Chiang Mai Thailand Travel Guide: 9 Best Things to do in Chiang Mai

ByKari Adams Thailand

When I share with people I visited Thailand, they usually ask if I visited the busy streets of Bangkok or the turquoise blue water beaches of the Phi Phi Islands. I love to be able to share that during my trip to Thailand, I discovered my new favorite city in the world. Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand, located in the northern region of the country, nestled in the mountainous tropical forest. I am usually the type of traveler who doesn’t feel drawn to visit a city more than once, but I found myself coming back to Chiang Mai just a week after I left while traveling through Thailand.

Chiang Mai is home to delicious Thai cuisine, mesmerizing night markets, purposeful elephant sanctuaries, stunning landscapes, and beautiful temples on every street corner. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, there is something for everyone to experience and grow to love while exploring this amazing city. I am so excited to share my guide on my favorite things to do and see in Chiang Mai, Thailand! 

How to Get to Chiang Mai From Bangkok

The most common ways to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok is by plane, train, or bus. 

Plane: The flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is 1 hour and 20 minutes. Flights typically cost somewhere around $70-$90 USD.

Train: The train ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is 10-14 hours. Tickets cost $9-$45 USD (300-1500 Baht) depending on comfort choice. There are day time and night time train options. The night time train is popular amongst budget travelers because you can save a night in accommodation and make great use of your time. Robberies can happen on the overnight trains, so be sure to lock your cabin door while you are sleeping.

Bus: The bus ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is 9-11 hours. There are both day time and sleeper bus options that make stops throughout the trip. Prices range from $20-$35 USD (700-1250 Baht), depending on the bus company.

When to Visit Chiang Mai

Peak season is November-February when weather is cool, dry, and pleasant, with temperatures around 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a great time of year for exploring the mountainous landscapes and enjoying the popular Yi Peng Lantern Festival. This is the busiest time of year, so expect crowds, high prices, and be prepared to book accommodations and tours in advance.

Burn season is March-April, when large scale controlled burning of farm land occurs in order to prepare for the rainy season. I recommend avoiding traveling throughout Thailand during this time of year because air quality is smokey and hazardous. 

Low season is May-October, when the weather is rainy and humid, creating stunning green and lush landscapes. You can expect short bursts of heavy rain throughout the day, but nothing that will interfere with having an amazing time exploring Chiang Mai. Flights and accommodation prices drop significantly during the low season, making it a great time of year for backpackers and budget travelers to visit. I visited Chiang Mai during the low season and I loved the rainy weather, green landscapes, and affordable flights and hotel options!

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

During your trip to Chiang Mai, I suggest staying in the Old City, which is located inside the city walls. This area is central and walkable, making it easily accessible to countless hotels, restaurants, cafes, and night markets. You can easily walk from wall to will within 20 minutes,

Nine Hotel Chiang Mai

Nine Hotel Chiang Mai is a boutique hotel located in the heart of the Chiang Mai Old City, making it the perfect location to walk or bike to anywhere in the city. This cozy boho accommodation offers immaculately clean private rooms with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, TVs, wifi, and views of the city. Amenities include a relaxing swimming pool, rooftop patio, bicycles to explore the city, and a laundry service. They also serve a delicious free breakfast for an additional small price. Over all, Nine Hotel offers hotel luxury without the big price tag. 

The best part about Nine Hotel is the incredible staff who make you feel like you’re right at home. They were extremely accommodating from the moment we arrived, from booking taxis and activities, making it seamless to extend our stay, suggesting restaurant and activity recommendations, and even heating up the food we made during out Thai cooking class, they truly went the extra mile to ensure we had a memorable stay at Nine Hotel Chiang Mai.

Stamps Backpackers Hostel

Stamps Backpackers Hostel is a backpacker hostel centrally located in the Chiang Mai Old City. It is easily the best hostel I stayed at in all of Thailand and Southeast Asia. The social environment makes it a great place to meet fellow travelers, which was perfect for me as I was traveling solo during this part of my travels. The location makes it ideal for walking to the best night markets, temples, and restaurants in the city. It is one of the most popular hostels in the area, so make sure to book your room in advance! 

Some highlights from my stay at Stamps Backpackers Hostel are the pod style dorm beds, daily social events, and friendly staff. The comfy pod style dorm beds give privacy and the illusion of a private room without the cost. You can participate in social events as much as you choose, from family dinners to trivia nights, you are sure to meet other travelers during your stay at Stamps Hostel. I ended up traveling for two weeks with the people I met during my stay! The staff go above and beyond to make sure you feel welcome and have everything you need. They were super helpful in booking my slow boat to Laos and offering recommendations of things to do in Chiang Mai. I recommend Stamps Backpackers Hostel if you are a solo traveler looking to meet new people and have an amazing time in Chiang Mai!

9 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai

1. Explore the Night Markets

One of my favorite things to do across Southeast Asia is eat and shop my way through the night markets. Chiang Mai has not one, but multiple night markets that happen throughout the week. They range in size, location, and vibe, but each one offers something unique. Below is a list of my favorite night markets in Chiang Mai!

Sunday Walking Street, Chiang Mai Night Market

Planning your trip to be in Chiang Mai on a Sunday is worth it to be able to check out this night market. The most impressive part about it is the sheer size of it. The market runs along Rachadamoen Road, starting at the War Phra Singh Temple and ending at the Phae Gate (east gate of the city walls). This is the largest market in Chiang Mai, with hundreds of food stalls and artisan goods for sale. I recommend arriving around 4pm to beat the crowds. 

Lana Square

If you want a break from the crowded larger night markets, Lana Square is perfect for you. This small covered night market is located on the eastern side of the Old City. You can enjoy a variety of local cuisines from the food stalls while listening to a local band or music.

Chang Phuak Market

If you are a foodie on a budget, Chang Phuak Market is definitely worth checking out. This night market offers a more laid back authentic feel compared to the other night markets. Located at the northern gate of the Old City, you will find delicious, budget friendly Thai street food. There is a food stall here that Anthony Bourdain ate at during his trip to Chiang Mai. Lovingly referred to as the “Cowboy Hat Lady”, her food stall, Chang Phueak Pork Leg Rice, serves up delicious Chinese style dishes. 

There is an abundance of night market varieties in Chiang Mai. Whether you are looking for food, shopping, or a fun vibe, there is a night market for anyone, any day of the week!

2. Visit an Elephant Sanctuary 

Elephant sanctuaries are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. These sanctuaries offer an opportunity to visit elephants who have been rescued from abusive and dangerous conditions including the logging industry, elephant riding parks, circus shows, and zoos. One thing to be aware of while seeking out elephant sanctuaries to visit in Thailand, is not all sanctuaries are ethical. Some pose as rescues, but only serve as tourist attractions, providing no rehabilitation or elephants and breeding in captivity. Please NEVER ride an elephant while visiting Thailand. Many elephants are rescued from the elephant riding parks, where elephants are abused and neglected. 

Elephant Nature Park and Chai Lai Orchid are two of the most ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai. I recommend visiting either of them if you are looking to visit an elephant sanctuary during your trip to Thailand. There are some differences, so I will share my knowledge about each park so you can make an informed choice. 

Elephant Nature Park

Elephant Nature Park is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center founded by Saengduean Chailert, also known as Lek, who is recognized globally for her conservation work. At this park, you can participate in half day, full day, and overnight visits to the sanctuary, where you will have the opportunity to observe the rescued elephants and learn about elephant conservation. The park also offers volunteer opportunities. This is a no touch elephant sanctuary because the goal is to have elephants live as closely to how they would in their natural habitat. 

Chai Lai Orchid

Chai Lai Orchid is an elephant sanctuary that believes in protecting elephants through compassion, education, and coexistence because these rescued elephants will never be able to live a life without human intervention and support. Chai Lai Orchid’s philosophy is to allow these elephants to continue to have safe and healthy interaction with humans. The elephants roam the sanctuary grounds with the accompaniment of a human handler who ensures they are safe and taken care of. These handlers are local people from indigenous Thai groups in the region. Our local guide shared that Chai La Orchid provides jobs in the region for the local people, and is an important part of their community. This sanctuary does allow feeding and touching of the elephants. I can understand why people would assume this is unethical, but the reality is these elephants are coming from situations where they are already used to living with consistent human interaction. While I was initially nervous about this, I felt that the elephants were happy, safe, healthy, and well taken care of. 

Chai Lai Orchid offers full day tours and overnight visits to their sanctuary. If you choose to stay overnight, you will be staying in bungalows on the sanctuary property, surrounded by free roaming elephants! It is truly a unique and special experience. I recommend booking a one night stay. The bungalows at Chai Lai Orchid book up fast, so make sure to book in advance!

3. Take a Cooking Class

One of my favorite parts about Thailand is the food, and I’ve never had a Thai dish I didn’t love. Cooking classes are a great way to learn about local culture and connect with the community. My friend was absolutely raving about taking a Thai cooking class during my trip to Chiang Mai. I almost didn’t have time to fit it into my itinerary, and I am so glad that I did! In this cooking class you will have the opportunity to explore a local market and learn to cook traditional Thai dishes. I learned how to make coconut soup, papaya salad, pad thai, mango sticky rice and my favorite dish of all time, khao soi! 

4. Visit Baan Kang Wat Art Village

Google Maps

The Baan Kang Wat Art Village is an art market and community space where local vendors sell artisanal goods. Vendors sell handmade jewelry, clothes, artwork, bags, and offer a DIY station in front of their stores for shoppers to have an opportunity to get creative. There is even a place where you make your own notebook by hand! The art village also has coffee shops and food stalls. Some of the best Khao Soi, a local Chiang Mai dish, I had in Thailand was from the food vendors at the market. I could have spent all day here shopping, eating, and crafting. I recommend spending half a day here to explore. 

5. Go Temple Hopping

While wandering through the streets of Chiang Mai, you will notice Buddhist temples on every block. Chiang Mai is home to over 300 Buddhist temples, drawing people from all over the world for spiritual purposes or simply to appreciate the beauty and history of these phenomenal temples. You can absolutely explore these temples on your own, or you can take a temple tour with a local guide and learn about the history and significance of some of the most popular temples in the city. 

Monk Chats are a popular offering at many of the temples in Chiang Mai. These chats are an opportunity for cross cultural and spiritual exchange between Thai monks and travelers. If you choose to chat with a monk, you will have the opportunity to learn about Thai and Buddhist culture, while helping monks practice their English and other language skills. Monk Chats are free and small donations are welcome and highly encouraged. Monk Chats are held at Wat Suan Dok on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 5pm-7pm. Many other temples throughout Chiang Mai offer this opportunity, so keep an eye out while you are exploring the temples!

All temples are open to the public and require tourists to pay a small entrance fee, usually somewhere around 20 to 50 Baht ($0.60 to $1.50 USD). Please dress respectfully and cover your knees and shoulders and remove your shoes when visiting the temples. I recommend wearing shoes that are easy to slip off and on. Whether you choose to explore the temples independently or with a guided tour, you are sure to enjoy the stunning architecture and spiritual atmosphere of the temples in Chiang Mai.

6. Hike in Doi Inthanon National Park 

Doi Inthanon is nicknamed the “Roof of Thailand”, for being on top of the highest mountain in the country. This national park is known for its nature, waterfalls, hiking trails, and local village life. The park is about an hour outside of the city, and I recommend booking a guided tour including round trip transportation and a local guide. In this tour, you will get to learn about Thai culture, hike through the national park, visit pagodas, and a local village. If you love nature, Doi Inathon is worth the visit!

7. Listen to Live Jazz Music

Located at the north gate of the Old City is the North Gate Jazz Co-Op, an amazing spot to catch live jazz music any night of the week. The atmosphere is lively and fun and the bartenders serve up great cocktails. If you want to get a good seat I recommend arriving a little bit before 7pm, but plenty of people stand and enjoy the music as well!

8. Get a Thai Massage

Thai massages are some of the best in the world. There are massage places on every street in Chiang Mai and I really don’t think you can go wrong with any of them. Prices can range from $5-$100 USD depending on whether you go to a more casual street side spa or a more higher end luxury spa. 

9. Go for a Stroll

Chiang Mai is a city that is easy to get lost in, in the best way. You can wander through the city and stumble upon beautiful temples, delicious street food, cute cafes, and artisanal shops. I recommend taking a stroll through the Old City with no plan and seeing what you discover! Buak Had Public Park on the southern end of the Old City is fun to wander around. 

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide helps you understand why Chiang Mai is one of my favorite cities in the world! This city has a little bit of something for everyone. Whether you are looking for night markets, music, nature, spirituality, culture, food, or shopping, you can find it in Chiang Mai! 

FAQs

Is Chiang Mai worth visiting?

If you are interested in Thai food and culture and love nature, Chiang Mai is a must on your Thailand itinerary. Chiang Mai was the highlight of my time in Thailand and I would absolutely visit if you are planning a trip to Thailand.

How should I dress in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai weather tends to be humid, warm, and rainy depending on the time of year. I recommend packing light weight cotton and linen shorts, skirts, tshirts, blouses, and a rain jacket. Make sure to pack clothing that covers your knees and shoulders for when you are exploring the temples! I recommend buying a light weight sarong from the markets to cover your shoulders and you will have it as a souvenir from your trip to Chiang Mai!

What is the best cafe in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai has an amazing cafe scene! Check out my guide to the best cafes in Chiang Mai. My personal favorite is Paapu House! They serve delicious food and coffee in a cozy cafe. 

What is the best night market in Chiang Mai?

You can’t go wrong with exploring any of the night markets in Chiang Mai. They all offer something a little different, but you are sure to find a fun atmosphere and delicious food at all of them! Lana Square is my favorite for a more laid back evening, and I enjoy the Sunday Walking Street Chiang Mai Night Market when I want something more high energy and exciting!

What is the best restaurant in Chiang Mai?

This is a tough question because all the food I ate in Chiang Mai is amazing. I think the best way to experience Thai food is by eating your way through night markets and local food stalls, but my favorite restaurant would have to be Isaan Ros Sab!