Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Top 12 Must-Do Activities
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Discovering the magic of the Rose of the North
Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of Northern Thailand. It is a city where ancient traditions meet modern life, nestled amidst misty mountains and lush landscapes. After its capital Bangkok, it is the second largest city in Thailand, so despite having a more “village-like” feeling to it, it has great infrastructure and commodities. Often referred to as the “Rose of the North,” Chiang Mai offers an eclectic mix of historical temples, vibrant markets, delicious street food, and adventure-filled activities. In this post, I’ll go through what to do in Chiang Mai, especially for first-time visitors. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a foodie, or an adrenaline junkie, this charming city has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the top things to do in Chiang Mai!
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Top 12 things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand
1. Explore the Walled City of Chiang Mai
One of the best things about visiting Chiang Mai is that many of its most important sights to visit are located nearby, in the old walled city. This ancient district, encircled by a moat and remnants of old city walls, holds 75 temples in an area of roughly 15 x 15 blocks, as well as monuments, restaurants, hotels and generally a lot of things to do! So it is like a perfect concentrated pill of awesomeness! This topic can get very long, so I’ve written a dedicated post about it:
READ: Discovering Chiang Mai: Best Temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand
For now, I’ll leave you with some of the most popular and most impressive ones (in no particular order):
- Wat Chedi Luang with its ruined tall chedi.
- Wat Phra Singh, the most popular for its intricate Lanna design and its blindingly golden stupas.
- Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in town.
- Wat Lok Moli, just outside the northern wall and comprising a stone chedi, a teak hall and a courtyard covered with lanterns.
2. Meet the Heavens at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Speaking of temples, there is none as magnificent or important for the local community as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. In fact, it is one of the most religiously important temples in all of Northern Thailand! This 14th century temple is located on top of Doi Suthep, a 1,000+ meter hill next to Chiang Mai. The temple complex starts with a steep 300+ flight of stairs that will take you to the temple level. When you reach the temple, you’ll find it centered around a beautiful golden stupa that reflexts the light of the sun. The stupa is surrounded by prayer halls showing many Buddha images and plenty of locals performing rituals.
Price: 30 THB (0.7€), Schedule: 6am – 6pm
According to legend, King Nu Naone of the Lanna Kingdom obtained a Buddha relic that broke in two pieces. One was enshrined in Wat Suan Dok, while the other one was placed on the back of a white elephant, which was freed in the jungle. The elephant is said to have climbed to the top of the hill, trumpeted 3 times, and dropped dead. In that spot, the king decided to built the temple found today.
The temple also has a large terrace offering amazing views at the valley surrounding the hill and Chiang Mai city. You can read my guide about visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and how to get there (see the next section).
READ: Hiking the Monk’s Trail in Chiang Mai, Thailand
3. Hike the Wat Pha Lat Monk’s Trail
Speaking of the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, did you know that you can get there by hiking the Wat Pha Lat Monk’s Trail up the hill? In my opinion, this is the best way to reach this magnificent temple, as a sort of pilgrimage the way the monks did it (and some still do!). This trail allows you to experience Chiang Mai’s culture and nature all in one, since you’ll hike through the lush forests of Doi Suthep Hill, and you’ll be able to also visit Wat Pha Lat temple, located roughly halfway to the top. I wrote a guide to help you plan your hike!
READ: Hiking the Monk’s Trail in Chiang Mai, Thailand
4. Buy Everything at Chiang May Sunday Market
Street markets in Thailand are in a whole other level. This is also true in Chiang Mai! On Sundays at 4pm, the main streets of Chiang Mai’s Old Town block the traffic and turn into a sprawling market selling… well, everything! From clothes, to arts and crafts, to paintings… and let’s not forget about street food! The Sunday Market really make the whole city come alive, with crowds of locals and tourists, smells of delicious food, colorful trinkets and live music. If you can, schedule your visit to Chiang Mai so it falls on a Sunday afternoon.
5. Explore Chiang Mai’s Culinary Scene
If you’re a returning reader of Feast of Travel, you were probably waiting for this one. Food is one of my favourite things to explore everywhere I visit. This is especially true in Thailand, which is home to one of my favourite cuisines! The food of Northern Thailand is quite different from the street food of Bangkok or the spicy dishes of Southern Thailand. Northern Thai food, also known as Lanna cuisine, is less spicy than its counterpart in the South. It also focuses on contrasts in flavours and textures. A great example is its staple dish, Khao Soi, a dish of curried chicken noodles that plays with different textures of the noodles. Lanna food has a strong influence from Myanmar and Laos.
Chiang Mai, as the capital of the region, is a perfect place to get to know this delicious cuisine! I will write a post on my favourite places to eat in Chiang Mai. For now, some of the Lanna dishes I recommend that you try on your visit to Chiang Mai are:
- Khao Soi (curried chicken noodles)
- Khantoke (not exactly a dish, but a serving of an array of small dishes family-style, read more about it here)
- Sai Oua (a sausage with herbs and spices, grilled)
- Gaeng Hang Ley (Burmese-style sweet curry stew)
- Khao Kha Moo (stewed pork leg on rice) – this one is actually found everywhere in Thailand, but they have fantastic Khao Kha Moo in Chiang Mai!
6. And Taste the Delicious Local Coffee
Not only Chiang Mai is an epicenter of Lanna food, but also of specialty coffee. Northern Thailand is the most important coffee-growing region in the country. As a result of the attempt to substitute the opium farms, the people around Chiang Mai have struck gold with coffee beans! This explains why in a city that has more of a village feel, you’ll find many a hipster specialty coffee shop competing to serve the best cup. I’m not gonna lie, the digital nomad community in the area has helped. However, the fact that the coffee is of excellent quality and locally grown makes of Chiang Mai a coffee lover’s paradise.
It seems like a trend with Chiang Mai, but I’ll be working on a short guide on my favourite coffee shops in town. Meanwhile, one of my favourites is Akha Ama, located right in the Old Town and one of the OG coffee shops in the city. Also, their space is absolutely gorgeous, so that helps!
7. MAYBE Meet the Elephants (Ethically)
Here comes the tricky questions. One of the most famous inhabitants of the forested mountains of Thailand is the imposing Asian elephant. However, elephants used for tourism purposes in Thailand have a long history of mistreatment and abuse. The process to “domesticate” elephants (a wild animal) are brutal, involving isolation of baby elephants, caging, breeding and torture. It is also a danger for the tourists, since more tourists are killed by captive elephants than by any other captive animal in the world.
It is normal to want to experience the might of these beautiful animals, but it is imperative that we do so in an ethical way. Thankfully, tourism demands have shifted (generally) towards more ethical ways to meet elephants. That being said, this has sadly not always been my experience when participating in elephant-centered activities. Here are a few general guidelines to identify genuine elephant venues:
- Do not assume that the word “sanctuary” means anything. There’s no regulation in Thailand over the use of that title, so you’ll need to do some further research.
- Avoid venues that hold caged elephants. These animals should roam freely.
- Elephant riding is a big NO. You’ve probably seen those pictures on instagram. The truth is, elephants were not made for riding. Not only it hurst their backs to carry humans, but the training process is torture.
- Generally look for minimal to no direct contact with elephants.
- If you can live without it, skip these activities altogether. A lower demand of elephant tourism will lead to less captive elephants in the long run.
I am writing a post about my experience at Elephant Freedom Village, so I will share my thoughts about it soon.
8. Reach for New Heights at Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park is an area located around 100km from Chiang Mai and containing Thailand’s highest peak! It has quickly become one of Chiang Mai’s postcard pictures, especially the twin pagodas dedicated to the King and Queen of Thailand. There are many things to do in this NP, such as hiking to waterfalls, visiting temples, reaching the highest point in the country or visiting local villages.
Price: 300 THB (15€) + 20/30 THB (1/1,5€) for parking (motorbike/car), Schedule: 5.30am – 6.30pm
There are plenty of things to do in Doi Inthanon National Park to fill your day trip (and more). Here are a few:
- Visit the Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Naphapholphumisiri (twin pagodas) and their flower gardens.
- Reach the highest point in Thailand at 2650m, where the ashes of King Inthanon are buried.
- Hike the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, managed by the local Hmong tribe and filled with fantastic viewpoints, lush greenery and gorgeous waterfalls. Price: 200THB per group for a guide (mandatory), Schedule: 6am-4pm (closed Jun-Oct).
- Hike other trails like Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail.
- Discover the powerful waterfalls of the NP, such as Wachirathan Waterfall or Mae Ya Waterfall.
If you’re planning on spending the night, stay at Baan Khun Klang Village, the closest to the summit and home to the visitor center.
How to get to Doi Inthanon National Park
While you can certainly travel there yourself, Chiang Mai’s public transport infrastructure is not great, especially for day trips outside of the city. It is still possible by taking a combination of two songtaews (each way) The best way to visit Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai is to drive or join a tour.
9. Start Your Mae Hong Son Loop
Chiang Mai is the typical start and finish line of the Mae Hong Son Loop. This beautiful multi-stop road trip is a fantastic way to get to know Thailand’s mountainous north. The Mae Hong Son Loop connects Chiang Mai to Pai to lesser known villages such as Mae Hong Son and Mae Sariang. Although perhaps not as jaw-dropping as its counterpart in Vietnam, the Ha Giang loop, it is still a fantastic motorbike/car route that will bring you closer to the wonders of the northern mountains in Thailand and immerse yourself with the hill tribes, hot springs and beautiful natural parks. In fact, you can even take a detour to visit the Doi Inthanon National Park!
This beautiful loop can take you from 3-4 days to weeks! It all depends on how much you’re willing to explore in each region and how many detours you want to take. It is a truly remarkable region of Thailand and will give you a much more local experience of Northern Thailand than Chiang Mai or Pai could.
10. Take a Thai Cooking Class
I’ve said it many times and I’ll say it agian. One of the best ways to learn about another culture is through its gastronomy. This is especially true in Thai culture, and there is no better way to immerse yourself than learning to cook some of their delicious dishes! Cooking classes in Thailand are available everywhere and are affordable fun activities that will make your trip more rich.
How to Choose a Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai
With such a wide offer of cooking classes in Chiang Mai, it may be a bit overwhelming to choose the perfect one for you. To help you a little bit, usually Thai cooking classes range from 800 to 1200 THB (20-30€), although more luxurious versions may charge more. Typically, a good Thai cooking class includes:
- Visit to a market to get the fresh ingredients and learn about them.
- All the ingredients you’ll need for cooking, and often drinks.
- The class itself (obviously).
- A full meal of the 5ish dishes you’ll prepare.
- Typically a recipe book to take home with you, and often other small gifts, like chopsticks, ladles or aprons.
- When the class is outside of the city, usually the transportation is also included.
Also, Thai cooking classes in Chiang Mai last for half a day to a full day, depending on where it is and the activities included. If you have time, I suggest that you go for a class outside of the city, so you can enjoy the beauty of Chiang Mai’s countryside and the local feel of a farm. While many cooking classes include world-wide famous dishes like Pad Thai or Tom Yum, these dishes are not from Northern Thailand. That’s why I suggest that you look for classes that teach local dishes such as Khao Soi (curried noodle chicken soup), Nam Prik Ong (pork tomato chili dip) or Gaeng Hung Lay (Burmese pork curry).
Some Great Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
Some of the best Thai cooking classes in Chiang Mai are (in no particular order and not a thorough list):
- Asia Scenic Thai Cooking Class (you can choose a class in Chiang Mai or at their farm nearby)
- Galangal Cooking Studio (in Chiang Mai)
- Thai Farm Cooking School (in an organic farm)
- Thai Akha Kitchen (local tribe)
11. Attend a Traditional Khantoke Dinner
A khantoke is a traditional Thai Lanna meal that is served on teak or bamboo trays that is typically serves at ceremonies and celebrations. It consists of several traditional dishes such as Nam Prik (chili paste), Burmese pork curry, pork rinds… although there is no specific combination of dishes.
While it is difficult to be invited to a real khantoke dinner when visiting Chiang Mai, unless you know some locals, some venues offer a similar experience paired with traditional music and local dances for tourists. It may not be the most authentic experience, but it will give you a glimpse into this centuries-old tradition and make for a nice night out during your stay in Chiang Mai.
The most popular venue for this kind of events is Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center. The whole experience costs 570 THB (15€) per person, and includes the food, drinks and show, as well as the transportation from and to your accommodation. There are other options a bit further away from the center, like Khum Khantoke or, a cheaper version near Suthep district, Benjaron Khantoke.
12. Take a Day Trip to Chiang Rai
No trip to Northern Thailand is complete without a visit to Chiang Rai, another mountain city located less than 200km Northeast of Chiang Mai. Chiang Rai is home to some of Thailand’s most iconic temples, such as the White Temple and the Blue Temple. Its privileged location amids the mountains make it a perfect gateway to explore Northern Thailand’s beautiful nature. Also, Its proximity to the Golden Triangle makes of Chiang Rai a perfect last stop in Thailand before crossing to Laos or Myanmar.
I have to say that this recommendation is only half-hearted. Due to its proximity, it is possible to visit Chiang Rai as a day trip from Chiang Mai and tick off its most famous sites with an organized tour. In fact, this is what most tourists do. That being said, I loved my time in Chiang Rai and it was one of the most positive surprises during our trip in Northern Thailand. That’s why I suggest that you spend more time in Chiang Rai to explore its beautiful temples, breathtaking nature and its unique cultural and historical background. I suggest you have a look at my dedicated post about it:
READ: What to do in Chiang Rai, Thailand
How to get to Chiang Mai, Thailand
Getting to Chiang Mai is actually very easy!
By Air
The quickest and most convenient way to reach Chiang Mai is by flying. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has frequent flights from major cities in Thailand such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi, as well as international flights from neighboring countries.
By Train
If you’re looking for something more scenic, consider taking a train. The State Railway of Thailand offers daily services from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station to Chiang Mai. The journey takes approximately 11-14 hours, depending on the type of train. You can choose between different classes, including sleeper cabins for overnight travel. The train ride is a great way to see the beautiful countryside of Thailand.
By Bus
Buses are another popular option, with several companies offering daily services from Bangkok and other major cities to Chiang Mai. Buses from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal take around 9-11 hours to reach Chiang Mai. We chose this option on our way back so we could stop on the magnificent ancient city of Sukhothai, very hard to reach otherwise.
How to get around in Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you stay in or around the Old Town (the walled city), you can visit most attractions by foot! Chiang Mai’s city center is surprisingly walkable for an Asian city, so take advantage of that! For sites located farther away, you can use their songthaews, the unofficial public transportation of the city. They are pick-up trucks turned into passenger trucks that go around the city picking and leaving passangers. think of it as a shared taxi. Some of the main routes have specific stops and fixed prices, while other routes are less intuitive and depend on where the car and its current passengers are going. It is less convenient than a regular taxi, but it is much more affordable. Lastly, you can use one of the many car hailing apps to move around cheaply in Chiang Mai. My favourite ones are Bolt and Grab. I do not recommend riding a motorbike in Chiang Mai, as the traffic can get quite hectic.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget, from cozy hostels to luxurious resorts. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to stay in the city, categorized by budget.
Budget
If you’re traveling on a budget, one of the best options is Amaka Bed and Breakfast, which has gorgeous bunkbed rooms for less than 350 THB (8,5€). They also offer gorgeous private suites for those that want to spend a bit more for privacy and comfort. If you’re traveling as a couple or two good friends and want to save some money, a good alternative is Khunluang Hostel. They offer double bunkbeds for a very reasonable price. Of course, there are also options for single travelers. It is also located in the very heart of Chiang Mai. Lastly, if you want a central clean room with a feel of a mid-range hotel for a budget price, book a room at Rena House Chiang Mai.
Mid-range
If you like more local experiences, your best bet is Pao Come Boutique House. Their wooden house with local decor and ideal location just outside of the city wall makes of this a perfect stay in Chiang Mai. If you like a hipster vibe, one of the best hotels in the city is The Locals Chiang Mai. It is also located outside of the city wall and it has a really amazing price for its quality. Another option with similar characteristics is QUU HOTEL Chiang Mai.
As I mentioned in the Budget section, Amaka Bed and Breakfast also offers beautiful wooden and white private rooms for a perfect stay in Chiang Mai. Lastly, if you prefer more modern decor and ammenities, you should check POR Arak, ON Thapae Chiangmai or NANEE Phra Singh. For longer stays, you may prefer to stay further away from the Old Town, so I suggest the hotels from the Wualai chain, such as iWualai or Hotel De Wualai.
Luxury
If you’re ready to pay for luxury and comfort, Chiang Mai is not short of options! If you’d like to stay in a beautiful well-maintained local building with all ammenities in the heart of the Old Town, my suggestion is Rachamankha Hotel. A similar option, with all kinds of beautiful local luxury but removed from the busy streets of the city center is Raya Heritage. If you prefer a more standard resort feel for complete relaxation, then go for Hotel Sensai Nimman Chiang Mai or Smile Lanna Hotel.
For those that are more into a modern decor, one of my personal favourites is Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai. Lastly, if you want your hotel to have a spot on decor, someplace between industrial, hipster and colonial, go for Shamrock Chiangmai Hotel. They really put some effort in creating the image of this central hotel. It is one of my favourite hotels in Chiang Mai.
Map of Chiang Mai, Thailand
To make things easier for you, I’ve created this map with all the spots I mention in this post, including what to do in Chiang Mai and places to visit. I will also include my accommodation recommendations.
Closing Statement
With this post, I hope I have convinced you to include Chiang Mai in your Thailand itinerary. With easy connections to Bangkok and other interesting places in Northern Thailand like Chiang Rai and Pai, it is the perfect base to start exploring this beautiful region of the country. While it is easy to explore the essentials in three days, it is one of those places you could spend a year in without feeling like you fully explore it and always finding new things to do and see.
If you are visiting Thailand, some of these posts may be useful:
What to do in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Pai: Northern Thailand hippie escape
Best Temples in Sukhothai: Ultimate Guide to Thailand’s Ancient Capital
What to do in Bangkok: top 10 activities
Ayutthaya: a day trip from Bangkok, Thailand
Also, since you’re thinking of visiting Southeast Asia, maybe these will inspire you:
Ultimate 3 weeks Vietnam Itinerary: North to South
Perfect 3 days itinerary in Ubud, Bali
What to do in Singapore: Top 11 things to do in Singapore
Ultimate 3 Weeks Malaysia Itinerary for First Timers
Perfect 10 days Flores itinerary in Indonesia
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