Best Things To Do Chiang Mai, Thailand

There’s something about Chiang Mai that stays with you. Maybe it’s the way the golden light hits the ancient temples at sunrise, or how the scent of grilled skewers drifts through the night markets. Maybe it’s the slow smiles of the locals, or the crisp mountain air just outside the city.

Chiang Mai isn’t a place you simply visit—it’s a place you feel. And if you’re planning a trip, here’s how to truly experience the best of northern Thailand.

Coffee Culture: A Cup with a Story

Chiang Mai has quietly become one of Asia’s coffee capitals, thanks to its rich soil and hill tribe communities who’ve been cultivating beans for decades. Every café here seems to tell a story—not just about coffee, but about the people behind it.

• Ristr8to – Think of this as the rockstar of Chiang Mai’s coffee scene. Award-winning baristas, bold latte art that’s more like fine art, and flavors that pack a punch.

• Akha Ama Coffee – This café is more than a coffee stop; it’s a movement. Beans are sourced directly from the Akha hill tribe, empowering local farmers. Each sip feels like you’re part of something bigger.

• Graph Café – For those who love innovation, this little spot offers experimental drinks—espresso with orange peel, charcoal lattes, and creations that make you rethink coffee.

• Khagee Café – Tucked quietly by the river, it feels like stepping into a Japanese tea house. Simple, minimalist, warm. Perfect for a reflective pause.

• Nine One Coffee – A favorite among locals, serving beans grown just outside the city in Doi Saket. Less polished, more authentic—like Chiang Mai itself.

Food Heaven: Hidden Gems You’ll Dream About

Chiang Mai is where food isn’t just eaten—it’s celebrated. If you follow food travelers like Mark Wiens, you’ll know this city is filled with flavors that make your eyes light up and your heart feel full.

• Khao Soi Mae Sai – You can’t leave without tasting khao soi, Chiang Mai’s most iconic dish: egg noodles in a creamy curry broth topped with crispy noodles, lime, and chili paste. This small shop is often hailed as the best in town.

• SP Chicken – Imagine rotisserie chicken, but perfected the Thai way: golden, crispy skin, tender meat, and dipping sauces that hit every flavor note.

• Tong Tem Toh – A lively restaurant famous for its northern Thai specialties. Dishes like nam prik ong (tomato chili dip) and crispy pork belly make it a spot locals swear by.

• Chang Phuak Night Market – Home of the “Cowboy Hat Lady” who serves melt-in-your-mouth pork leg rice. Cheap, hearty, and iconic.

• Street Food Stalls Everywhere – Some of your best meals won’t come from a restaurant—they’ll come from a smoky grill on the side of the road. Follow the locals, and you’ll never go wrong.

Elephant Sanctuaries: Meeting Gentle Giants

Thailand’s elephants are magnificent creatures, but not every attraction treats them kindly. In Chiang Mai, you’ll find sanctuaries that focus on ethical care—letting elephants live freely without riding or performances.

• Elephant Nature Park – Probably the most famous sanctuary. It’s a refuge for elephants rescued from logging and tourism industries. You’ll feed them, walk alongside them, and see them living peacefully.

• Elephant Jungle Sanctuary – Combines hands-on experience with education. Visitors help prepare food, bathe elephants in the river, and learn their stories.

• Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary – A bit more remote, but deeply meaningful. It blends community-based tourism with elephant care, making your visit support local villages as well as the elephants.

• Chai Lai Orchid – A heartwarming option that’s part eco-lodge, part elephant sanctuary. Guests wake up to elephants wandering by the riverside bungalows, and their stay directly supports women from at-risk communities. It’s more than just a visit—it’s a chance to stay somewhere that makes a difference.

Spending time with these gentle giants is life-changing—you leave not just with photos, but with a newfound respect.

Temples: The Soul of Chiang Mai

Temples in Chiang Mai aren’t just beautiful—they’re the heartbeat of the city. Each one feels like stepping into another world, full of incense, chanting, and shimmering gold.

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – Perched high above the city, this temple is the crown jewel of Chiang Mai. The climb up its serpent-lined staircase rewards you with sweeping views and a golden stupa that glows in the sun.

• Wat Chedi Luang – Right in the Old City, this ancient chedi (partially ruined from an earthquake) feels like a window into the past. At night, it’s quietly lit—magical.

• Wat Phra Singh – Known for its stunning Lanna architecture and detailed murals, this temple shows off the artistry of northern Thailand.

• Wat Umong – Hidden in the forest, with underground tunnels and a serene pond. Perfect if you want a peaceful, meditative experience.

Festivals: Lanterns in the Sky

If there’s one time of year to visit Chiang Mai, it’s during Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival in November.

Picture this: thousands of lanterns rising into the night sky, each carrying a wish or prayer. At the same time, people release floating offerings into the river, candles glowing on the water. It’s breathtaking, emotional, and deeply spiritual. Book your stay early—this festival draws visitors from around the world.

Shopping: Treasures of the City

Chiang Mai’s markets are as much about atmosphere as they are about shopping.

• Sunday Night Walking Street – The most famous market, stretching across the Old City. Handicrafts, street food, and live music create a magical energy.

• Saturday Night Market (Wua Lai Road) – Slightly smaller, but still packed with charm and authentic crafts.

• Warorot Market (Kad Luang) – The place where locals shop. Great for fabrics, spices, and fresh produce.

• Nimmanhaemin Road (Nimman) – More modern and chic, with art galleries, boutique shops, and stylish cafés.

Into the Mountains

Just outside the city, the mountains call. Here’s where you’ll find waterfalls, hill tribe villages, and fresh, cool air.

• Doi Inthanon National Park – Thailand’s highest peak. Expect waterfalls, hiking trails, and the beautiful twin royal pagodas.

• Doi Suthep–Pui National Park – Great for shorter hikes and incredible viewpoints.

• Mae Kampong Village – A hidden gem nestled in the hills, known for eco-friendly homestays, coffee shops, and peaceful nature.

• Pai – A bohemian mountain town about 3 hours away, with hot springs, canyons, and laid-back vibes.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

Budget-Friendly

• Green Tiger Vegetarian House – Peaceful, eco-friendly, with amazing vegetarian food.

• Deejai Backpackers – Great for solo travelers who want a social vibe.

• Julie’s Guesthouse – Simple, cozy, and a longtime backpacker staple.

Mid-Range

• BED Chiang Mai Gate – Modern, comfortable, and close to everything.

• The Inside House – Boutique charm with unique Lanna architecture.

• Stay with Nimman – Trendy hotel in Chiang Mai’s coolest neighborhood.

Luxury

• 137 Pillars House – Colonial-style luxury with lush gardens.

• Anantara Chiang Mai Resort – Riverside elegance and spa indulgence.

• Four Seasons Chiang Mai – Stay among rice paddies and mountains—absolutely unforgettable.

Stays in the Mountains

If you dream of waking up to mist rolling over the hills, consider staying outside the city:

• Onsen @ Moncham – A Japanese-inspired resort with hot springs and mountain views.

  
  

• Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort – Romantic, secluded, and surrounded by green hills.

  
  

• Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort – Bamboo cottages with sweeping valley views.

  
  

• Mae Kampong Homestays – Simple but soulful, offering an authentic glimpse of village life.

Final Thoughts

Chiang Mai is more than a destination—it’s a journey. From sipping coffee brewed by hill tribe farmers, to releasing a lantern into the night sky, to walking alongside elephants, every experience here feels personal and meaningful.

It’s a city that balances the old and new, the lively and the serene. And whether you’re wandering through the Old City’s narrow lanes or hiking in the cool mountain air, Chiang Mai has a way of reminding you to slow down, breathe, and truly be present.