What are the Best Things to do in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is an incredibly popular city in Thailand. It’s considered the spiritual and cultural heart of Thailand and is the perfect place to explore and adventure. With its stunning scenery and amazing things to do, Chiang Mai offers tourists the perfect getaway experience.

If you’re coming to Chiang Mai for a visit, you’re probably wondering what are the best things to do. Below we’ve put together a list of the 10 best things you need to do when you’re in this beautiful city.

1. Visit Wat Doi Suthep

One of the best things to do when you’re in Chiang Mai is to visit Wat Doi Suthep. Wat Doi Suthep is located on the mountain of Doi Suthep, approximately 16 kilometres from the city centre. The temple is one of the most important religious sites in all of Thailand and is a must-see attraction. It offers amazing views of the city and beyond, and it’s a great place to get a taste of Chiang Mai’s culture and history.

2. Visit the Sunday Night Market

The Sunday Night Market is one of the most popular and bustling attractions in Chiang Mai. Every Sunday night, locals and tourists alike flock to this market to shop, eat, and drink. The Sunday Night Market features dozens of vendors selling everything from clothes and jewelry, to local snacks and drinks. It’s a great place to get a feel for the local culture, meet some locals, and shop for great deals.

3. Take a Thai Cooking Class

Another great thing to do in Chiang Mai is take a Thai cooking class. Thai cuisine is world-renown for its distinctive flavors, aromas and ingredients, and it’s something that must be experienced when you’re in Thailand. Taking a Thai cooking class is a great way to learn about the different ingredients and techniques used in authentic Thai cooking, as well as a great way to make some amazing dishes that you can take home with you.

4. Explore the Old City Walls

The Old City walls of Chiang Mai are an iconic sight and an incredibly popular attraction. The walls were originally built in 1296 as a defensive structure against invading forces, but today they are a symbol of Chiang Mai’s rich history and culture. Exploring the walls is a great way to get an up close view of this historic site and take in the views of the old city.

5. Ride an Elephant at an Elephant Sanctuary

Riding an elephant is a popular activity for visitors of Chiang Mai, but it’s important that you do it responsibly. The best way to ride an elephant is by visiting an elephant sanctuary where the animals are not mistreated or abused in any way. At a sanctuary, you can learn all about elephants from experienced guides, while ensuring that these beautiful creatures are treated with respect and care.

6. Visit Wat Phra That Doi Kham

Wat Phra That Doi Kham is another important Buddhist temple located just outside of Chiang Mai. The temple offers stunning views of the city and is considered a very sacred spot for locals. The temple itself is filled with important artifacts, statues and art that tell stories about Buddhism, Thai culture and history. Exploring the Wat Phra That Doi Kham can be a truly enlightening experience.

7. Go Zip Lining at Mae Kampong

Mae Kampong is a small village located just outside of Chiang Mai where visitors can experience high-speed zip lining fun. This popular activity gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the stunning jungle scenery below as they zip line through the sky at high speeds. It’s an experience that must be had!

8. Go Chiang Mai Night Safari

The Chiang Mai Night Safari takes visitors on an unforgettable adventure into the wild world of nocturnal animals in Thailand. The safari features animatronic animals, interactive exhibits, an amphitheatre and much more. There are also exciting shows such as fire dancers and animal shows during certain points of each evening. The Chiang Mai Night Safari is an amazing place where families can explore together and learn more about wildlife conservation efforts in Thailand.

9. Climb Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Thailand and a great destination for hikers looking for a challenge. The park boasts some of the most impressive mountains and landscapes in the region, along with access to some of Thailand’s highest peaks, many (many) waterfalls and lush rainforest trails. Climbing Doi Inthanon National Park is an incredible way to immerse yourself in nature and see what Thailand has to offer first hand.

10. Take a Muay Thai Class
Muay Thai is a traditional martial art that originated in Thailand centuries ago, and it’s still incredibly popular today. Taking a Muay Thai class while you’re in Chiang Mai is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in local culture while learning valuable self-defense techniques that are very useful when traveling abroad. Taking a Muay Thai class can be both educational and fun!

No matter what type of activities you enjoy doing while on vacation, Chiang Mai has something for everyone! With stunning scenery, traditional temples, buzzing night markets, and thrilling outdoor experiences, Chiang Mai should be high on your list of places to visit if you’re planning a trip to Thailand! To learn more about things to do in beautiful and vibrant Chiang Mai visit: Things in Thailand.