28 Surprising Things To Do in Chiang Mai for an Epic Adventure

Chiang Mai is probably Thailand’s most popular destination after Bangkok. The cool mountain town is popular for its hilly landscape, elephant sanctuaries, delicious cuisine, and lush rainforests. 

I spent a good week in Chiang Mai in April, and it wasn’t even enough time. I’d be very happy to be back and see more of what the area has to offer. Are you thinking of visiting Chiang Mai? Here’s exactly what I did during my week in Chiang Mai and my list of the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

Wonderful Things to Do in Chiang Mai – Sights 

1. Doi Inthanon National Park

The highest mountain in Thailand is Doi Inthanon, which rises to 8,415 feet (2,565 meters). This elevation and the ancient forests, big waterfalls, and temple complexes are reasons to visit the Doi Inthanon National Park. 

Visiting waterfalls, hiking through nature trails, exploring a coffee plantation within a Karen Hill Tribe Village, and admiring the Twin Royal Pagodas are among the park’s top attractions.

2. Wat Phra Singh

Founded in 1345, the Wat Phra Singh temple is a great attraction worth visiting. You’ll find a collection of ancient and deeply revered Buddha statues within the temple, including the cherished Phra Buddha Sihing sculpture. 

Guests have the opportunity to wander the temple premises, which encompass numerous smaller pagodas, the living quarters for monks known as kuti, and a modest structure housing a reclining Buddha statue.

3. Mae Ya Waterfall

A beautiful waterfall inside the Do Inthanon National Park, Mae Ya, is a place you should consider visiting. From 98 ft (30 m), it plunges 282 ft (86 m) deep, creating a spectacular sight. 

When you visit, you can take a very short stroll to reach the waterfall, admire the natural surroundings in the area, and go for a swim in the waters.

4. Wiang Kum Kam

Wiang Kum Kam is a recently discovered ancient lost city that has now been opened to the public. It ranks high among the places to visit in Chiang Mai because of its fascinating history and stunning archeological sites.

5. Wat Chedi Luang

The Wat Chide Luang temple dates back more than 600 years and is therefore worth a visit. The pyramid-like structure is also the tallest building in Chiang Mai, rising to 269 ft (82 m).

6. Wat Umong Tunnels

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, visit Wat Umong, a tunnel temple hidden in the jungle. This unique site features a network of tunnels once used by monks for meditation. You’ll also find Buddha statues of various sizes and shapes scattered throughout, making it an ideal place for peaceful and spiritual reflection.

7. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

How about visiting the elephant sanctuaries? These are dedicated to the welfare of the big mammals, providing them with love, shelter, and food. You can spend a few hours interacting, feeding, and bathing the elephants.

We visited an elephant sanctuary after we had done some research and asked around. You should always do your own research and have a good feeling when you visit these places. The animals need to be treated right; they should be able to leave if they want to, and you should absolutely never ride on an elephant. Even if they give you the option and you don’t do it, the place is probably not right for you.

8. Wat Sri Suphan

Nicknamed the Silver Temple, Wat Sri Suphan is another attraction you should visit off Wualai Road. It has rich silver ornamentation that makes it spectacular and gives it the nickname of the silver temple.

9. Royal Park Rajapruek

Located 5.6 miles (9 km) from the old town, Royal Park Rajapruek is a beautiful botanical garden with beautiful floral displays and cultural exhibits. It was built to honor the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and showcases plants from all over Thailand and the world.

10. Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara 

Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara is popular for its 14th-century temple, with the City Pillar Shrine. The mammoth chedi (temple) measures around 282 ft high (86 m) and 144 ft (44 m) wide. The place hosts important religious ceremonies like the Inthakin and Visakha Bucha Day.

Wonderful Things to Do in Chiang Mai – Activities 

11. Hike the Wat Phra That Doi Kham Temple

Referred to as the Temple of the Golden Mountain, this structure is considered a sacred spot by locals and provides a charming view of the landscape. The trail takes you through lush forests and up a series of stairs leading to the temple’s massive golden Buddha statue. 

12. Tour the Night Markets

Chiang Mai has many night markets, making the city famous as a true paradise for shoppers. We particularly recommend the night bazaar, which runs every evening from around 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., located along Chang Klan Road.

The Saturday walking street and Sunday walking street are also popular and fun to visit if you happen to be there on these dates.

13. Join a Thai Cooking Class

If you would like to learn how to cook Thai meals, join a cooking class where you can learn how to make delicious curries, Khao Soy, and tasty Pad Thai.

14. Watch a Muay Thai Fight

One of the most impressive activities you can engage in is watching Muay Thai fights. The technique came from a military training method used by Thai soldiers and is now a national sport.

15. Join the Loi Krathong Festival

The Loi Krathong Festival in Chiang Mai is a breathtaking celebration that takes place every November during the full moon. Visitors can witness thousands of beautifully decorated krathongs (small floating baskets made of banana leaves, flowers, and candles) released onto the river, symbolizing the letting go of negativity.

16. Watch the Yi Peng Lantern Festival

The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is a beautiful celebration that typically takes place in November, coinciding with the Loi Krathong Festival. During this event, thousands of paper lanterns are released into the night sky, creating a stunning spectacle of lights that symbolizes letting go of misfortunes and making wishes for the future.

17. Visit the Hmong Tribal Village

Many tourism activities are widely promoted in the Hmong tribal village that will show you authentic village life. Located in the mountains near Chiang Mai, the village showcases traditional handicrafts, colorful textiles, and delicious local cuisine. While there, you can interact with the villagers, learn about their customs, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

18. Go on a Zipline Thrill at the Flight of the Gibbon Park 

For a combination of nature and adventure, you can ride in a zip line at Gibbon Park, about an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai. This adventure park offers a series of thrilling ziplines that take you soaring high above the jungle, providing breathtaking views of the natural surroundings. 

Make sure that you book in advance. We arrived there last-minute and the experiences were already booked for the rest of the week.

19. Enjoy a Thai Massage

If you feel tired after exploring Chiang Mai, a Thai massage will help you relax. These parlors are all over the city and around temples.

20. Go for a Night Safari 

You can go for a night safari in three zones: Savanna Safari, Predator Prowl, and Jaguar Trail. The zoos are named according to the animals you are likely to see. Visitors can explore these zones by riding an open-sided tram or walking along designated paths. 

The night safari is designed to recreate the feel of being in the wilderness after dark, offering interactive activities like feeding the animals and a laser light show.​

Wonderful Things to Do in Chiang Mai – Foods to Try

21. Som Tam Street Food

One of the finest Thai street foods is Som Tam, made with unripe papaya, Thai chilies, garlic, and other ingredients. It’s often served with sticky rice and grilled meats, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Traditional Som Tam has a bold flavor with a balance of sourness and spiciness. Chiang Mai’s take on this dish contains more chilies, compared to the central regions where tourists usually opt for lower heat.

22. Sai Oua

While Sai Oua is more of an appetizer, the meal is worth trying. The grilled spicy herb sausage is made with pork sausage mixed with garlic, shallots, dried chilies, spices, and herbs.

In other parts of Thailand, the sausages in Sai Oua are made of different meats like chicken or beef. Another thing that makes Chiang Mai’s Sai Oua special is its spicier taste and stronger umami flavor. 

23. Khanom Krok

Knanom Krok is a light and delicious coconut rice pancake snack that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often enjoyed as a dessert or snack. Topped with green onions or sweet corn, these bite-sized delights are perfect for savoring while exploring the city.

Knamon Krok with creamy filling is unique to Chiang Mai. The way it’s prepared in other Thai regions makes it more chewy. Also, locals in Chiang Mai prefer to cook it with sweet and savory flavors in mind, while other places use ingredients like taro so it’s on the sweeter side.

24. Khao Soi

Khao Soi is a dish that’s especially famous in Chiang Mai. This delicious Northern Thai noodle soup features a rich coconut curry base, is served with egg noodles, and is topped with crispy fried noodles, pickled mustard greens, shallots, and lime.

If you get the chance to eat Khao Soi in Chiang Mai, where it’s originally from, you’ll notice the broth is creamier as it’s cooked with a generous amount of coconut milk. Additionally, the Chiang Mai version features chicken instead of pork or seafood. 

25. Nam Prik Ong

A delicious pork tomato chili dip, Nam Prik Ong is often served with a big platter of cabbage, cauliflower, okra, eggplant, and long beans. It’s a staple in Northern Thai cuisine and is often enjoyed as a condiment with rice or eaten with raw vegetables.

Nam Prik Ong from Chiang Mai is prepared with a twist. It has coriander roots and lemongrass in the mix, resulting in a refreshing aroma that goes perfectly with the tomatoes.

26. Gaeng Hang Lay

Gaeng Hang Lay is a flavorful Northern Thai curry made with pork, garlic, and a mix of aromatic spices, and it stands out because it doesn’t use coconut milk, unlike other Thai curries. The dish has a rich, slightly tangy flavor thanks to the tamarind used in the sauce. 

The way Gaeng Hang Lay is prepared in Chiang Mai makes it more tender. It involves marinating the pork before it’s slow-cooked. Plus, it’s more common to serve this dish with sticky rice in Chiang Mai than anywhere else in Thailand. 

27. Khanom Bua Loi

Don’t miss tasting Khanom Bua Loi, a warm dessert filled with a base of coconut milk and small chewy rice balls. The name “Bua Loi” translates to “floating lotus,” which reflects the appearance of the chewy rice balls in the creamy coconut milk. 

While Khanom Bua Loi from hotspots like Bangkok is sometimes chilled to appeal to foreigners, you can enjoy it the authentic way in Chiang Mai: in a warm, comforting bowl. 

28. Sticky Rice

Sticky rice is a popular food in Chiang Mai, particularly in its many delightful forms, including the famous mango sticky rice. This dessert combines sweet, ripe mango with glutinous rice that is often steamed and served with coconut milk.

When traveling Chiang Mai, you’re more likely to come across street vendors selling sticky rice on banana leaves. They assemble it in front of you and pour warm coconut milk over the rice just before serving.

Best Time To Visit Chiang Mai 

The right time to visit Chiang Mai is between November and February, when the weather is mostly cool, with only a slight breeze. That’s the ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is usually very vibrant during this time since it’s also the peak tourism season. 

If you want to travel during the cheaper season, the best time to visit is between July and October. However, because of the rain and humidity, you may be unable to engage in some activities that you’d like.

If you want to experience a top festival, you should go in April for the Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) and in November for the Yi Peng Festival.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Things To Do in Chiang Mai

What Should You Not Miss in Chiang Mai?

When in Chiang Mai, visit Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara and Wat Phra Singh Chiang Mai for their amazing temples. A memorable night market spree and street food binge should also be on your must-do list. 

How Many Days Should I Spend in Chiang Mai?

Five days and four nights are normally enough to explore and taste Chiang Mai, but that could vary depending on your interests and goals.

Is Chiang Mai Expensive?

If you stick to local markets and stay in the old city, Chiang Mai will be cheap. But if you go to, say, a fancy organic restaurant or a luxury hotel, it will be expensive.

How Is Chiang Mai Different From Bangkok?

The main difference between Chiang Mai and Bangkok is in the population. Bangkok has over nine million people, while Chiang Mai has only 139,000. Do the math: These figures can spell the difference between a laidback and a chaotic vacation.

Conclusion – Things To Do in Chiang Mai

With its natural wonders, rich culture, fascinating history, and stellar cuisine, Chiang Mai deserves a place on every traveler’s bucket list. 

There’s something for every type of traveler in this amazing tropical destination, so start preparing for your dream vacation!

There’s more to Southeast Asia than fabulous beaches, although experiencing Phuket or Bali can be life-changing. Check out the region’s equally enjoyable attractions in Malaysia and Singapore.

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