Surrounded by gorgeous nature and filled with wonderful sights and some of the best food in the country, no Thailand adventure is complete without a visit to Chiang Mai.
Located some 700km north of Bangkok in the province of the same name, it is the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom and remains a culturally significant city that has much to offer visitors. Here, you can indulge in utterly irresistible food, marvel at the 200+ temples scattered across the city, people-watch from cool coffee shops, and get caught up in bustling night bazaars that celebrate Lanna traditions with handicrafts and performances.
It is also an ideal destination for nature and adventure lovers. Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains and lush countryside that offers a range of attractions and excursions to be enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.
So, whether you are visiting here for just a few days or settling down for a longer stay, I’m sure you will love Chiang Mai as much as I do. In this post I will suggest what to do, see, eat and drink while you’re in Chiang Mai.
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What to Do and See in Chiang Mai
Explore the Old Town
Dating to the late 13th century, Chiang Mai’s charming historic centre is the most popular place for visitors to stay in the city. This square-shaped area surrounded by a moat is relatively small and full of things to do and see, making it a great place to explore on foot.
Although the majority of the Old City’s walls are no longer standing, there are a few remnants that are worth checking out, such as the famous Phae Gate. This preserved structure has gone through several reconstructions over the years, and was completely rebuilt in the late 1960s. Today it is the site of local events and is a popular site for tourists.
Within the Old City walls you’ll also find pretty and photogenic tree-lined streets, amazing restaurants, bustling markets, street food stalls, cool coffee shops, and numerous temples to visit. Speaking of which…..
Sample the Fantastic Local Cuisine
My husband and I fell head over heels in love with northern Thai (Lanna) cuisine and some of our best meals were in Chiang Mai. Everywhere you go you will be drawn to the intoxicating aroma of something utterly delicious being prepared.
There are so many mouthwatering delicacies to tuck into here, but some stand-outs include Sai oua (spicy sausages flavoured with lemongrass), Gaeng Hang Lay (slow-braised pork belly and ribs in a rich, coconut-based curry sauce), and Larb Kua (a spicy, smokey, and flavourful minced-meat salad).
Our favourite dish here though is probably Khao soi; this glorious egg noodle soup has a rich coconut curry base and is commonly available with either chicken or beef. It’s garnished with deep-fried crispy egg noodles, pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime and ground chillies fried in oil.
There are plenty of restaurants to enjoy these dishes throughout the city, but a couple I can whole-heartedly recommend are Sorn Chan and Khao Soi Khun Yai.
There are also several fantastic night markets to get your fix of street food, with the likes of Chang Phuak Market, Chiang Mai Gate Market, and Warorot Market all serving up delicious fare for great prices. Check out my post on the must-try dishes in Thailand for more food-based inspiration for your trip.
Join a Chiang Mai Food Tour
With so many delicious dishes in northern Thailand, where do you even start? I suggest with a food tour! A Chef’s Tour runs two food tours in Chiang Mai – Northern Flavours and Lanna Kingdom – which take you deep into the city’s real culinary heart aboard a classic rod daeng truck, far from the usual tourist trail. Guided by a passionate local foodie who knows the Northern Thai food scene inside out, you’ll explore the history of regional cuisine and the strong Burmese influences that shape it.
These tours move beyond the old city walls to secret street food spots and lively local markets, where you’ll see how residents shop, cook, and eat, while tasting dishes many visitors never encounter, such as gaeng hang lae curry, roasted pork, and spicy minced larb salad. With stops at five to six hidden vendors known almost exclusively to locals, this is a true introduction to Northern Thai cuisine. I’ve done several food tours with A Chef’s Tour, and I’m always impressed by the variety of dishes, the knowledge the guides share, and the fact that I leave every tour happily and comfortably full.
Get a Thai Massage
If your feet are sore from temple-hopping, treat yourself to a soothing foot massage or try the famous Thai massage. Traditional Thai massages don’t include oils or lotions, and you remain fully clothed. These massages are no joke; you will be twisted, pulled, stretched and contorted into different positions. You might be surprised at some of the techniques, which include pulling fingers, toes and ears, along with cracking knuckles, kneeling on the back of the recipient and even walking – slowly and carefully – on their back!
If you’d prefer something more relaxing, you can find dozens of spas across the city offering oil massages and more gentle, Swedish-style ones for some serious pampering.
Take a Cooking Class
Chiang Mai is the perfect place to explore your love for Thai food. My husband and I took part in a half-day cooking class with Baan Farm Thai Cooking School. We were really impressed with the staff and how the day was organised. Firstly a small group of us were taken to the market to buy some fresh produce and learn about local ingredients. Then we were driven to a relaxing, peaceful farm in the Chiang Mai countryside.
Participants could choose which five dishes they want to make, receive instructions and guidance from the staff, then sit down and eat with the group. We had so much fun preparing – and devouring – the dishes and received an e-book with twenty fantastic Thai recipes. To learn all about our cooking class, check out my post What’s it like doing a cooking class in Thailand?
Go Temple-Hopping
Chiang Mai is jam packed with wonderful temples; most of them over-the-top extravagant and adorned with gold, gems, and jewels. My husband and I visited a lot of temples across the city, with several of our favourites found within the city walls. These ones stood out in particular:
- Wat Chedi Luang, built in 1401 and dominated by a large Lanna-style stupa (a structure containing relics that is used as a site for meditation).
- Wat Lam Chang, which translates as “Temple of the Tethered Elephants”. Elephants were once kept, bathed and fed here when they weren’t transporting the royal family.
- Wat Dok Euang, with two golden dragons guarding its entrance and twenty golden Buddhas inside its main alter, in three different Mudra (poses); the Subduing Mara, Abhaya and Dhyana.
- Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, dating back to the 13th century. Check out the impressive ‘Elephant Chedi, which has fifteen life-sized elephants seemingly carrying the upper level of the building on their backs.
The largest and most important temple in Chiang Mai though is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which sits on top of the Doi Suthep hill around 15km from the city centre. You can climb 308 steps up the intricately carved serpent staircase (or take a lift if you prefer!) for incredible views across Chiang Mai.
Visit an Elephant Park
Watching elephants is one of the most special things you can do in Thailand. They are such gentle, intelligent creatures which create such a calming atmosphere. You should absolutely visit an elephant park/sanctuary while you’re there, but please choose carefully. There are still a lot of unethical and damaging practices in Thailand where animals, such as elephants, suffer tremendously. If you see a company advertising elephant rides, or one that chains elephants up or allows tourists to apply paint to them (yes, that really happens), please don’t give that company your time or money.
Fortunately there are ethical alternatives like Elephant Nature Park, one of the most respected and famous elephant rescue and rehabilitation projects in the country. It is home to more than 35 free-roaming elephants, many of which have been rescued from the tourism industry. You can get to know the elephants by feeding and walking with them; there is a strict no-riding policy. You can visit for the day, or stay for longer as a volunteer if you manage to grab one of the coveted spots.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Chiang Mai is the perfect destination for those of you wanting to shop for handmade products made by Thai artisans. Designated a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Art, the city is filled with a large number of stores, boutiques, and studios selling everything from beautifully made pottery and intricate wood carvings to elegant textiles and silverwork.
Additionally, Chiang Mai’s bustling street markets aren’t just for delicious food. They are also creative hubs where you can pick up wonderful souvenirs and gifts.
One of the most popular shopping locations in the Old City is the Sunday Walking Street Market. This bustling and enormous market that runs along Ratchadamnoen Road and starts at Tha Phae Gate is the ideal place to pick up some souvenirs or gifts for friends and family. It runs from 4.30pm until midnight every Sunday.
Day Trips from Chiang Mai
If you are staying in Chiang Mai for more than a few days, you should definitely venture out of the city. Its green and mountainous surroundings offer perfect opportunities for activities like hiking, trekking, white-water rafting, rock climbing, zip lining, and visiting beautiful waterfalls.
A popular day-trip is Doi Inthanon National Park. This sprawling and majestic natural reserve is home to Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, as well as numerous hiking trails, caves, and waterfalls including Mae Ya Waterfall. The best way to visit Doi Inthanon National Park is via a guided tour, such as Doi Inthanon National Park Eco-Friendly Tour.
You may also be interested in visiting Bua Thong Waterfalls. Also known as theSticky Waterfalls,these unique natural wonders get their name from the fact that rather than being slippy like most waterfalls, they have a mineral deposit that makes them grippy, allowing visitors to climb up them. You can join an organised tour to Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall, which includes a visit to Bua Tong Cave and buffet lunch.
There are also some relatively nearby towns and cities that can technically be reached from Chiang Mai as a day-trip, including Pai and Chiang Rai. However, the journeys are long (4 hours or so each way), so I would advise you to stay overnight if you want to visit them.
Instead, I suggest hopping on the train for a couple of hours to visit Lampang. This hidden gem just south of Chiang Mai is quiet, peaceful, and the perfect off the beaten track destination.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai offers a wide range of accommodation from budget hostels and guesthouses to boutique hotels and mid-range stays, especially concentrated in the Old City, where you can walk to temples, markets and eateries. Expect simple, clean rooms with amenities like air-conditioning and Wi-Fi at guesthouses, while boutique hotels may add extras like breakfast, lounges or small gardens.
- BaanSpired CHIANG MAI ($) – A modern, warmly designed guesthouse in Chiang Mai Old Town offering air-conditioned rooms with balconies and work desks, perfect for travellers who want comfort and a central base.
- Suan Dok Gate Guesthouse ($) – Centrally located just steps from Wat Phra Singh and Chiang Mai’s Old City sights, this clean and friendly guesthouse is praised for its helpful staff, comfort and convenient walkable location.
- Pissamorn House ($) – Highly rated cozy guesthouse right in the Old City, known for its spacious rooms, welcoming host and excellent location close to markets and temples.
- All in 1 Guesthouse ($) – A charming, well-located guesthouse near Thapae Gate with comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi and a relaxed vibe.
- Gusto House ($$) – A very well-reviewed guesthouse with welcoming staff, freshly made breakfast options and cozy rooms, ideally positioned within a short walk of Chiang Mai’s markets and historic sites.
When to Visit Chiang Mai
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is usually from November to February. During this period you will get the best weather, as well as avoid the worst of the air pollution brought on by the crop burning season.
Air quality is usually at its worst around the end of February and March, when thick, harmful layers of smog blanket the city. However, this can vary from year to year.
How to Get to Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai can easily be reached by plane, train, or automobile. This makes it a convenient destination, especially if you are arriving from hubs like Bangkok. Some of the journeys can be long though, so you may find that flying is the best option for you.
By plane: Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is located just southwest of the Old City. From here you can hire a Grab/taxi and be in the centre in about 20 minutes.
By bus: A popular way for people to get to Chiang Mai is by taking a sleeper bus. From Bangkok, for example, journeys take around 11 hours and cost roughly 1,000 THB ($30). This is a good option if you are travelling on a budget.
Buses aren’t always comfortable though, so choose wisely when booking. Bus tickets can be booked on 12Go.
By train: Chiang Mai has a well-connected train station, located just outside the Old City to the east. If you are travelling from Bangkok you can book a ticket for a sleeper-train, with journeys taking around 13 hours. Costs vary depending on the class i.e. First Class Sleeper (2-Berth Private Cabin, Air-Conditioned). Tickets should be booked well in advance to get the seats you want.
I hope this post has given you lots of ideas about what to do, see and eat in Chiang Mai. If I haven’t mentioned any of your favourite eateries or activities, please share them in the comments below.
Ciao for now
Izzie, the Curious Sparrow