Home › Destinations › Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, ประเทศไทย - Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, ประเทศไทย - Complete Travel Guide

Chiang Mai, Thailand's cultural capital nestled in the mountainous north, offers an enchanting blend of ancient temples, vibrant markets, and rich Lanna heritage. This former seat of the independent Lanna Kingdom captivates visitors with its well-preserved old city surrounded by ancient walls and moats, where over 300 Buddhist temples showcase intricate architecture and golden spires that glisten in the tropical sun. Beyond its spiritual significance, Chiang Mai has evolved into a hub for digital nomads, artists, and food enthusiasts, offering world-class cuisine, bustling night markets, and easy access to elephant sanctuaries, hill tribe villages, and adventure activities in the surrounding mountains. The city perfectly balances traditional Thai culture with modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for both cultural immersion and comfortable travel.

Top Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Temple Hopping in the Old City

Explore the ancient walled city of Chiang Mai, home to dozens of stunning Buddhist temples including the famous Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. Each temple showcases unique Lanna architecture with intricate woodcarvings, golden Buddhas, and peaceful courtyards perfect for meditation and photography.

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

Immerse yourself in Chiang Mai's legendary food scene at the bustling night markets, particularly the Saturday Walking Street and Sunday Walking Street. Sample authentic northern Thai specialties like khao soi, sai ua sausage, and mango sticky rice while browsing 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

Spend a day at one of Chiang Mai's ethical elephant sanctuaries, where rescued elephants roam freely in natural habitats. Feed, bathe, and observe these gentle giants while learning about conservation efforts and the importance of responsible elephant tourism.

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

Climb the 309 steps to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai's most sacred temple perched on a mountain overlooking the city. The golden pagoda and panoramic city views make this one of Thailand's most spectacular temple experiences, especially at sunset.

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

Learn to prepare authentic Thai dishes in hands-on cooking classes that typically include market tours to select fresh ingredients. Master classics like pad thai, green curry, and tom yum soup while discovering the secrets of balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.

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

Chiang Mai International Airport receives direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hours), as well as international connections from major Asian cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong. From Bangkok, you can also take overnight trains (12-15 hours) or buses (10-12 hours) for a more scenic and budget-friendly journey. The airport is just 15 minutes from the city center, with airport taxis costing 150-200 THB, red trucks (songthaews) at 40-60 THB, or Grab rides available throughout the city.

Getting Around

Chiang Mai's compact old city is easily walkable, while red trucks (songthaews) are the most authentic way to travel longer distances for 20-40 THB per person on shared routes. Tuk-tuks are available for private trips at 100-200 THB depending on distance, while Grab offers convenient app-based transportation. For exploring surrounding areas, rent a scooter (150-250 THB/day) if you're comfortable with traffic, or hire a private car with driver (1,500-2,500 THB/day) for day trips to temples, markets, and nearby attractions.

Where to Stay

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

Food & Dining

Chiang Mai is a food lover's paradise, offering everything from street food stalls serving 30-50 THB meals to upscale restaurants featuring modern interpretations of northern Thai cuisine. Don't miss local specialties like khao soi (curry noodles), sai ua (northern sausage), and nam prik ong (tomato chili dip). The city's weekend walking streets transform into massive food markets, while areas like Nimman offer trendy cafes and international cuisine. For authentic experiences, head to local markets like Warorot or Thanin, where you'll find the freshest ingredients and most traditional preparations.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Thailand

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Khao-Sō-i Soi Convent Silom

4.8 /5
(3862 reviews)

Moom Muum Park Soi 11

4.8 /5
(2415 reviews)

The Family

4.8 /5
(2317 reviews) 1

Try Me Thai & Vegetarian Restaurant

4.8 /5
(2081 reviews) 1

Suda - Thai & Vegetarian Restaurant

4.9 /5
(1416 reviews)

THE SIXTH 6th

4.7 /5
(1356 reviews) 2
all dining options →

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Chiang Mai is during the cool, dry season from November to February, when temperatures range from 15-25°C and humidity is low, perfect for temple hopping and outdoor activities. March to May brings hot weather (up to 40°C) but fewer crowds and lower prices, while the rainy season from June to October offers lush landscapes and cooler temperatures, though afternoon showers are common. Avoid mid-February to April if you're sensitive to air pollution, as this is burning season when farmers clear fields, creating hazy conditions.

Insider Tips

Learn basic temple etiquette: remove shoes before entering buildings, don't point feet toward Buddha statues, and women should not touch monks or hand items directly to them.
Bargaining is expected at markets and with tuk-tuk drivers, but not in temples, restaurants, or established shops - start at about 50% of the asking price and negotiate respectfully.
Download offline maps and translation apps as English isn't widely spoken outside tourist areas, and carry cash as many local businesses don't accept credit cards.

Explore Activities in Chiang Mai