Chiang Mai is the cultural centre of Northern Thailand. It is a city full of old temples, lush jungles, tasty street food, and lively night markets. There is so much to see and do that it can be hard to decide what to do first. This is why we put together this complete list of the best things to do in Chiang Mai: to make sure you enjoy your time in this beautiful city As much as possible.
Things to Do in Chiang Mai: Learn about history and culture
Wat Phra Singh is a beautiful temple that you should see while you’re in Chiang Mai. It has intricate building and beautiful murals. The temple complex has several rooms, one of which is the Chedi, a tall structure that looks like a pagoda and is home to a significant Buddha statue.
Check out the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. The Night Bazaar is a lively market that shows off the best Thai food and culture. This busy market has everything from food stands to gift shops. It’s a great place to see how people live in that area.
If you want to relax and feel refreshed at the same time, you should try a traditional Thai massage in Chiang Mai. There are many massage shops in the city where you can get a foot massage or a full-body massage.
Please go to the Chiang Mai National Museum. This is a wonderful spot to learn about the history and culture of the area. The museum has displays about the Lanna Kingdom, Thai traditional arts, and Thai traditions.
Explore the Old City. The Old City in Chiang Mai is a famous area surrounded by old city walls. There are many temples in the area, such as Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra That Doi Kham, as well as cute shops and bars.
Get closer to nature with these things to do in Chiang Mai.
Hike up Doi Inthanon. It’s the tallest mountain in Thailand, and the views of the hills and valleys below are beautiful. It’s worth it to hike to the top, and along the way you can see beautiful waterfalls and hill tribe towns.
Visit an Elephant Sanctuary. Elephant sanctuaries are a great place to learn about how important it is for Thailand to protect elephants. Within their natural environment, you will be able to see elephants and even help feed and bathe them.
Check out the Chiang Mai Botanical Gardens. These gardens are a peaceful haven in the middle of the city. The parks have many kinds of plants, like orchids and tropical flowers, and are a peaceful place to get away from the busy streets.
Go on an Adventure with Bamboo Rafting—Rafting with bamboo is a fun and exciting way to see the Mae Taeng River’s waves. The bamboo rafts are made from things found in the area, and the trip is a great way to see the scenery around Chiang Mai.
Things to Do in Chiang Mai: Get to know Thai food
Take a Thai Cooking Class—Thai food is famously tasty, and a Thai cooking class is a great way to learn about the products and methods used in Thai cooking. A lot of cooking lessons let you learn by doing and let you eat what you’ve made.
Pay a visit to the Huay Tung Tao Waterfall. This stunning waterfall is just outside of Chiang Mai. The waterfall falls into a natural pool, and the area around it is a nice spot to sit and have a picnic.
Watch a Traditional Thai Dance Show—There are many traditional Thai dance shows in Chiang Mai. Get ready to be amazed.
Try Muay Thai. Muay Thai, also known as Thai fighting, is a traditional Thai martial art that is deeply rooted in Thai culture. Many clubs in Chiang Mai offer Muay Thai classes for tourists, so you can learn the moves and get in shape at the same time.
Visit the Doi Suthep Temple. The Doi Suthep Temple, which is on top of a mountain with a view of Chiang Mai, is one of the city’s most famous sites. The temple complex has beautiful gardens and stunning architecture, and the walk to the top is well worth it.
Chiang Mai Things to Do: Get Involved in the Culture
Go to a Thai cultural show. There are many cultural shows in Chiang Mai that feature traditional Thai dance, music, and performing arts. You can learn about Thai culture and have a good time at the same time at these shows.
Check out the Chiang Mai Night Safari. This is one of a kind way to see the wildlife in the area. There is a nighttime zoo in the park where you can see tigers, elephants, and giraffes in their natural environments.
Take a Thai class. Knowing a few Thai words can help you get to know people in the area and make your trip more enjoyable. There are a lot of language schools in Chiang Mai that teach Thai to tourists. The classes focus on teaching people how to have real conversations.
Go to the Chiang Mai Art Museum. It’s a great spot to learn about Thai art and culture. Traditional Thai paintings, statues, and textiles are on display at the museum, along with more modern works by Thai artists.
Take a Thai yoga class. Many schools in Chiang Mai offer classes for tourists who want to try yoga or meditation. Yoga is a great way to relax and unwind while you’re on vacation, and many classes are good for people who have never done it before.
In conclusion
Chiang Mai is a city with lots of things to see and do, from historic sites to outdoor activities. There is something for everyone to do in Chiang Mai, whether you want to learn more about Thai culture, spend time in nature, or just eat wonderful Thai food. If you follow the tips in this piece, you’ll get the most out of your time in this beautiful city. Get ready for a trip you’ll never forget. Pack your bags and take a picture.