10 Best Things To Do In Chiang Mai: A Retreat From The Hustle And Bustle

Tourists visiting Thailand would often target its sprawling capital, Bangkok. But, little do they know that there’s another city in Thailand that captivates with its immense beauty, Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is the largest city in the mountainous northern Thailand. Once you’re here, you’ll be treated to a lot of things to do in Chiang Mai. 

Founded in 1296, this city was the capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom up to 1558. It was during those times that its Old City was built, and until today, it still retains the vestiges of walls and moats from the past, being a cultural and religious center these days. Chiang Mai is also home to hundreds of elaborate and magnificent Buddhist temples. 

Nestled within the mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is laid-back and charming in its own right. The city is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, colorful artworks and handicrafts, and historic landmarks from the Lanna Kingdom, which Chiang Mai cradled in the past. 

Chiang Mai offers travelers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of life, or from the busy city of Bangkok. Here, you can experience the slowed-down pace of life, immerse yourself in the local culture, and embark on off the beaten path adventures. Let’s now take a closer look at the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

Fly To Thailand: Best Things To Do In Chiang Mai

In this guide, we will get to know the best things to do in Chiang Mai. 

1. Explore Chiang Mai’s Buddhist Temples

Buddhism is quite strong in this part of Thailand. Chiang Mai, which was also the country’s capital during the reign of the Lanna Kingdom, is the birthplace of a sect in the Buddhism religion, Theravada. To showcase this vigorous faith, there are several Buddhist temples in this region. To be specific, there are over 300 wats or houses of worship spread throughout the city and the nearby countryside. 

We’re quite certain that you wouldn’t be able to visit all of those in one visit. So, to guide you on the best things to do in Chiang Mai when you want to visit its temples, two of the most important and not-to-miss points of destination would be Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.

Wat Phra Singh is Chiang Mai’s most revered temple. It is dominated by a huge and mosaic-inlaid sanctuary. The prosperity of faith here is evident from the lavish monastic structures and immaculately landscaped grounds, where you can find Thai massage pavilions and coffee stands. Many of the religion’s pilgrims head over here to venerate the famous Buddha image in this temple known as the “Lion Buddha” or “Phra Singh.”

On the other hand, Wat Chedi Luang may not be as grand as Wat Phra Singh, but its ruined chedi or Buddhist stupa from the Lanna Kingdom in the 15 century is a lot taller, and the compound around this chedi is powerfully atmospheric. Wat Chedi Luang once housed the Phra Kaew or Emerald Buddha until 1475, but it now resides in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. But there’s a jade replica if you want to view it as how it looked in the past.

2. Get Lost In Shopping At Talat Warorot, Chiang Mai’s Oldest Public Market

Shopping is also one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai. While the city offers a lot of areas for shopping, among those that you shouldn’t miss is Talat Warorot, Chiang Mai’s oldest public market. It has been said that Talat Warorot is the perfect place to connect with the city’s Thai soul. 

Aside from souvenirs, some of the other items sold here are mostly household items, such as woks, fishing nets, pickled tea leaves, toys, wigs, sticky rice steamers, Thai sausages, kâab mŏo or pork rinds, live catfish, and tiny statues for display in spirit houses. Go give shopping here a try. But here’s a little reminder. While Chiang Mai vendors respect those who bargain, be sure to only do so if you are really going to purchase the item.

3. Get A Taste Of Chiang Mai Cuisine

Something classy or something street smart? Chiang Mai offers the best of both worlds. Later on in this guide, you’ll learn more about the best restaurants in Chiang Mai. But here in this city, you will always pass by street vendors selling scrumptious appetizers, snacks, and one-plate dishes.

You must not leave Chiang Mai without getting a taste of its famous yellow curry and coconut milk soup made with crunchy and soft noodles, and pork or chicken, then garnished with mustard greens, shallots and lime juice. The dish is called khao soi.

You must also try sai oua or that delicious pork sausage made with garlic, chilis, and of course, the best of Thai herbs and spices. Otherwise, if you are just looking for a light snack, try nam prik ong or that flavorful chili dip unique in this region, and served traditionally with a platter of fresh veggies.

Welcome to our “things to do in Chiang Mai” guide! If you are liking the beauty of this Thai city, you might also want to check out the best photo spots in Chiang Mai. 

4. Trek Chiang Mai’s Jungles And Hill Tribes

A lot of travelers would visit Thailand for Bangkok or Phuket. While those places are undoubtedly beautiful, they lack the charm that Chiang Mai offers. This is why no wonder that as soon as people arrive in this northern Thailand city, they crave its opportunities for retreat intertwined with some history. 

As what has been established at the very beginning of this things to do in Chiang Mai guide, the city is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. So what’s a peaceful retreat without communing with nature? Head to Chiang Mai’s jungles. The jungles in this province are a paradise for any trekker. They are filled not only with waterfalls, mountains, and valleys, but also – and interestingly – various hill tribes or ethnic groups in Chiang Mai’s region.

5. Go Cliff Diving At The Hang Dong Rock Quarry

You’ve just started your nature trip in Chiang Mai’s jungles. Why don’t you take it a little bit further? Chiang Mai provide is also home to spots for some cliff diving. For some authentic and thrilling cliff diving, make sure to head over to the Hang Dong Rock Quarry. It may sound Korean, but it is definitely Thai. 

This quarry was originally utilized as a mine to clear out limestone, but today, it is filled with bright turquoise green waters. This massive pool is deep enough to do your cliff diving.

If cliff diving isn’t your thing and you just want to take a dip without taking a dive, be sure to stay. There are also several stops in this quarry where you can just dip and swim. Looking for things to do in Chiang Mai with adrenaline rush? Be sure to visit this place.

Loving this “things to do in Chiang Mai” piece? Perhaps you want to take your trip further by visiting Bangkok. Here are the best things to do in this Thai capital. 

6. Mingle With Elephants

The elephant is the national animal of Thailand, so it is just normal to find out that there are a lot of parks in this country that take care of these creatures, such as in Chiang Mai. If you want to try some things to do in Chiang Mai where you can mingle with elephants, visit the Elephant Rescue Center. 

As the name suggests, this place takes good care of elephants rescued from terrible conditions. Aside from admiring and bonding with them, you will also learn how these elephants are being taken care of, and what they do on a day-to-day basis. Plus, you can also watch them being given a good bath.

7. Enroll In This Cooking Course And Learn How To Make The Local Dishes From Scratch

Previously, you’ve learned about Chiang Mai’s best dishes. While enjoying eating them is perfect enough, some want to take it further and wish to learn how to cook those dishes. Well, your wish will be granted as you enroll in this cooking course where you can learn how to make local dishes from scratch.

This cooking course takes place in an organic farm where the students will learn expert tips not just on how to cook various dishes, but also how to grow herbs and vegetables used as ingredients in those recipes.

Participants will learn basic Thai-style cooking in five categories: curry, curry paste, stir-fried, soup, and spring roll. Some of the dishes you’ll learn about are pad thai, pad kaprao or chicken with holy basil, tom yum, gaeng pet or Thai red curry, and khao soi or the curry noodles that Chiang Mai calls its very own. This is certainly one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

Can’t get enough of this “things to do in Chiang Mai” guide? How about finding out the best photo spots in Thailand? 

8. Sign Up For A Meditation Course At Wat Doi Suthep

If all those visits to Chiang Mai’s Buddhist temples and treks wearied your body and soul, you can head over to Wat Doi Suthep for some meditation. There are a lot of meditation centers in Chiang Mai, but perhaps one of the best and the most famous would be at Doi Suthep Vipassana Meditation Centre. This temple is located on top of Suthep Mountain, and accepts thousands of visitors everyday. 

You can either take a short meditation course which lasts for a few days, or enroll in a month-long meditation course for those who are staying in Chiang Mai for a longer period of time.

How effective is this meditation course? Well, very much. Throughout your stay in the temple, you are forbidden to speak, as all your energies must focus on your breathing, as well as clearing your mind of unnecessary thoughts and troubles.

9. Visit The Artist Village That Is Baan Kang Wat

After taking your meditation course, you can head over to Baan Kang Wat, the vibrant artist village in Chiang Mai. Baan Kang Wat is located at the base of Doi Suthep, and also offers a retreat from the stresses of daily life. 

This artist village is home to various tastefully decorated independent businesses that local makers operate. These local makers produce wooden handicrafts, home décor, and other pieces created with authentic Thai flair. Many of these artists also occasionally host classes and workshops in their studios, which visitors are highly encouraged to attend. This makes this experience also one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

10. Nightlife And Partying In Chiang Mai? Possible!

Think that Chiang Mai is just about calming the soul? Think again! Things to do in Chiang Mai that liven up the soul are also plenty. Yes, we’re talking about Chiang Mai nightlife. Nightlife in Chiang Mai is as diverse as the city. You can find several bars and pubs where you can grab a drink to end your day, as well as various live music venues and dance clubs if you want to keep partying. 

One of the most famous live music bars in Chiang Mai is the North Gate Jazz Co-Op. This venue showcases a regular lineup of jazz artists performing in a cozy atmosphere. Your Chiang Mai experience won’t be complete without this.

Asia is big and beautiful. After knowing the best things to do in Chiang Mai, you might also want to read about the best things to do in Agra, India. 

Gastronomic Things To Do In Chiang Mai: The Best Restaurants In The City

Though Chiang Mai’s cuisine is reflective of Thai cuisine overall, the food of this northern city in Thailand is still distinct – something which they call their own. 

Chiang Mai’s recipes usually consist of impossible-to-finish and large servings of dishes alongside smaller snack foods and appetizers. As you head over to this city, you’ll be met with several street food vendors, markets, and restaurants just waiting for you to try their dishes. 

But for now, we’ll focus on the best restaurants in Chiang Mai for a classy list of gastronomic things to do in Chiang Mai.

• Khao Soi Khun Yai
• Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak
• Suki Koka
• Cherng Doi Roast Chicken
• Kiat Ocha
• SP Chicken
• Tong Tem Toh

Visit The Rose Of The North

Visiting Chiang Mai is like a mother embracing you after a day filled with work and stress. This city in Thailand is just filled with destinations where you can rest your weary spirit. Chiang Mai is capable of igniting a wanderlust that would forever beckon every traveler to explore the world’s most extraordinary wonders. From taking a retreat and admiring the beautifully constructed Buddhist temples, to taking meditation classes, Chiang Mai will, no doubt, give you a break from life’s hustle and bustle.