Top Lists
Curated lists of the best hotels, restaurants, temples, beaches, and nightlife across Thailand.
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Best Khao Soi in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai's essential khao soi — the storied Fa Ham houses, the locals' champion that sells out by afternoon, the halal original and the Nimman sit-down specialist.
Best Thai Massage in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai's highest-rated Thai massage spots — traditional Lanna techniques at great prices.
Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai's top plant-based dining — vegan cafes, vegetarian Thai, and health-focused restaurants.
Cheapest Hotels in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai's best budget hotels and guesthouses — great ratings at wallet-friendly prices.
Hidden Gems in Chiang Mai
The best-kept secrets in Chiang Mai — highly rated local favorites off the tourist trail.
The 10 Best Hotels in Chiang Mai, Ranked
This lot leans heavily upscale, with a cluster sitting on or near the Ping River and a few more inside the old city walls. Shangri-La takes the top spot, though the Four Seasons out among the rice paddies at Mae Rim is the one I'd point at for a proper splurge. Mad Monkey is the odd one out, a party hostel holding its own.
The 10 Best Nightlife Spots in Chiang Mai, Ranked
Live music runs through most of this list, from jazz rooms near the old city walls to rock and blues bars in the center, with two rooftops and a couple of big open-air dance venues breaking it up. North Gate Jazz Co-Op takes the top spot for its jazz and cheap drinks. Expect the Old City and Nimman to soak up most of your night, and mid-range prices where they're listed at all.
The 10 Best Spas & Wellness Spots in Chiang Mai, Ranked
Nearly all of these sit inside or right against the old city walls, which makes this a walkable list rather than a driving one, with Cozy on Nimman and Makkha's Colonial Gardens the two that pull you out of the moat. Zira Spa takes the top spot, though Ziri runs it close.
The 11 Best Thai Restaurants in Chiang Mai, Ranked
Eleven sit-down Thai and northern Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai, from Tong Tem Toh and Huen Muan Jai to the larb houses on the edge of town.
The 12 Best Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai, Ranked
Twelve Chiang Mai cooking schools, from farm days at Grandma's Home and Smile Organic Farm to Thai Akha Kitchen's hill-tribe menu, with prices, class times and what you cook.
The 13 Best Muay Thai Gyms in Chiang Mai, Ranked
For a first class in the Old City, Dang or The Bear. For technique, Hongthong or Lanna. For a camp you live at, Santai or Gym Bangarang. Thirteen Chiang Mai Muay Thai gyms in all.
The 14 Best Temples in Chiang Mai, Ranked
Fourteen temples, from Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh in the Old City to Doi Suthep on the mountain. Opening hours on each card come from the temple's Google listing.
The 15 Best Restaurants in Chiang Mai, Ranked
Fifteen places to eat, from SP Chicken and the khao soi shops to the Cowboy Hat Lady's pork leg and a riverside fine-dining dinner. Hours on each card come from Google.
The 6 Best Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai
Six ethical elephant sanctuaries around Chiang Mai, from Elephant Nature Park's day visits to the hands-off overnight stays in Mae Chaem.
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.
The 9 Best Markets in Chiang Mai, Ranked
Most of this list is night markets and everyday fresh-produce halls, with the walking streets taking over Wua Lai on Saturdays and Rachadamnoen on Sundays. The Night Bazaar leads, but Jing Jai is the one I'd single out for crafts and organic produce.
The 9 Best Night Markets in Chiang Mai, Ranked
Nine night markets, from the Sunday and Saturday walking streets to the Night Bazaar and the gate markets.
The 9 Best Shopping Malls in Chiang Mai, Ranked
Nine malls, led by the four the Chiang Mai shopping guides on Google agree on, Central Chiangmai, Maya, Central Chiangmai Airport and One Nimman, then the outlet and the community malls by Google reviews.