Things to Do in Chiang Mai
Temples, jungle treks, and Northern Thai food at every corner
More to Do in Chiang Mai Than One Trip Allows
Chiang Mai punches far above its size. The Old City alone holds more than 300 temples — more per square kilometre than anywhere in Thailand. Beyond the moat you'll find one of the world's most celebrated street food scenes (khao soi, sai oua, khao niao), ethical elephant encounters, some of Thailand's best cooking schools, and a Nimman café district that keeps remote workers coming back year after year. This guide covers the best of it, organised so you can make the most of every day.
Temples & Cultural Sites
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Doi Suthep Temple
A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
A hilltop Buddhist temple southwest of Chiang Mai, free to enter and genuinely peaceful year-round.
Wat Chedi Luang
A towering 14th-century ruined chedi at the heart of Chiang Mai's Old City, open daily until late.
Tha Phae Gate
Chiang Mai's iconic eastern Old City gate, a restored Lanna-era landmark surrounded by a lively public square.
Wat Pha Lat
A hidden forest temple on Doi Suthep's lower slopes, reached by a scenic jungle trail past waterfalls.
Wat Umong Suan Putthatham
Ancient forest temple near Chiang Mai with meditation tunnels, moss-covered ruins, and resident monks.
Activities & Day Trips
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Wachirathan Waterfall
A powerful, photogenic waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park with paved paths, multiple viewpoints, and morning rainbows.
Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si Fountain National Park
A free travertine waterfall park near Chiang Mai where visitors wade and climb directly through tiered limestone pools.
Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School
A hands-on Thai cooking school in Chiang Mai's Old City, combining market visits, farm tours, and guided cooking.
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
A geothermal park 30km east of Chiang Mai with hot springs, egg boiling, gardens, and camping.
Samsen Villa
Michelin-recommended Thai restaurant on the Ping River in central Chiang Mai, popular with tour groups.
Chiang Mai Night Safari
A large wildlife park offering day and night tram safari rides through natural animal habitats.
Best Restaurants & Street Food
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Central Chiangmai
Chiang Mai's largest modern mall, with two food halls, designer boutiques, and a grocery store along the superhighway.
Nimmanhaemin Road
Chiang Mai's trendiest street, packed with modern cafes, organic eateries, art galleries, and boutique shops.
Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant)
Authentic northern Thai restaurant in Chang Phueak serving traditional Chiang Mai cuisine at mid-range prices.
Chai “N” Thai @ Nimman Indian Restaurant Best & Nearest North Indian-South Indian Vegan ,Non veg Halal Meat, Gluten free Food
Authentic North and South Indian restaurant in Nimman, serving halal, vegan, and gluten-free options daily.
Markets & Shopping
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Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
A sprawling nightly market on Changklan Road blending street food, local crafts, and lively atmosphere.
MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center
A modern, well-organised mall in Chiang Mai offering shopping, dining, and entertainment daily until 10pm.
One Nimman
A hip open-air shopping complex on Nimmanahaeminda Road blending indie retail, cafes, and street food.
Central Chiangmai Airport
Chiang Mai's largest shopping complex, conveniently located beside the international airport.
Wellness & Spas
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Zira Spa
A highly regarded luxury spa in Chiang Mai's old town, offering professional massages and treatments daily until 10pm.
Ziri Massage and Spa
A well-regarded massage and spa on the edge of Chiang Mai's historic old city, ideal for unwinding between sightseeing.
Refresh Thai Massage – Old City Chiang Mai
A highly regarded massage spa on Ratchamanka Road, known for skilled therapists and traditional Thai treatments.
Calm Massage and Spa ( Inthawarorot branch )
A well-regarded massage and spa near Chiang Mai's Old City, praised for attentive care and a genuinely calming atmosphere.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
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Getting Around Chiang Mai
Red Songthaew (共乘)
Chiang Mai's iconic red shared trucks run fixed routes around the city for ฿30–50 per person. Flag one down, tell the driver your destination, and hop in. The easiest and cheapest way to get around the Old City.
Grab App
Works well in Chiang Mai and removes any price negotiation. Slightly pricier than songthaew but reliable, especially late at night or in the rain.
Scooter Rental
฿150–250 per day from any of dozens of rental shops around the Old City. Gives you total freedom to reach Doi Suthep, nearby waterfalls, and the Nimman district. An international licence is technically required.
Bicycle
The Old City is flat and compact — perfectly navigable by bicycle (฿50–80/day rental). Several guesthouses include a bike. Ideal for temple-hopping in the morning before the heat sets in.
CNX Airport → Old City / Nimman
Arriving in Chiang Mai? Pre-book your airport transfer
Red songthaews don't reliably run from arrivals and the airport taxi desk adds a flat surcharge. For ฿350–450 (less with code THAILAND5), a pre-booked Kiwitaxi drops you straight at your guesthouse — handy on a first night when you don't know the streets yet.
THAILAND5Sponsored link — we may earn a small commission when you book with code THAILAND5, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Hidden Gems in Chiang Mai
Khum Hmon Somm
A family-run northern Thai kitchen in Hai Ya, beloved for its khao soi and warm, unhurried atmosphere.
Garden to Table Chiangmai
Farm-to-table dining in Chiang Mai's old city, with fresh local produce and budget-friendly prices.
B Samcook Home16
Beloved home-style Thai eatery in Chiang Mai's Hai Ya neighbourhood, open six days a week.
Gallery Drip Coffee Chiang Mai
A specialty coffee café tucked inside a cultural centre on historic Prapokklao Road in central Chiang Mai.
Kaew Gallery
An intimate gallery in Chiang Mai's old city where Buddhist culture meets local artistic tradition.
Darapirom Palace Museum, Chulalongkorn University
A royal palace museum on a university campus in Mae Rim, with European-style architecture and historical artefacts for just 20 baht.
Thai Farm Cooking School
A full-day farm cooking class near Chiang Mai, combining a market tour with hands-on traditional Thai cuisine.
Grandma's Home Cooking School
Hands-on Thai cooking classes on a farm setting near Chiang Mai, led by engaging instructors with deep local knowledge.
Into the Wild Elephant Camp
An ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai offering guided wildlife encounters with a strong focus on conservation.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
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Exploring more of Chiang Mai? These guides pair well:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about things to do in chiang mai.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
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