Things To Do In Chiang Mai

1 km
from city center 1 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan is a Buddhist temple from the 14th century, often considered the most beautiful Chiang Mai temple. Part of the old city, it is also known as the Temple of the Lion Buddha, as it houses two Buddha statues. The temple is beautifully illuminated after dark.

10 km
from city center 2 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

World’s largest and ranked second as a nocturnal zoo, Chiang Mai Night safari park is an unparalleled African-Savannah-Cross Zoological park cum night safari. It functions as a zoo by the day and night safari after dawn. Modeled after Singapore Night Safari, the Chiang Mai Night Safari provides visitors a mind-blowing experience like being out in the wilderness at night.

8 km
from city center 3 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, also popular as Doi Suthep, is one of Thailand's most historically significant places, dating back to 700 years. The gold-plated temple with an elaborate chedi sits on the top of Doi Suthep mountain and, thus, has a stunning view of Chaing Mai. You can reach here by hiking, renting a motorbike, or in a songthaew, then climb the 300 steps to the top or take an electric tram available from 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

1 km
from city center 4 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Located on Chang Khlan Thanon, on the eastern side of the old city, the bustling Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a favorite haunt for shopaholics, with stalls selling clothing, accessories, decor items, artwork, toys, and electronics. It is also a great place to try local Thai delicacies like mango sticky rice, pad Thai, and spring rolls.

0 km
from city center 5 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Chiang Mai is an ethical and sustainable elephant sanctuary offering activities and overnight stays. You can opt for morning, afternoon, full-day, or overnight visits, including buffet meals and pick-and-drop services. You can feed and bathe the elephants and tour the place with a guide.

1 km
from city center 6 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Wat Chedi Luang or ‘the temple of the Great Stupa’ is the ruins of a Buddhist temple inside the old city of Chiang Mai. It is the original home to the Emerald Buddha, one of Thailand’s most important religious relics. It was shifted to Bangkok's Grand Palace following an earthquake in 1545. The temple is still an active place of worship, home to monks and Buddhist shrines.

58 km
from city center 7 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

The Doi Inthanon National Park is situated at the top of Doi Inthanonmountain. It is famous for its spectacular views, waterfalls, hiking trails, sunrise/sunset points, and quaint villages. It is one of the best places for birdwatching in Thailand, with more than 350 different bird species here. It also has a campsite. The only way to reach the park is by songthaews.

8 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a foodie’s delight! The city has a variety of mouth-watering street food. They have diverse flavors like tangy, sour, and some sweet decadence, along with a wholesome use of chili and pepper. Some must-try delicacies include Khao Soi, Khao Kha Moo, Sai Ua, and Green Papaya Salad. Visit one of the night markets or Chang Puak Gate (North Gate).

4 km
from city center 9 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Nestled near the Doi Suthep mountain, Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham is a 700-year-old Buddhist temple. It is also called the Tunnel Temple due to its labyrinth network of tunnels within the forest. It offers a wholesome experience of Buddhism, complete with ancient stone structures, Dhamma teachings, meditation sessions, and prayer chants reverberating in the air.

1 km
from city center 10 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

One of the most famous shopping experiences in Chiang Mai, the Sunday Walking Street is a busy night market that runs from Tha Pae Gate along Ratchadamnoen Road every Sunday. It is nothing short of a festival, complete with blazing lights, music, entertainment spaces, artists, massage parlours, local street foods, shops selling local handicrafts items, and of course, seas of people.

11 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has a very prominent culture of cat cafes. The cats, adopted and nurtured by the owners, are often left to roam the cafes freely. You can step in and spend time cooing, cuddling, playing, and taking pictures with the animals. Popular cat cafes in Chiang Mai are Cat Brothers Cafe, Cats Station, They Call Me Cat, Maewmoth Cat Cafe, Cool Cat Cafe, Cat’s Alley Cafe, Coffee, Cats & Company, and Catopia.

12 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Originating from Tibet, the Karen Hill Tribe, residing in the villages of Chiang Mai, are the largest ethnic minority group in Thailand. Comprising four subgroups, each with its own language, attire, and traditions, they are among the popular tourist tours in Chiang Mai. The most prominent among the subgroups of the Karen Hill Tribes are the Long Necks, famous for the women wearing brass rings around their necks.

1 km
from city center 13 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Built-in 1296 CE during the inception of Chiang Mai, Wat Chiang Mai is the oldest temple in the city. It is located in the northeast corner of the old walled part of Chiang Mai, between Phra Pok Klao 13 road and Ratchaphakhinai 1 road. It has two decorated viharns containing the oldest and most highly venerated Buddha images. The compound also has a scripture library called the Ho Trai and a lovely lotus pond.

14 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

The night markets in Chiang Mai are melting pots of culture, modernity, and authenticity. Shops packed with exotic and interesting goods are lined one after the other, selling everything from household items to traditional souvenirs to delicious Thai food. Some popular night markets in Chiang Mai are Night Bazaar, Ton Lamyai Market, Saturday Walking Street, and more.

1 km
from city center 15 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Warorot Market is a three-story market close to the riverside, east of the moat, and north of Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, where Chang Moi Road ends. Also called Kad Luang, it is the perfect place to find almost anything – from herbs and spices to ceramic goods, clothes to cosmetics, shoes to sunglasses, fresh fruits and flowers to dried condiments.

1 km
from city center 16 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Considered one of the older temples of Chiang Mai, Wat PhanTao is a 14th-century Buddhist temple known for its Lanna-style ordination hall made of teakwood. It is located next to the more popular Wat Chedi Luang and is a perfect attraction to visit, especially during the crowded tourist season. It is an important location for the celebration of various Thai festivals, especially Loy Krathong.

0 km
from city center 17 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Tha Phae Gate, located on the Moon Muang Road, is the most prominent landmark in Chiang Mai. It made up the city walls of the Old City in the earlier days, and is now a prime location which is flourishing under the advent of Chiang Mai's foremost hotels, shops and restaurants. It also serves as the hub of the city's cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

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Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Even though the nightlife of Chiang Mai isn't comparable to Bangkok, you can find everything from nightclubs, pubs, and bars to night markets and walking streets. You can also enjoy a dinner cruise or sit at one of the many riverside bars in Chiang Mai.

1 km
from city center 19 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

With a stunning white chedi guarded by four lifelike sculptures of lions, Wat Suan Dok houses the largest teakwood statue of Buddha. On the compound is a Dhamma hall for prayer, where the walls and panels narrate the life and teachings of Buddha through murals and carvings. Heavily influenced by Burmese architecture, this temple is a hotspot of multiculturalism.

1 km
from city center 20 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

The Mae Ping flowing through Chiang Mai gives ample opportunity for exciting river cruises to be organised along it. The Mae Ping River Cruise allows visitors to journey across the smooth waters and experience the local riverside sights and sounds of the city, or arrange a luxe dinner cruise, making for a grand yet cultural evening under the light of the stars.

12 km
from city center 21 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Situated in and around the Doi Pui mountain, the Doi Pui Hmong Hill Tribe Village is a settlement where the people of the Hmong Tribe reside. The village offers insight into their lifestyle, folk culture, traditional artifacts, and livelihood practices. Throughout the village are stalls selling souvenirs and local products.

1 km
from city center 22 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Talat Pratu, commonly known as the Chiang Mai Gate Market, is a large local market in Chiang Mai, which locals access to fulfil their daily domestic needs. Located along the Bumrung Buri Road, vendors begin setting up shop during the wee hours of morning, selling everything from fruits, vegetables, Thai condiments, traditional preparations of meat, and souvenirs.

23 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Also known as the Handicrafts Highway, San Kamphaeng is an 18-kilometre stretch of highway just outside Chiang Mai that is known for its arts and crafts. The villages and factories here produce a variety of items like silk, pottery, lacquerware, jewellery, and honey. For anyone keen to buy these kinds of products or simply to see craftsmen at work, San Kamphaeng is the ideal day trip.

3 km
from city center 24 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Nimmanhaemin Road, more commonly referred to simply as ‘Nimman’, is a trendy, vibrant area in the historical town of Chiang Mai. It spans over 1 kilometre of quiet backstreets, apartment buildings, and hidden treasures. From cute boutique stores and quirky cafes to street markets and bustling nightlife, Nimman is hugely popular among the young crowd of Chiang Mai.

38 km
from city center 25 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

The dense jungles of Chiang Mai offer an exhilarating zip lining experience few can compare. With many such tour operators offering zip lining as part of their eco-tourism initiatives, adventure enthusiasts have long thronged to Chiang Mai to try the rapid and steep zip lining descents. What's more, during the descent, the local fauna can be observed as close as tourists dare. Flight of the Gibbon is one such operator known for its gibbon sightings.

20 km
from city center 26 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Bai Orchid And Butterfly Farm is a cozy, small-scale greenhouse with various flowering plants and butterfly farms. Various native and exotic butterfly species are bred and sheltered on this botanical farm, where visitors can see the cocoons and colorful, fully-grown butterflies and learn more about them. Among the charming floral gardens, the orchid garden boasts a sylvan coffee shop featuring a buffet lunch.

25 km
from city center 27 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, located in Ban Sahakorn, has two mineral baths set against picturesque natural beauty, where visitors can relax and blow off steam. You can also indulge in the quirky activity of boiling eggs in the hot water, or relax in the outdoor pool and indoor private tubs. There is a splash pad for kids and a restaurant on the premise.

28 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Hiking in Chiang Mai is a popular activity in the northern province of Thailand as it is bountiful in untouched vegetation, meandering rivers, waterfalls, flora, and fauna. The many trails range from easy to hard in terms of difficulty, and most of them can be undertaken throughout the year, barring a few open only during a particular season. Some popular hiking spots are Wat Pha Lat, Doi Suthep, Huay Tung Tao, and Doi Inthanon.

29 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

A white water rafting experience like no other, Mae Taeng River's long 10 km route offers some of the wildest rapids and turns to conquer. Chiang Mai's jungles come alive as you go through the rapid river trail. Most tour operators offer excellent guides, safety equipment, and pick-ups and drop from the hotel.

4 km
from city center 30 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Loi Krathong is a festival of lights celebrated in Thailand to worship the water goddess. People gather around lakes and rivers to set afloat candles, tealights, flowers, and incense atop special holders called krathongs. In Chiang Mai, this event coincides with the Yi Peng festival, where thousands of lanterns are released into the sky, turning the night magical.

1 km
from city center 31 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

See the beauty of Chiang Mai's lush tea plantation at Araksa Tea Gardens on an evergreen hill, named after India's largest tea-growing region. Established in 1939, the organic plantation specializes in producing high-quality Assam tea and black tea. Learn about the tea growing process from scratch, go tea-picking, try tea tasting, and take home freshly plucked and processed leaves. Tours start at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 2 PM.

10 km
from city center 32 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Huay Tung Tao Lake, a man-made reservoir, is a stunning waterside location outside Chiang Mai to spend the day. It features a gorgeous view of the Doi Suthep mountains, calming waters, and grass huts peppered along the landscape. It has dozens of restaurants with seating floating atop the lake where you can grab a bite, order a drink, lay back, and relax.

1 km
from city center 33 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Thai cuisine is famed for spicy, sour, and salty ingredients, especially lemongrass, turmeric, and chilis. Hands-on cooking classes in Chiang Mai allow one to learn how to create delicacies like Khao Soi and chili paste from scratch. Chef-instructed lessons are offered at May Kaidee's School and Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School. Vegan-friendly and farm-fresh courses are available at Sammy's Organic Thai Cooking School and the Thai Farm School.

1 km
from city center 34 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Songkran is an annual Thai festival in the Buddhist New Year, marked by a national holiday in Thailand. Locals devote their time in prayer and veneration of the Buddha image, and then engage in water games, bursting firecrackers, and preparing Thai delicacies. Due to the presence of numerous temples in Chiang Mai, many Thais prefer celebrating Songkran here.

1 km
from city center 35 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

One of the biggest 3D museums in the world, Art in Paradise is a very fun and exciting place in Chiang Mai. A giant cat pawing at you, a waterfall flowing beneath your feet, a huge wave following you, and many more wonderful frescoes await you at the Art in Paradise Chiang Mai. These are just a pinch of 130 artistic illusion images throughout the museum.

1 km
from city center 36 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

A traditional Khantoke dinner is a northern Thai (Lanna) style dinner accompanied by Laotian music, folktales, and dance performances. An ornate lacquered khantok, or round pedestal, is filled with Thai delicacies like sticky mango rice, pork curry, fried noodles, and papaya salad. You share this khantoke with your family and friends while sitting on floor cushions. The Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre and Muang Mai Market are the best places for khantoke dining.

3 km
from city center 37 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

The Rincome Night Bazaar, located next to Maya Mall, is a small night market in Chiang Mai. It is popular as the University Market, due to its close proximity to Chiang Mai University, and is a local favourite among the youth. Shops sell everything from street food, clothes, accessories, bags, manicures and crafts, at cheap prices beginning from as low as THB 40.

14 km
from city center 38 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Hang Dong is a district of Chiang Mai Province in northern Thailand, mostly famous for its trade in antiques and handicrafts. It is a thriving center where one can find great collectibles of traditional art and handmade crafts belonging to Thai culture. Also popular as the Grand Canyon, it houses a quarry surrounded by a lake and the Grand Canyon water park.

1 km
from city center 39 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai straddles the Maenam Ping River. River dinner cruises in Chiang Mai provide customizable menus, drinks, and Thai delicacies for party bookings, romantic honeymoons, and sightseeing tours in a fun-filled, relaxed setting. The Riverside Chiang Mai and Mae Ping River Cruise are the two most popular operators.

18 km
from city center 40 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

The Canopy Walkway is one of the prime attractions newly inaugurated in 2015 within the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden. It is a walking trail made of a glass floor and suspended in the air and is the longest suspended walkway in Thailand. It offers a stunning view over the mountains.

1 km
from city center 41 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Cycling is immensely popular in Chiang Mai. Mae Rim–Samoeng trail is Chiang Mai’s largest cycling playground, home to waterfalls, valleys, elephant farms, hilly villages, national parks, and Royal projects. The city’s longest dedicated bicycle trail runs from Chiang Mai Convention Centre to Huay Tung Tao. In addition, tourists can enjoy cycle tours for sightseeing in the old city and its five gates, Doi Suthep temple, Phuping Palace, Rubber Trees Road, and more.

1 km
from city center 42 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Kayaking in Chiang Mai is ideal for getting the best land and water in the stunning Chiang Dao Valley. Glide over the tranquil Mae Ping River aboard an inflatable kayak as you pass verdant wetlands, jungles, bamboo forests, and hills. Midway, you can stop to explore the ancient temples inside Chiang Dao Caves. October to April is the best time for kayaking in Chiang Mai.

1 km
from city center 43 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

In Chiang Mai, visitors can enjoy sitting on bamboo-built rafts in groups as experienced captains use poles for rowing gently over the river, cutting through mountains, rainforests, tribal villages, waterfalls, and elephant sanctuaries. The Mae Wang River and national park is Chiang Mai’s most popular bamboo river rafting spot, where guided tours and equipment cost THB 300-500.

44 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

The Golden Triangle in Thailand is that part of the natural terrain, which islands situated in the far northern region of Thailand, between the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. The borders of the three countries consist mostly of densely forested mountains, and the Golden Triangle overlaps with the mountainous terrain. This side of the Golden Triangle is particularly famous for its scenic surroundings, rice paddy fields, tribal villages, the confluence perfect for riverboat rides, and mystical mountains.

1 km
from city center 45 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Opened in 2014, The Lila Thai Massage Centre in Chiang Mai was established by Naowarat Thanasrisutharat, former Director of Chiang Mai Women's Prison. Today, over 2,000 female ex-prisoners are offering Thai massages to women in Chiang Mai across six locations. These skilled women combine acupressure and assisted yoga in Thai massages, using their forearms, thumbs, fingers, and elbows to knead the muscles and help you relax.

68 km
from city center 46 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

At the foothills of the Chiang Dao mountain lies the Chiang Dao Cave, full of natural wonders and mysteries. The interiors of the cave are patterned with the naturally occurring stalagmites and stalactites. The cave running for more than 12 kilometres also contains several Buddhist relics, ancient statues, a lovely fish pond, and exciting dark passageways.

1 km
from city center 47 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Located opposite the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, Lanna Folklife Museum is an exhibition celebrating the traditions of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. It has 18 exhibits depicting everyday activities from local life, with realistic life-sized wax statues of people. They are accompanied by information boards that describe the scenes in Thai, Mandarin, and English.

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Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Bo Sang Umbrella Village is a handicrafts village on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Beautiful little paper umbrellas of different vibrant colors are made and sold here. These pretty canopies are a part of their heritage handicraft and are known for their quality locally and internationally. The uniquely interesting village is picturesque, unlike any traditional market.

1 km
from city center 49 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Located in the background of the Three Kings Monument, Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre is the one-stop destination for those looking to learn Chiang Mai's comprehensive history. Through masterful mosaics, paintings, maps, relics and life-sized sculptures, this place takes one on a captivating tour of Chiang Mai, right from its early settlements to its modern culture.

5 km
from city center 50 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Lying on the outskirts of Chiang Mai is the lost city of Wiang Kum Kam. An archaeological site, the city of Wiang Kum Kam, was located on the banks of the Ping River and was once the capital city of the Lanna kingdom. Abandoned in the 16th century due to the flooding of the river, the remains of the city were only discovered in the 1980s.

1 km
from city center 51 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

The Saturday Walking Street is a night market that locates itself on the Wualai Road every Saturday. The road is lined with shops selling local goods, handicrafts, mementos and authentic Thai street food. The evening comes alive with colourful displays and chattering crowds. Inexpensive foot massage booths are also available for customers tired after an evening of gala.

5 km
from city center 52 out of 138
Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Spread across 200 acres, The Chiang Mai Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in northern Thailand. Housing animal species from all over the world, the Chiang Mai Zoo also has an Aviary, called Nakornping Bird Park, housing over 1500 species of local and international bird species.