Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Map of Attractions

To give you a first overview, we’ve marked the most beautiful attractions in Chiang Mai on a map.

Old Town of Chiang Mai

Good to know: Chiang Mai’s old town is perfectly square and enclosed by an ancient wall and a small canal. You can enter through several gates, with main entrances to the north, south, east, and west.

Is it worth visiting? Absolutely! The old town is home to some of the best things to do in Chiang Mai, especially its stunning temples. We’ll show you our favorites below. The city wall is also worth a look – the East Gate is the most popular spot, though it can get quite busy.

Our tip: Join a guided walking tour through the old town to really get a feel for the city. You’ll learn fascinating stories about the temples and can ask your guide anything you want to know about Thai life and culture.

Tour tip: A half-day bike tour of Chiang Mai is a fun and easy way to explore. It’s perfect for a first impression and lets you see more in less time. Book your Chiang Mai bike tour here.

Wat Phra Sing

• Admission: 50 baht

Good to know: Wat Phra Sing sits just west of the old town and is considered the most important temple in Chiang Mai. Its main shrine houses the Phra Sihing Buddha statue, one of the city’s most revered images.

Is it worth visiting? Definitely. If you’re exploring the old town and looking for the best things to do in Chiang Mai, Wat Phra Sing should be on your list. The temple grounds are beautifully maintained and full of atmosphere.

Our tip: During the Thai New Year festival, Songkran, the Phra Sihing statue is carried through the streets in a colorful procession – a highlight if you’re visiting in April.

Wat Chedi Luang & Phan Tao

• Admission: 50 baht

Good to know: Right in the heart of Chiang Mai’s old town, you’ll find an impressive temple complex with several remarkable buildings – including Wat Chedi Luang, a partially ruined stupa adorned with elephant carvings. Nearby is Wat Phan Tao, a beautiful teakwood temple that stands out from many others in the city.

Is it worth visiting? Absolutely. The whole complex is one of the most fascinating things to do in Chiang Mai. Wat Chedi Luang, in particular, is one of our favorite temples in the city.

Our tip: If you’re in Chiang Mai during the Loi Krathong festival of lights, don’t miss the magical candlelight ceremony at Wat Phan Tao – it’s an unforgettable experience.

Wat Chiang Man

• Admission: free

Good to know: Wat Chiang Man is located in the northeast corner of the old town and dates back to 1297, making it the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. It’s not a large complex, but it’s full of charm and history.

Is it worth visiting? Yes! It’s generally quieter than Wat Chedi Luang, making it a peaceful stop if you’re exploring Chiang Mai. And the best part – entry is completely free.

Night Bazaar

Good to know: You’ll find the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar just east of the old town, near the Ping River. From late afternoon until late evening, the streets come alive with food stalls, souvenir stands, and local crafts – one of the most vibrant things to do in Chiang Mai.

Is it worth visiting? Absolutely! The Night Bazaar is full of energy and a great spot to try local street food, browse handmade goods, and pick up clothes or gifts from the region.

Our tip: Don’t miss trying Khao Soi – a northern Thai curry noodle soup with crispy noodles on top. It’s one of the most delicious dishes you can try in Chiang Mai.

Walking Streets

• Where is the Saturday Walking Street? Wua Lai Road (starting at Chiang Mai Gate along the southern wall of the old town)
• Where is the Sunday Walking Street? Ratchadamnoen Road (starting at Tha Pae Gate and running through the old town)

Good to know: Every Saturday and Sunday at sunset, parts of the city turn into a huge market known as the Walking Street. You’ll find souvenirs, handmade crafts, clothes, and of course, endless street food. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Chiang Mai — whether you’re traveling with kids or just love a lively atmosphere..

Is it worth visiting? Yes! It’s definitely not a hidden gem anymore and attracts plenty of tourists, but the vibe is great. A stroll through the Walking Street is still one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

Our tip: Go early! Around 5 p.m. it’s still calm and easy to wander around before the crowds arrive. Some vendors may just be setting up, but it’s the most relaxed time to explore.

3D Museum

• Admission: 460 baht

Good to know: Ever been to a 3D museum? We hadn’t either until we discovered Art in Paradise in Chiang Mai. It’s full of interactive 3D murals where you can take playful photos – perfect if you’re looking for unique things to do in Chiang Mai on a rainy day.

Is it worth visiting? We think so! It’s entertaining, especially for families or groups, and a great indoor option when you’re wondering what to see and do in Chiang Mai if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Our tip: Don’t go alone! The fun of the museum is posing for photos, so bring someone who can take pictures of you – it’s half the experience.

Book your ticket for “Art in Paradise” in Chiang Mai

Extra Tip: Restaurants & Cafés in Chiang Mai

You need to know this: The many lovely cafés and restaurants are a big part of what makes Chiang Mai so special. Because so many digital nomads live here, the city has developed a real café culture. Most of the cute and stylish spots are around Nimman Road, but you’ll also find plenty of great restaurants to relax and eat in the old town.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. Having breakfast or spending an afternoon in a café is simply one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai. And of course, you should try northern Thai food – it’s incredibly tasty!

Our tip: The Freebird Café is a wonderful social project – refugees from Myanmar are trained and paid fairly here. The food is vegan or vegetarian and super delicious.

Day Trips from Chiang Mai

Now let’s show you our favorite day trips from Chiang Mai. We’ve marked all the highlights on a map so you can easily see where they’re located.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

• Admission: 30 baht (80 cents)

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is probably the most famous temple in Chiang Mai and one of the top things to do in Chiang Mai for any visitor.

The temple sits on a mountain just outside the city and is famous for its stunning golden chedi in the center of the complex.

We recommend visiting Doi Suthep in the late afternoon or around sunset. The soft light makes the temple glow beautifully, and when the monks gather to chant as the sun sets, the atmosphere is truly magical.

Note: Please be respectful during the prayers – sit quietly on the ground, keep your voice down, and maintain a respectful distance.

Besides the temple itself, the view over Chiang Mai from up here is breathtaking.

At the top, you’ll find a viewing platform overlooking the city, and there are plenty of great lookout points along the winding mountain road.

On the way back down, stop at one of the small roadside bays to enjoy the view of Chiang Mai lit up at night.

How to get to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

The easiest way to get to Doi Suthep is by scooter. It’s about a 30 minute ride up the curvy mountain road – a fun and scenic drive.

Note: It can get surprisingly cool at the top after sunset. Bring a light sweater or jacket, even if it’s hot in the city during the day.

Once you reach the parking area, you can either take an elevator to the top (50 baht) or climb the stairs for free – a few hundred steps that are worth the effort.

If you’d rather not drive yourself, take one of the Red Taxis (songthaews) up to Doi Suthep.

They leave from Chiang Mai Zoo for about 40 baht per person. You’ll also find plenty of Red Taxis near temples in the city offering rides to Doi Suthep.

You can also hire a private Red Taxi for a round trip. Prices usually start around 500 baht, depending on your bargaining skills.

Doi Suthep National Park

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which we just introduced, is located in the beautiful Doi Suthep National Park of the same name. If you want to combine the temple visit with a bit of nature, this is the perfect spot.

Here are two great things to do in Doi Suthep National Park:

#1 Hike the Monk’s Trail

This popular hiking trail starts on the outskirts of Chiang Mai and leads almost all the way up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It’s quite steep, but along the way you’ll pass several temples and enjoy amazing views of the city.

• Starting point: to Google Maps
• Endpoint: to Google Maps
• Length: about 3.5 kilometers (uphill only)
• Elevation gain: around 600 meters

#2 Visit the waterfalls

There are also several waterfalls scattered through the park. We visited the Montha Than Waterfall – it’s close to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and easy to reach by scooter. It’s a lovely stop if you want to cool off and enjoy a bit of nature.

Chiang Mai Grand Canyon

• Admission: 750 baht

The Grand Canyon in Chiang Mai? Yes, it really exists! About 20 kilometers southwest of the city, you’ll find this former quarry that’s now a fun swimming spot and one of the most popular attractions in Chiang Mai.

The name might be a bit over the top compared to the real Grand Canyon in the U.S., but it’s still a great place to swim and relax. There’s even a small sandy beach where you can wade into the water, or if you’re brave, you can jump from one of the cliffs.

After a few past accidents, life jackets are now mandatory – you can easily rent them on site.

The highlight here is the water park at the back of the canyon. If you remember the old TV show “Takeshi’s Castle,” you’ll get the idea – it’s full of inflatable obstacle courses and so much fun, especially for families. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai with kids.

You can reach the Grand Canyon in about 30 – 45 minutes by scooter from Chiang Mai.

Get tickets for the Grand Canyon Water Park

White Temple Chiang Rai

• Admission: 100 baht

Chiang Rai lies about 200 kilometers northeast of Chiang Mai and is full of fascinating sights. If you have a few days, it’s worth staying overnight – but even a day trip from Chiang Mai is a great option.

A visit to the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is one of the absolute best things to do in Chiang Mai and its surroundings.

Book a day trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

The White Temple is unlike any other temple you’ll ever see. Wat Rong Khun is entirely white and covered with intricate details and shimmering mirrors.

And as if that weren’t enough, you’ll even spot murals featuring Michael Jackson, Superman, and Yoda inside – a quirky mix that makes this temple truly one of a kind.

Pai

Pai is a small mountain town northwest of Chiang Mai, known for its beautiful scenery, waterfalls, and natural hot springs. It’s one of the best day trips from Chiang Mai or a great spot to spend a night or two if you have time to explore more of northern Thailand.

Because there’s so much to see and do in Pai, we recommend staying at least one night to really enjoy it.

Our hotel tip for Pai: Pai Village Boutique Resort

These are the top highlights in Pai:

• Bamboo Bridge
• Tha Pai Hot Springs
• Mae Yen Waterfall
• Yun Lai Viewpoint
• Santichon Village

Buses run daily from Chiang Mai to Pai, and the trip takes around 4 hours. The easiest way to book tickets is via 12goasia.

Elephant Camps

First of all, the most important thing: this is not about riding elephants, but about supporting rescued elephants by visiting ethical sanctuaries.

Sadly, elephants in Thailand (and other parts of Asia) often live under terrible conditions because they’re used to make money from tourism. Many travelers still book elephant rides without realizing how much suffering this causes.

Elephants are wild animals, and to make them “rideable,” they must go through brutal training that breaks their spirit. If you want to learn more about why you should never ride elephants, read this article:

The truth about elephant riding in Asia

There are several ethical elephant sanctuaries near Chiang Mai that rescue and care for elephants from the tourism and logging industries.

Unfortunately, not every camp is truly ethical – some still profit from claiming to “rescue” elephants. After doing a lot of research, we decided not to visit any camp because we couldn’t be completely sure which ones were genuine.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. Just make sure to choose your elephant camp carefully and do your research. If you’ve found a place you can truly recommend, we’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Festival of Lights in Chiang Mai

Planning your trip for November? Then you should definitely be in Chiang Mai for the Loi Krathong Festival – one of the most magical things to do in Chiang Mai and one of the most beautiful festivals in Thailand.

The Festival of Lights is celebrated all over the country, but in Chiang Mai it’s especially breathtaking because it happens together with the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, when thousands of glowing lanterns rise into the night sky.

Experiencing Loi Krathong in Chiang Mai is unforgettable – we’ve celebrated it three times, and each year was just as magical as the first. It’s without a doubt one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai and something you’ll remember forever.

Loi Krathong always takes place on the full moon night of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar, so the exact date changes each year.

Here are the upcoming Loi Krathong dates:

2025: November 06
2026: November 25
2027: November 14

How Many Days in Chiang Mai?

We recommend spending at least three nights in Chiang Mai. That gives you enough time to explore the old town on one day and enjoy some of the amazing day trips from Chiang Mai on the other days.

Our suggested program for 3 days in Chiang Mai:

• Day 1: Chiang Mai Old Town, a cooking class or the 3D Art Museum
• Day 2: Doi Suthep National Park and the Night Bazaar or Walking Street
• Day 3: Day trip to the White Temple in Chiang Rai

If you have more time, we definitely recommend staying longer in northern Thailand and spending a few nights in Chiang Rai and/or Pai. It’s a great way to experience more of the region’s best things to do and local life.

This is our suggested itinerary for a week in northern Thailand

• Day 1: Chiang Mai Old Town, cooking class or 3D Art Museum
• Day 2: Doi Suthep National Park and Night Bazaar or Walking Street
• Day 3: Visit an ethical elephant camp or the Chiang Mai Grand Canyon
• Day 4–5: Pai
• Day 6–7: White Temple and other highlights in Chiang Rai

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai?

In most cases, the best area to stay is either in the old town or just outside the old town. Our personal favorite is the Villa Thai Orchid.

Find out why the old town is such a great choice and discover more hotel recommendations in our Chiang Mai accommodation guide:

Chiang Mai: Where’s the best place to stay?

How to Get Around Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai’s old town is small enough to explore easily on foot. For attractions in Chiang Mai that are further out or if you’re planning day trips from Chiang Mai, you’ll need another way to get around.

Luckily, there are plenty of transportation options in the city.

Rent a scooter in Chiang Mai

Many travelers rent a scooter while they’re here. It’s the most flexible way to get around and makes exploring all the things to do in Chiang Mai super easy. The traffic can seem a bit hectic at first, but you’ll get used to it quickly.

Scooter rentals cost around 300 baht per day. There are plenty of rental shops, though in high season it can be harder to find one on short notice.

Recommended scooter rentals in Chiang Mai:

• Bikky (2x on Huaykaew Road)
• Cat Motors (197/1 Ratchamanka Rd.)
• Happy Days Shop (88 Chaiyapoom Road)
• Mango Bikes (Siri Mangkalajarn Road, Soi 1)
• Smile Motorcycle & Car Rental (Rachadamnoen Road, Soi 2)

A helmet is always included. In Chiang Mai, people usually leave their helmets on the handlebars when parking – and amazingly, they’re still there when you get back!

Note: You need an international driver’s license to ride a scooter in Thailand. The police in Chiang Mai check this quite often, unlike in other parts of the country.

If you’re stopped without one, expect a 500 baht fine. Always ask for a receipt – it’s valid for a few days, so you won’t have to pay again during that time.

Of course, the best option is to have the proper international license. Some officers also check if your license includes the motorcycle endorsement. Without it, you might still get fined.

Our tip: Bring a small cloth or scarf to wear under your helmet. They’re not exactly fresh out of the box! You can find more practical advice in our complete Southeast Asia packing list.

The famous red cabs in Chiang Mai

You’ll see them everywhere: red pickup trucks with benches in the back.

These shared taxis are called Songthaews or Red Taxis. They run all over Chiang Mai and will take you just about anywhere.

How it works: Wave one down at the side of the road and tell the driver your destination. He’ll either say yes or no (if he’s going another direction). If he agrees, hop in the back. When you reach your stop, the driver will let you know.

You can also press the stop button on the ceiling to get off. Fares usually range between 30 – 50 baht per person. For longer rides or late-night trips, it might be a bit more – but the driver will tell you beforehand.

You pay when you get out, once you’ve reached your destination.

Most Songthaew drivers don’t speak English, so it helps to name a well-known place – like a temple or one of the gates around the old town. Having the address written down also works well.

Tuk tuk rides in Chiang Mai

Tuk tuks are another fun way to get around Chiang Mai, especially for short trips. You’ll find them near markets, temples, and popular tourist spots. Make sure to agree on the price before you start your ride – tuk tuks are usually the most expensive option for getting around town.

Taxis in Chiang Mai

Traditional taxis aren’t very common in Chiang Mai and are mostly used to take travelers from the airport to their hotel. You’ll rarely see them driving around town, so it’s not typical to flag one down on the street.

Getting around Chiang Mai with Uber and Grab

A great alternative to the red songthaews is booking a ride with Uber. Just install the Uber app and request a driver directly through it.

A driver usually shows up within five minutes and takes you to the destination you entered in the app. You can even check the estimated fare before confirming your ride.

Payment is easy and handled through the app via credit card, but you can also choose to pay cash if you prefer not to store your card details.

Another excellent option is Grab, which works exactly the same way and is extremely popular throughout Thailand.

How to Get to Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai lies in northern Thailand, about 700 kilometers from the capital Bangkok.

The easiest way to get there is by flying into the city’s international airport. Alternatively, there are good bus and train connections from Bangkok and other parts of Thailand – great options if you’re planning some day trips from Chiang Mai or exploring the country overland.

Bus to Chiang Mai

Taking the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

The journey from Bangkok takes about 10 hours and costs between 380 and 760 baht, depending on the company.

You can buy tickets on-site or book them online via 12goasia.

Traveling to Chiang Mai by train

Taking the train is one of the most romantic way to travel to Chiang Mai. Day and night trains run between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, taking around 11 to 14 hours.

Night trains are especially popular since you save a night’s accommodation, and if you book a 2nd class sleeper, you can sleep quite comfortably.

The train station is about 3 kilometers east of the old town. Tickets can be purchased at the station or online at 12goasia. Expect to pay between 760 and 1200 baht for a 2nd class seat.

Flying to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai International Airport is just a few kilometers southwest of the old town. You’ll find plenty of domestic flights and many routes from other Asian countries.

There are up to four domestic flights to Bangkok per hour, often for around 1200 baht.

You can fly from both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. Within Thailand, you’ll also find direct flights from the south – for example from Phuket or Koh Samui – perfect if you want to combine Chiang Mai with a beach holiday.

There are also convenient international routes to Yangon and Mandalay in Myanmar, as well as to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

How to get from Chiang Mai Airport to the city

The easiest way to reach the city center is by taxi. You’ll find several taxi counters in the arrivals hall.

After collecting your luggage and passing customs, turn left and walk to the end of the terminal building. The taxi stand is located on the left-hand side.

Tell the staff where you’re headed, and they’ll give you a slip with the fixed fare. A ride to the old town usually costs about 150 baht.

Take the slip to the driver waiting outside and pay directly at the end of your trip.

Red taxis are a bit cheaper, at around 100 baht.

You can also order a ride through Uber or Grab. It’s usually slightly more expensive than a regular cab but often faster – especially if there’s a long queue at the taxi rank.

These were our tips and favorite attractions in Chiang Mai

Have you already been to Chiang Mai and discovered more great things to do in Chiang Mai? Or do you still have questions about what to see and do in Chiang Mai? Share your tips or ask away in the comments – we’d love to hear from you!