The List of Things to Do Is Endless
Chiang Mai draws in visitors by the thousands while still retaining its calm and blissed out atmosphere. Spending time here is a complete change of pace from Bangkok.
If you’re making a stop here while traveling Northern Thailand, you’ll want to spend more time here. If you’re visiting for a couple weeks, you’ll still want to spend more time here. The lush surroundings, delicious food, medieval history and elaborate temples in Chiang Mai will so absorb you in Thai culture you’ll never want to leave.
One of the best things about Chiang Mai is that while it has all the conveniences of a modern city, you can drive for less than an hour in any direction and be surrounded by rainforest or be able to wander through a tiny rural village. With all of this adventure at your fingertips, you’ll never run out of things to do in Chiang Mai.
If you’re looking for a adventurous family vacation, things to do as a couple or even a solo journey you can start by crossing these incredible adventures off your list.
Be an Explorer for the Day in Chiang Mai’s Temples
Chiang Mai is synonymous with graceful and mysterious temples. In fact, no other province in Thailand has more temples — there are more than 300 wats dotted around the city and its surrounds, so you are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a few to visit.
The temples in Chiang Mai are nearly all Lanna style, meaning they were built between the 13th and 18th centuries — you’ll recognize them by their distinctive curved wooden roofs. The most famous is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on a mountain overlooking the city, and Wat Chedi Luang, situated within the old city walls.
Whichever ones you choose to visit, though, you won’t be disappointed.
Have an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Experience
Having an elephant experience is one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai, but make sure you choose carefully. Responsible tourism can help protect the elephants in Thailand — which are listed as endangered — but only if the elephants are given the proper care, nourishment and entertainment they need.
Sadly, many are exploited and poorly treated. Remember that the elephant’s welfare is more important than tourists’ entertainment though, so keep a few things in mind when you go see them.
When you choose a place to go for your elephant experience, do your research first to make sure it is reputable. Elephant sanctuaries are places that put the needs of the elephants above tourists (you won’t see them performing tricks, painting or working for hours on end), so these are the best places to go to see and interact with the animals in an ethical way.
If you want to go for a ride on an elephant, the best way to do so is to sit on their necks, just behind the ears. The trekking chairs you often see strapped to the elephants’ backs can be heavy and uncomfortable, so are best avoided if possible.
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Discover Your Inner Flying Squirrel and Go Ziplining
One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of the rainforests surrounding Chiang Mai is to take a zip-line tour, whizzing through the canopy and admiring the stunning natural setting as you get a serious kick of adrenaline.
This is an activity anyone in the family can enjoy. There are several operators around the Chiang Mai area, so you can pick the one that offers the adventure that appeals to you the most — some have things as crazy as zip-wire skateboards, sky bridges and Tarzan mega jumps.
Become a Trekking King or Queen
Backpackers have been making their way to the trekking trails around Chiang Mai for decades, for one simple reason — they are spectacular. The best way to go is to take a local guide, as they will steer you through authentic villages where you can stop at locally run tea houses.
It’s also handy to have someone who knows the trails, as most of them are unmarked.
Avoid taking trekking tours that specifically promise taking you to “hill tribes.” The villages these tours visit are often set up deliberately for tourists, and aren’t great for the local communities.
It’s always best to go with a reputable company, so do some research and choose a good tour company. You can find lots of reviews from other travelers online, which are often a great way to decide which company to choose.
Feast on Street Food
Sometimes being adventurous isn’t just doing whatever gets your heart pumping — it can be exploring new foods as well. If you find yourself wondering what to do in Chiang Mai, simply go for a walk and try out some street food.
Tucking into some street eats is a great way to explore local culture and get a true taste of Thailand. There is plenty to choose from in Chiang Mai, which is a street food mecca.
The Chang Puak Gate night market is a great place to go for dinner, with a range of food stalls selling a wide range of authentic Thai dishes for low prices.
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Go Rollin’ on the River (as in, Rafting)
The Mae Taeng River sets the scene for some epic whitewater adventures. This is a fun way to see more of the gorgeous countryside around Chiang Mai.
Swooping and dropping down the river, you’ll be treated to dramatic scenery and plenty of thrills. Don’t worry though, you won’t actually roll — the tours are all given under the expert eye of trained guides.
The fast-flowing river will sweep you past rice fields, waterfalls and hill-tribe villages as you plunge through the forested, mountainous landscape.
Cook up a Storm in a Cooking Class
The Thai Farm Cooking School is an adventurous foodie experience and undoubtedly one of the most exciting things to do in Chiang Mai. Imagine cooking with extremely spicy chilies, over an open fire, in sweltering heat.
Yes, you’ll sweat but you’ll also salivate.
The idea is to learn how to cook with all the sumptuous flavors of Thai cuisine, and the best part is at the end you’ll get to eat it. Plus, you’ll go home knowing how to make mouth-watering curries — what better souvenir could there be than that?!