Chiang Mai, located in the northern part of Thailand, is a peaceful, scenic, and culturally rich destination that attracts travelers from all over the world. Whether you’re looking to explore ancient temples, interact with elephants, or enjoy delicious street food, Chiang Mai offers an unforgettable travel experience. In this guide, we will walk you through the top things to do in Chiang Mai, how to make the most of your trip, and how to choose the best Thailand tour packages that include this amazing city.
Why Visit Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of northern Thailand. Unlike the bustling city of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is calm, surrounded by mountains, and full of historic charm. With more than 300 temples, unique markets, traditional festivals, and stunning nature trails, Chiang Mai provides a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Visit Doi Suthep Temple
One of the most famous attractions in Chiang Mai is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a beautiful golden temple located on top of a mountain. The temple offers panoramic views of the city and is a sacred site for Thai Buddhists. To reach the temple, you’ll climb a staircase with 306 steps lined by two dragon sculptures.
Explore the Old City Temples
Chiang Mai’s Old City is surrounded by a square-shaped moat and remains of ancient walls. Inside, you’ll find some of the city’s oldest and most beautiful temples, including:
Wat Chedi Luang – Known for its large, ancient pagoda.
Wat Phra Singh – Famous for its Lanna-style architecture.
Wat Chiang Man – The oldest temple in Chiang Mai.
Each temple has its own history and charm, making temple-hopping one of the top things to do in Thailand if you're in Chiang Mai.
Take a Thai Cooking Class
Chiang Mai is one of the best places in Thailand to take a cooking class. You’ll visit a local market, learn about Thai ingredients, and cook dishes like pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. It’s a fun and tasty way to connect with the local culture.
Spend a Day at an Elephant Sanctuary
Northern Thailand is home to many ethical elephant sanctuaries where you can spend a day feeding, bathing, and walking with rescued elephants. These sanctuaries focus on animal welfare and do not allow riding.
Important: Choose only ethical elephant sanctuaries that promote responsible tourism.
Many Thailand tour packages now include visits to such sanctuaries, ensuring a memorable and cruelty-free experience.
Shop at the Night Markets
Chiang Mai is famous for its night markets that sell everything from handmade crafts and souvenirs to delicious street food. The most popular markets include:
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Saturday Night Walking Street (Wua Lai Road)
Sunday Night Walking Street (Ratchadamnoen Road)
Try local snacks like grilled meats, roti pancakes, Thai sausages, and coconut ice cream while enjoying live performances from local musicians and dancers.
Attend a Traditional Festival
Chiang Mai hosts some of Thailand’s most beautiful festivals. If you plan your trip around these events, you’re in for a treat:
Yi Peng Lantern Festival (November): Thousands of sky lanterns are released into the air in a magical celebration.
Songkran (Thai New Year - April): A nationwide water fight and celebration that’s especially vibrant in Chiang Mai.
Festivals offer a deep dive into Thai traditions and are among the most unforgettable things to do in Thailand.
Take a Day Trip to Doi Inthanon
Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s highest mountain and just a couple of hours from Chiang Mai. The national park surrounding the mountain features cool weather, stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and royal pagodas with beautiful gardens.
It’s a great spot for nature lovers and a peaceful escape from the city. Many Thailand tour packages include guided day trips to Doi Inthanon with transportation and meals.
Enjoy a Traditional Thai Massage
After a long day of exploring, treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage. Chiang Mai is home to several massage schools and spas offering affordable and relaxing treatments.
You can also try herbal compress therapy or foot reflexology at local spas.
Visit the Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium
For families traveling with children, the Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium is a great stop. It houses a wide variety of animals, including pandas, penguins, and tropical fish.
While it may not be at the top of every traveler’s list, it’s still a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Go Ziplining or River Rafting
If you’re an adventure seeker, Chiang Mai won’t disappoint. Head to the jungles just outside the city for ziplining across treetops, white-water rafting, ATV rides, and mountain biking.
Adventure tours are widely available, and some Thailand tour packages can be customized to include these thrilling activities.
How to Choose the Right Thailand Tour Packages for Chiang Mai
When booking your trip, consider choosing Thailand tour packages that focus on northern Thailand or allow you to customize your itinerary. Look for packages that offer:
Flexible schedules and small group sizes
Local guides who know the culture and history
Ethical tourism options like elephant sanctuaries
Stops at must-see Chiang Mai attractions
Many travel companies offer combined packages that include Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai to give you a balanced experience of Thailand’s beaches, cities, and cultural hubs.
Final Thoughts
Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Thailand. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or food, this northern city has something for everyone. From visiting sacred temples and interacting with elephants to tasting delicious street food and hiking through national parks, the list of things to do in Thailand—especially in Chiang Mai—is endless.
If you're looking for a hassle-free travel experience, explore the many Thailand tour packages that include Chiang Mai. These packages often cover transportation, accommodations, and guided tours, making your journey smooth and enjoyable.
