Must-Read Guide Top 18 Ideas What To Do In Chiang Mai Thailand

Guide Best 18 Ideas What To Do In Chiang Mai
What’s the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Chiang Mai? Delicious, tropical food at unbelievably affordable prices! There’s much more to it and I feel that most people traveling to Thailand should add this beautiful travel destination to their bucket list. Here comes our must-read guide packed with best ideas on what to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Ready?
1. Night Bazaar, Thapae Gate and Chiang Mai Old Town
Forget about everything you’ve read about what to do in Chiang Mai so far and let’s start with the main square of Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai Old Town is undeniably one of the must-see things to do in Chiang Mai. As it used to be the centre of old Lanna Kingdom, it’s very different from the rest of Thailand.


2. Chiang Mai Temples – Start with Doi Suthep



3. Chiang Mai Night Markets
Let’s say you haven’t got a clear plan on what to do in Chiang Mai in the evenings. The chances are, you’ll do all your sightseeing before sunset which I can also imagine might be very packed (sunset usually ends all day activities!). Luckily, there are so many night markets in Chiang Mai. You don’t have to plan what to do in Chiang Mai to experience a relaxed feel of the North of Thailand in the evening hour – there are so many things to do in Chiang Mai and I strongly encourage you to visit at least 2 or 3 Chiang Mai night markets.

4. Experience a Thai Massage
Still feeling a bit lost about what to do in Chiang Mai? The list is long but whether you’re up for some pampering or visiting just a simple pay-and-go Thai massage parlour after a long day of enjoyable activities before bedtime, you should give it a go.
5. Thai cooking classes in the North of Thailand
Chiang Mai has totally nailed it! It’s not just about the delicious food – which I can guarantee you’ll be surprised you made it – but it’s about the setting and the Thai sense of humour.
6. Traditional Khantoke Dinner



7. Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls
If you haven’t found interesting ideas on what to do in Chiang Mai based on your preferences, you’ve been reading the wrong guides! The trip to Bua Thong sticky waterfalls was so much fun that I couldn’t resist myself from writing about it! If you enjoy active sightseeing, visiting this unique limestone formation with beautiful waterfalls is going to bring a lot of joy! Not just the way there, which will be undeniably bumpy but fun, but the climbing the waterfalls. There are about seven different levels and some of them can be quite slippery.
8. Doi Inthanon – The Highest Mountain Peak in Thailand



9. Chiang Mai Hot Springs
Sankampang near Chiang Mai is known for its natural hot springs. If you cannot make it to Japan to try first-class hot springs, Chiang Mai is a good alternative whilst you’re in Thailand. Also spelt San Kamphaeng Hot springs, these hot springs are surrounded by the mountains and reach over 100 degree Celsius, creating a beautiful, ‘steamy’ scenery. Right, you might wonder how are you supposed to dip in the hot spring with boiling water? Well, you’re not! But you are more than welcome to cook anything you like, such as eggs!

10. Chiang Mai Lantern Festival New Year’s Eve



11. Try Mouth-Watering Thai Hot Pots

12. Bamboo River Rafting


13. Chiang Mai Night Safari
Quite an experience! Apart from the night markets and shopping malls, there are many more things to do in Chiang Mai, like the Night Safari that stays open till late, a few hours past sunset. Night Safari in Chiang Mai makes it for a perfect trip to visit free running wild animals in their natural habitat whilst you’re inconspicuously sit at the back of the cute tour bus.
14. Make a Trip to Chiang Rai



15. Visit Thailand’s Most Beautiful Rice Fields
I wonder how many of you love the beautiful formations of evergreen sun-kissed rice grass, mirroring a beautiful reflection of the sky in the rice fields freshly filled water. No matter how many times I see it, I don’t get bored of it – Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, China. They are so fascinating! Great news, you can see them in Chiang Mai province as well – although I’d recommend allocating half a day for it and combine it with a trip to Doi Inthanon as Chiang rice fields are nearby, in the Mae Chaem district, called Ban Pa Pong Piang.16. Shopping in Chiang Mai
If I hardly convinced you with my ideas on what to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand, try your luck in shopping. Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand. It’s a great shopping destination, whether you’re into beauty products which rank amongst the best ones in the world along with Japanese and South Korean beauty industry. I think it won’t surprise anyone why shopping malls are always busy, no matter what time of the day you arrive. Shopping complexes seem to cater a long more towards hordes of tourists and the locals who often spend hours inside thanks to on-site gym, hairdresser saloon, massage parlours, countless boutiques, gaming arcades and delicious food courts selling fresh lunch and dinner for as little as £1 (around 40 Baht).

17. Hmong Village & Karen Village


18. Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary
If you’re after really cool ideas on what to do in Chiang Mai, visit an Elephant Sanctuary where you can bathe elephants, feed them and play in the mud. It’s definitely a different type of experience from what you see and do back in Europe. You can feel like you’re in safari in a way! I’m not too keen on getting dirty in the mud but if you don’t mind, you’ll probably quite enjoy it. Just make sure to pick the place where elephants are being taken good care of. Some sanctuaries are located in more remote places that include a trek through a jungle so bring mosquito anti-repellent, trust me, if insects generally don’t steer away from your blood, it won’t be any different in the humid, forestry area!What Are Your Best Ideas On What To Do In Chiang Mai?
Still here? Good news, you’re reached the end of our must-read guide with best and unique ideas on what to do in Chiang Mai. Whether you’re staying for a couple of nights, weeks or months, the list of things to do in Chiang Mai is virtually endless despite the pace of life here being a lot more relaxed than in the South of Thailand. What made you want to visit Chiang Mai? List the reasons in the comments below!
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