Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Hilltop temple overlooking Chiang Mai with stunning golden chedi

A hilltop golden Buddha temple near Chiang Mai offering panoramic city views, free entry, and genuine tranquillity.

Temple complex with a partially crumbled 15th-century chedi & a pillar believed to protect the city.

Chiang Mai's iconic eastern gate to the Old City, a historic Lanna-era landmark free to visit any time.

Small, statue-rich Buddhist temple & monastery hidden in a woodland & reached via a hiking trail.

Historic Buddhist temple complex with woods, a small lake, ancient tunnels & practicing monks.

A powerful multi-viewpoint waterfall inside Doi Inthanon National Park, famous for morning rainbows and easy paved access.

A free national park near Chiang Mai where visitors walk directly up a multi-tiered limestone waterfall.

Hands-on Thai cooking school in Chiang Mai's Old City, with market visits, farm tours, and expert instruction.

A geothermal park near Chiang Mai where visitors soak, picnic, cook eggs in boiling springs, and camp overnight.

Michelin-recognised Thai restaurant with a riverside setting along the Ping River in central Chiang Mai.

Large zoo with many animal species, day & evening tram safari rides, kids' activities & shows.

A large modern shopping mall on the Chiang Mai superhighway with extensive dining, retail, and a celebrated food hall.

Trendy district with artisan cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops

Authentic northern Thai cuisine on Thanon Santitham, serving traditional Chiang Mai dishes daily at mid-range prices.

Authentic North and South Indian cuisine in Chiang Mai's Nimman district, with halal, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Bustling night market featuring street food vendors & local crafts, plus souvenirs.

Sprawling, upscale mall features dozens of boutiques, gift shops, eateries & a cinema.

Retail shops, cafes & food stalls share space in a modern marketplace with big windows & a hip vibe.

Northern Thailand's largest shopping complex, ideally placed beside Chiang Mai International Airport.

Luxurious spa with refined treatments & massages for men & women in elegant surrounds.

A well-regarded massage and spa on Ratchapakhinai Road, conveniently placed for exploring Chiang Mai's old city.

A highly regarded traditional Thai massage studio on Ratchamanka Road in Chiang Mai's historic Old City.

A highly regarded Thai massage and spa near Chiang Mai's Old City, praised for skilled therapists and a genuinely calming atmosphere.

A beloved mom-and-pop eatery in Hai Ya serving standout khao soi and pad see ew in a peaceful setting.

Farm-to-table evening dining in Chiang Mai's old city, with fresh local produce and budget-friendly prices.

Beloved home-style Thai restaurant in Chiang Mai's Hai Ya district, open six days a week.

A specialty coffee café tucked inside a cultural centre on historic Prapokklao Road in central Chiang Mai.

A intimate art and culture gallery in Chiang Mai's old city blending Buddhist tradition with local artistic expression.

A royal palace museum on a university campus in Mae Rim, with European-style architecture and historical artefacts for just 20 baht.

A farm-based Thai cooking school in Chiang Mai combining market tours, fresh ingredients, and hands-on instruction.

Hands-on Thai cooking classes on a farm setting near Chiang Mai, led by engaging instructors with deep local knowledge.

An ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai offering guided wildlife encounters with a strong focus on conservation.