21 Greatest Issues to Do in Chiang Mai in 2023

There are numerous issues to do in Chiang Mai. The town is Thailand’s rose of the north and is a large draw for vacationers. Full of scrumptious meals, lots of of temples and buzzing with Thai tradition, Chiang Mai is a metropolis the place it’s unattainable to be bored.

I spent fairly some time there throughout my massive backpacking journey round Southeast Asia. It rapidly turned one among my favourite cities in Thailand. I discovered numerous issues to see in Chiang Mai, and I had an actual journey after I rode a motorcycle from there to Pai.

The town is positioned within the mountainous north of the nation, the place the climate is cooler, the jungles are thicker and the rivers are stronger. All of this makes the world across the metropolis an adventurer’s playground with a by no means ending checklist of issues to do in Chiang Mai. Depart the “beachy” issues to do in Koh Phangan and different Thai islands behind, and make your solution to the mountains of Thailand, you received’t remorse it!

Replace 2023: This submit has been up to date to incorporate new issues to do in Chiang Mai in 2023 (and a few stuff you shouldn’t do).

21 Greatest Issues to Do in Chiang Mai

If trekking the jungles or using the rapids will not be your factor, the town itself is throbbing with sufficient actions and sights to steal your coronary heart. Right here is my Chiang Mai journey information that I’ve narrowed down to incorporate essentially the most unimaginable issues to do in Chiang Mai (one of many high locations to go to in Thailand).

Issues To Do in Chiang Mai Map

Have a examine what to do in Chiang Mai and begin planning your subsequent journey.

1. Go to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

One of many high issues to do in Chiang Mai is to go to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple. This spectacular thirteenth century golden temple sits atop Doi Suthep mountain and is positioned 12 kilometers from the town.

In addition to being essentially the most sacred place within the area, that is additionally one of the vital sacred temples in the entire of Thailand.

Together with some spectacular views, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep additionally homes a phenomenal white elephant shrine and a formidable duplicate of the Emerald Buddha.

When you’re within the metropolis, each taxi driver and journey agent will ask to take you to see the temple. Nonetheless, this isn’t essential as Doi Suthep could be very simple to achieve.

The best possibility to achieve the highest of the mountain is by Songthaew, one of many transformed pick-ups which you will notice whizzing concerning the metropolis. These hop on hop off “buses” are the easiest way to get across the metropolis. Don’t miss this temple when backpacking Thailand.

Deal with: Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand

2. Gorge Your self on the Evening Markets

There are such a lot of issues to do in Thailand, however this nation is unquestionably well-known for its many night time markets with the town being dwelling to among the greatest within the nation. The most important of all of the nightly markets is the Evening Bazaar which is positioned on Chang Klan Street.

By day Chang Klan is a traditional highway, however with the darkness comes lots of of market stalls. These stalls promote every part from pretend designer garments to Thai lanterns and paintings.

Meals can also be offered on the Evening Bazaar however night time time avenue meals stalls are all over the place providing every part from sushi to meat on a stick.

Don’t miss the Saturday Evening Market, the Sunday Strolling Avenue Market, the Sunday Evening Market, and the numerous markets within the Previous Metropolis close to the Chiang Mai Gate.

☞ SEE ALSO: A Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Chiang Mai

The Evening Bazaar of Chang Klan Street is open one year of the yr it doesn’t matter what the climate. Do be warned nonetheless, bartering is a should, so be ready to haggle your socks off if you’d like a superb worth.

3. Attempt the Insect Buffet

One other of the numerous issues to do in Chiang Mai is to style the insect buffet. These stalls that are full of creepy crawlies are discovered all through the nation and are a should for a lot of vacationers.

At first look, I assumed, no means I’ll eat that, however ultimately I labored up sufficient braveness (and starvation!) to strive some.

Tasty little nibbles from tarantulas and scorpions to bugs and grasshoppers are simply ready to freak you out. Many individuals solely want to take a photograph to point out their mates again dwelling.

Nonetheless, the stall house owners will nonetheless cost you a greenback for {a photograph}. Not solely is that this a high attraction in Chiang Mai, however it’s one of many many in style issues to do in Bangkok as nicely.

Bugs are an important supply of protein and are additionally extremely simple to farm. With reviews that the governments of the world would love these tasty little horrors on the menus of their very own nations, it won’t be lengthy earlier than you possibly can eat your very personal bag of crickets at dwelling.

4. Watch a Muay Thai Struggle

In Thailand Muay Thai is greater than a sport, it’s a faith. Educated from an extremely younger age, Muay Thai fighters are among the most threatening on the earth.

Muay Thai is among the most prolific combating kinds, and is usually included into blended martial arts reminiscent of the worldwide UFC.

In Thailand Muay Thai is all over the place, from again alley rings to stadiums crammed with cheering spectators. Additionally it is not unusual to see younger youngsters combating within the ring.

Muay Thai is among the only a few methods to earn good cash in Thailand for among the poorer households and likewise attracts unimaginable respect.

The 2 important stadiums within the metropolis are Thaphae Boxing Stadium and likewise Kawila Boxing Stadium. If you want to see a struggle, ask any Songthaew or Tuk-Tuk and they’re going to take you to the stadium.

Nonetheless, there are numerous smaller institutions that additionally placed on nightly reveals that are cheaper however wouldn’t have the identical environment.

I’ve been to the massive stadiums and the smaller reveals, they usually’re each value trying out. For those who solely have time for one, nonetheless, I like to recommend the spectacle of a busy stadium.

5. Experience a Bike to Pai

One of many extra adventurous issues to do in Chiang Mai is to lease a motorbike and journey by the mountains to Pai. And never solely that, however this was one of the vital adventurous issues I’ve finished wherever.

The highway to Pai is among the most stunning that I’ve ever seen. This twisting, winding ribbon of tarmac is ideal for using motorbikes. Stretching 150 kilometers north from the town, the highway to Pai is surrounded by pure magnificence. Plus, when you get there, there are such a lot of issues to do in Pai to maintain you busy. 

Talking of motorbiking, the Mae Hong Son Loop in Thailand is among the hottest and scenic journeys. And, it takes in Pai as nicely! Click on right here to study extra.

Additionally, in case you are a backpacker, Pai is a traveler’s paradise nestled within the pristine nationwide park and is a should when on this a part of the nation. To study extra about this unimaginable little place, have a learn of my Traveler’s Information To Pai.

6. Go to Bai Orchid and Butterfly Farm

Located simply outdoors of Chiang Mai is the Bai Orchid and Butterfly farm. Right here it’s doable to see hundreds of butterflies and blooming flowers all yr spherical. A lot liked by the individuals of Thailand, the orchid is among the most stunning.

Additionally it is doable to purchase your very personal seedlings from the Bai Orchid in an effort to develop your personal flowers at dwelling. One of many massive attracts within the memento store are the golden orchids.

These are orchids which were dipped into gold and remodeled into stunning jewellery. These are extremely wanted all through the nation.

Bai Orchid is a kind of like it or hate it locations. I liked it, and for those who’re a lover of flowers and butterflies like me, the 40 Baht entrance price is unquestionably value it. If flowers and butterflies aren’t actually your factor, then this can be one of many issues to do in Chiang Mai that you need to give a miss.

Deal with: WW9M+FMV, Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai, 50180, Thailand

7. Obtain a Thai Therapeutic massage from a Prisoner

Conventional Thai massages can be found on virtually each avenue within the nation. Nonetheless, the ladies’s jail within the metropolis runs a scheme for soon-to-be-released prisoners, the place they’re taught life abilities to assist them reintegrate into society.

That is one for many who are on the lookout for issues to do in Chiang Mai which can be slightly completely different. Receiving a Thai Therapeutic massage from an inmate of the jail is one thing that I’ll always remember. The ladies are supervised always and there’s no danger of foul play.

That is additionally an important assist to the ladies as it may be very troublesome for them to seek out jobs as soon as they depart jail. In addition to the Conventional Thai therapeutic massage there may be additionally slightly cafe the place you possibly can take pleasure in some tasty Thai delicacies and a patio backyard the place you possibly can wait.

8. Experience in a Tuk-Tuk

It’s unattainable to go to Thailand and never take a journey in one of many native Tuk-Tuks. These nippy little autos are discovered throughout Thailand and are a enjoyable solution to get concerning the metropolis. Every area of the nation has its personal fashion of Tuk-Tuk and Chiang Mai isn’t any completely different.

Nonetheless, I might not advise that you just take Tuk-Tuks in Thailand usually. A journey in a Tuk-Tuk is dearer than a taxi and may develop into fairly a trouble for those who allow them to. That mentioned, a brief journey in a Tuk-Tuk generally is a shiny and entertaining solution to whizz concerning the metropolis and I all the time had a blast using in them.

Often known as Auto Rickshaws, taking a journey in a Tuk-Tuk is only one extra of the numerous nice issues to do in Chiang Mai.

9. Take a Dip on the San Kamphaeng Sizzling Springs – one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Chiang Mai

Subsequent up is the San Kamphaeng Sizzling Springs. Located to the northeast of the town, the San Kamphaeng Sizzling Springs are nestled within the excessive hills surrounded by each woods and mountains. That is what to do in Chiang Mai whenever you’re actually in want of a relaxation.

Excessive sulphur ranges within the water implies that the springs have been remodeled into mineral baths. Together with the baths there may be additionally a pure mineral swimming pool and therapeutic massage services. The San Kamphaeng Sizzling Springs are an important place to only chill and chill out.

For those who do make it to the recent springs, be certain that to purchase an egg. Unusually, eggs can be found so that you can boil within the hotter springs. I loved cooking and consuming them whereas barely realizing that I used to be additionally cooking myself.

Deal with: 1 Ban Sa Ha Khon, Mae On District, Chiang Mai, 50130, Thailand

10. Attempt Durian, the World’s Smelliest Fruit

Durian, the smelliest fruit on the earth, is banned in resorts and public areas all through Asia. To not be mistaken for the very comparable jackfruit, durian is harmful to all however the strongest noses. I rapidly discovered to acknowledge its pungent stench from miles away.

For some individuals the style is well worth the scent, whereas others hate each the style and the ungodly odour. If you want to see which facet of the size you fall below, durian is sort of simple to get.

By asking round in most markets you’ll quickly discover a piece of the so-called “King of Fruits”. Why it has been christened such is past me, however then I’ve by no means dared make the leap.

Give me scorpions and tarantulas and I’ll eat them any day of the week; give me durian, nonetheless, and I’ll run for the hills.

11. Go White Water Rafting

For those who occur to be visiting in the course of the moist season and are on the lookout for what to do in Chiang Mai for slightly journey, white water rafting is for you. It’s most positively one of many extra adventurous issues to do in Chiang Mai.

White water rafting in Chiang Mai will not be for the faint of coronary heart. However with its tropical local weather, steep mountains and delightful surroundings, the world possesses excellent circumstances for the game. I’ve tried it in a number of nations, and my journey in Chiang Mai was positively among the best.

Many firms in Chiang Mai provide white water rafting excursions, with all saying they’re one of the best. I might advise you to examine Tripadvisor and browse the evaluations. See what others have mentioned and make your personal thoughts up about which firm to decide on.

12. Take a Thai Cooking Class

One of many nice issues to do in Chiang Mai is to take a Thai cooking class so that when you come dwelling you possibly can take the tastes of Thailand with you.

Upon getting travelled by Thailand, there is no such thing as a doubt that you’ll fall in love with Thai delicacies. From crimson and inexperienced curries to Khao Soi and Pad Thai, the meals in Thailand is wonderful.

The town provides many locations the place you possibly can take a Thai cooking class. Indicators are posted at numerous factors all through the vacationer areas of the town, all providing to show you the secrets and techniques of Thai meals.

One other nice solution to discover good courses is by utilizing Tripadvisor. Alternatively you may ask different vacationers, that is all the time a good way of garnering info.

13. Benefit from the Sunday Avenue Market

Attempt to plan your journey to Chiang Mai for a weekend so you possibly can stick round and benefit from the Sunday night time market. Throughout this time, Chiang Mai Previous Metropolis from Chiang Mai Gate is closed off to site visitors, and is taken over by quite a few distributors promoting their artwork, meals and crafts.

Everybody comes out on a Sunday night time to take pleasure in this market. To not point out, it’s a wonderful place to seek out lowered charges on souvenirs and different trinkets. No enthusiastic about shopping for something?

A few of my favourite issues to do had been to sit down down and revel in a foot therapeutic massage, sip on some Thai tea, and gorge myself on scrumptious Thai meals.

14. Attempt a Hundred 12 months Previous Egg

Do you could have a powerful abdomen? Do you want a problem? Then perhaps consuming 100 yr egg is one among your high issues to do in Chiang Mai. Often known as a century egg or a thousand yr egg, that is an Asian delicacy which is eaten all through this a part of the world.

The egg is preserved for a number of weeks or months utilizing numerous completely different strategies together with using clay ash and salt. Nonetheless, in my expertise, because the saying goes, the hundred yr egg’s bark is much worse than its chunk. Each the blackness of the egg and the scent are far worse than the precise style.

Hundred yr eggs may be discovered at most markets all through the town. Attempt one your self and get a photograph to terrorise your extra squeamish mates again dwelling. That is what to do in Chiang Mai whenever you wish to strive one thing that’s actually completely different.

15. Bathe an Elephant on the Elephant Nature Park

With so many tales concerning the horrendous lives that these stunning animals stay, the Elephant Nature Park is a shiny mild within the darkness. The Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary which is positioned only one hour from Chiang Mai.

It was simply one among my favourite issues to see in Chiang Mai.

The sanctuary is devoted to rescuing and rehabilitating these majestic creatures from the horrid lives that they’ve been compelled to stay. The park provides lodge choose up which makes it extremely simple to achieve.

Guests to the Elephant Nature Park are given an schooling on Thailand’s elephants, and can even feed and bathe the animals. This is among the greatest issues to do in Chiang Mai, and it was a spotlight of my journey.

Deal with: 1 Ratchamanka Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand

16. Devour the Native Meals

As acknowledged earlier, I strongly imagine that Thai meals is among the most tasty on the earth. Typically it appears that there’s a by no means ending menu of deliciousness whenever you’re exploring the gastronomic facet of Thailand. From avenue meals and the night time markets to the eating places and seashore bars, Thai meals won’t ever disappoint.

Make certain to strive dishes such because the coconut curry and Pad Krapow. Additionally don’t forget to seize some mango sticky rice to maintain up your power as you might be exploring the town.

One other beauty of the meals in Chiang Mai is simply how low-cost all of it is. For those who seize a meal from one of many many avenue distributors, you’ll pay solely a few {dollars}.

17. Watch a Ladyboy Cabaret Present

You can not journey to Thailand or go to Chiang Mai and never see a ladyboy cabaret present. Chiang Mai provides among the greatest within the nation. Many individuals are sometimes stunned by simply how good the reveals are.

They’re enjoyable and entertaining and a good way to spend a singular night time in Northern Thailand.

In England, ladyboy cabaret reveals have develop into an enormous draw for nights out reminiscent of work and hen events. These, nonetheless, don’t have anything on the Chiang Mai ladyboy cabaret reveals, one of many high issues to do in Chiang Mai for leisure. I had an superior time.

You should have no bother discovering a present, simply ask a taxi driver to take you. It’s possible you’ll be stunned on the many alternative individuals you see attending. From backpackers to businessmen, all people loves a superb night time out.

18. Lanna People Life Museum

The Lanna People Life Museum is a extremely interactive expertise that showcases the tradition, historical past, traditions, and folklore of the individuals of Lanna and the Lanna Kingdom.

The reveals embrace examples of their non secular practices and ceremonies, their artwork and structure, in addition to their conventional clothes and day-to-day life.

If you wish to actually perceive the tradition of Northern Thailand and why the individuals are the way in which they’re, then this museum is a must-visit factor to do in Chiang Mai.

• Deal with: Prapokklao Street, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
• Ticket Entrance Price: 100 TBH for Foreigners (20THB For Locals)
• The way to Get There: From most components of Chiang Mai’s Previous Metropolis, you possibly can simply stroll to the Lanna People Life Museum. For those who’re staying outdoors of the Previous Metropolis, a brief journey in a songthaew (crimson truck taxi) or tuk-tuk will get you there. All the time negotiate the worth earlier than you begin your journey.

19. Wat Chedi Luang

This huge ruined stupa is one place in Chiang Mai that historical past buffs and people enthusiastic about tradition received’t wish to miss.

The big stupa stands as a testomony to the unimaginable intricacies and grandeur of the structure that when dominated Lanna.

The Chedi was really broken by an earthquake within the 1500s, however what stays right here remains to be a really spectacular and iconic construction within the area. The temple complicated additionally homes stunning murals and the town pillar, in addition to an ornate ordination corridor.

• Deal with: 103 Phra Pok Klao Street, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
• Ticket Entrance Price: As of 2021, the doorway price for foreigners is round 40 THB. Nonetheless, costs can change, so it’s a good suggestion to examine or have small payments prepared.
• The way to Get There: Situated within the Previous Metropolis of Chiang Mai, Wat Chedi Luang is accessible on foot for those who’re staying close by. In any other case, you possibly can take a tuk-tuk or a songthaew. Keep in mind to barter the worth beforehand.

20. Day Journey To Chiang Rai

Whereas it might rhyme with Chiang Mai, the 2 cities are very completely different. Positively, among the best issues to do in Chiang Mai is to take a day journey (or in a single day journey) to Chiang Rai.

Right here you’ll discover a distinctive mix of contemporary, historic, and pure points of interest together with the White Temple, The Blue Temple, the Baandam Museum (or Black Home), many tribal villages, and the close by Golden Triangle.

Get misplaced within the previous city and revel in boat journeys on the Mekong River from right here to get a glimpse of the neighboring nations, and the close by Karen Lengthy Neck Tribe (for this a multi-day journey is really helpful).

Attending to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai: Whereas a day journey from Chiang Mai is a bit rushed, it’s technically doable as you possibly can drive between the 2 cities in round 3-4 hours one-way.

You can too e-book full-day guided excursions with a information who will take you to the primary spots. As a result of the journey is lengthy, you’ll seemingly have a number of stops on the way in which and these excursions normally run 12-13 hours lengthy.

An alternative choice is to take a bus from Chiang Mai’s Arcade Bus Terminal; buses run regularly all through the day.

See Additionally: Issues To Do in Chiang Rai That You Don’t Need To Miss

21. Go to Wat Phra Singh

One other genuine and iconic Lanna Wat, Wat Pha Singh is a testomony to the timeless fantastic thing about Northern Thailand’s structure.

Set within the coronary heart of the previous city, this 14th-century temple homes the holy Phra Singh Buddha Picture, which is what the temple is called after.

Right here you possibly can stroll across the temple grounds and revel in peace and quiet, away from the town, with the scent of incense within the air and the sound of temple bells ringing within the background.

Different Wats

• Wat Phra Lat: Often known as “Wat Pha Lat”, this temple is usually overshadowed by its extra well-known counterpart, Wat Pha That Doi Suthep. It’s a serene temple nestled midway up the Doi Suthep mountain.
• Wat Sri Suphan: Wat Sri Suphan, often called the “Silver Temple” resulting from its intricate silver craftsmanship, is positioned within the Wualai district. The doorway price is roughly 50 THB for foreigners.

• Deal with: 2 Samlarn Rd, Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50280, Thailand
• The way to Get There: The temple is well accessible on foot for those who’re staying close by or inside the metropolis partitions. In any other case, a brief tuk-tuk or songthaew journey will convey you to its entrance. All the time negotiate the fare earlier than your journey.
• Ticket Value: The doorway price is 40 THB for foreigners, however costs might differ, so it’s good to have small payments prepared.

Issues Not To Do in Chiang Mai

Like many locations in Thailand, there are some things on this metropolis and round it that simply aren’t moral. Use your greatest judgment to determine if actions within the metropolis and is environment are legit.

Do Not Go to The Chiang Mai Zoo

We by no means advocate visiting zoos until they’re rehabilitation facilities and the Chiang Mai Zoo in Northern Thailand has lots of unhealthy evaluations and a foul fame for not correctly caring for the animals.

Do Not Go To The Tiger Kingdom

I’m embarrassed to say that we visited the Tiger Kingdom years in the past, earlier than we realized simply how poorly these wild animals are handled. As a substitute of visiting right here, take into account trying out tigers of their pure habitat, or donate to a trigger to guard Thailand’s wild tigers.

Do Not Have interaction in Intercourse Tourism

It’s well-known that there’s a lot of Intercourse Tourism in Thailand. By not participating in it, you possibly can assist the issue. For those who see apparent indicators of intercourse tourism or native’s being mistreated in any means, name the native authorities instantly.

FAQs for What to Do in Chiang Mai

Take a look at these solutions to regularly requested questions on issues to do in Chiang Mai.

Pack Your Luggage for Chiang Mai!

It is a metropolis that can preserve you entertained for so long as you permit it to. Not for nothing is Thailand one of many high vacationer locations on the planet. How lots of the 21 are you going to do? Or if in case you have already been to right here, what else do you suppose must be on the checklist? Pontificate within the feedback beneath.

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