What to do in Chiang Mai: 16 Must-See + Map

Updated: 9 November, 2024

I'll share with you all the best things to see in Chiang Mai – temples, markets, affordable massages, and places known only to the locals.

Chiang Mai is the largest city and the main cultural center of northern Thailand, a place that exudes authenticity.

For over a decade, this city has been chosen by hundreds of digital nomads and yogis to spend long periods.

You'll find modern and vibrant areas like Nimman, where a significant expatriate community resides, filled with cafes, coworking spaces, and bars with live music in the evenings.

Likewise, the city has not lost its Thai charm and authenticity.

From the moment you step off the plane, you can feel the energy of this incredible city that welcomes you with its laid-back atmosphere and its people of friendly character.

In Chiang Mai, you'll find hundreds of restaurants worth trying, offering food for any type of diet, a wide variety of accommodations, and all at very reasonable prices.

In this article, I'll share the best things to see in Chiang Mai and some more alternative activities, all based on my experience of living in the city for 6 months.

Must-visit Places in Chiang Mai

1. Old Town

The old town of Chiang Mai form a 1.5x1.5 km rectangle surrounded by walls and moats filled with water. On each side of the rectangle, there is a main gate and several additional entrances.

The advantage of its compact size is that it can be easily explored on foot or by motorbike.

Strolling through the narrow streets of the old town is one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

No matter how many times you visit the old town, you will always find corners with unparalleled charm.

In the historic center, you can enjoy its day and night markets with the delightful aroma of a varied cuisine typical of northern Thailand.

You will also find cafes, small charming shops to get souvenirs, streets decorated with graffiti in a relaxed and bohemian atmosphere.

A good way to explore the old town is with this free tour of Chiang Mai that includes visits to some markets and temples.

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2. Day and Night Markets (green on the map)

In Chiang Mai, just like the rest of Thailand, you can't miss its markets—both the daytime and nighttime markets are a delight for trying their delicious food, and everything is super affordable.

The daytime markets are where the local people stock up, and it's interesting to see the different products and aspects of daily life in the city.

In the historic center, I recommend visiting the Chiang Mai Gate market (1), especially if you go early in the morning. Once this market closes in the afternoon, street food stalls begin to set up outside, making it one of the best night markets.

For shopping, the best spot is the Night Bazaar (2), where you'll also find many food stalls for a satisfying dinner.

Another must-visit market is Warorot (3), located in the Chinatown district, next to the Ping River and very close to the center of Chiang Mai.

They have fresh food such as meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables, as well as prepared food and a food court downstairs where you can eat at a good price—dishes start from 30 bahts, less than 1 euro / USD.

Warorot is also a great place to buy spices, teas, and typical Thai sweets. At night, once the indoor market closes, the outdoor night market sets up.

If you're a food enthusiast and want to delve into Thai cuisine, I recommend this 4-hour Food Tour of the markets in Chiang Mai, which is very affordable.

⭐ In this other article you can read in detail about 7 Best Markets in Chiang Mai: Night and Day or check out this one where I talk about everything to see in Chiang Mai's Chinatown including Warorot.

3. Chiang Mai Temples

Chiang Mai province has over 300 temples, so it's normal to come across temples wherever you go.

Even if you're not a huge fan of visiting temples, I assure you that many of them are worth it and are among the most beautiful things to visit in Chiang Mai.

Keep in mind that 92% of Thais are Buddhists and it's a religion that is very present in their daily lives.

Many Thais visit temples daily to make offerings early in the morning before heading to work or starting their daily tasks.

It's also common for houses or shops to have a small altar for making offerings of food, incense, and flowers.

Visiting the temples will help you understand and appreciate this fascinating culture even more. If you're staying in the old town, I recommend exploring the temples you come across along the way; most of them have free entry.

For some, you may need to pay a symbolic fee to enter the main temple, while the overall compound is free.

If you want to visit the most notable temples within the historic center, consider:

• Wat Chedi Luang: A beautiful 14th-century temple, which literally translates to "Temple of the Great Stupa."
• Wat Phra Singh: The city's second most important temple, featuring a very ancient golden stupa.

If you're short on time, I recommend this Chiang Mai temple tour, it's the most comprehensive, taking you to the main temples, Warorot Market, and the flower market (Talat Ton Lam Yai).

As an alternative you can join this affordable Temple Tour of Chiang Mai where the guide shares many details about the city's history, check the availability and make a reservation below.

Keep in mind that to enter the temples you need to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees or bring a sarong to cover up.

⭐ In this article of the 5 Best Temples in Chiang Mai – for Beauty and Importance, I talk in detail about these 2 temples and others mentioned below.

4. Wat Doi Suthep

Wat Doi Suthep is the most important temple in northern Thailand and a pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world. It is said to house relics of the Buddha.

The temple is located on a mountaintop overlooking Chiang Mai and offers stunning views when there's no fog or pollution.

Within the Wat Doi Suthep compound, the temple itself is beautiful, where its golden pagoda stands out.

A visit here is entirely worthwhile, and the entrance fee is 30 bahts (0.78 euros / 0.85 USD).

You can reach the temple via the famous Monk's Trail (more details below).

Alternatively, the temple is well-connected by road; you can drive, take a songthaew (red trucks), or join this Temple Tour.

This sunrise tour is particularly enchanting, offering a beautiful time to visit these temples, capture great photos, and it includes visits to other temples at a reasonable price.

5. Thai Massage

Thai massage is often compared to passive yoga, where the therapist uses their hands, elbows, arms, feet, and body weight to apply pressure and passive stretches on the patient.

If you go to Thailand you cannot miss the pleasure of getting a good Thai massage and in Chiang Mai it is the place with the cheapest prices.

While you'll come across places offering massages throughout the city, be cautious, especially if you have any injuries, joint problems, or back issues. Not everyone is skilled at delivering a good Thai massage.

A comprehensive Thai massage course can be quite expensive and not affordable for everyone in Thailand, so it's better to look for a place where they know what they're doing.

– Recommended Thai Massage Centers in Chiang Mai

If you're looking for a very affordable Thai massage, head to Wat Pan Whaen in the Old Town – it costs 180 bahts per hour (4.69 euros / 5.12 USD), super cheap.

The lady who did mine really knew how to do the Thai massage and was attentive throughout, especially adjusting the pressure in those tense areas. A true delight, I highly recommend it!

Plus, you don't need to make an appointment; you can just show up at the temple between 9 am and 6 pm. If you prefer, you can reserve by calling the phone number shown in the picture above. Just don't expect a luxurious setting.

Another place to get a good Thai Massage in Chiang Mai at a reasonable price is this spa, which is very nice, with more private rooms, and the masseurs are true professionals.

They offer massage options for 1 hour, 1:30, and 2 hours if you want to indulge in the full Thai massage experience. 😉

⭐ In this other article you can read more about What is Thai Massage and the Best one in Bangkok

6. Khan Toke Show

If you're looking for entertaining cultural activities, the Khan Toke show is one of the most beautiful, featuring traditional northern dances and colorful costumes.

The show also includes a traditional northern dinner in a lovely Lanna-style cultural center.

It lasts a total of 3 hours, which fly by between the delicious food and various dances, and the best part is that it's very affordable.

You can check availability and make a book below.

Other plans in Chiang Mai

7. Monk Chat

If you're interested in learning more about Thai culture, Buddhism, and monastic life, I recommend attending a Monk Chat.

Several temples in Chiang Mai have specific days and times when you can go and have a chat with the monks, usually novices, and you can ask them anything you'd like.

This is a great way to gain a better understanding and appreciation for their fascinating culture.

One of the temples that offers Monk Chat is Wat Chedi Luang, which I mentioned in the previous point.

You can find more information or reach them out on their Facebook page, because these monks are very modern. 😉

8. Wat Umong

This is one of my favorite temples in Chiang Mai, and it's often overlooked by tourists because it's about a 15-minute scooter ride from the historic center of Chiang Mai, nestled in the middle of the forest.

What stands out most about the compound is the temple constructed between the 13th and 14th centuries within interconnected tunnels, the Buddha garden, and the grand stupa.

Wat Umong is also one of the primary temples in Chiang Mai for meditation retreats. I share all the details in this article on retreats in Thailand.

9. Thai Cooking Class

If you love sampling all the local cuisine when you travel, I highly recommend taking a cooking class in Chiang Mai.

It's an authentic experience to delve into the local gastronomy, and you can share the newfound skills with your folks back home.

There are many reasonably priced cooking classes in Chiang Mai. I recommend this Thai cooking class Thai cooking class where you'll learn to prepare four different dishes, including a visit to the market to select fresh ingredients.

😋 In this Comprehensive Guide to Thai Food you can read more about the best traditional dishes, street food, and a ton of tips.

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10. Monk's Trail

The Monk's Trail is the easiest hiking route to explore on your own, as it's not too demanding, and you can easily follow it without getting lost.

The issue with other hiking trails is that nature tends to "swallow" them; if not regularly used, they vanish, and machetes are required to reopen them. I've been on hiking trails like that on the same mountain. 😅

However, this trail is well-trodden, used daily by monks going to and from Wat Doi Suthep. That's why you can catch a glimpse of the monks early in the morning.

The trail stretches from the base of the mountain to Doi Suthep Temple, passing through Wat Phra Lat.

Wat Phra Lat is an almost magical spot that you shouldn't miss. It's a simpler temple compared to others, but nestled in the forest, it possesses a unique charm, and the entrance is free.

You can hike the trail on your own or join this guided hiking tour.

⭐ In this article you can read in detail about the Monks Trail in Chiang Mai, where to start, information about these two temples, and plenty of tips.

Below you can see a video of the temples on the Monks Trail that I filmed with the GoPro .

11. Siam Dragon Dance Show

The Siam Dragon Dance Show is an intriguing blend of European cabaret and traditional Thai folk dance with its vibrant costumes.

It's a fun and captivating performance lasting just over an hour, starting at 8:00 pm, with entry allowed from 7:30 pm.

Tickets should be purchased in advance, and you can do so at this link.

The theater is located near the northwest part of Chiang Mai's Old City. If you're staying in the city center, a taxi ride there won't cost you much.

12. Street Art in Chiang Mai (Graffiti)

If you're into street art, what you'll find in Chiang Mai is mainly graffiti. While it's been a trend for decades in other European countries or the United States, it's a relatively recent phenomenon in Thailand.

In Chiang Mai, if you wander around the Old City, you'll come across numerous beautiful and colorful graffiti.

Additionally, there's a building designated for graffiti artists near Jing Jai Market, about a 10-minute drive from the Old City. This spot is undoubtedly the best place to see high-quality graffiti in Chiang Mai, with hundreds of pieces.

⭐You can read more about this market in this other article about 7 Best Day and Night Markets in Chiang Mai.

13. Urbex Chiang Mai

If you're up for a more alternative experience and fancy a bit of urbex (urban exploration of abandoned buildings), Chiang Mai is a great place.

It's easy to find immense, interesting, and abandoned structures.

I recommend a couple of urbex visits in Chiang Mai:

1.- Women's Prison

In the old town of Chiang Mai is the old women's prison, in 2013 it was moved to the outskirts of the city and the premises with all its buildings were abandoned.

It's the former Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution, a prison primarily for women convicted of drug-related crimes.

Currently, the administration building, two buildings where the inmates were housed, and a watchtower are still standing.

In the area, there are trucks, excavators, and people working. I asked for permission, and they let me in to take photos.

Although after spending more than an hour there, they escorted me out, but in a friendly Thai manner. The man even gave me recommendations for other places to visit. 😂

The visit was quite interesting to see a prison that hasn't been adapted for tourist visits, as is done in other places.

Additionally, the man who escorted me out was analyzing and dating the utensils and remnants they had found in the area. According to him, before being a prison, it had been a residential area.

Visiting the former women's prison in Chiang Mai is not a completely urbex experience, but it is worth it.

2.- Roller Space

Roller Space is about a 10-minute scooter ride from the old city of Chiang Mai, very close to the Arcade bus station. It's an old roller skating rink.

If you're a fan of urbex, don't miss it—the roller skating area is immense and super interesting to explore in its entirety.

There's even an area where abandoned roller skates are kept; I suppose someone removed the metal part to make some money.

When I visited it was accessible without problems. Although on the ground floor there was a lot of garbage and even a man who seemed to be living there, but without any bad vibes, the man went about his business.

The most interesting parts are the upper floors, including the roller skating rink, accessed by the large staircase on the right side.

In the playlist above, you can also watch a short video of Roller Space.

Urbex Tips:

• For security never go alone, there may be people living there or even if you were to have an accident there would be no one to help you.
• If any place It doesn't inspire confidence, don't come in..
• Make sure that you mobile is full of battery and don't waste it.
• Bring a flashlight or a headlamp like the one in the link that are used for hiking.

Best Day Trips from Chiang Mai

If you want to make the most of your visit to northern Thailand and explore places near Chiang Mai, I recommend these interesting options below:

14. Doi Inthanon National Park

One of the nearby excursions that is well worth it is to Doi Inthanon National Park. There, you'll find the highest peak in Thailand at 2,565 meters.

It's an ideal area for hiking and trekking.

You can get there by car or, to make it easy, go with this popular full-day tour.

15. Chiang Rai

One of the jewels of northern Thailand is Chiang Rai, the former capital of the Lanna empire and a site worth visiting.

You can go to spend several days or with this popular tour to Chiang Rai, to visit the famous White Temple, the Blue Temple and the Black House, so you don't worry about a thing.

16. Pai

Pai is a small northern town is perfect for nature lovers, with its mountainous landscapes and laid-back atmosphere.

This town has a bohemian vibe where you'll encounter backpackers, hippies, and artisans.

It's an ideal spot for hiking and trekking, visiting waterfalls, the Grand Canyon, and Tham Lod Cave (Bat Cave), all while completely disconnecting.

You can get to Pai by your own transportation, but it's advisable to use public transport since the road is the country's most dangerous due to its curves.

Buses depart from the Arcade station, take about 4 hours and cost 6 euros for the journey. You can purchase tickets online on this website to avoid going to the station. This webpage serves for all transportation in Thailand.

⭐ In this other article you can read more about 11 Best Day Trips from Chiang Mai where I go into detail about these three excursions and many more, covering transportation alternatives, what to see, and plenty of tips.

Map of Chiang Mai

How Many Days to Spend in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is the kind of city you want to take your time with, soaking in its relaxed vibes. If you've got the luxury of time, consider diving into activities like the ones I've mentioned in the article.

It's no surprise that it's a hotspot and a home to a thriving community of yogis dedicated to a harmonious lifestyle.

So, if you're heading to Chiang Mai, I'd suggest setting aside at least 3 days. This way, you'll have ample time to cover the must-see spots and maybe even a little extra.

And if you find yourself with more time on your hands, exploring the outskirts of Chiang Mai is a fantastic option, especially for hiking in its national parks, chasing waterfalls, and enjoying mountainous landscapes.

How to Get to Chiang Mai?

From USA, Canada, Europe and Australia

Chiang Mai has an international airport with direct flights from various cities in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Therefore, you will have to make at least one stopover, to find cheap flights to Chiang Mai I recommend this search engine.

From the airport

Upon landing at the airport, you can either grab a Grab or opt for this affordable transfer service ensuring a convenient and reasonably priced journey with someone ready to pick you up.

From Bangkok and other cities

• Plane: Chiang Mai's airport offers direct flights from both airports in Bangkok and various locations in southern Thailand, including Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, and Koh Samui, with low-cost flight options.
• Train: Another excellent choice for traveling between Bangkok and Chiang Mai is the train, especially the overnight train, providing an adventurous experience with a touch of nostalgia. There are also daytime trains that make stops in Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. You can read more about the sleeper train in this article, where I delve into details about classes, prices, etc.
• By Bus: From Bangkok, there are also buses covering the same route as the trains.

To explore all transportation options within Thailand and Southeast Asia, I recommend this website, which is very practical. It shows you all options, with prices, schedules, and allows you to make reservations without having to go to the station.

⭐ You may also be interested in this article about How to get around Thailand: all transportation

How to Get Around Chiang Mai and its surroundings?

Moving around the city of Chiang Mai offers various options:

1. Motorcycling Routes: Renting a motorbike or scooter is very affordable, with daily prices starting from around 200/250 bahts.

2. Car: Driving a car is an excellent option, especially for excursions near Chiang Mai and visiting other cities in northern Thailand.

I'd suggest using this car rental search engine to get the best deals. I've found cars to rent in Chiang Mai for under 20 euros / 22 USD a day there.

3. Taxis and tuk tuk: This is the least recommended option, as there's a high chance of being overcharged, especially by tuk-tuks, which are known for scams in Thailand. I say this from my own experience of living there.

4. Grab: It's an Uber-like app that works well in Chiang Mai, offering fair prices and avoiding potential scams.

5. Songthaew: These are the two-row seat pickup trucks used for travel within the city and nearby areas.

Red ones travel within Chiang Mai, while differently colored ones go to nearby towns. The only drawback is that figuring out where they stop can be a bit challenging, but you can inquire where you're staying.

6. Bus: To reach cities like Chiang Rai, Pai, or other more distant locations, buses depart from the Arcade station, and you can buy tickets online here.

⭐ Check out this article for further insights on How to Rent and Drive a Motorcycle in Thailand and in this one about 15 Scams in Thailand and How to Avoid Them where I talk about tuk tuks.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai?

The best area to stay in Chiang Mai is the Old City, where you'll have the main attractions within walking distance.

However, depending on what you want to do, your preferences, or budget, you might find other central areas in Chiang Mai interesting.

You can read more in this article about Where to stay in Chiang Mai: by areas and price, where I discuss each neighborhood, their advantages, and recommend hotels.

Here's a list of the best hotels in Chiang Mai's historic center:

• Budget-friendly: Pastell Oldtown offers comfortable rooms, a lovely pool, and an excellent location.
• Mid-range: Aksara Heritage is a top-notch hotel where they pay attention to every detail, with snacks in the room and a beautiful pool.
• Luxury: The Inside House is one of the most beautiful hotels, offering magnificent breakfasts and a very reasonable price. Depending on the season, you can get double rooms for 165 euros / 178 USD per night.

Final Thoughts

These are the best things to see in Chiang Mai, one of the most attractive places in the country, where you can learn more about Thai culture and appreciate its cuisine.

In this guide to Thailand you can keep reading the main articles I’ve written about this beautiful country.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

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