When you land in Chiang Mai, it feels as though a part of your heart gets stolen right away. This amazing destination is located in the mountainous regions of Northern Thailand and has the charm of an old town where Lanna culture meets a modern lifestyle, making you forget about going back home. Northern Thailand has much in store for you.
If you are planning your itinerary, here is an insider guide to the absolute best things to do in Chiang Mai. From centuries-old temples to mountain adventures, these things to do in Chiang Mai give you a taste of just how varied this northern Thai city can be.
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Explore Ancient Temples: One of the Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai’s Old City is enclosed by ancient brick walls and peaceful moats. Inside, you will find over 30 beautiful Buddhist temples (called wats), each filled with rich history, intricate wood carvings, and shimmering gold spires.
- Wat Chedi Luang: This gigantic brick chedi built in the 14th century stands majestically at the center of the Old City, where once resided the famous Emerald Buddha. Although an earthquake destroyed its uppermost section several centuries ago, the looming structure is still impressive.
- Wat Phra Singh: Known for its classic Lanna-style architecture, this temple houses the revered Phra Singh Buddha image and features beautiful gold-leaf detail on its outer walls.
- Wat Sri Suphan (The Silver Temple): Located just outside the southern gate, this temple is completely covered in handcrafted silver and zinc work by local silversmiths. It lights up beautifully at dusk!
UNSTOPPABLE Travel Tip: Remember to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting temples, and take off your shoes before stepping inside the main assembly halls.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: A Must Among Things to Do in Chiang Mai
You cannot visit Chiang Mai without visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Perched high up on the mountain overlooking the valley, this is Chiang Mai’s most famous landmark.
To reach the top, you can climb the legendary 306-step staircase flanked by giant, colorful Naga serpents (or take a quick funicular cable car if you want to save your knees!). At the summit, a glowing golden pagoda stands surrounded by small shrines, ringing bells, and the sweet scent of burning incense. The panoramic view of Chiang Mai stretching out below is breathtaking, especially during early morning hours when the mist rises.
Play a Round on World-Class Mountain Golf Courses
While many travelers come to Northern Thailand for temples and trekking, outdoor enthusiasts quickly discover that Chiang Mai is also a world-class sports destination. The cooler mountain air, scenic valleys, and lush green countryside make it an absolute paradise for sports lovers, especially golfers.
Taking a dedicated trip or booking tailored golf holidays in Thailand lets you experience top-rated championship layouts surrounded by tropical forests. Famous local spots like Chiangmai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort and Alpine Golf Resort offer immaculate 27-hole courses with stunning mountain backdrops.
If golf is your game, add a round here to your list of things to do in Chiang Mai. Plus, playing a round in Thailand comes with a wonderful local tradition: attentive, friendly personal caddies who read your putts, keep you cool with damp towels, and share local tips for the rest of your vacation!
Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary: One of the Most Memorable Things to Do in Chiang Mai
Getting up close with elephants is a bucket-list dream for most travelers in Thailand, but it is important to choose an ethical sanctuary that prioritizes animal welfare. Avoid venues that offer elephant riding or trick shows.
Sanctuaries that do the right thing, such as Elephant Nature Park or Chai Lai Orchid, concentrate on rescue and rehabilitation and allowing elephants to live naturally. Rather than riding the elephant, you would walk with it through the forest, feeding it bananas and watermelon, and watching as it gets dirty in the mud and plays in the river.
For many visitors, spending time observing elephants in a responsible setting becomes one of their favorite things to do in Chiang Mai.
Get Lost in the Famous Night Bazaars, Favorite Things to Do in Chiang Mai
When the sun goes down, Chiang Mai turns into a bustling street food and shopping paradise. The night markets here are famous across Southeast Asia for their artisan crafts, handmade souvenirs, and mouthwatering street food.
- Sunday Walking Street: Every Sunday evening, Ratchadamnoen Road in the Old City closes to traffic and transforms into a massive open-air market. You will find hand-carved soaps, hill-tribe textiles, local paintings, and endless food stalls.
- Chang Klan Night Bazaar: Open every single night just east of the Old City, this market is packed with clothing stalls, shoe vendors, and lively outdoor food courts with live music.
- Wualai Saturday Night Market: Located along the famous silversmith street, this market is slightly less crowded than Sunday’s market and offers incredible handmade silver jewelry and local snacks.
Exploring at least one night market should definitely be on your list of things to do in Chiang Mai, especially if you want to sample local food while shopping for souvenirs.
Taste Real Northern Thai Cuisine: Delicious Things to Do in Chiang Mai
Food in Northern Thailand has a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from Southern curry dishes. The regional star of the show is Khao Soi, a rich, fragrant coconut curry noodle soup served with tender chicken or beef, topped with crispy fried egg noodles, fresh lime, pickled mustard greens, and shallots.
Make sure to get a bowl at local favorite spots serving excellent Khao Soi, such as Khao Soi Mae Sai and Khao Soi Arak. Sampling Khao Soi is easily one of the tastiest things to do in Chiang Mai.
Aside from this delicious noodle soup, try Sai Oua, which is spicy Northern Thai lemongrass pork sausage, as well as Nam Prik Ong (a savory pork and tomato dip served with fresh mountain vegetables and pork cracklings).
Relax with a Traditional Thai Massage After Exploring the Things to Do in Chiang Mai
After days spent walking through temples, trekking jungle trails, or swinging clubs on the fairway, your muscles will thank you for getting an authentic Thai massage.
Whether you have a large budget or are working with limited funds, there are massage spas available, ranging from cheap local parlors charging just $7 an hour to luxurious spas, such as Fah Lanna Spa and Oasis Spa. If you want a massage experience that will give something back to the community, try Lila Thai Massage. They provide employment and vocational training to formerly incarcerated women to help them rebuild their lives.
A traditional massage is also a relaxing way to wind down after a full day checking off your favorite things to do in Chiang Mai.
So, Which Things to Do in Chiang Mai Will You Try First?
Chiang Mai gracefully bridges the gap between peaceful cultural traditions and exciting modern adventures. Whether your perfect trip includes temples, elephants, golf, night markets or bowls of steaming Khao Soi, there are enough things to do in Chiang Mai to keep you exploring for days.
Have you ever visited Chiang Mai, or is it sitting at the top of your travel wishlist? Let us know your favorite spots in the comments below!
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Hi, I’m Stacey
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel is a travel blog focused on immersive travel that highlights food, wine and the spirituality of place. You can count on me for accurate reports and insightful analysis as your trusted travel writer since 2008.
As the author of several spiritual and walking guides, I occasionally write about life as a Camino de Santiago pilgrim. See my Amazon author page here. You may review my credentials as a professional travel writer on LinkedIn.
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