Best things to do in Chiang Mai
Located in the heart of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a historic city with ancient temples and bustling night markets, surrounded by lush mountains. There’s plenty of culture on offer, with traditional arts, crafts and festivals; lots of adventurous outdoor activities; and more relaxing pursuits such as meditation and Thai cooking classes.
The best districts
Old Town: Encircled by a moat and crumbling city walls, the Old Town is the location for most of Chiang Mai’s historic temples, museums and bustling markets. Wander through the streets and soak up the atmosphere.
Nimmanhaemin: This trendy neighbourhood is known for its artsy cafés, boutique shops and hip nightlife. It’s also where you’ll find a lot of younger locals and expats, giving the area a vibrant, cosmopolitan feel.
Riverside: The new town along the Ping River has a more relaxed atmosphere, with lovely riverside restaurants and bars. It’s a great spot for a sunset drink or an evening stroll.
Historic monuments
Wat Phra Singh: Chiang Mai’s most impressive temple complex, known for its classic Lanna architecture and intricate wood carvings. It’s a peaceful place to explore, especially early in the morning.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: An absolute must-see, this iconic temple not only boasts breathtaking views of the city below, but also serves as one of the most sacred sites in northern Thailand. The temple itself is a stunning structure and the 306-step climb is well worth it, or the cable car can whisk you to the top.
Day trips in the area
Doi Inthanon National Park: Home to Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon is a beautiful area of countryside with cooler weather and some of the best wildlife spotting in Southeast Asia. The park has everything from picturesque waterfalls and stunning trails to diverse birdlife, plus a pair of pagodas that offer incredible views of the surrounding valleys.
Pai: About a three-hour drive from Chiang Mai, Pai is a laid-back town known for its hot springs, waterfalls and bohemian vibe. It’s a great place to unwind, with plenty of trekking and rafting options plus elephant experiences for those looking for adventure.
Activities for families in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is surprisingly family-friendly, with a variety of activities that kids will love.
Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium: Home to thousands of animals, including many favourite large mammals such as elephants, giraffes, koalas and pandas, this is a modern zoo with good animal welfare. There’s also a large aquarium featuring fresh- and salt-water creatures, with touch pools and even the chance to snorkel with them.
Elephant sanctuaries: The Thai Elephant Conservation Centre or Elephant Nature Park are some of the most ethical and authentic places in Thailand to meet and learn about these gentle giants. They even offer opportunities to wash or feed them!
Free things to do in Chiang Mai
If you’re on a budget, don’t worry – Chiang Mai has plenty of free attractions and activities that let you soak up the local culture without spending a penny.
Festivals: The city has the biggest celebrations in Thailand for Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival, while the colourful Yipeng lantern festival has thousands of candles sent down the river in miniature boats and floating up into the sky in lanterns.
Temples: Many of Chiang Mai’s temples are free to enter (with donations welcomed), including Wat Umong, a unique forest temple with tunnels, and Wat Suan Dok, which offers meditation classes. Exploring these temples allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Wellness in Chiang Mai
Spas and massage: From simple street-side massage shops to luxurious spas, Chiang Mai has no shortage of places to treat yourself. Some of the best places are schools, offering no frills but great-value traditional Thai massages, and also the chance to learn how to do them yourself.
Yoga and meditation: Chiang Mai is known for its retreat centres, offering everything from yoga classes to week-long meditation retreats, with instruction often in English.
Nature and outdoor activities
Hiking: Chiang Mai is a hiker’s paradise, with trails that lead you through lush forests past waterfalls up to stunning viewpoints. As well as shorter hikes near the city, tour operators offer multi-day trips across the north of the country.
Watersports: The nearby rivers and lakes are great spots for activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, white-water rafting and even wakeboarding.