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Chiang Mai, Thailand - Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand - Complete Travel Guide

Chiang Mai sits on ~300 Buddhist temples within ancient walls. This former Lanna Kingdom capital in northern Thailand balances centuries-old temple architecture with a thriving digital nomad scene that has transformed the city over the past decade. The old city works well on foot. You can examine golden spires and intricate woodcarvings in the morning, then hit busy night markets for northern Thai specialties by evening—and the mountains are close enough for day trips. The city draws three types of travelers: temple ensoiasts, food lovers, and adventure seekers heading to nearby elephant sanctuaries and hill tribe villages. Chiang Mai delivers on all fronts without the chaos of Bangkok or the tourist overload of southern beach towns. Modern amenities are everywhere.

Top Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Temple Hopping in the Old City

The ancient walled city holds dozens of temples. Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh rank among the most famous, each showing unique Lanna architecture that you won't find in Bangkok or southern Thailand. Intricate woodcarvings and golden Buddhas fill peaceful courtyards. Perfect for meditation and photography—if you can handle the tourist crowds at popular sites.

Booking Tip: Most temples are free to enter (donations welcomed), though some charge 20-50 THB entrance fees. Visit early morning (6-8 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees, and consider hiring a local guide for 500-800 THB per day to learn about Buddhist traditions.

Night Market Food Adventure

The night markets define Chiang Mai dining. Saturday Walking Street and Sunday Walking Street transform entire neighborhoods into food and shopping districts that draw locals and tourists in equal numbers. Sample northern Thai specialties like khao soi and sai ua sausage. Mango sticky rice makes the perfect ending while you browse handcrafted souvenirs and local artwork.

Booking Tip: Markets are free to enter and run from 6 PM to midnight on weekends. Bring cash (most vendors don't accept cards) and budget 200-400 THB per person for a full meal with drinks. Join a food tour (800-1,500 THB) to discover hidden gems and learn about local ingredients and cooking techniques.

Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Visit

Ethical elephant sanctuaries outside the city let rescued elephants roam natural habitats. You'll feed, bathe, and observe these animals while learning about conservation efforts that matter. Responsible elephant tourism works. Choose sanctuaries that don't offer riding—those operations typically treat animals poorly despite marketing claims.

Booking Tip: Choose sanctuaries that don't offer riding and focus on observation and care activities. Full-day tours cost 2,500-4,000 THB including transportation and meals. Book directly with reputable sanctuaries or through established tour operators, and look for organizations that contribute to elephant welfare and local communities.

Doi Suthep Mountain Temple Trek

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep requires climbing 309 steps. This sacred temple perches on a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai, offering golden pagoda architecture and city views that justify the effort required to reach the top. Sunset timing works best. One of Thailand's most impressive temple experiences—worth the leg burn.

Booking Tip: Entrance fee is 30 THB for the temple. Hire a red truck (songthaew) for 200-300 THB round trip or join a half-day tour for 800-1,200 THB. Visit in late afternoon for sunset views, but arrive by 5 PM as the temple closes at 6 PM. Wear comfortable shoes for the stair climb.

Traditional Cooking Class Experience

Cooking classes include market tours for ingredient selection. You'll master pad thai, green curry, and tom yum soup while learning to balance sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that define Thai cuisine. Hands-on instruction works better than theory. Most classes run half or full days with multiple dishes and recipes to take home.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes cost 800-1,500 THB and full-day classes with market tours cost 1,200-2,500 THB. Book classes that include recipe cards and offer vegetarian options if needed. Popular schools get booked up, so reserve 2-3 days in advance. Look for small group sizes (8-12 people) for more personalized instruction.

Getting There

Direct flights from Bangkok take 1.5 hours. International connections run from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong to Chiang Mai International Airport, which sits just 15 minutes from the city center. Overnight trains cost less. Budget 12-15 hours from Bangkok by train or 10-12 hours by bus if you want to see the countryside along the way. Airport taxis run 150-200 THB to downtown. Red trucks (songthaews) charge 40-60 THB, and Grab operates throughout the city with standard app-based pricing. Pick your transport style.

Getting Around

Walk the compact old city easily. Red trucks handle longer distances for 20-40 THB per person on shared routes, and they're the most authentic way to get around like locals do. Tuk-tuks work for private trips. Budget 100-200 THB depending on distance, or use Grab for app-based convenience that eliminates bargaining. Rent a scooter for 150-250 THB daily if traffic doesn't intimidate you. Hire a private car with driver for 1,500-2,500 THB daily for temples, markets, and attractions outside the city—worth every baht for day trips.

Where to Stay

Old City (historic center)
Nimman (trendy district)
Night Bazaar Area
Riverside
Chang Khlan Road
Santitham (local neighborhood)

Food & Dining

Street food stalls serve meals for 30-50 THB. Chiang Mai offers everything from sidewalk vendors to upscale restaurants that put modern spins on northern Thai classics, and the quality stays consistently high across price points. Local specialties dominate the scene. Don't miss khao soi curry noodles, sai ua northern sausage, and nam prik ong tomato chili dip—these dishes define the region. Weekend walking streets become massive food markets. Nimman area offers trendy cafes and international options, while Warorot and Thanin markets serve the freshest ingredients with traditional preparations that haven't changed in decades.

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When to Visit

Visit November through February for perfect weather. Temperatures range 15-25°C with low humidity, ideal conditions for temple hopping and outdoor activities that would be miserable in the heat. March to May brings temperatures up to 40°C. Expect fewer crowds and lower prices, but the heat can be brutal for sightseeing. June to October is rainy season with afternoon showers and cooler temperatures. The landscape turns lush and green—beautiful if you don't mind getting wet occasionally. Avoid mid-February through April if air pollution bothers you. Farmers clear fields during burning season, creating hazy conditions that can last weeks.

Insider Tips

Remove shoes before entering temple buildings. Don't point feet toward Buddha statues, and women can't touch monks or hand items directly to them—basic temple etiquette that locals expect visitors to follow. Respect goes both ways.
Bargain at markets and with tuk-tuk drivers. Start around 50% of asking price and negotiate respectfully—it's expected and vendors price accordingly. Don't bargain in temples, restaurants, or established shops where prices are fixed.
Download offline maps and translation apps now. English isn't widely spoken outside tourist areas, and internet can be spotty in temples and markets. Carry cash—many local businesses don't accept credit cards despite Thailand's general embrace of digital payments.

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Itineraries

Sample trip routes and plans for Chiang Mai

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Chiang Mai

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Chiang Mai

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Chiang Mai

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