Go Ziplining in the Jungle Join a tree-top adventure with views of lush forest. Flight of the Gibbon is one of the most reputable operators.
Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai is famous for its elephants and it is a must to visit some of these majestic animals during your trip. Spend a day feeding, walking with, and learning about rescued elephants — look for no-riding, hands-off sanctuaries like Elephant Nature Park. We didn't join an elephant tour but we plan to visit this one on our return later in 2025. But if you don't get time to visit an elephant tour, but love animals, elephants and nature... oh and coffee... then this is one coffee shop that you do.not.want.to.miss! (Elely Cafe)
Visit Elely Cafe A hidden gem in Chiang Mai (20 miles from Chiang Mai off the 107 highway) that you MUST visit for your next Chiang Mai trip. Read all about our amazing coffee & elephants date at Elely Cafe here. Overlooking the Ping river and nestled right next door to an elephant sanctuary, this cafes amazing features is the ability to interact with the elephants from the neighbouring sanctuary. Each day a couple of elephants are selected and brought down to the river right next to the cafe where customers are allowed to feed and interact with them. Baskets of food consisting of bananas or sugar cane are available for a small fee (100 baht). This is an amazing experience which costs very little and will be one which will be remembered.
📍🗺️ Address: Elely Cafe, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Google Map
➡️ 🚗 How to get there: Get a grab taxi or a songthaew directly or take a guided tour trip like this one here where you can combine with some other fun things in the area to pack out your trip.
Hike the Monk’s Trail A rewarding hike from the base of Doi Suthep to Wat Pha Lat, a peaceful forest temple with serene surroundings.
Cool Off at Bua Thong "Sticky" Waterfalls These unique limestone waterfalls let you climb up the cascading rocks thanks to their grippy surface.
Take a Day Trip to Doi Inthanon National Park Visit Thailand’s highest peak, stunning twin pagodas, waterfalls, and hill tribe villages — all in one scenic trip.
Wellness & Mindfulness
Join a Meditation Retreat Many temples and centers offer short or multi-day retreats in peaceful surroundings — great for unwinding and self-reflection. Meditation Retreat
https://www.monkchat.net/web2020/index.php
📍🗺️ Address: Chiang Mai, Thailand | Google Map
➡️ 🚗 How to get there: Get a grab taxi or a songthaew directly to the University or take a guided tour trip like this one here where you can combine with some other fun things in the area to pack out your trip.
Get a Traditional Thai Massage Experience an authentic (and affordable) massage, or try a massage course to learn the techniques yourself.
Relax at a Jungle Hot Spring Head to San Kamphaeng or Chiang Dao hot springs to soak in natural mineral-rich waters.
Markets & Local Life
Visit Baan Kang Wat Artist Village - See our full blog on our visit to Baan Kang Art Market. A small community of independent shops and businesses that focus on local, handmade sustainable and organic products. Includes a library, art and craft studios, art galleries, a homemade gelato and bakery, coffee shops restaurants and beautiful art deco shops. Be sure to check out the community village’s schedule to discover their workshops such as ceramics, jewellery, water colour drawing, woodcut printing, notebook making, indigo etc... And also regular art & crafts exhibitions. During our visit, we enjoyed browsing the independent shops and Lil did a watercolour workshop to help with her art studies and Boo did a painting workshop to go alongside his world schooling learning. We ate one of the best Khao Soi (a Northern Thai egg noodle soup in a curry broth, topped with crispy fried noodles) and drank delicious coffee at the coffee shop housed there. If you are arty or into your crafts, then this place really is a must when in Chiang Mai.
📍🗺️ Address: Baan Kang Artist Village, 191 Soi Ban Ram Poang, Suthep, Mueang, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Google Map
➡️ 🚗 How to get there: Get a grab taxi or a songthaew directly to Baan Kang Wat or take a guided tour trip like this one here where you can combine with some other fun things in the area to pack out your trip.
Shop at the Sunday Night Walking Street Chiang Mai’s most iconic market, full of handmade crafts, street food, and local performers. Or Anusarn Night Market
Night Bazarr night food market, which even though this caters for Tourists the food here is very good and very cheap. And you can get unique gifts from the market. Check out our Full Chiang Mai Best Market Guide
📍🗺️ Address: Chiang Mai, Thailand | Google Map
➡️ 🚗 How to get there: Get a grab taxi or a songthaew directly to Anusarn Market or take a guided tour trip like this one here where you can combine with some other fun things in the area to pack out your trip.
Browse Warorot Market A bustling local market perfect for trying northern snacks, picking up souvenirs, and immersing in everyday Thai life.
Visit a Local Coffee Farm Northern Thailand is known for its coffee — take a tour, learn about the beans, and taste fresh local brews.
🛵 Explore & Discover
Take a Scooter Ride Through the Countryside Venture beyond the city into lush rice fields, small villages, and winding mountain roads.
Discover the Hidden Alley Cafés Chiang Mai is famous for its café culture — find gems tucked inside old walls or surrounded by gardens.
Visit the Art Galleries & Co-Working Spaces and coffee shops in Nimmanhaemin This trendy district is perfect for digital nomads, full of boutiques, concept cafés, and creative spaces.
🎉 Fun & Unique Experiences
Join a Lantern Festival (Loy Krathong & Yi Peng) If you're lucky to visit in November, witness thousands of lanterns lighting up the sky in a breathtaking spectacle.
Take a Muay Thai Class or Watch a Fight Learn Thailand’s national sport or see the pros in action at one of Chiang Mai’s stadiums.
Michelin meal out at Rasik Local Kitchen to compare against all the street food that we'd been eating.
Cocktails in Nimmanhaemin Check out Yayyee for very good cocktails that come highly recommended by us - with a view!
📍🗺️ Address: Chiang Mai, Thailand | Google Map
➡️ 🚗 How to get there: Get a grab taxi or a songthaew directly to Yayyee.
For up to the minute 'Things to do in Chiang Mai' steal my go to place and visit Trip.com (honestly the best place to find awesome things to do by fellow travellers) take a dig through to find some up to date and really cool spots. This is how we found out about Elely Cafe (link to blog post) and many other awesome spots on our travel journey. Also you can book trips over there too.
Want help planning your Chiang Mai adventure? Let me know in the comments & I can help you create the perfect itinerary for you. I hope you found this post helpful. In the meantime keep up with our daily updates below:
On YouTube:
💡HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR THAILAND TRIP 💡
✈️ - CHIANG MAI FLIGHTS - We use this flight checker to search the best flight tickets fall or our Thailand flights. We used this flight checker to get flights from Singapore to Krabi with the best prices at the time. Then we took the bus from Krabi to Bangkok. Then onwards to Chiang Mai via the bus also. Use to check dates and flight costs to Bangkok Airport (International and Domestic) now or go to our Flight Planning Page fore more
🚌🚆🚇 - CHIANG MAI TRAVEL - We took the overnight bus from Krabi to Bangkok that left Krabi at 3pm and arrived in Bangkok the following morning at 6am. Then onwards from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via the day time bus that set off from Bangkok at 10am and arrived in Chiang Mai at 8pm. Both booked via 12Go.
🏨 - CHIANG MAI ACCOMMODATION - We use this hotels checker to search hotels and accommodation for our Thailand trip. Use to check dates and costs to hotels and hostels in Thailand now or go to our Accommodation Planning Page for more
🧭🗺️👣 - CHIANG MAI THAILAND TOURS & GUIDES - We use Get Your Guide for all of the trips in Thailand. But we also love Klook too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different.
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