Planning a holiday to Thailand? Instead of just sticking to the tourist hotspots, head north where you’ll discover the captivating Chiang Mai. Teeming with golden temples, ethereal natural panoramas, and rolling green mountains, spending time in the city is one of the best things to do in Thailand.
Get your fill of otherworldly sights, unforgettable cultural experiences, and incredible food with this handy list of the top Chiang Mai activities:
- Visit an elephant sanctuary
- Try Khao Soi
- Explore the night safari
- Hike up Doi Luang Chiang Dao
- Go shopping at Warorot Market
- Discover Doi Suthep and Hmong Village
- Sail down the Mae Ping River
- See relics at The National Museum of Chiang Mai
- Go jungle trekking at Koh Lipe
- Snap photos at The Canyon
- Join a Thai cooking class
- Have a spa day at Fah Lanna
- Drive an ATV through the countryside
- Marvel at Bai Orchid And Butterfly Farm
- Discover the treasures of Doi Inthanon National Park
- Take a trip to the Sticky Waterfalls
- Relax at San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
- Party at one of the clubs at Nimmanhaemin Road
1. Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary
Beat the heat at a refreshing lake with a baby elephant by your side.
Elephant experiences are some of the most quintessential things to do in Thailand, but avoid places that support animal cruelty such as elephant riding. As a symbol of fortune, the gentle giants are considered sacred symbols in Buddhism. For an ethical encounter, head to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, where you can play, feed, and snap photos with the rescued animals. You’ll also get to wear traditional Karen tribe clothing for the full immersive experience.
2. Try Khao Soi
Try out the magnificent cuisine of northern Thailand while you’re in the city. Credit: Duck Man
There’s a reason why Thailand has gained a reputation for its incredible cuisine. From the north to the south, the dishes are full of flavours, heat, and diverse textures. If the spicy dishes of Thailand’s south isn’t for you, then the northern cuisine might be up your alley. One dish to try is Khao Soi, which is made with a tender protein like chicken or beef in a coconut curry broth with noodles.
3. Explore the night safari
Meet giraffes, hyenas, zebras, and other animals at the park
For animal lovers, a visit to the Chiang Mai Night Safari Park is a must. Come face to face with white tigers, oryxes, and Malayan Tapirs as you ride a tram around the sprawling estate. Besides close encounters, there’s also entertainment like the Night Predator Show to watch. Before you leave, snap a selfie with the smaller animals like lemurs and monkeys.
4. Hike up Doi Luang Chiang Dao
Breathe in the fresh air and take in the mountainous views of Chiang Dao. Credit: leehleeleo
Keen for a workout? Challenge yourself to reach the peak of Doi Luang Chiang Dao. At 2,175 metres high, it’s the third tallest mountain in Thailand. The average hike takes around 3.5 hours but the views of lush mountains one after the other makes it all worth it. But before you pack, make sure you hire a guide. There are guards at the entrance that will check if you’re accompanied by one.
5. Go shopping at Warorot Market
See where the locals shop at Warorot Market. Credit: na.hathairat
Shop ‘til you drop at Warorot Market. Located near the Ping River, the market is always a bustling hive of activity because it’s where the locals do their shopping. Here, you’ll find clothes, food, and other goods at more affordable prices compared to the regular tourist markets.
6.Discover Doi Suthep and Hmong Village
Find the Wat Phra That temple at Doi Suthep. Credit:krose__travels_
Immerse yourself in Chiang Mai’s vibrant culture with a trip to the Hmong Village and Doi Suthep. Meet and greet members of the local tribe at the village and admire their colourful garments. Then, go on an easy trek up Doi Suthep, where you’ll see the golden Wat Phra That Temple and its stunning shrines and chedis.
7. Sail down the Mae Ping River
Go on a cruise or go bamboo rafting down the river. Credit: lye31
Just a few minutes away from the city, Mae Ping River boasts endless views of towering trees lining up the waterway. It’s best experienced with a cruise, where you can soak up the views while drinking a freshly-squeezed fruit juice.
8. See relics at The National Museum of Chiang Mai
See national costumes and antique statues at the museum. Credit: willywilly12
There’s no better place to learn about the Lanna Kingdom than at the former seat of the empire itself, Chiang Mai. Head to the Chiang Mai National Museum, where you can delve into the history of the kingdom, the development of the area, and its rich cultural heritage with actual relics and masterful artworks.
9. Go jungle trekking at Koh Lipe
Reward yourself with a relaxing snorkel after the trek.
Take a walk on the wild side with a trek through the jungle of Koh Lipe. Start the day with a quick boat ride from Sunrise Beach, where you’ll follow a trail through the lush rainforest and stop by three panoramic viewpoints along the way. Finish off the epic jungle adventure with a refreshing snorkelling experience.
10. Snap photos at The Canyon
The water park is located around 45 minutes away from the city centre. Credit: helga.retouch_
Treat the entire fam on a jam-packed day at the Chiang Mai Grand Canyon. With stunning red rock formations like its American counterpart, combined with exhilarating activities, you and the kids will have a splashing good time as you go wakeboarding, kayaking, and canoeing.
11. Join a Thai cooking class
Learn how to make spring rolls, mango sticky rice, and other delicacies from the experts. Credit: grandmascookingschool
Fan of Thai food? Take home the authentic flavours of your fave dishes with an immersive lesson straight from an expert. Sign up for a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai and learn how to make your fave dishes yourself. From curry to stir fry, learn how to pick and prepare the best ingredients and have your best home-cooked meal, yet.
12. Have a spa day at Fah Lanna
Experience an authentic Thai massage at the Fah Lanna Spa.
After going on exhilarating hikes and the rest of the best things to do in Thailand, treat yourself to a relaxing day at the award-winning Fah Lanna Spa. Drift into a state of pure bliss as a professional masseuse works their magic on your aching muscles. Choose between a traditional Thai massage, a foot spa, or one of the relaxing packages that spans four hours.
Can’t get enough massages and facials? Check out our picks for the 7 most relaxing spa experiences in Thailand.
13. Drive an ATV through the countryside
Challenge your mates to a race through the Chiang Mai countryside. Credit: citystour_chiangmai
For something different from Chiang Mai’s awe-inspiring temples and parks, go on an ATV adventure through the countryside. There are plenty of local tour agencies like Citystour, which offer ATV rentals and guided tours. Beginners can go the easy way and ride through the flat roads while more advanced riders can choose the off-road track through the jungle.
14. Marvel at Bai Orchid And Butterfly Farm
Wake up and smell the aroma of the incredible orchids at the farm. Credit: puiilladaa
Experience a slice of paradise at Bai Orchid And Butterfly Farm. The garden boasts an impressive collection of colourful butterflies and orchids in a sprawling enclosure. During your visit, you’ll also learn about the life cycles of butterflies and see a small waterfall by the display.
15. Discover the treasures of Doi Inthanon National Park
Stop by the Twin Pagodas at the park. Credit: mellfunctioned
Brimming with lush greenery and opulent temples, spending time at the Doi Inthanon National Park is one of the best things to do in Thailand. As you make your way around the massive park, you’ll see cascading falls and views of endless mountain ranges. But the jewel in its crown is the Twin Pagodas, architectural marvels surrounded by vivid flowers and a lake.
16. Take a trip to the Sticky Waterfalls
Visit the Mae Taeng National Forest Reserve to find the falls. Credit: thehungrytourists.uk
There may be no beaches in Chiang Mai but you can still go on a swim at a natural pool at the Sticky Waterfalls. Nestled at the Mae Taeng National Forest Reserve, the falls set itself apart from others with its calcium-rich white minerals where the water runs through. In fact, you can even walk up the formations, thanks to the grip of the minerals.
17. Relax at San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
Soothe your aching feet in the warm water of the springs. Credit: amazingthailandjp
Another option for a nice soak is the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs. Around an hour away from Chiang Mai, it has two streams of water bursting 20 metres high into the air set against the backdrop of lush trees and hills. At the hot springs, you can have a nice foot soak, a mineral bath, or a dip in the mineral swimming pool.
18. Party at one of the clubs at Nimmanhaemin Road
Dance the night away at Zoe in Yellow Credit: zoeinyellowchiangmai
One of the best things to do in Thailand is to experience its world-class nightlife for yourself. It’s not just in Bangkok where you can find great bars. Chiang Mai also has its fair share of fun clubs that cater to international guests like Infinity Club and Zoe in Yellow. With affordable drinks and great music, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.
Written by: Alyssa Dela Cruz
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