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Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city, serves as a gateway to the country’s northern region. Long favored by backpackers for its affordability, it has also become a haven for ex-pats and digital nomads in recent years. With a low cost of living and excellent value for money, Chiang Mai is a versatile destination, whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer stay.
This vibrant city seamlessly blends modern conveniences with rich cultural heritage. Within its historic walls, you’ll find ornate temples, bustling markets, and a warm local community. Beyond the city lies a lush jungle landscape framed by picturesque mountains, offering plenty of opportunity for adventure. From exploring ancient temples to trekking with elephants, there are countless things to do in Chiang Mai.

How to Get Around Chiang Mai
Getting around Chiang Mai is fairly easy, with various options to fit different needs and budgets.
Red Songthaews: These shared pickup trucks are one of the most popular and affordable ways to travel around the city. Simply flag one down, tell the driver your destination, and hop on for a shared ride.
Tuk-tuks: For a faster, private ride, tuk-tuks are a great option. They’re more expensive than songthaews, so be prepared to negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Scooter Rentals: Renting a scooter offers freedom to explore Chiang Mai and its surrounding areas, such as Doi Suthep or local villages. Always wear a helmet for safety.
Grab (Ride-Hailing App): Grab is widely used in Chiang Mai and provides an easy and reliable way to get around the city without worrying about haggling.
Walking: If you’re staying in the Old City, walking is an excellent option. The area is compact, making it easy to explore temples, cafes, and markets at a leisurely pace.
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during the cool season, from November to February. This period offers pleasant weather, with daytime temperatures ranging from 77–86°F (25–30°C) and cooler evenings. The city comes alive with festivals like Loy Krathong and Yi Peng, where thousands of lanterns illuminate the sky. It’s also the perfect time to explore the region’s lush mountains, ancient temples, and vibrant markets without the heat or heavy rains. While the high season means more tourists, the mild climate and cultural events make it a favorite time to experience the charm of Chiang Mai.
Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai:
1. Visit Elephant Nature Park
Elephant Nature Park is one of the top things to do in Chiang Mai. It is one of the few true elephant rescue and rehabilitation centers in Thailand. The park provides a beautiful environment, not only for elephants but for dogs, cats, water buffalos, and other animals. Visitors can choose to spend a day at the park or volunteer for a longer period.
I chose to participate in a short park visit. The short park visit includes a tour of the grounds, feeding and observing the elephants, and a vegetarian lunch. Elephant Nature Park does not offer elephant rides and no legitimate sanctuary will. An elephant’s back is not built for riding and it is extremely painful for them. Elephant Nature Park offers some wonderful off-site activities as well. I participated in the full-day Elephant Highlands activity, part of their Saddle-Off program.
The Saddle-Off program was created to improve the lives of elephants at independent camps. Elephant Nature Park works with these once unethical camps to develop a new business model – one that treats the elephants with respect. I had the opportunity to feed and walk with the elephants through a beautiful, remote area of Chiang Mai. To learn more about ethical elephant sanctuaries, continue to my post, “Elephant Nature Park: Visiting an Ethical Ethical Sanctuary“.
2. Shop at the Night Markets
Chiang Mai is home to two vibrant night markets, the Saturday and Sunday Walking Streets, both offering unique shopping experiences. On Saturday and Sunday evenings, the streets are closed to traffic from around 4 p.m. until midnight, transforming into pedestrian-only zones. The Saturday Night Market is located just outside the Old City walls, near the south gate, while the Sunday Walking Street is situated within the Old City, beginning at the Tha Pae Gate and stretching along Ratchadamnoen Road.
Shopping at these markets is a must for anyone visiting Chiang Mai. They are the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs, with a wide range of items at great prices. While some vendors are open to bargaining, others may offer fixed prices. Expect to find an assortment of beautiful crafts, affordable clothing, live music, and delicious street food. While the Sunday market is larger, I found the Saturday market more enjoyable. There were fewer crowds and a wider selection of unique, hand-made items.
3. Take a Day Trip to Chiang Rai
A day trip to Chiang Rai is a must on your list of things to do in Chiang Mai. Located about three hours to the north, Chiang Rai offers a day trip that is well worth the journey. I highly recommend visiting the stunning Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) and Wat Rong Sear Tean (Blue Temple), both modern masterpieces that are very different from the more traditional temples in Chiang Mai. Taxi or guided tours are the best ways to visit Chiang Rai.
Wat Rong Khun
Wat Rong Khun, or the “White Temple”, is the vision of visual artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Construction began in 1998, and while the main temple has been completed, other structures surrounding it are still under development and may take decades to finish. The temple is renowned for its intricate murals, which depict the Buddha’s life and teachings through pop culture and recent events. They include images of Michael Jackson, Freddy Kruger, and scenes from 9/11. The temple’s striking white design symbolizes purity and enlightenment.
Wat Rong Sear Tean
Wat Rong Sear Tean, or the “Blue Temple”, is a short drive from the White Temple. This modern temple was built on the site of an ancient, abandoned temple. Construction began in 2005, and the main hall was completed in 2016. The temple is a vivid blue, accented with beautiful gold details. Inside, a large, white seated Buddha is surrounded by tall columns and intricate artwork, much of which is the work of Phuttha Kabkaew, a former student of Chalermchai Kositpipat. Unlike the White Temple, visitors are welcome to photograph the interior.
4. Tour the Old City Temples
The Old City of Chiang Mai is home to many remarkable temples. I recommend joining a walking tour. The temples are close to one another, making them easy to visit. Key temples to include in your itinerary are Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Sri Suphan.
Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang is one of the tallest and most significant temples in Chiang Mai. The temple originally housed the famous Emerald Buddha, however, it was moved to Bangkok in the 18th century. Its towering brick chedi, constructed in the 14th century, was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545. Restoration efforts in the 1990s focused on rebuilding portions of the structure, though the top was never reconstructed, as its original form remains unknown.
Wat Phra Singh
Wat Phra Singh, built in 1345 and renovated in the early 19th century, is another must-see temple. It is known for its traditional Lanna architectural style, featuring multi-tiered roofs, small windows and doors, and intricate carpentry. This temple is one of the most visited in Chiang Mai and showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Wat Sri Suphan
Wat Sri Suphan, also known as the Silver Temple, stands out for its unique design and history. Originally completed in 1502, it served as a temple for a silversmith village. In 2008, the temple underwent significant renovations, and it was entirely rebuilt using silver and aluminum. The intricate silverwork is stunning and the temple is even more beautiful when it is illuminated in the evening.
5. Explore the Nimman Area
To experience a more modern side of Chiang Mai, I recommend venturing beyond the Old City to the Nimman area. Located just north of the Old City on Nimmanhaemin Road, Nimman is a trendy neighborhood popular with the youth, due to its proximity to the university. The area is filled with large malls, stylish boutiques, and street markets.
The Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center is a prominent mall offering a mix of local and international retailers, a movie theater, and various dining options. Directly across the street, One Nimman is another large shopping center, featuring a fantastic food hall on the first floor with a wide range of street-food-inspired dishes.
For those seeking a more boutique shopping experience, Nimman Promenade is a great option, offering a selection of clothing and accessory boutiques, ranging from affordable to upscale. I also recommend exploring the side streets, known as sois, which are home to hidden gems including cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.
6. Discover Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located about twenty minutes from Chiang Mai’s Old City, is the most visited temple in the area, and a must on this list of things to do in Chiang Mai. The most convenient way to reach the temple is by songthaew, a red, open-back vehicle commonly used for public transport throughout Chiang Mai. Songthaews depart from Huay Kaew Road and will wait until the vehicle is nearly full before departing.
The fare is about $2 USD. You can also charter a songthaew from any location in the city at a reasonable price. The ride takes you up a winding road through the jungle-covered slopes of Doi Suthep mountain, where you’ll be dropped off near the top. The area is home to several waterfalls.
Upon arrival, you can either climb the 300 steps leading to the temple or take a lift to the entrance. The temple complex features outdoor terraces and a pathway that leads to a stunning 79-foot-tall gold-plated chedi. There are also peaceful spots where you can relax and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
7. Get a Massage by an Ex-Prisoner
While it’s easy to find an affordable massage in Thailand, you can also contribute to the community in a meaningful way. Inmates at the Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution are trained in traditional Thai massage as part of their rehabilitation program. This initiative aims to equip them with valuable skills, offering a pathway to financial independence upon release and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
You can experience a massage at the correctional facility itself or visit one of several businesses in town that employ former inmates. During my visit, I had the opportunity to try the Women’s Massage Center by Ex-Prisoners in the Old City, where I enjoyed a fantastic hour-long massage for about $10 USD.
8. Stop for Coffee
Coffee culture is huge in Chiang Mai, with the city experiencing a shift from traditional tea to coffee over the years. Today, it’s hard to walk a block without passing a charming cafe. Many of the cafes have a fun atmosphere in addition to exceptional coffee, making them a must-visit. During my visit, I explored numerous spots, but two standouts in the Old City are Into the Woods and Akha Ama.
Into the Woods is a whimsical, storybook-themed cafe, featuring faux trees, murals, and a small yet flavorful menu. Akha Ama, while more focused on the quality of its coffee than the decor, offers an impressive selection. The coffee is sourced from Akha farmers, who are known as some of the most skilled in Thailand and is truly unique.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Pingviman Hotel
Pingviman Hotel offers a prime location in the historic old quarter of Chiang Mai and provides exceptional value for money. The spacious rooms feature expansive bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs and are elegantly decorated in a traditional Northern Thai style. Each room includes a private balcony or patio for added comfort. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s beautiful pool area, and benefit from the convenient, complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport.
M5 Hotel
M5 Hotel, situated in Chiang Mai’s Old City, offers an excellent budget-friendly option. The hotel features spacious, clean rooms, each with a private patio. Guests can enjoy the on-site pool and a fantastic rooftop area. Additionally, the hotel provides complimentary bike rentals for convenient exploration of the city.
U Nimman Chiang Mai
U Nimman Chiang Mai is an ideal choice for those wanting to stay in the vibrant Nimman area. The hotel is centrally located, within walking distance of dining and shopping options. Modern amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center, and sauna. Guests can also enjoy the added convenience of free bike rentals for exploring the area.
Have you visited Thailand? What are your favorite things to do in Chiang Mai? If you’ve enjoyed this post, please leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Thinking about visiting an elephant sanctuary? Continue to my post, “Elephant Nature Park: Visiting an Ethical Sanctuary” for more information.
Thanks so much for all the tips! It great to see the must-do of a place before you start planning a trip.
Super helpful post! ❤️
I’ll be looking forward to your next adventure!
Glad to hear it was helpful. Thank you for reading!
Chiang Mai has been on my list forever! I’m daydreaming about bathing an elephant <3
Thanks for a lovely post! :)
We’ve been to Chiang Mai a couple of times and we agree it is well with it and amazing. Thank you for so.e new tips. The massage center was one I’ve never heard of but a massage is always a must in Thailand. I’ve never made it to Chiang Rai and always wanted to go there. Great review and tips. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you! Glad there was some new info for you :)
I traveled to Chiang Mai solo last year and it is the BEST city I’ve been in. I stayed for five full days and could have stayed longer. Your blog post hits all the great spots and activities to do in Chiang Mai – I especially loved going to the Night Market and visiting random temples.
I wish I had stayed longer as well! I just wandered aimlessly around the city and had such a great time.