Things to do

The List Of 25 Popular Things To Do In Chiang Mai, Thailand

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Chiang Mai is a city in Thailand located in the north and ideal for a relaxing holiday. It is rich in temples, markets, and beautiful culture.

One can visit the Old City including ancient buildings and more than 300 temples. Take the time to try out Khao Soi, Chiang Rai's respective noodle dish.

The night markets shouldn't be missed when it comes to purchasing some of the local delicacies and trinkets. Here are the interesting things to do in Chiang Mai for a little bit of an adventure:

1. Admire The Wat Phra Singh

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Wat Phra Singh is one of the most revered temples in Chiang Mai with wonderful examples of architecture and full of history. This temple was constructed during the 14 century.

It accommodates one of the most sacred statues of Phra Buddha Sihing or Lion Buddha. This was brought here from Sri Lanka in 1367 and further made the temple important.

The place is very well-manicured and there are many buildings such as the Wihan Lai Kham Chapel illustrated with remarkably fine murals and gold inscriptions.

2. Taste Several Thai Products At Warorot Market (Kad Luang)

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Warorot Market is famous for products such as sai ua (Thai sausage of the north), moo yo (Vietnamese sausage), and nam phrik num (green chili dip). The market does not only offer food products but also offers clothes, ceramics, and other enticing crafts.

The Trok Lao Zhou section is entirely focused on the products of the Hmong, reminding the district of Chiang Mai's Chinatown. The market is divided into two parts: Warorot Market itself and a competitive market Ton Lamyai Market which is situated opposite to it.

3. Stop By The Doi Inthanon

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Doi Inthanon often referred to as the Roof of Thailand has the nation's highest peak of 2,565 meters. This park is yet another gift for those who like to admire nature because here one will find forests, waterfalls, and wildlife.

It will take you almost a day to enjoy all the trails it has to offer with stunning views all over the park. Among the remarkable attractions, there is the Twin Pagodas, the temple that is devoted to the Last Thai King and the Queen.

Hiking to this highest mountain in Thailand is considered one of the top things to do in Chiang Mai.

4. Head To Three Kings Monument

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This monument honors three important kings: King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai, Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai, and Ngam Muang of Payao. They came together in the 13th century to establish this city which makes this place unique.

These bronze artworks are located opposite the old Provincial Hall that is now the City Arts and Culture Center. The inhabitants regard it as a sacred place bringing flowers and burning incense there.

5. Get Crafty At Elephant Poopoopaper Park

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Getting creative here means making paper products out of elephant dung. After reaching the place, you can take a guided walking tour of the beautiful gardens.

What steps were involved in making the paper from collection of dung to a produced paper will be understood. It is extremely interactive as eight pavilions are designed to represent each step.

Crafting your paper is possible in the DIY crafting zone. This falls among the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

6. Spend A Quality Time At Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden

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The garden is one of the beautiful places situated in Mae Rim, Chiang Mai. It is some 45 minutes away from the city center and is open seven days a week.

There is around one thousand hectares area of garden full of various plants and flowers that are attractive. It presents opportunities for different walks and trails, a specially designed treetop canopy walkway, or the provision of recreational areas in the form of picnic sets within the gardens.

It provides the best dose of both leisure and activities in the scenic surroundings.

7. Visit The Wat Phra That Doi Kham

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Wat Phra That Doi Kham is an unusual and beautiful temple situated on Doi Kham mountain near Chiang Mai. Locals often recognize this place as the Temple of the Golden Mountain primarily due to a shiny golden chedi that enshrines a relic thought to be from the Buddha.

It is an ancient temple, whose construction is believed to have been initiated during the 7th century. There is a fable that one time a white elephant transported the relic to this place and when this elephant died it was buried on the site of the temple.

Not as bustling as other temples like Doi Suthep it is the perfect place for solitude, meditation, and prayer.

8. Climb The Nam Tok Bua Tong (Sticky Mountain)

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Nam Tok Bua Tong is most famous for the so-called sticky rocks through which one can climb up the waterfalls without slipping. The river is sourced from natural springs.

The limestone at the base of the river offers the optimal type of surface that provides higher traction during the climbing activity.

There are also various terrains of waterfalls that you can visit. It is composed of different levels where every level provides different styles of climbing so that everyone may find interest.

9. Go Bamboo Rafting

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The Mae Wang River is best for this experience, located nearly 40 kilometers outside of Chiang Mai. If you are coming from Chiang Mai you can grab a songthaew.

It is a red truck taxi that will take you to a local shop near Chai Lai Orchid to organize your rafting. Costs often start at 300 to 500 baht and it depends on whether you want a guide or prefer to rent and paddle yourself.

Bamboo rafting can hold up to 4 people during a single ride. This ensures that the ride is suitable for groups traveling together.

10 Enjoy a Traditional Khantoke Dinner At Old Chiangmai Cultural Center

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Originally, this place started offering this kind of dining in 1970. Since then it has been noted as the primary place for Khantoke dinners.

You simply sit on the floor and use cushions to eat your meal and this is very enjoyable. It offers a variety of Northern Thai foods such as Burmese pork curry, and fried chicken, as well as a selection of hot spices.

The best part? The portions are self-serve, so you aren’t left hungry by the end of the meal. Reserve a seat now at the Old Ching Mai Cultural Center website.

11. Indulge In Sports At Buak Haad Public Park

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The Nong Buak Haad Park known as Buak Hard Public Park is awesome in the southern part of Chiang Mai Old Town. It has also become one of the most targeted for both residents and travelers and is sometimes crowded.

In addition to jogging around the 440-meter track, you can pump some iron at the outdoor gym or try your luck at soccer volleyball. The flower festival is one of the popular events which is celebrated annually at the park.

12. Explore The Sunday Walking Street

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Out of all the markets that are run every day in Chiang Mai, the Sunday Walking Street is truly a market you do not want to leave. It starts every Sunday at 4 in the afternoon and goes on until midnight.

It covers a distance of approximately 1.1 km. People are all up and moving with food vendors, local artisans' products and services as well as performance arts.

As for the dishes, it simply cannot be said that there are none. Using local favorites such as khao soi, grilled skewers or even mango sticky rice is a good start.

13. Walk Around Watchediluang Varaviharn

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This is another temple with enormous chedi constructed in the 14th century. What is more; this magnificent building is used to house a replica of one of the most sacred objects in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha.

The usual time spent when visiting the temple usually ranges from 1 to 2 hours. Sometimes you can take a walk around these areas looking at the beautiful design of the houses and fascinating statues.

There are surprisingly gorgeous Buddha statues; the most attractive of all being the golden one.

14. Try Meditation At Wat Umong Suan Putthatham

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It was constructed by King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai to serve as a meditation space. Known as the tunnel temple it was designed with a certain number of underground tunnels to separate the monks from the noise of the developing city for meditating.

It later turned into a scholarly establishment for Buddhist studies and activities. It is in Lanna style architectural design and it occupies an area of fifteen acres consisting of ancient structures, ponds, and other meditation grounds.

You can sit for a peaceful relief or admire the construction of the site.

15. Play Time At Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

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The Elephant Sanctuary Thailand Chiang Mai tour is based on ethical tourism as its focus is on elephants that have been rescued. You will have to wear traditional Karen dress and will be informed about the elephants' requirements and their habits.

Chiang Mai elephant loves sweets so you can feed them bananas and sugar cane. The tourists also get to wash the elephants in the river and also enjoy using mud.

This simply is the perfect approach to have some quality time with these huge giants and at the same time guarantee them a good time as well.

16. Party Like Local At Warmup Cafe

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This friendly area has been a nightlife staple since 1999. Located on Nimman Road, it features three distinct zones: an open-air arena featuring live Indie and Ska bands, a main hall for Pop Rock and Electronic Dance music, and a dance lounge for Hip Hop and House music.

The open-air terrace is a pretty laid-back area if you fancy starting your evening off there. Nighttime is also not a dull one, with working bands and DJs keeping it real on the dance floor.

17. Experience Chiang Mai Night Safari

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This is the first night safari in the country in which the animals seem most affluent after the sun has set. The park is around 12 kilometers away from the city, and transportation is quite simple.

Free buses are available, especially from the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai. The park is open from 11 am to 10 PM, while the best experience begins at 6 pm.

Tram rides are also available for you to be taken around different zones including Savanna Safari and the Predator Prowl, where you will see the giraffes, and lions among others. Get online tickets from the Ching Mai Night Safari website.

18. Join The Thai and Akha Cooking Class

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This class is all about exploring the delightful region of Thai and Akha food. For breakfast, you get up at 9 am and go to the local market to source your food ingredients fresh.

It exposes you to the local groceries, their availability, and uses. Then you will go to the cooking school where they will prepare 11 different recipes during the cooking classes.

In the course of the class, you will also be able to taste all the dishes you have prepared on the break.

19. Get A Thai Massage At Fah Lanna Spa

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This city-center spa is committed to providing visitors with traditional Thai massages as well as services such as the Herbal Ball Massage. As soon as you come in, you are offered a welcome drink, and if you have time you complete a quick health questionnaire.

The massages at Fan Lanna do more than just make the body relax; they also possess some healing effects. After your treatment, do not leave the place without some homemade ginger tea or even a slice of cake at their cafe.

20. Listen To Local Bands At Chiangmai Originalive

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Chiangmai Originalive is a wonderful space that's all about giving a platform to local artists. It is the best location for beginner indie bands to be featured and get people to listen to original music comfortably.

Another good place is Thapae East where the artists perform both Thai artists and occasional art shows. People here can relax and be creative at the same time, so it is loved by both domestic and foreign tourists.

If jazz is your thing, you should go to North Gate Jazz Co-Op.

21. Enjoy Family Time At Royal Park Rajapruek

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This park came into existence to mark the 80th birthday celebration of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The eye-catching attractions include the Ho Kham Luang Royal Pavilion, built in the style of the Thai castle.

It also includes an orchid garden with flowers from different nations and directions. There are many different zones in the gardens such as Thai and international zone.

Even for families with children, there are such facilities as a butterfly garden as well as a playground.

22. Zipline Through Lush Jungles With Jungle Flight

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Jungle Flight operates a two-cable safety system with superior-quality equipment so that you can have more fun. Furthermore, their guides are professional and willing to ensure everyone regardless of age from children to old people, enjoys the ride.

All you have to do is dress casually and carry some insect repellent! The whole trip takes approximately five hours and includes a transfer from your hotel.

It will take two hours to complete and you can battle 15 zip lines, and 3 sky bridges and then follow up with a Thai buffet lunch.

23. Move Up Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

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Visiting this popular attraction is one of the Chiang Mai top things to do. Quite several Thai Buddhists go to this unusual temple that is located on Doi Kham, one of the Suthep foothills.

Getting there requires 306 steps of serpent-covered steps or a funicular railway for the less adventurous. At the summit, you are rewarded with stunning vistas of the city of Chiang Mai and the sun's reflection of a golden chedi.

24. White Water Rafting Guided Adventure

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This guided adventure with Khampan Rafting navigates you over 14 rapids on a 10km stretch of the Maeteang River. It's a thrill to maneuver through the rapids but just the view is breathtaking.

Expect green trees and elephants along the riverbank. The trail also takes visitors to Phachee Falls, where they can swim, slide down the waterfall, and even relax a little.

If you are in search of what to do in Chiang Mai Thailand, it will be a good idea to try out Khampan Rafting.

25. Travel To Mae Kampong Village

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This is a well-developed village characterized by massive greens. The cool weather is normally inviting, so you can break away from the city traffic noise.

Here, tourists interact with families and stay with them, taking them through various activities as part of their homestay. That means you could be weeding, herding the cows, or getting a crash course on how to saw through bamboo.

The area has tea and coffee plantations which are very popular and you can taste fresh good local brews in the cute cafes existing within the area.