Back to ExplorePlan a trip
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Destination Guide

Chiang Mai

Thailand

Best things to do in Chiang Mai

36 curated attractions in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

November - February

Average temp

25°C/77°F

Budget

Budget-friendly

Safety

Very safe

About Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern Thailand, is a cultural hub shaped by its history as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. It has more than 300 temples, including the renowned Wat Phra Singh and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which sits on a mountain overlooking the city. The old city is surrounded by remnants of ancient walls and a moat, creating a distinct character that contrasts with the modern cafes and markets. The Elephant Nature Park and the Karen Long Neck Hill Tribe Village draw visitors interested in ethical interactions with animals and indigenous culture. It’s a popular spot for those seeking a mix of relaxation and exploration, with the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and Tha Pae Walking Street providing lively evening options. People come for the culinary scene, from street food to cooking classes, which is among the best in Thailand.

Who it's for

Anyone who appreciates history, culture, and food will find their niche here. It’s a poor choice for people looking for beaches or nightlife on par with Bangkok, as this city is more about slow travel and local experiences than urban excitement.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • Walking around the old city is easy and can be done in about thirty minutes
  • Songthaews and tuk-tuks are readily available for longer distances, and the public transport system is generally reliable
  • Chiang Mai International Airport is about fifteen minutes from downtown by taxi
  • Expect to navigate some stairs if you visit the temples on the hills
Thung Thong Temple

Thung Thong Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Karen Long Neck Hill Tribe Village

Karen Long Neck Hill Tribe Village

Traditional villages
Tribal Museum

Tribal Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Wiang Kum Kam

Wiang Kum Kam

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Chiang Mai Old City

Chiang Mai Old City

Old towns & historic quarters
Mae Sa Waterfall

Mae Sa Waterfall

Waterfalls
Wat Umong

Wat Umong

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Pui National Park

Pui National Park

National parks & nature reserves
Wat Chiang Man

Wat Chiang Man

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Nimmanhaemin Road

Nimmanhaemin Road

Streets & neighbourhoods
Huay Tung Tao Lake

Huay Tung Tao Lake

Lakes
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden

Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden

Botanical gardens
Doi Suthep

Doi Suthep

Religious
Chiang Mai Grand Canyon

Chiang Mai Grand Canyon

Lakes
Bua Thong Sticky Waterfall

Bua Thong Sticky Waterfall

Waterfalls
La Lanna

La Lanna

Shopping
Art in Paradise Chiang Mai

Art in Paradise Chiang Mai

Specialty & quirky museums
Chiang Mai National Museum

Chiang Mai National Museum

History museums
Lanna Square

Lanna Square

Cultural
Grandma's Home Cooking School

Grandma's Home Cooking School

Food
Wat Pha Lat

Wat Pha Lat

Religious Sites
Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park

National parks & nature reserves
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Buak Hard Public Park

Buak Hard Public Park

Natural Wonders
Dantewada Land of Angels Waterfall Park

Dantewada Land of Angels Waterfall Park

Natural Wonders
Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre

Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre

History museums
Tha Pae Walking Street

Tha Pae Walking Street

Street food & night markets
Elephant Nature Park

Elephant Nature Park

Wildlife sanctuaries
Tha Phae Gate

Tha Phae Gate

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Street food & night markets
Kalare Night Market

Kalare Night Market

Food
Maesa Elephant Camp

Maesa Elephant Camp

Wildlife sanctuaries
Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium

Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium

Sports and Recreation Venues
Chiang Mai Zoo

Chiang Mai Zoo

Zoos

Where to eat in Chiang Mai

The places worth planning a meal around.

North Gate Jazz Co-op

North Gate Jazz Co-op

★ 4.7 · 5,649 reviews

Zoe in Yellow

Zoe in Yellow

★ 4.2 · 4,994 reviews

Zab E Lee Cooking School

Zab E Lee Cooking School

Thai · $$

★ 5.0 · 4,757 reviews

Chom Cafe

Chom Cafe

★ 4.3 · 4,551 reviews

Thapae Grill

Thapae Grill

Thai BBQ · $10–$25

★ 4.5 · 1,662 reviews

Mars Cafe

Mars Cafe

Café, Brunch, Thai Fusion · $$

★ 4.4 · 1,229 reviews

Things to do in Chiang Mai

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

Travel Tools

Check visa for ThailandEstimate costs for Chiang MaiCompare Chiang Mai with another cityPacking list for Chiang Mai

AI Travel Planner

Planning a trip to Chiang Mai?

Get a personalized itinerary built around your travel personality — with optimized routes, hidden gems, and insider tips.

Take the quiz — it's free →