Attention all adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts and nature lovers! Don’t miss out on the ultimate Chiang Mai experience. With over 1001 incredible things to do around Chiang Mai city, you won’t know where to start. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Chiang Mai offers a more relaxed atmosphere with a focus on art, architecture and nature that will leave you amazed.
But that’s not all. Chiang Mai is a unique destination surrounded by mountain ranges, waterfalls and picturesque landscapes. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the rural culture of the region and experience the breathtaking beauty of the land of rice and elephants.
Take a step back in time and explore the living heritage of the Lanna Kingdom. Admire the golden hilltop temples with their magnificent Lanna-style roofs soaring into the sky. Discover handicraft villages where master craftsmen pass down their skills through generations, producing beautiful woodwork, silk, silver jewellery and much more.
But wait, that’s not all! Chiang Mai is also the ultimate destination for adventure. From thrilling white water rafting to fast-paced ziplining, the list of “Top Best Things to do in Chiang Mai” has it all.
There’s so much to see and do that you won’t want to miss a single moment. Discover our favourite activities in Chiang Mai tour and experience the trip of a lifetime. Don’t hesitate and start planning your Chiang Mai tour today!
Table of Contents
The Elephant Sanctuary Experience: A Must-Do in Chiang Mai
Elephants have become synonymous with Thailand, gentle and intelligent animals that have come to symbolise the country itself. Therefore, visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary has become a popular tourist experience. For many people, an elephant visit is as high on the list of things to do in Chiang Mai as eating pad thai and visiting temples.
These sanctuaries are usually located deep in the countryside, surrounded by dense jungle and high mountains. Some are run by hill tribes and offer the opportunity to both immerse yourself in the culture and learn about conservation. Most offer some variation of jungle or waterfall trekking, and almost all offer the chance to help bathe elephants in mud or river water and feed them their favourite snacks.
Adventure Awaits: Ziplining, ATVing, and Bungy Jumping
Thailand is a country full of adventure, especially in the mountainous north. Ziplining opportunities abound: you can venture deep into the jungle and soar through the treetops for sweeping views of mountain ranges and biodiverse forests. Such a view is one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai, offering a perspective you can’t get any other way.
The adventure doesn’t stop with the ziplines (as if the ride through the skies wasn’t enough!). Literally ride an ATV off the beaten track, past rice fields, small villages and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. This is one of the best ways to experience the best of the Thai countryside where paved roads (and therefore other tourists) cannot reach.
If you’ve tried ziplining and ATVs but need more adrenaline, bungy jumping is probably for you. In Chiang Mai, there is a bungy tower in a pretty park with landscaped gardens and a lagoon, which is a bit different from the usual jumps in theme parks or city buildings. Drop from the top of the tower and watch the landscape spread out around you – standing on your head!
Thai Cuisine: An Adventure for the Taste Buds
Some people come to Thailand just for the food. Dishes usually consist of four flavours in perfect harmony: salty, sweet, sour and spicy. From noodle dishes like pad thai and pad see ew to colourful curries and spicy soups, there is a great variety. And in between the main dishes, there is plenty of street food to snack on everywhere and at any time, from sweet and doughy treats to savoury meat skewers.
It can be overwhelming to dig through the hundreds of unique Thai dishes, each one better than the next. A culinary food tour can remedy this. A local guide will take you around the food markets, help you order different dishes in Thai, answer any questions you may have and tell you all the culinary secrets of the region! If you want to delve deeper into Thai cuisine, take a cooking class. Step into the kitchen of a local chef and learn how to make some of your favourite dishes from scratch. Let the flavours of Thailand take you home – what better souvenir could there be?
Dive into the Splashy Fun of Songkran Festival
Thailand’s Famous New Year Celebration Turned Water Fight Extravaganza!
Festivals are one of the best ways for visitors to experience the true vibrancy of Thai culture. The Songkran festival is perhaps the most famous Thai festival. Held in April, it is the Thai New Year celebration where the streets are transformed into a nationwide water fight. Take a bucket or water gun and splash passers-by to rid yourself of the problems of the past year and receive blessings for the coming year. Mark your calendars for April and make Songkran one of the most important festivals on your visit list!
Experience the Magic of Loi Krathong and Yi Peng Festival
A Dazzling Display of Lights, Lanterns, and Floating Wishes in Chiang Mai.
A dazzling display of lights, lanterns and floating wishes in Chiang Mai. If Songkran is the most fun festival, Loi Krathong is perhaps the most beautiful. It’s the Thai festival of lights, a time to ask for forgiveness and give thanks to the river goddess. Wishes, sins and misfortunes are placed on a “Krathong”, a boat made of banana trunks, decorated with flowers, incense and candles and floated downstream (“Loi”). In Chiang Mai, Loi Krathong is celebrated on the same day as Yi Peng, a lantern festival with fireworks and dance performances. The sky is lit up with candle-lit lanterns carrying people’s wishes to heaven, and the rivers are on fire as prayers and worries float away. Everything is lit up in gold.
Unveiling the Splendor of Chiang Mai’s Temples: From Lanna-style Architectures to Majestic Mountain-top Wonders
With more than 40,000 temples scattered throughout Thailand, it is no surprise that Chiang Mai itself is home to hundreds of temples or “wats”. Each of these temples is a special architectural work of art, especially in the north where the Chiang Mai temples are built in the beautiful Lanna style.
No two temples are alike, but there are a few spectacular features. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple sits on top of a mountain, overlooking the city and surrounding countryside through clouds and mist. The temple itself is as beautiful as the view and is surrounded by manicured gardens and sculptures. Wat Umong is another treasure of natureand worship, nestled in a forest, while other sights, such as the glittering gold Wat Phra Singh, are closer to the city centre.
Discover Waterfalls, Rivers, Hot Springs, and Jungle Treks
An hour from Chiang Mai city in any direction you’ll find waterfalls, rivers, hot springs, jungle and fantastic trekking opportunities of all levels. Waterfalls are great for photos and swimming on hot tropical days, while rivers like the Mae Wang flow past hill tribe villages and meander through the beautiful countryside. Hop on a bamboo raft or white water raft and experience the river in motion! Other water-based nature activities include relaxing in natural hot sulphur springs, perfect for unwinding and unwinding.
All of the above activities can be experienced in a single day, but multi-day treks through the jungle are also possible. Hike through the jungle and create a customised itinerary with cultural sites to visit along the way!
Monk Chat: An Informal Cultural Exchange in Thailand
Joining a monk chat is one of the most unique things you can do when visiting Thailand. It is an opportunity to chat with a young Buddhist monk and learn about Thai culture and their lifestyle in a Buddhist temple. For the young monks it is a welcome opportunity to practise their English. The monk chat take place all over the city in different temples and at different times of the day. After you talk to the monks, they often give you a special blessing that includes religious chanting and tying a special white string around your wrist.
Muay Thai: Thailand’s National Sport and the Thrill of Live Fighting
The “Art of Eight Limbs” is Thailand’s national sport, an internationally feared and respected martial art whose techniques have found their way into kickboxing rings around the world. There is nothing quite like experiencing a Muay Thai fight in person. The energy in the stadium is electrifying and you’re only a few metres away from the professional fighters giving their best in the ring.
Many visitors are so interested in the sport that they train at one of the many Muay Thai camps in the country. Most offer day passes for people who just want to drop in once and try it out, but it’s also possible to train for months and live in the camp with other foreign nak muay, or trainees. Muay Thai is incredibly strenuous and requires great determination and dedication to fitness. It’s a fantastic challenge and a unique way to experience an aspect of Thai culture.
Exploring The Markets Of Chiang Mai: A Raw And Fun Authentic Experience.
Perhaps the most authentic way to explore a city or country is through its markets. The experience is much more genuine and fun than in a supermarket or shopping mall, where locals bustle shoulder to shoulder, negotiating prices and chatting with their neighbours. All the senses are heightened here, there are countless smells, colours and sounds.
In the early hours of the morning, fresh fruit, vegetables and other products are sold in the markets of Chiang Mai. At one of the markets along the Ping River, flowers are sold and the scent of hundreds of blossoms wafts down the street at dawn. Other markets, such as Warorot, are open all day and sell cooked food and everything from fabrics and furniture to ghost houses and plastic knick-knacks.
Some markets are only open at night or on certain days of the week. The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a veritable spectacle of food, shopping and even live music, and food markets take place around the city wall gates every evening. Of all the things to do in Chiang Mai at night, between live music and riverside bars, the night markets aren’t to be missed as they’re an important piece of the city’s cultural puzzle. On Saturdays and Sundays, there is a dedicated Walking Street Market each day, where traders sell handicrafts, handmade souvenirs and snacks.
Exploring the Enchanting Old City of Chiang Mai and Beyond
The Old City of Chiang Mai occupies a central position both historically and geographically. This historic site, surrounded on all four sides by walls and moats, is the remnant of a 700-year-old kingdom. Many of the temples within the walls are just as old, and the atmosphere is a charming mix of traditional culture and architecture of the Lanna Kingdom and the new world of modernity. There are cafés on every other corner, and tiny footpaths turn into hidden alleys decorated with street art. The city walls have four gates, one for each cardinal direction, and each is the guardian of its own unique neighbourhood with an evening food market. Take a walking tour through Chiang Mai’s old town with a knowledgeable guide to discover the historical treasures waiting around every corner.
Just outside the walls of Chiang Mai Old Town, the Ping River flows patiently through the city, lined with chic restaurants and cafés overlooking the water. Take a boat trip on the Ping to see the sights from the city centre to the outskirts of town, while watching villagers go about their business and cattle roam the happy fields.
Nimmanhaemin – Chiang Mai’s Trendy and Modern Neighborhood
If Chiang Mai’s Old Town is for royalty and history, neighbouring Nimmanhaemin is for hipsters and modernity. This is the best place to stay in Chiang Mai if you want to know what’s going on in the city. Home to trendy Thai students and foreign fashionistas, “Nimman’ offers an endless list of boutiques and bars, galleries and shopping.
There are two shopping malls nearby, One Nimman and Maya Mall.
One Nimman is a trendy shopping and lifestyle complex with a variety of high-end fashion and accessories shops, as well as restaurants, cafés and a co-working space. The complex also includes a luxury hotel, Akyra Manor Chiang Mai.
Maya Mall is a large, modern shopping centre with over 200 shops, including fashion boutiques, beauty salons, restaurants, a cinema and a food court. Maya Mall is known for its modern and stylish design, as well as its wide selection of international and local brands. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists visiting Chiang Mai.
Both have at least one decent food court, but the shopping options are quite different. You can spend days wandering the streets of Nimmanhaemin, where one secret café after another opens on every new street. Don’t miss the night market on nearby Huay Kaew Road, where knowledgeable students throng to get the best prices on the latest trends.
Attractions in Chiang Mai
Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall: The Unique Waterfall in Northern Thailand You Can Climb
Get ready for an adventure and explore the incredible Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls in Chiang Mai! Reaching an impressive height of 30 metres, this majestic waterfall is a must-see attraction in the region. Located in Bua Tong National Park, the waterfall’s unique feature is its natural coating of sticky, talcum powder-like clay formed from limestone and mineral deposits. This incredible formation allows you to climb up and down the waterfall with ease, making it a thrilling experience for all, a fun place to spend the day.
Learn About The Culture And Heritage Of Chiang Mai At The City Arts & Cultural Centre
Those who wish to delve deeply into Chiang Mai’s rich cultural and historical heritage should visit the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre. Located in the heart of the Old City, a stone’s throw from the Epiphany Monument, this museum offers a treasure trove of knowledge and exciting experiences. From ancient artefacts and maps to lifelike replicas and fascinating photographs, the centre’s exhibits bring the city’s past to life in all its detail. An audio-visual spectacle rounds off the tour and takes you on a virtual journey through Chiang Mai’s fascinating heritage. With a ticket to the Art and Culture Centre, you can also explore several other famous monuments and historical sites in the area. Don’t miss out on this cultural extravaganza!
The Three Kings Monument: A Symbol of Northern Thai History in Chiang Mai’s Old City
Immerse yourself in Chiang Mai’s rich history by visiting the iconic Three Kings Monument in the heart of the Old City. Marvel at the impressive bronze statue of King Mengrai, King Ramkamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Payao, three northern kings who founded, built and ruled the city. The statue and its surrounding square are not only historical landmarks, but also a popular venue for major citywide events and festivals, offering visitors the chance to experience Chiang Mai’s vibrant culture. Do not forget to explore the nearby attractions, including the Arts & Cultural Centre, to deepen your knowledge of northern Thailand’s fascinating history.
Empowering Women and Unleashing Skills: Discover the World-Famous Thai Massage at the Women’s Correctional Institute
The Women’s Correctional Institute is a famous training centre for women prison inmates returning to public life. At this centre, inmates are taught important vocational skills such as massage, hospitality or customer service so that they can prepare to return to civilian life and get a job. They are world famous for their exceptional massage skills. The environment is completely safe and welcoming as the inmates have completed months of training. You can help these women learn vital job skills while receiving top-notch Thai massage!
Chiang Mai Zoo
Chiang Mai Zoo is exceptionally diverse and interesting and a great change from all the temple visits! Located at the foot of Doi Suthep, the zoo houses nearly 400 species of animals, covers more than 200 hectares of land and offers attractions such as a walk-through aviary, a freshwater aquarium, a snow dome and two world-famous pandas, Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui! Chiang Mai Zoo is one of the best destinations for families with children in Chiang Mai. It is beautifully designed and offers educational insight to visitors of all ages. The zoo focuses primarily on conservation, so the environment is natural and spacious, and the animals are well cared for.
Wiang Kum Kam: The Lost City of Lanna Kingdom Unveiled
The ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam, the long-lost capital of Lanna Kingdom, is one of Thailand’s most mysterious landmarks. Until its rediscovery in the 1980s, it was considered a mere legend. Today, this extraordinary city is a historical wonder, full of ancient artefacts, including some of the earliest examples of Thai writing. Explore this mythical kingdom with its walls and moats and learn about the Ping River floods that forced its inhabitants to abandon their homes hundreds of years ago. Today, two of Wiang Kum Kam’s temples have been restored and serve as places of worship for Hindus and Buddhists alike.
Art in Paradise: Chiang Mai’s 3D Museum of Illusion Art
Did you know that there is a world-class 3D museum in Chiang Mai? Art in Paradise features over 130 different, cleverly designed “illusion” images for visitors to walk through, admire and photograph. The museum is divided into 6 themed areas, ranging from the underwater world to classical and abstract art to ancient Egypt. The artworks are surprisingly diverse and the tour of the museum takes about 2 hours. It’s the perfect place to take fun photos with friends or family.
Discovering Lanna Culture and History at Chiang Mai National Museum
The National Museum of Chiang Mai houses a variety of Lanna artefacts and histories and is an important educational and preservation site in the city. The Lanna Kingdom was united with Siam in 1775, and Lanna culture and identity is of great importance to the people of Chiang Mai. The museum, in traditional architecture, displays a range of exhibitions on the history and culture of the city and northern Thailand as a whole.
World Museum of Insects and Natural Wonders
The World Museum of Insects and Natural Wonders in Chiang Mai is truly a testament to how much two people can achieve. This amazing collection of over 10,000 species of insects is run and curated by husband and wife team Manop Ratana Rittirong Gul and Rattana Rumpa Rittirong Gul, who both used to work for the Smithsonian. You can meet the two super collectors at the museum, where they’ll be happy to show you their nearly 500 species of mosquitoes on display.
Wua Lai Road
Wua Lai is Chiang Mai’s famous Saturday night walking street. It’s a little smaller and less crowded than the Sunday walking street and the night bazaar, so it’s a good alternative if you want to avoid the crowds. Here you’ll find a great selection of handmade goods, delicious snacks and handcrafted souvenirs to take home. Be sure to visit at least one of these night markets to find the perfect gift; the possibilities are endless. The market starts in the late afternoon and usually ends around 10 or 11 pm.
Don’t miss the stunning silver temple Wat Sri Suphan, located on Wua Lai Road and definitely worth a visit while exploring Chiang Mai’s Saturday night walks.
Buak Hard Public Park
If you’re looking for a quiet, cosy park to relax or walk around, Suan Buak Haad is the best choice in Chiang Mai. This famous park stretches around the southwest corner of the old city and is often used for city festivals and events. You can stroll through the landscaped gardens, bridges and beaches, feed the fish or just sit back and enjoy a coconut ice cream from the local vendors. If you’re feeling particularly energetic, you can join a yoga or jogging group!
Huay Tung Tao: Chiang Mai’s Hidden Mountain Lake Oasis
Huay Tung Tao is a large lake located just 20 minutes north of Chiang Mai. This tranquil mountain lake is dotted with floating huts that serve as eating and drinking spots for groups of friends and families. The lake is a popular destination for locals who sometimes spend the whole day relaxing on the shore, swimming in the reservoir, ordering food and drinking beer. Paddle boats, overnight cabins, ATVs and campsites are available for rent.
Orchid and Butterfly Farms
Visit the Bai Orchid and Butterfly Farm to marvel at a stunning selection of Thai orchids and butterflies. A diverse and vibrant collection of colourful orchids surrounds an enclosure full of fluttering butterflies. Visitors can also have lunch and coffee at the buffet and café and buy orchid-related souvenirs at the gift shop. The park is close to several other attractions, including Tiger Kingdom and Elephant Camp, so it’s a great place for a quick trip to these attractions.
Siam Insect Zoo
Most tourist attractions are about people, and most zoos are for the larger creatures. So why not explore the micro-world of insects? The Siam Insect Zoo offers just that opportunity: here you can meet rare, beautiful and dangerous insects and learn about their lives and their importance to the environment. This is one of the coolest things to do in Chiang Mai, for families as well as solo travellers and the curious. Explore an insect museum, hunt for spiders and cockroaches with a torch, hold a live tarantula (if you dare!) and wander through a butterfly sanctuary – hold still and maybe one of these fluttering treasures will land on you! Siam Zoo even has reptiles like lizards and turtles that you can meet, hold or take home. That’s right, you can keep some of your new friends as pets!
Mae Sa Waterfall
Mae Sa Waterfall consists of a series of 8 waterfalls and pools that can be hiked and explored, swam in or simply enjoyed and relaxed. There are several charming restaurants along the short path between the waterfalls. These varied waterfalls and pools are especially popular with local Thais who often spend a whole day swimming, eating and relaxing with their families and friends. It can get quite crowded here at weekends, and we recommend bringing swimwear and a few blankets for lounging.
Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden and Canopy Walkway
The Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden is a stunning and surprisingly large series of gardens containing Thailand’s most diverse collection of plants. Visitors can walk through and explore a variety of carefully tended and themed greenhouses. Doing so feels like getting transported all around the world, as the exhibitions feature truly global ecosystems. The park also contains a 400-metre “Canopy Walkway” where you can walk above and through the rainforest treetops. The park is huge, and you should plan to spend at least 3 hours walking around if you want to see everything.
Elephant PooPooPaper Park
Yes, you read that right: the Elephant PooPooPaper Park is an eco-friendly outdoor museum and park focused on making sustainable paper products out of… elephant poop! Visitors to the park can take a tour through the lush garden pavilions and learn all about this unique, nature-focused, artisan approach to making paper. The entire park is made of eco-friendly materials and is a testament to reuse and recycling. You’ll never think of poop the same way again!
Baan Tong Luang Eco-Agricultural Village
Baan Tong Luang was created to preserve the cultural traditions of hill tribe minorities. Eight different hill tribe villages are established at Baan Tong Luang, including the Mhong, Lahu, Yao, Kayaw, Akha, Palong, White Karen, and the “Long-Neck” Karen, or the Padong or Paduang people.
The village is divided by rice paddies and stretches of farmland. Each hill tribe minority lives in a different section of the village. Stroll or drive down the main road to see traditional thatched-roof wooden houses, almost all of which display traditional handicrafts from each hill tribe. Aside from the entrance fee, this is how the tribes make an income: by selling the embroidery, carvings, and jewelry they have learned to make for generations.
Mae Wang National Park
Bordering Doi Inthanon, Mae Wang National Park is a 144-square-kilometer stretch of mountainous landscape known for its biodiversity. The national park boasts many different types of forests, each containing a unique treasure trove of plant and animal species. Three major rivers plunge through these mountains, feeding a huge number of waterfalls.
It’s possible to trek through the national park, but perhaps most fun to raft through it. Hiking trails are available for every fitness level, and many of these trails lead to spectacular waterfalls that feel completely untouched by humanity. The Mae Wang river offers bamboo rafting opportunities to float peacefully through it all – read on for more!
Bamboo Rafting on the Mae Wang River
Float down the Mae Wang River on a bamboo raft, just as Thai people have done for centuries. The river is shallow and almost completely smooth, making for a lazy and picturesque trip through the jungle. Float past Hmong and Karen villages, wildlife, and even elephant sanctuaries – if you’re lucky, you’ll even catch elephants grazing and bathing by the river! Restaurants and stalls are scattered abundantly along the shoreline to provide refreshments for this relaxing expedition into nature.
Pha Choi or Pha Chor Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai
After the Ping River changed course, it eroded Pha Chor’s rock sculptures and pillars into weird, enormous shapes and canyon formations that tower 30 meters in the air. These sculptures are all a reddish color and backed by greenery for stunning contrast. If you’re looking for things to do in Chiang Mai that are “off the beaten path”, Pha Chor is a fantastically strange option. Set in the heart of the Mae Wang National Park, Pha Chor is a great day trip and opportunity to be wowed by the power of nature over time.
Royal Flora Ratchaphruek
An annual flower festival that became so popular it expanded into a permanent exhibition, the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek is a botanical garden reigning over 400 rai of land. The gardens are decorated with tasteful pieces of art and architecture, blooming with countless plant and flower species. The park is separated into different themed gardens, including water ponds with lotus flowers and rare and exotic flower exhibitions. It’s lovely to walk through the gardens, but the grounds are expansive, so if you’re tired or unable, just rent a segway through the space.
Chiang Mai Night Safari
It should be no surprise, with all the weird, wonderful, and wild things to do in Chiang Mai, that nightlife includes the wildlife! Part zoo, part theme park, the Chiang Mai Night Safari is the closest most people will ever (hopefully) get to being out in the wild after dark. The park is separated into three primary sections. The Savanna Safari is occupied by prey animals and herbivores like zebras, elephants, llamas, and giraffes. The Predator Prowl is exactly what it sounds like, stalked by lions and tigers and bears…. And vultures, hyenas, pumas, and more! Jaguar Trail is where tropical creatures like jaguars and flamingos cohabit, as well as white-striped tigers and emus. An open-sided tram will take you through the different sections, and some of the more harmless animals might be waiting by the roadside to greet you along the way.
Chiang Mai Grand Canyon
On a sweltering summer day in Chiang Mai, the Chiang Mai Grand Canyon Water Park promises a wet, refreshing adventure. This is Chiang Mai’s most beautiful water park, an oasis set in a gorgeous location that resembles the American landmark by the same name. Cool out in the shade enjoying cold beer and snacks and paddle around in the shallows to relax …. or jump literally off a cliff, diving 8 meters down from the edge into the depths! Water slides, zip lines, wakeboarding, and an inflatable obstacle course await!
Baan Tawai Village
The wood-carving heritage of Baan Tawai is more than a hundred years old. This is the heart of wood carving in Northern Thailand, an art form that is visibly appreciated and displayed in homes, temples, and furniture throughout the country. Woodcarvers in Baan Tawai pass their skills down through generations, from parent to child, just as they learned from Burmese woodcarvers generations ago. Now, the skill has been adapted into a uniquely Thai style, and workshops showcase intricate pieces carved into a wide variety of mediums like teak, rosewood, and rattan.
San Kamphaeng Handicraft Village
Chiang Mai and the broader Northern region is famous for its focus on art and culture. San Kamphaeng Handicraft Village is no exception. Here, Thai artisans produce cotton, silk, ceramics, and their own wood carvings. Each factory specializes in a particular craft, and each is manned by an artisan painting, carving, or weaving through the day. Walk down the main road to see artisans creating furiously in their own workshops. Towards the end of the village, the finished handicrafts are all on sale, from the purest sterling silver jewelry to the finest handmade silk, and so much more.
Bo Sang Umbrella Village
The name reveals its gift: Bo Sang Umbrella Village is famous for delicate hand-painted paper umbrellas. Traditionally made with saa paper, which is made from mulberry tree bark, these pretty parasols are now produced with a variety of more durable materials like cotton and canvas. Visit the village to see the umbrellas adorning the streets in every color under the rainbow. The star of the show is the umbrella factory, where you can watch artisans producing them in an assembly line, from bamboo handles to painstaking hand-painted designs. Don’t forget to order a custom-painted umbrella for yourself!
Muang On Cave
Walk up the 180 steps of the Naga serpent stairway to reach the mouth of this ancient cave. Inside you’ll find thousands of stalagmite and stalactite formations, old as time itself, as well as a concrete pathway leading through Muang On’s human history. The pathway is lined with dozens of Buddhist shrines and statues, including a giant reclining Buddha. It is said that Thai people stashed food and supplies here during Burmese invasions centuries ago, and Buddhists have visited the cave since then to worship at its various shrines. Keep an eye out for a giant stalagmite-turned-shrine, wrapped in orange and yellow silk by devotees.
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
Perhaps the most relaxing day trip out of Chiang Mai City is San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, where natural mineral water shoots out from two primary geysers more than 20 meters into the air, then falls, cools, and disperses into a series of streams. These streams are dispersed through the park between trees, hills, and pretty flower gardens. Sit down anywhere and soak your feet – temperatures range between about 40° and 50°C in different places. As the hot springs do their work, grab a basket of eggs from a vendor. You’ll notice metal hooks dispersed in every hot spring – hang the basket and cook to your liking for the perfect snack while you relax.
Tube Trek Water Park
This is not only a water park but rather a spaceship-themed water park! Here you’ll find robots and rockets, water slides, and water guns. The park is split into kid-appropriate and adult-ready stations. Children will love the shallow pools surrounded by spaceships and age-appropriate activities. Grown-ups can enjoy adrenaline-focused attractions, as well as a wave pool that often doubles as a dance floor for DJs on an overhanging stage. Tube Trek Water Park and the Grand Canyon are two of the most fun things to do in Chiang Mai for families, and for single adults. There’s no age limit here at all, but everyone gets to be a kid again!
How many days should I spend in Chiang Mai?
How much time you should spend in Chiang Mai depends on your interests and what you want to do during your stay. If you plan to visit the temples and cultural sites of the city and participate in activities such as trekking or visiting an elephant sanctuary, you should spend at least 3 days in Chiang Mai. This will give you enough time to see the main sights of the city and to relax and explore the city at your own pace. If you have more time and want to fully immerse yourself in the local culture, you might want to stay even longer. Ultimately, the right length of stay in Chiang Mai depends on your individual goals and priorities.
- Day 1 : Take a walk in the old city and visit some temples
- Day 2 : Visit an elephant sanctuary and take a food tour at night
- Day 3 : In the morning Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and during the afternoon enjoy a 2 hour massage, at night experience a Khantoke dinner
- Day 4 : A cooking class is a great way to learn about Thai cuisine and prepare some of the local dishes yourself.
Visit Chiang Mai
Our team of experienced tour guides knows the best sights in the city and can help you create an itinerary tailored to your interests and preferences. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, try new and exciting activities, or just relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of Chiang Mai, we have something for everyone. We offer a variety of tours, from half-day excursions to multi-day packages, so you can choose the perfect experience for your needs. Contact us today to learn more and plan your dream trip to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai.
