Located in the northern mountains of Thailand, Chiang Mai has a cool, hipster vibe that feels more like a local experience than a tourist hotspot. With trendy coffee shops, bustling night markets, incredible street food, ancient temples, and even ethical elephant sanctuaries, this city has something for everyone. Read this guide for fun things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand!
Important Things to Know
Chiang Mai offers a refreshing contrast to the hustle of Bangkok and the beaches of southern Thailand. With cooler weather (especially from November to February), a thriving cafe culture, and fun outdoor activities, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring Thailand.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February offers cooler temperatures and dry weather.
- Getting to Chiang Mai: Fly into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), just a short 15-minute drive from the city center. Budget-friendly options include overnight trains or buses from Bangkok, though flights are quicker and typically pretty affordable.
- Transportation: Chiang Mai’s Old City is easy to explore on foot. For longer trips, Grab (the Southeast Asian Uber) is cheap and reliable. Songthaews (shared red truck taxis) add a bit of local charm and another affordable option.
Things to Do
Visit Chiang Mai’s Unique Coffee Shops
One of my favorite parts of traveling is finding cute coffee shops to try and Chiang Mai has so many great spots to choose from. Here are some of my favorites:
- Mars.cnx: Cool, space themed coffee shop
- London.cnx: British-inspired cafe with delicious pastries
- Always Loaf U: Charming bakery with amazing homemade pastries
- Groon Cafe: Aesthetic cafe with a lovely patio
- Mooh: Super cute coffee spot, perfect for takeaway
- KLAY: cool coffee shop with delicious breakfast
Savor Local Food
Be sure to try the local food in Chiang Mai:
- Khao Soi: This dish is very common in Northern Thailand and is a MUST TRY! It’s a creamy curry noodle soup topped with crispy noodles, chicken, lime, and onions.
- Mango Sticky Rice: Classic Thai dessert with coconut-infused sticky rice, ripe mango, and a creamy coconut drizzle.
- Street Food: Definitely check out Chiang Mai Night Bazaar or Sunday Walking Street for endless street food options.
Explore Chiang Mai’s Stunning Temples
Chiang Mai is home to over 300 temples. My favorite experience was hiking the Monk’s Trail to two incredible temples:
- Wat Pha Lat: It’s about a 1-mile hike to this beautiful temple hidden in the forest.
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Continue about 1.25 miles up the steep trail (very steep at times) to reach this iconic golden temple on the mountaintop. If you don’t feel like hiking back down, hop on a songthaew for a ride back.
Visit Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries
Chiang Mai is famous for its elephants, but not all experiences are ethical. Many places still operate as tourist-driven attractions, forcing elephants to perform or give rides. It’s important to choose an ethical sanctuary that prioritizes the well-being of these incredible animals by focusing on rehabilitation, care, and giving elephants a safe, natural environment.
Elephant Freedom Village is a great option because it is run by the Karen Hilltribe people, who have a deep, generations-long connection with the elephants. The sanctuary ensures that interactions, like feeding and bathing, are done in a respectful, non-exploitative way that prioritizes the elephants’ comfort and well-being. If you’re looking for a responsible way to experience these gentle giants, this is a great place to do it.
Final Thoughts
Chiang Mai completely exceeded my expectations with its unique cultural experiences, incredible food, and vibrant atmosphere. Unlike many other places in Thailand, it felt less touristy and more authentic, giving me a true taste of local life.
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