Chiang Mai: The Ultimate City Guide
Chiang Mai is a dream destination for foodies (me), nature lovers, and digital nomads. In the mountains of northern Thailand, this city has everything you could possibly want—rich culture, beautiful landscapes, incredible street food, and a vibrant expat and traveler community. Despite its popularity, it maintains a laid-back charm, but what are the best things to do in Chiang Mai? I have a few suggestions!
I spent five weeks in Northern Thailand, and two weeks exploring Chiang Mai alone. I was completely captivated by the experiences, people, and overall atmosphere. The city’s supportive community encourages adventure, whether that means diving into Chiang Mai’s night markets, day trips to waterfalls, or enjoying the city’s relaxed pace.
Google Pins of my favorite spots in Thailand: https://maps.app.goo.gl/C8ifXCwABjH1zewP7
Here’s my ultimate guide to experiencing the best of Chiang Mai.
Must-Do Activities in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has an endless number of activities and attractions for solo travelers and families alike. It honestly caters to all kinds of travelers and explorers.
The city accommodates hikers, adventurers, outdoor lovers, or those who enjoy the sun and a good book. You can find anything to do by walking down the street, but below is a list of my favorites when looking at what to do in Chiang Mai.
Take a Thai Cooking Class
Thailand is known for its good food, and there are endless restaurants that live up to the hype. What is better than eating the food than learning to make it yourself too?
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Thai culture is by taking a cooking class. I highly recommend Smile Organic Farm Cooking School. They offer two courses, a half-day or a full day of cooking fresh meals.
This class takes you through local markets to hand-pick ingredients and then teaches you how to make traditional Thai dishes from scratch. You get to choose five dishes to make – an appetizer, a curry paste, 2 meals, and a soup. Cooking classics like Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, and mango sticky rice in a serene countryside setting makes for an unforgettable experience.
When all is done, you have had a day of cooking and eating endless dishes of yummy hand-picked and homemade Thai food!
Explore Chiang Mai’s Night Markets
Chiang Mai is famous for its night markets, which offer some of the best (and cheapest) food in the city.
The North and South Gate food night markets are excellent places to try local eats, such as khao soi (a creamy curry noodle dish), grilled meats, fresh fruit smoothies, and Thai-style pancakes. These markets appear every night at the gates of the old city square!
If you’re looking for unique souvenirs, check out the Saturday (Wua Lai Road) & Sunday Night Markets(Ratchadamnoen Road), where you’ll find everything from handmade crafts to funky clothing.
These markets are the biggest in Thailand, spanning over various streets that total 1km on the Saturday market and 1.5km on Sunday.
Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
One of the biggest things to do in Chiang Mai is to visit the gentle giants! Seeing elephants up close is a bucket-list experience and Northern Thailand has an abundance of sanctuaries for travelers to visit!
However, it’s crucial to choose an ethical sanctuary. Avoid any places that offer elephant rides, considering they often mistreat the animals for tourist entertainment. Instead, visit sanctuaries such as Elephant Nature Park or Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary, where you can feed, bathe, and learn about the elephants in a humane environment.
I recommend doing a lot of research before you go, to be sure you are supporting the elephant population and supporting their good treatment.
Hike The Sticky Waterfalls (Bua Thong Waterfalls)
One of the coolest (and free) natural attractions near Chiang Mai is the Sticky Waterfalls, also known as Bua Thong Waterfalls. Unlike most waterfalls that are slippery and difficult to climb, these waterfalls are composed of mineral deposits and limestone that create a naturally grippy surface. It’s an amazing, off-the-beaten-path adventure where you can climb directly up the waterfalls with your bare feet!
The falls are about an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai and are surrounded by greenery. Bring a swimsuit, and a dry bag for your belongings because these waterfalls are like a natural water park.
The Sticky Waterfalls are a free-to-enter attraction, however, they are quite far from the city.
To get to the waterfalls, you can book a tour for transportation. These tours often include multiple attractions so you can visit multiple places in one day. A tour is a good option if you don’t have many days in Chiang Mai.
Another option to see the falls is to rent a scooter and drive there early, before all the tours arrive. This is the best option if you want to skip the crowds and get the falls to yourself.
Trek the Monks’ Trail to Wat Pha Lat
For a good hike in Chiang Mai, take the Monks’ Trail to Wat Pha Lat, a hidden jungle temple up in the mountains. This moderate hike leads you through the natural greenery, offering stunning views and a tranquil escape from the city. Also, it’s free!
Wat Pha Lat is a serene and lesser-known alternative to the more touristy temples, making it an excellent spot for photography and reflection. The temple itself has an almost mystical atmosphere, with its moss-covered structures, flowing waterfalls, and meditative ambiance. It’s a perfect place to sit quietly and soak in the beauty of nature and spirituality.
To get to the start of the trail, you can take a Grab ride to the forest and walk your way up the dirt path. From the top of the trail, many shuttles offer rides down for a fee.
Visit the Iconic Doi Suthep Temple
At the top of the monk’s tail is Chiang Mai’s Doi Suthep Temple, which overlooks the city. No trip to Chiang Mai is complete without visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
This golden temple sits on the mountain overlooking the city and offers panoramic views. If you can, visit the temple early in the morning or around sunset for fewer crowds and a more spiritual experience. Here you can participate in meditation with monks and admire the bright gold roof of the temple.
Indulge in the Best Pastries at Baan Bakery
As a traveling foody, this bakery was a highlight spot for me in Chiang Mai. Baan Bakery is a bakery just outside of Chiang Mai’s old town, serving some of the best pastries in the city, giving it the title of ‘Best Baked Goods’ in my eyes. Without a doubt, this is one of the best cafes in Chiang Mai.
Ps. Try the cinnamon bun.
Visit the Woodworking Village
For a unique cultural experience, head to the Woodworking Village. This hidden gem showcases Thai craftsmanship in action, where you can watch artisans carve intricate wooden sculptures, furniture, and decorative items. It’s a great place to buy authentic souvenirs and support local artisans.
The village is a little out of the old city center, so you will need to book a grab or transportation to get there.
Cool Off at the Grand Canyon Water Park
If you need a break from temples and hiking, visit Grand Canyon Water Park, a massive outdoor water park with an inflatable obstacle course or floating device you can think of. Cliff jumping, paddleboarding, the bag that shoots you into the sky – it has everything.
Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, this is a guaranteed good time. Plus, it’s a fun and refreshing way to spend an afternoon out of the heat.
Explore the Chiang Mai Grand Canyon
Not to be confused with the water park, the Chiang Mai Grand Canyon is an old quarry that has turned into a scenic swimming hole. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy a picnic, and take a swim.
Try Laser Tag for a Fun Night Out
For something completely different, why not play a round of laser tag?
It’s a great way to bond with fellow travelers and experience a fun side of Chiang Mai’s nightlife. Whether you’re strategizing in teams or playing a free-for-all, it’s an exciting way to switch things up from the usual bar-hopping scene.
Try a Traditional Thai Massage
After days of exploring, treat yourself to a Thai massage. Chiang Mai is one of the best places to get an affordable and high-quality massage, whether it’s a relaxing oil massage or a more intense stretching session. Look for reputable spots such as Lila Thai Massage, which supports former female inmates by giving them vocational training.
More to Do in Chiang Mai
The possibilities of things to do in Chiang Mai expand far beyond the list above. However, below I have listed a few activities that will bring around Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand that might be exciting to explore.
Spend a Day in Pai
If you have extra time, take a day trip (or even better, a few days) to Pai, a small hippie town about 3-4 hours from Chiang Mai. Known for its stunning landscapes, hot springs, waterfalls, and chilled-out vibe, Pai is a must-visit for nature lovers and backpackers.
*Note, if you have the time, I would recommend spending 2-3 days in Pai to explore all the markets, hikes, and sunset spots the town has to offer! It really is an amazing place.
Go on a Day Trip to Chiang Rai’s White Temple
If you have time, consider a day trip to Chiang Rai, home to the famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). This visually stunning temple looks like something out of a fantasy world and is well worth the 3-hour drive from Chiang Mai.
Join a Meditation Retreat
For those looking to slow down and connect with themselves, Chiang Mai offers excellent meditation retreats. Temples such as Wat Suan Dok provide multi-day meditation courses where you can learn mindfulness from Buddhist monks.
Chiang Mai Festivals
Chiang Mai, Thailand, is famous for its beautiful festivals, many of which are rooted in Thai and Lanna culture.
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival
- When: First weekend of February
- What: A celebration of Chiang Mai’s beautiful flowers with parades, floral displays, and beauty pageants.
- Songkran (Thai New Year / Water Festival)
- When: April 13–15 (sometimes extends to a week)
- What: The biggest and most famous water fight in Thailand, celebrating the Thai New Year with water, parades, and traditional ceremonies.
- Yi Peng & Loy Krathong (Lantern Festivals)
- When: November (full moon of the 12th lunar month)
- What: Thousands of sky lanterns (Yi Peng) and floating krathongs (Loy Krathong) are released in one of the most magical festivals in the world.
- Bo Sang Umbrella Festival
- When: The Third weekend of January
- What: A unique festival in the Bo Sang village celebrating its famous handmade umbrellas with colorful parades and cultural performances.
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai
The best time to visit Chiang Mai depends on the experiences you wish to have there. Many festivals may sway when you wish to go (as they should, they are amazing!). However, the seasons can also change your perspective of the city. Here are the following seasons of the north:
- Hot Season – March to May
- Rainy Season – June to October
- Cool Season – November to February
- Smoky Season: February to March
There are many good times and reasons to visit Chiang Mai throughout the year. The only time to avoid Chiang Mai (and northern Thailand as a whole) is the smoky season. February and March are the smoky season, meaning many crops are being burned, air quality is bad, and many outdoor activities are hard to enjoy.
Is Chiang Mai Worth It?
Short answer: yes.
Chiang Mai and the north as a whole is a different experience from the rest of Thailand. It’s easy to enjoy this place simply because it makes you be present and enjoy the chill days. It’s a different kind of Thailand to experience.
You don’t need a lot of time here, but it’s hard to leave once you arrive.
Chiang Mai Budget Travel Trips
As a budget backpacker, I always look for the cheapest ways to experience a city. Although Thailand is a pretty budget-friendly country, I still have a few tips for saving money. So here are my best travel tips and app recommendations for traveling in Chiang Mai:
Accomodation
- Hostelworld and booking.com are the best places to look for cheap accommodation. If you are looking for hostels, be sure to look through both apps to compare prices because often they compete for deals!
- Book one day at a time. If you are okay with loose planning, you can often save a lot of money by booking one-night stays at a place and extending your stay with them directly at their counters. *This is best for hostels.
Food
- Chiang Mai has amazing street food, and has many markets devoted to fresh food stands. These markets have a huge variety of Thai deliciousness with amazing prices. They also have bigger portions. *Be sure you can watch them cook food in front of you.
Transportation
- Chiang Mai is a pretty walkable city, and I found myself walking back and forth around town often. If you are going short distances around town, Grab is a good and affordable option.
- If you are staying in Chiang Mai for a longer period (three or more weeks) and wish to rent a scooter, you can often bargain for a better price.
- Use tourist buses to go between cities. Longer rides are often cheaper with going on a tourist bus.
Final Thoughts
Chiang Mai is a city that blends adventure, relaxation, culture, and incredible food seamlessly. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a history enthusiast, or someone looking for a peaceful retreat, Chiang Mai has something to offer. My two weeks here barely scratched the surface, and I already can’t wait to return. If you’re planning a trip, prepare to fall in love with this charming northern Thai city!
If you are thinking of going to other parts of Thailand, are looking for ideas of what to do or how, check out my Thailand Travel Guide of all the amazingness the country offers!
