Chiang Mai: 11+ Best Things to Do (and What to Avoid)

Chiang Mai is a vibrant cultural hub nestled in the lush mountains of northern Thailand, offering an unforgettable blend of ancient temples, bustling markets, outdoor adventures, and digital nomad hotspots.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this city captivates with its rich Lanna heritage, world-famous street food, and a laid-back atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere in Thailand.

I’ve explored every corner of Chiang Mai, from the iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched high above the city, to hidden jungle waterfalls and ethical elephant sanctuaries where you can interact responsibly with Thailand’s gentle giants. The Old City is a treasure trove of historic sites, while Nimmanhaemin Road buzzes with trendy cafés, boutique shops, and the best nightlife in Chiang Mai. If you're into adventure travel, don’t miss the chance to trek through Doi Inthanon National Park, zipline through lush rainforests, or take a Thai cooking class with local chefs.

Beyond sightseeing, Chiang Mai offers unique experiences like the famous Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Muay Thai fights, and traditional Thai massages at century-old spas. Whether you're here for temples, nature, or nightlife, this guide covers the absolute best things to do in Chiang Mai, ensuring you make the most of your time in Thailand’s northern gem.

Best Things to Do & Places to Visit in Chiang Mai

Temples, waterfalls, markets, gastronomy, great atmosphere, craft shops and lots and lots of charm. We don't know why, but Chiang Mai has enchanted us. In total, between one trip and another, we spent almost a year here and we often miss it. For a while it was our Asian home and who knows, maybe in the future we will return for long periods.

We always recommend staying at least 3 days, as there are many things to do in Chiang Mai and its surroundings, but if you want to visit the city in a relaxed manner, even more time would be advisable. Keep this in mind when planning your Thailand itinerary .

Where to stay in Chiang Mai? There are 3 areas that we love: the historic centre, ideal for those who want to visit temples and markets. Here we recommend the I-Lanna House . the Nimman area, perfect for those who want to spend a while in the city and discover its more modern side and the area on the banks of the Ping River, especially recommended if you want to stay a few days in a boutique hotel and relax. On our last trip we stayed at the I-River and we loved it.

History of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is one of those places that seems straight out of a history book, but with wifi and really good coffee. It was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom and soon became known as an important cultural, commercial and religious centre (and we might add a well-known obsession with khao soi, with good reason).

Over the centuries, it was a coveted trophy among the Burmese, Siamese, and other neighboring kingdoms. In 1558 , the Burmese took over the city and occupied it for over 200 years, albeit with several periods of autonomy. It was not until the 18th century, when King Taksin of Siam helped drive them out, that Chiang Mai began to regain its independence , although it was left in such ruins that the city was nearly abandoned.

In the 19th century , under the reign of Kawila , the city was restored and re-emerged as the cultural centre of northern Thailand . Today it is the second largest and most important city in the country and our Asian home. Let's start with everything there is to see and do in Chiang Mai.

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1. Explore Chiang Mai's Old Town

Chiang Mai is a city that has grown a lot. But its historic centre is clearly defined by a moat and a wall that was built to defend it from Burmese attacks. Inside these walls is the most beautiful part of Chiang Mai: its Buddhist temples: there are more than 300!

You will also fall in love with the smell of grilled meat skewers, the atmosphere of the little street restaurants where you can have a good pad thai and drink a fruit smoothie. The only advice we can give you is: get lost in the streets of the old town and discover its magical corners.

what to visit in chiang mai

2. The best temples in Chiang Mai

As we have already mentioned, in Chiang Mai there are many Buddhist temples , from different periods, some very important and others where only the locals go. But they all have their charm . If you are not clear, you can always join a tour in Spanish through the best temples in Chiang Mai . We, every time we return to our favorite city in Thailand (which are quite a few), try to visit new temples.

→ This is how we were able to make this guide with the 15 best temples in Chiang Mai .

The article has information about each one, but if you want a little spoiler, here are our 4 favorites:

Wat Phra Singh: Chiang Mai's landmark, famous for its sacred Buddha image and golden viharn with ancient murals. Entrance fee: 50 THB.
Wat Chedi Luang: Home to a massive ruined chedi that once housed the Emerald Buddha. Entrance: 50 THB.
Wat Chiang Man: The oldest temple in the city, with a crystal Buddha and a stone Buddha, considered protectors of Chiang Mai. Entrance: Free.
Wat Lok Molee: less touristy, with an imposing chedi and a dark wooden viharn in Lanna style. Entrance: Free.

3. Climb Doi Suthep, one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai

Although we have to highlight some temples over the rest. The sacred mountain Doi Suthep is located just a few km from the center of Chiang Mai. The Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple is the main attraction (although be prepared to climb a few stairs!) The views from there are breathtaking … if you are lucky! The first time we went we only saw one thing: fog! On our second visit the reward was magnificent.

You can go on a tour of Doi Suthep National Park , rent a motorbike, or take public transport in one of the many red vans that pass through the city, just stop and ask where it goes. For the more adventurous, you can rent mountain bikes and take a good hike to the top.

A few km further on is a village of the Hmong ethnic group. We thought it was a total tourist trap so we don't recommend it.

What to see and do in Chiang Mai

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4. Experience Loy Krathong, Chiang Mai's most famous festival

If, like us, you are lucky enough to be in Thailand during Loy Krathong, head to Chiang Mai: this is where the party is at its most spectacular. Thousands of lanterns and boats will light up the sky and the river and you will experience an unforgettable moment. If you want to know more about this party, check out this post .

Update: We had never really thought about the environmental impact that all the lanterns and Loy Krathongs have on the surroundings/rivers of the city. Thanks to La Maleta de Carla, who we met just a few days ago in Chiang Mai, we realized that, indeed… what goes up must come down and while it is true that the lanterns are mostly biodegradable, they are also made of metal.

In addition, the Loy Krathongs tend to clog rivers and lakes, with harmful effects until they are removed. In short, we have begun to look at the lanterns that we liked so much with different eyes. Even so, the festival is worth seeing, especially because of how beautiful the temples are and the activities that take place in the city, but certain things would have to be changed.

Yee Peng and Loy Krathong 2024 in Chiang Mai; A Spectacle Of Lights

5. Route of the best coffee shops

Chiang Mai has become a mecca for digital nomads . Many people spend long periods of time here, working on their computers from their apartments or… from coffee shops! Chiang Mai has plenty of really cool coffee shops with great coffee . But don’t expect Thai prices, a cappuccino will probably cost more here than in Rome.

→ Here we tell you which are some of the best coffee shops in Chiang Mai .

6. Eating, one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai

Before coffee, you have to have a good meal. Thailand has excellent cuisine , made up of a mix of different flavours and cultures, and it offers a highly recommended experience for travellers, so another of the things to see and do in Chiang Mai is to eat! Let yourself be advised by the speciality of each restaurant, but try to order something not spicy !

There are several typical dishes from this area of Thailand , such as khao soi soup or kaeng hang lei . You will also find restaurants of all kinds. Check out our Chiang Mai restaurant guide .

Things to do

7. Chiang Mai Markets

Chiang Mai is a city of markets : there are several every day to go to, but the best ones are at the weekend. So try to make your visit coincide with Saturday and Sunday 😉 The Saturday night market and, especially, the Sunday night market are two of the best places to go in Chiang Mai.

Other interesting markets are:

Warorot market (kad luang) : authentic local market, perfect for trying northern food and buying spices.
Chang phuak night market: small but with excellent street food; don't miss the khao kha moo (stewed pork).
Kalare night bazaar : part of the famous Night Bazaar, with souvenirs, clothing and live shows.
Phaploen market: alternative and modern, with locally designed clothing, local and international food stalls.

chiang mai markets

8. Explore the surroundings with some trekking

Chiang Mai is a good starting point for some of the most beautiful treks in Thailand . You can book one- or multi-day treks with almost all the agencies in the city. Make it clear from the start what you are looking for and what you don't need: they usually offer treks that go through mountains, rivers, jungle and the controversial villages of ethnic minorities (which are almost always not authentic, but tourist traps).

9. Relax with a good Thai massage

You'll probably arrive in Chiang Mai after having walked miles and miles around Bangkok , examined the ruins of Ayutthaya or Sukhothai , so now just take a few days off. Take advantage of the opportunity to treat yourself (there are several cheap accommodations with swimming pools, see this article ), to chat with other travelers, to write your travel diary and update your blog.

Even the most seasoned traveller needs a few days off, and Chiang Mai is the perfect setting.

And you're in luck: in Chiang Mai there are many places where you can get Thai massages (or other more relaxing ones, since we already know that Thai is not synonymous with relaxation haha, but they feel so good!).

what to see and do in chiang mai

Fun Things to do

10. Excursions from Chiang Mai

There are several towns near Chiang Mai that are worth exploring:

We recommend spending a few days in Pai where you can relax and enjoy the most hippie corner of Thailand.
Don't miss a visit to Chiang Rai . The town itself didn't impress us, but you have to go to see the white temple: it's amazing!
If you want to get away from the crowds and the asphalt, take a trip to Doi Inthanon National Park, which is about 100 km from Chiang Mai. You can admire Thailand's highest mountain at 2,565 m, bathe in icy waterfalls and enjoy temples and a charming landscape. There are tours leaving from Chiang Mai daily.
And if you rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai, in addition to moving through its narrow streets, climbing Doi Suthep and reaching the most distant temples, you can take a circular tour of its nearby villages. Check out our Samoeng Loop tour .
Why not rent a car and plan a more complete adventure? This was our 7-day itinerary through Northern Thailand by car .
Closer to Chiang Mai are the ruins of the lost capital: Wiang Kum Kam .
Chiang Mai is the perfect city to learn something new . Do you like cooking? You can take a Thai cooking class like this one and learn how to prepare homemade specialties! Do you like massages? You can receive massages and learn how to give them! Do you like martial arts? Learn the basic movements of Muay Thai, Thailand's national sport... Or try a game of sepak takraw (without breaking your hip). Here, if you don't learn, it's because you don't want to!

11. Study the elephant centers well

There is a strange business in the outskirts of Chiang Mai : that of animals . Driving around on the motorbike we have seen shows of monkeys, snakes, tigers, elephants, bugs and many more. Obviously these are businesses that train and mistreat animals in exchange for a few coins from the tourists on duty who think they are seeing an exotic show.

Our experience at an elephant “recovery” center

On our first trip to Thailand (2011) we were very naive and decided to go to an elephant “recovery” park where we saw how the trainers had metal spikes ready to be used in case the animal did not do what it was supposed to do (draw, play with a ball, walk). Very sad.

How to know if a center is good or not?

Generally, if there is contact with the pachyderms (whether to ride them, bathe them or feed them), it is not a good sign. There should not be any contact with these animals (and that is the problem: tourists want photos with them and better if while they are "taking care of" them).

Be careful! In the past everyone spoke well of the Elephant Nature Park but it seems that it is NOT so recommendable anymore. We leave you the Faada statement and a list of the recommended centers to see elephants in Thailand , where things are done well. Remember that the fact that you do not see abuse does not mean that there is no abuse. The guys from Conmochila explain it very well in this post about elephants and tourists
We have done a lot of research and two centres that are doing things right are BEES – Burm And Emily's Elephant Sanctuary and Chang Chill.
And what about the famous Tiger Kingdom? The tigers are sedated all day long to allow tourists to get close and take a photo. A horror. Don't go.

These are our opinions and we don't want to criticize anyone. We paid for an elephant ride on our first trip, but if we had any idea of the circus going on... we wouldn't have done it! Nowadays, with so much information on the networks, it is important to inform ourselves and do our part to not contribute to the animal business.

Since we updated this information, we have been contacted by several travellers who, after visiting the ENP, were left with a good feeling. We simply limit ourselves to reporting the FAADA announcement.

We have not recently visited the park and we do not have personal experience, but looking at photos on Tripadvisor and other networks there are still small things that do not convince us (we were told that bathing the elephants has already been cancelled but there are photos from August that prove the opposite). As with everything, what we advise you is to inform yourself and choose for yourself (we would love for you to tell us what you thought when you return).

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what to see and do in chiang mai — Take care of them!

More things to see and do in Chiang Mai

Do you have time left to continue exploring Chiang Mai? Here are some alternative plans to complete a wonderful trip:

Visit the Nimman district , the trendiest area of the city. Here, among other things, you will find the Maya shopping centre, which has a cinema, shops and interesting food courts. One Nimman is newer and seems to be more popular with locals.
Go for a homemade cake and a delicious coffee at the Pakamon Factory
Head to Baan Kang Wat , a very creative place with craft shops, cafes and a good atmosphere. It is close to Wat Umong , one of the most unusual in the city.

All in all, Chiang Mai is both a perfect place to spend some time doing nothing, relax and write, and to make the most of it: it is a great reference point for planning adventure trips and getting to know this area better... Of course, being responsible! These are our ideas of things to see and do in Chiang Mai , which is your favorite?

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