#1
Wachirathan Waterfall
4.7 (10,752)·Chiang Mai
Doi Inthanon's loudest waterfall, a minute from its parking lot at km 21 of the summit road. Covered by the park fee, open 06:00 to 17:00, with rainbows in the morning spray.
The 9 Best Activities & Tours in Chiang Mai, Ranked
This lot leans heavily on water and forest, with three waterfalls, two hot spring parks and a pair of national parks all sitting outside the city, so you'll want wheels for most of it. Elephant Nature Park is the one I'd name first, a real rescue sanctuary rather than a ride outfit, and it tops the ratings here. The two cooking schools are the only things you can walk to, and Samsen Villa is the sole sit-down meal, at mid-range money.
9 placesAvg 4.7 on GoogleUpdated Oct 2026
This list ranks the attractions and tours, most of them outside the city. For the temples, markets and food too, with fees and the best hour for each, the Things to Do in Chiang Mai guide ranks the top 10.
- #2
Zabb E Lee Thai Cooking School
5.0 (4,417)·Chiang MaiA highly regarded Chiang Mai cooking school combining a local market tour, farm kitchen, and hands-on Thai cooking classes.
- #3
Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si Fountain National Park
4.7 (7,457)·Chiang MaiA free travertine waterfall park near Chiang Mai where visitors wade and climb directly through tiered limestone pools.
Where to stay
Best Hotels in Chiang Mai
My pick at each price level in Chiang Mai, going by Google's hotel class. Hotels from my ranked list of the 10 best come first, then the best-reviewed. Each button opens the hotel on Booking.com with your dates filled in.
#1Luxury · 5-star
Shangri-La Chiang Mai4.6 (4,289 reviews)
Upscale hotel near Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar, offering spacious rooms, a pool, spa, and Szechuan dining.
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#3Mid-range · 4-star
U Chiang Mai Hotel4.8 (2,000 reviews)
Chic boutique hotel on Rachadamnoen Rd offering a fitness center, European bistro, and open-air bar.
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#9Budget · 3-star
Cross Chiang Mai Riverside4.8 (994 reviews)
A boutique riverside resort in Chiang Mai offering stylish rooms, a spa, pool, and upscale dining.
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- #4
Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School
5.0 (4,114)·Chiang MaiA hands-on Thai cooking school in Chiang Mai's Old City, combining market visits, farm tours, and guided cooking.
- #5
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
4.4 (11,512)·Chiang MaiA geothermal park 30km east of Chiang Mai with hot springs, egg boiling, gardens, and camping.
- #6
Elephant Nature Park
4.8 (5,131)·Chiang MaiA genuine elephant rescue sanctuary near Chiang Mai where rescued elephants roam freely in natural surroundings.
Prefer it booked? Activities & Tours in Chiang Mai with a fixed time
Klook's best-reviewed Chiang Mai tours, with today's prices. Most cancel free up to 24 hours ahead.
- #7
Chiang Mai Night Safari
4.3 (11,803)·Chiang MaiA night zoo in Hang Dong whose evening trams loop past lions, tigers and giraffes every half hour from 17:30. Foreign adults ฿1,200.
- #8
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
4.6 (5,927)·Chiang MaiA forested mountain park outside Chiang Mai, home to a revered Buddhist temple, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
- #9
Chae Son National Park
4.6 (5,416)·Chiang MaiA scenic northern Thailand national park with hot springs, waterfalls, camping, and private onsen cabins.
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