10 Places You Must Visit During A Road Trip In Chiang Mai

Escape the hustle and bustle of Thailand's famous cities and beaches, and instead, head north where you'll find the captivating Chiang Mai. It's no surprise that many are drawn into the calm and collectedness of this northern Thai province, and its city of the same name.

At this gem of a destination, you'll find yourself surrounded with nature, cultural landmarks, rolling green hills, and a laid-back atmosphere. We believe that Chiang Mai sets up the perfect scenario for a road trip - what better way to explore this beautiful destination than with a scenic drive around?

To ease your road trip planning, we've shortlisted the top must-visit spots in Chiang Mai for you to add into your itinerary, as well as some car rental tips while you're there. Keep reading to find out more!

It ain't a road trip if you haven't gotten your car sorted out. Renting a car in Thailand is actually really simple and you can even book directly on Klook! All you have to do is input the dates you plan on driving, select a car and input your driver information. You can check out our car rental booking guide on Klook for more details, as well as how to get your international driver’s license if you don’t have one yet.

Ready for your Chiang Mai road trip? Add these must-visit places and fun activities into your list of stops:

Brimming with lush greenery, local wildlife and opulent temples, the Doi Inthanon National Park is simply a must-visit spot in Chiang Mai, especially for nature lovers and adventurers out there. This stunning park is home to the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon, and as you make your way around the massive park and up the hills, you'll get to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including cascading falls, rivers and endless mountain ranges.

Many gems await you here such as the Royal Twin Pagodas that were built by the Thai Royal Army as a birthday gift to the King and Queen. In spring, you may even get to witness cherry blossoms in full bloom at the garden surrounding the Queen Pagoda! There's just so much more you can do here - take a leisurely walk through the Angkha Nature Walk, go bird watching, buy local produce at the Royal Agricultural Station, or marvel at the sight of the Vachiratharn Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the hillside communities in Chiang Mai by visiting the Hmong Doi Pui Village. This local tribe village offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Hmong people - learn about the culture of the hillside tribe, explore their village, taste traditional Hmong cuisine, and shop for traditional handicrafts, culminating a truly unique cultural experience.

After a visit to the local tribe villages, head to the nearby Doi Suthep mountain and go on an easy hike up. Whether you're a nature lover or a spiritual seeker, a visit would definitely offer a memorable experience. Home to the ancient Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, you can marvel at its stunning shrines and chedis, while being surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic views of Chiang Mai from up above.

Spend some bonding time with these beautiful, majestic creatures at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Enjoy an ethical encounter here, where you can play, feed, bathe and snap photos with these rescued animals. The sanctuary also provides an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of elephants in Thailand, and you’ll also get to wear traditional Karen tribe clothing for the complete experience.

As a symbol of fortune, the gentle giants are considered sacred symbols in Buddhism. Here, you'll get to observe and interact with them in their natural habitat, without causing harm or stress to the animals. Elephant experiences are some of the most quintessential things to do in Thailand, but it is important to only support sanctuaries like this one, that offer ethical ways to experience these animals up close while also supporting their welfare.

Shop ‘til you drop at Warorot Market. Located in the heart of Chiang Mai city near the Ping River, it is pretty accessible even by foot or by tuk tuk. 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.

Don't miss out on an authentic Thai shopping experience here - browse through colourful rows of stalls selling a wide variety of local products, including fresh produce, handicrafts, souvenirs and more. Make sure to also sample traditional Thai snacks and street food while you're here!

Plan an exhilarating day out at the Grand Canyon Water Park, about half an hour's drive from the city centre. The water park is located on a former limestone quarry, which has been transformed into a stunning canyon with red rock formations, a pretty cool sight to see while you enjoy fun water activities and obstacle courses.

The water park offers fun for all ages, making it an exciting outdoor destination for families and friends. You can swim in the large pool or go for a dip in the smaller lagoon, or challenge yourself with a race across inflatable obstacles and various water slides. For the more adventurous, there are cliff jumping spots and zip lines, as well as activities such as wakeboarding, kayaking, and canoeing.

Challenge yourself to a hike to the peak of Doi Luang Chiang Dao. Rising to 2,225 meters high, the majestic mountain is the third tallest mountain in Thailand and the average hike would take about 3 to 4 hours, but the views of the surrounding lush mountain ranges and waterfalls, as well as the chance to spot its resident wildlife such as gibbons and deer, makes it worth the challenge. Enjoying the fresh air and getting a workout in is a bonus.

There are several hiking trails here that range in difficulty, making it suitable for both experienced hikers and beginners. Once you reach the sanctuary at the foot of the mountain, you will need to park your vehicle and continue on foot or by motorbike to explore the park and the mountain. But before you head over, make sure you hire a guide. There are guards at the entrance that will check if you’re accompanied by one.

The Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens is 2,500 acres of botanic beauty housed in one place! Home to twelve glasshouses, glass bottomed canopy trails, hanging gourd walkways, and over 700 species of plants, including rare and endangered species, you will definitely want to save a spot on your itinerary for this if you are a nature lover or plant enthusiast.

This extensive botanical garden is divided into several sections, some of the highlights here include the Tropical Rainforest Conservatory, the Glasshouse Complex, the Orchid and Fern House, and the Bonsai Collection. The garden also houses a few cafes where you can enjoy a meal or snack at, while soaking in the sights of the beautiful flora all around you.

Up for some adventure? Set amidst lush forest and rolling hills, the Pong Yang Adventure Park is an outdoor recreational facility located over an hour's drive from the city, but is definitely worth the trip because of the thrill it offers! Look forward to an exciting range of activities here made for people of all ages, including ATV rides, zip-lining, archery, bungee jump and paintball.

However, the highlight here would definitely be the iconic jungle coaster. Sit on an open car coaster and go on a thrilling ride down a winding track of the park that passes through the lush greenery of the forest. It's a must-do while you're here, the perfect activity for those of you seeking adventure while reconnecting with nature!

Sit back and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Bai Orchid & Butterfly Farm, an enchanting nature reserve in Chiang Mai. True to its name, the farm boasts an impressive collection of colourful butterflies, elusive moths and stunning orchids in a sprawling enclosure, a literal sanctuary for various species of these floral and fauna that thrive in the lush, tropical environment.

Your time here will also double as a learning experience - take a leisurely stroll through the gardens as you also learn about the life cycles and behaviours of butterflies, as well as marvel at the vast array of exotic orchid blooms on display. The staff at the farm are also very knowledgeable and passionate about their work, and are always ready to answer any questions you may have about the flora and fauna here, so feel free to ask!

After travelling all over Chiang Mai on your road trip, there's nothing better than treating yourself to a relaxing spa session 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. The staff here are highly trained and attentive, so you can rest assured that you'll receive the utmost personalised care and attention.

Choose from a menu of packages that combine different treatments for the best experience - the spa offers a range of traditional Thai massages, scrubs, as well as other rejuvenating Asian spa treatments. The space itself is a peaceful sanctuary, with lush gardens and open-air pavilions, and there are three outlets across Chiang Mai, so you can pick the location that would be the most convenient stop for your road trip!

Planning to join in the splashing fun of Songkran at Chiang Mai this year? From epic water fights and lively parties, to temple visits and street parades, this annual event celebrated in Thailand is a one-of-a-kind experience that you won't want to miss out on. We hope you're as excited as we are, because we're throwing in an additional 10% discount off all Thailand activities! Get your water pistols ready and hit the road! 🔫 🚗