Elephant Nature Park
Seeing and spending time with elephants is definitely one of Northern Thailand’s biggest highlights. There are so many different elephant camps to choose from, however, some are definitely more ethical than others. It is important that you do your research and avoid supporting parks that have unethical practices.
I recommend checking out Elephant Nature Park. Although it is admittedly a bit touristy, Elephant Nature Park is a great place to get up close to the elephants in a humane, no-riding environment.
See MoreWat Chedi Luang
One experience that I have not personally had in Chiang Mai, but have only heard great things about it the opportunity to chat with a monk. There are several locations throughout Chiang Mai that offer this experience, but Wat Chedi Luang is the most popular. Simply show up and strike up a conversation!
See MoreWat Phra Singh Woramahawihan
See MoreWat Suan Dok
See MoreWat Chiang Man
See MoreChiang Mai Walking Street
The Sunday Walking Street market is not only my favorite in Chiang Mai, it might just be my favorite in all of Thailand! If you can find a way to be in Chiang Mai on a Sunday then it is one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai, and a must on your itinerary. The market opens in the afternoon and lasts all evening. The name itself is a bit misleading, because rather than a street, the market actually stretches 1km down Rachadamnoen Road, from one end of the Old Town to the other.
What this means is that you’ll find endless streets of local goods and amazing (and cheap) street food! My favorite part is getting to try all of the different food options along the way. Plus, you’re going to need that extra energy for all of the walking and shopping you’re going to be doing.
See MoreChiang Mai Street
If your trip to Chiang Mai doesn’t line up with a weekend, don’t worry! The Daily Night Market is another fun option any day of the week. The market is composed of a series of both indoor and outdoor shopping areas.
See MoreAnusarn Market
My personal favorite is Anusarn Market, where in addition to fun handmade goods and souvenirs, you’ll find some great sit-down dinner options and cheap massages!
See MoreWua Lai Walking Street Saturday Market
Although the Saturday Night market is not as extensive as the Sunday Market, it is still a great option for some fun shopping and Chiang Mai fun. You’ll find areas off to the side reserved for street vendors as well, where you can grab some delicious food for dinner!
See MoreWild Rose Yoga
Chiang Mai is filled with amazing yoga studios for you to practice in. You can’t really go wrong with any of the studios, but this is one of my favorites.
See MoreSatva Yoga - Chiang Mai, Thailand
Another one of my favorite yoga studios, but
they have aerial classes available here too!
See MoreSiam Rice - The Cookery School
Taking a cooking class is one of my favorite things to do in Chiang Mai, and really in all of Thailand. I absolutely love Thai cuisine, and spending a day learning to cook all of these authentic dishes is such a blast. While Chiang Mai has tons of cooking schools to choose from, I have personally attended the class at Siam Rice Cookery a handful of times and couldn’t recommend it more.
For $25 USD for a full day course, you will receive hotel pick up/drop off, a tour of the local market, a selection of seven dishes to cook, and a cookbook to take home. There are also options for half-day morning or evening classes. This class is suitable for all levels (don’t worry if you’re awful in the kitchen) and will definitely make you feel like you’re ready to sign up for the next season of MasterChef.
As a note, they no longer use their website for bookings, but you can book directly via WhatsApp at: +66 85 038 8600.
See MoreWat Phra That Doi Suthep
This temple is located right outside of Chiang Mai, up a (very) windy mountain road. You can easily order a Grab to take you to the top, or hop in a shared tuk-tuk.
Once you’re dropped off, you’ll have a quick climb up some gorgeous steps before arriving at the temple. Entrance tickets cost only 100 THB (about $2.5 USD). As this is an active temple, it is important to make sure that you have your shoulders and knees covered.
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, you can also hike up to Wat Doi Suthep from Chiang Mai. It’s a steep climb but an amazing adventure. You’ll even stop at another beautiful temple along the way. On my latest visit, we hiked up starting at the Monk’s Trail (we took a Grab car to this point), and then took a songthaew back down.
See MoreFull-Day Doi Inthanon National Park Tour with Trek and Pagodas
Chiang Mai is perfectly located within mountainous Northern Thailand. This means that there are plenty of great one-day and multi-day hiking opportunities for anyone looking for a bit of adventure.
I always recommend booking a tour in person, rather than over the internet. This is the best way to get the best deals and get a better sense for the quality of the experience you’re going to have, but if you're short on time and want a guaranteed plan, this is the tour for you!
See More
BookVaralee Massage
I could write an entire post about all of the incredible massage options available in Chiang Mai. Daily massages were definitely a part of my Chiang Mai routine, and I only wish I could keep up that daily routine back in NYC. One thing to know about Thai massages is that they are much rougher than your average massage in the US.
Don’t be surprised when the masseuse starts bending your body this way and that. Also, unlike most massages in the West, you don’t undress at most places in Asia. Instead, when you get a massage in Chiang Mai, you’ll most likely be provided an outfit to put on. The outfit is a loose cotton top and pants.
You can expect to pay 250-300 baht ($7-8.50) at most places for an hour Thai massage, but of course, there are fancier spas with higher prices as well.
See MoreMango sticky rice 50baht
Although not unique to Chiang Mai specifically, a visit to Thailand is not complete without a taste of this delicious dessert. Sliced fresh mango with sticky rice, topped with a sweet cream sauce. I could eat this every single day!
See MoreWat Rong Khun
Chiang Rai is the northernmost city in Thailand, and an excellent trip (ideally an overnight trip, but a day trip is possible) from Chiang Mai. It takes 3.5 hours. If you leave early enough in the day, it can definitely be done as a day trip, but I’d definitely recommend a day or two if possible. The famous White Temple is a must!
See MoreRong Suea Ten Temple
But there is also an awesome blue temple!
See MoreDoi Inthanon
Okay, here is another thing on the Chiang Mai Things to Do Itinerary that I’ve never done, but I’ve heard such great things that I just had to include it! Located approximately 90 minutes by bus from Chiang Mai, I’ve heard that it is definitely worth the trek.
See More