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Looking for some fun and exciting things to do in Chiang Mai? Then keep on reading!
Chiang Mai is one of our favorite cities to explore. Not only is it bursting with rich culture and amazing food, but it’s also a gateway to some of Thailand’s other stunning regions. From cycling through the lush countryside to seeing sunrise at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do here!
So to make sure you are only putting top-notch experiences on your itinerary, we made this guide to the absolute best activities Chiang Mai has to offer.
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our FAVORITE activity in Chiang Mai was this tour to an ethical elephant sanctuary. We learned all about the retired elephants, got to help care for them, and played in the river with the elephants!
Check out the 500+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here.
Tip: This experience is popular and will sell out, so book your spot here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
- Things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand
- 1. Learn how to cook Thai and Akha food
- 2. Explore Doi Inthanon National Park
- 3. Eat authentic street food
- 4. Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary
- 5. Go to Chiang Rai and see the temples
- 6. Learn about Chiang Mai on a private city tour
- 7. Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at sunrise with a former monk
- 8. Explore the countryside by bicycle
- 9. See temples and markets at night with a tuk-tuk tour
- 10. Explore Chiang Mai’s jungle – trekking, waterfalls, and river tubing trip
- Where to Stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand
1. Learn how to cook Thai and Akha food
- Price: $38 – $45 USD
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 8:30 am or 4:30 pm
- Highlights: Learn to cook about 10 different Akha and Thai dishes, learn about the culture and cuisine of the Akha minority, visit a local market to buy ingredients (morning tour only)
- Inclusions: Akha instructor, individual cooking station, all ingredients, coffee, cookbook, hotel pick-up/drop-off
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 3,400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
During my last trip to Chiang Mai, I had the opportunity to join this Thai and Akha cooking class, and it was one of the highlights of my stay!
The day started with a visit to a bustling local market (available in the morning session only), where we handpicked fresh ingredients while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Then it was off to the cooking school, where we dove into preparing an impressive array of 10 different dishes.
Our Akha instructor was very friendly and shared fascinating insights about the Akha culture and cuisine with us. I especially enjoyed making Akha soup and the “sapi thuong” tomato dipping sauce. I had never had either of these before and they were delicious!
We also cooked staples like Pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice, with options to adapt each dish to personal dietary preferences such as gluten-free and vegan if needed.
But the best part was at the end when we got to enjoy the fruits of our labor over a delicious meal complete with Akha Hill Tribe coffee. And before leaving, we received a beautifully crafted souvenir cookbook, which now holds a cherished spot in my kitchen!
This class is guaranteed to give you a deeper appreciation of Northern Thailand’s unique cuisine. Prices start at only $38 USD per person, which is such a great deal considering it includes the cooking lesson and all of the ingredients. I know I’m not the only one who had a great time on this tour – just look at the thousands of 5-star reviews here!
Check availability for this popular Akha and Thai cooking class here!
2. Explore Doi Inthanon National Park
- Price: $46 – $122 USD
- Duration: 8 to 9 hours
- Time: Between 7:30 am to 8:30 am
- Highlights: Explore Doi Inthanon National Park, visit a Karen Village, shop at a local Hmong market, go on a scenic hike, view the Twin Royal Stupas
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, Thai lunch, bottled water, air-conditioned transportation, travel insurance, hotel pick-up/drop-off
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the 1,200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re a nature lover like me, you can’t miss this day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park!
Located about 2 hours away from Chiang Mai, this stunning area is full of rich biodiversity and is even home to the highest mountain in Thailand, which stands at 2,565 meters (8,415 feet) above sea level!
We had such a great day exploring on this tour. It started with a comfortable ride from Chiang Mai before arriving at one of the biggest waterfalls in the region, Wachiratharn Waterfall. We then visited the White Karen Hilltribe Village and learned about their way of life before heading to a local Hmong market. This is the perfect place to pick up a variety of unique travel souvenirs to bring home – I got the cutest handmade purse here!
After a delicious Thai lunch, we explored the Ang Ka Nature Trail. This is a short and easy trail over a boardwalk through the rainforest. If you want to do even more hiking on this tour, make sure you select the 1.45-hour hiking option when booking – this takes you on a longer, moderately challenging hike to a gorgeous waterfall.
Our final stop of the day was the Twin Royal Stupas, which were built to honor the King and Queen of Thailand. The Stupas are at the tallest point of the park and offer an impressive panoramic view of the surrounding area.
This experience was the perfect mix of nature, culture, and history. By the time we returned to Chiang Mai, I felt enriched by the beauty and traditions of Northern Thailand. So if you’re looking for a full day of adventure, this tour is a must (just look at the 1,000+ 5-star reviews!)
Don’t miss out on this epic day trip, reserve your spot in advance here!
3. Eat authentic street food
- Price: $36 USD
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 7 pm
- Highlights: Visit two of Chiang Mai’s famous night markets, try at least eight different food samples, learn how to order in Thai, learn about Thai culture and cuisine
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, local guide, all food samples, bottled water
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Chiang Mai is known for its incredible street food culture and is the perfect place to try authentic Thai cuisine. In fact, as a self-proclaimed foodie, this street food night market tour was one of my favorite experiences in the city!
This small group tour started with a convenient hotel pickup, and we were whisked away to two bustling night markets. We sampled at least eight delicious dishes from famous Thai specialties to lesser-known local dishes that I never would have thought to try on my own. Some of the dishes we sampled were kannom jin (Chinese noodles), stewed pork, and coconut dumplings (my favorite!).
Our guide not only explained the dishes to us but also taught us some basic Thai phrases so that we could try ordering on our own. It was such a fun, interactive way to dive into the Thai street food culture!
We were even given a leaflet to take with us full of information on the markets and the best street food dishes. This was very helpful when we went back to the markets the following evening to try some more food – can you blame me?
This tour conveniently starts at 7 pm, so we recommend using this as your dinner. Make sure you don’t eat beforehand and you come hungry because you definitely get your money’s worth and try a lot of food! This is a super popular tour and is bound to sell out, so make sure you book in advance!
Book this tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you depart!
4. Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary
- Price: $90 USD
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 8:15 am
- Highlights: Spend time feeding, bathing, and walking with elephants at an ethical elephant sanctuary, enjoy a delicious Thai lunch, small-group tour ensures an intimate experience
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, Thai lunch, bottled water, insurance
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
I’ll admit that riding an elephant was one of the main things that drew me to visit Thailand in the first place. However, once I learned about the mistreatment of elephants by some of the elephant tourism companies, I quickly put my elephant riding dreams to rest and began to search for a more ethical way to interact with these amazing creatures.
That’s when I came across this full-day experience at an elephant sanctuary. Located in the lush Inthanon National Park, this family-run sanctuary offers a peaceful haven for elephants who once worked in the logging industry. These retired elephants now enjoy a better life and can wander around the jungle sanctuary at their leisure.
During the visit, we learned about the elephants’ unique personalities and how they are cared for in their new, safe environment. We even got to help the caretakers care for the elephants during their daily routine of feeding, walking, and mud bathing. Playing in the river with the elephants is something I will remember for the rest of my life!
The tour group was really small, which was nice because it ensured everyone got to spend time with the elephants without overwhelming them. The caretakers were always putting the elephant’s wellbeing first, which was fantastic to see.
We were also treated to a delicious Thai lunch at the sanctuary and roundtrip hotel pick-up and drop-off from Chiang Mai for only $90 USD per person. It may be a bit more money than some of the other elephant experiences, but the cost goes towards supporting the animals and continuing the sanctuary mission.
If you want to interact with elephants during your time in Thailand, I urge you to do the research and only visit ethical animal sanctuaries such as this one. We all need to do our part to end harmful animal tourism!
Read the great reviews and book my favorite Chiang Mai experience here!
5. Go to Chiang Rai and see the temples
- Price: $115- $215 USD
- Duration: 13 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: Private tour of four of Chiang Rai’s most iconic temples, learn about the temple’s significance and history, enjoy a delicious Thai lunch
- Inclusions: Private driver/guide, hotel pick-up/drop-off, White Temple entrance fee, lunch, bottled water
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Northern Thailand is home to some of the country’s most stunning temples (aka “wats”), so it is no surprise that this private temple tour is one of the best things to do while in Chiang Mai!
This VIP tour takes you to the Chiang Rai province to visit four unique temples rich in history, art, and spirituality. We had such an amazing day exploring the different temples and learning about their history and significance from our knowledgeable guide.
The 3-hour drive through the picturesque countryside was a peaceful way to start the adventure, plus we had our own private vehicle which made the journey much more comfortable. Our first stop was the famous Wat Rong Khun or “White Temple”. We learned that this striking white temple symbolizes the journey to paradise and that the temple construction has been ongoing since 1997. In fact, the artist plans to keep on refining the temple for as long as he lives – how cool is that?
Next, we explored Wat Sang Kaew Photiyarn, a colorful and serene temple filled with beautiful artwork and impressive statues. After a delicious local lunch, we headed to Wat Rong Seur Ten, the Blue Temple, known for its vibrant blue walls and intricate murals that tell Buddhist stories. Finally, we visited the peaceful Wat Huai Pla Kung, a Chinese-style temple with a massive Guan Yin statue towering over the site.
This tour was such a great way to experience the spiritual side of Northern Thailand and something I think everyone should add to their Chiang Mai itinerary. The price varies depending on the number of people in your group, but can be as low as $115 USD each – which is pretty great for a private tour!
Check out the 800+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Learn about Chiang Mai on a private city tour
- Price: $28 – $110 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times throughout the day
- Highlights: Explore the highlights of Chiang Mai with a private guide, stop at eight different sites, learn about the city’s culture and history
- Inclusions: Private local guide, one drink, fruit tasting, ticket for Wat Sing, private transportation
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
As you’ve probably realized by now, Chiang Mai is surrounded by a variety of awesome things to do. But there is also a lot to see right within the city itself, and the best way to see it all is on this private city tour!
Private tours are great because they allow you to customize the itinerary to your liking. Plus you get a personal guide who is ready to answer all of your questions and teach you all about this amazing city. It really is the best way to get acquainted with the city if it’s your first time visiting or if you just want to dive deeper into the city’s history and culture.
Over the course of 3 hours, we visited around 8 different stops throughout the city. One of the highlights for me was Wat Phra Singh, a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists that’s known for its intricate Lanna architecture.
Another memorable stop was Somphet Market, where we enjoyed tasting exotic fruits and learning about local produce. Our guide explained how the locals use specific ingredients in their dishes, which made the experience even more interesting.
Throughout the tour, our guide shared tons of insider tips, like the best spots for authentic street food and local artisan crafts. We left the tour feeling like we had a better understanding of Chiang Mai’s culture and were ready to go off exploring on our own!
We love how flexible this private tour is. There are multiple departure times throughout the day that you can choose from, although we recommend staying away from the mid-day heat and booking early in the morning if possible!
Reserve your spot on this private tour now and don’t pay a cent until just before you leave!
7. Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at sunrise with a former monk
- Price: $65
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 5 am
- Highlights: Beat the crowds and enjoy the sunrise over Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, learn insider knowledge from your ex-monk guide, visit a hidden jungle temple, enjoy an authentic Thai breakfast
- Inclusions: Ex-monk tour guide, Thai breakfast, bottled water, all fees, hotel-pick-up/drop-off, air-conditioned transportation
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Imagine starting your day in Chiang Mai with a magical sunrise over a beautiful temple perched on top of the city’s highest peak. If that sounds like your kind of wake-up call, you must go on this early-morning temple tour!
This tour provides a rare opportunity to experience the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple during a tranquil time before crowds of people flood in. You’ll witness the pagoda and city below bathed in the morning light with the sound of monks chanting all around you.
We witnessed the monks receiving their morning alms which was really neat. Alms are offerings made to the monks in the form of food or basic necessities in order to help support them and their connection with Buddha. It was such a serene and breathtaking experience!
But the journey doesn’t stop there. After enjoying a delicious Thai breakfast you’ll visit hidden gems like Wat Pha Lat, a secluded jungle temple. You’ll also explore Wat Umong, a fascinating meditation temple with ancient tunnels. I can see why it’s a meditation center, the tranquil setting was perfect for quiet reflection!
We love that this tour is led by an ex-monk guide. Their insider knowledge gave us a deeper insight into Buddhist traditions and culture, making this feel more like a spiritual journey rather than a sightseeing tour.
So if you’re interested in learning more about the spiritual side of Chiang Mai or are looking for a unique cultural experience, make sure you put this one on your to-do list. It only costs $65 USD per person and has hundreds of 5-star reviews – so you know it’s worth it!
Book this tour here to access FREE cancellation options!
8. Explore the countryside by bicycle
- Price: $59 USD
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 8:30 am
- Highlights: Explore Chiang Mai’s scenic countryside on a peddle bike, visit multiple ancient temples, have lunch in a local village
- Inclusions: Bicycle, helmet, tour guide, train ticket, lunch, snacks, beverages, insurance
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Don’t get me wrong, we love Chiang Mai, but sometimes it’s nice to escape the busy city for a bit on this fun countryside bike tour!
The day begins with a scenic train ride out of Chiang Mai to the town of Lamphun. Once we arrived, we biked through the quiet streets to the magnificent Wat Phra That Hariphunchai. Here, our guide shared fascinating stories about the temple’s ancient history while we marveled at the golden chedi.
Next, we cycled through rice paddies and along canals. The countryside was so beautiful and it was neat to see a glimpse of Thai rural life as we peddled by. A highlight was stopping by a village on the Ping River for lunch. The food was bursting with flavor – it was easily one of the best meals I had during my trip!
We also visited Ban Tawai, a wood-carving village, where we watched artisans transform wood into intricate masterpieces. And then the tour ended by visiting the famous temples of Doi Suthep and Wat Umong. The quiet temples are such a contrast to the busy streets of Chiang Mai!
This tour is perfect for those who want to experience Northern Thailand’s natural beauty and culture while getting some exercise. The ride isn’t too challenging but definitely requires a moderate fitness level as you will be biking quite a distance during the 7-hour day. Plus, anyone over the age of 5 can participate, making this a fun tour for the entire family!
Secure your spot on this fun countryside bike tour here!
9. See temples and markets at night with a tuk-tuk tour
- Price: $31 USD
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 6:30 pm
- Highlights: Explore the city at night in a tuk-tuk, see four different temples, visit a bustling night market to enjoy dinner and dessert
- Inclusions: Tuk-tuk transportation, English-speaking guide, street-food dinner, dessert
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
One of my favorite times to explore Chiang Mai is at night. The evening isn’t as hot and the crowds of people have gone home for the day, making this the best time to explore!
On this evening tuk-tuk tour, you will drive through the streets of Chiang Mai, taking in the illuminated city sights. Starting at 6:30 pm, you will visit four different temples with your guide, including the iconic Wat Phan Tao (one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai!).
Seeing these temples at night offered such a unique perspective, and I really enjoyed that we didn’t have to push our way through crowds to get pictures!
The tour also brings you to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. This popular market is full of vendors selling crafts, clothing, and delicious street food. Our guide brought us to the best stall to enjoy a tasty street-food meal and dessert while giving us some great recommendations about where else we should explore in Chiang Mai.
At this point, you can choose to keep exploring the market on your own, or you can get your guide to take you back to your hotel in the tuk-tuk for an extra charge. We went back to the hotel and had so much fun cruising around the city streets in the tuk-tuk – it’s something you have to experience while in Thailand!
If you’re ready to see a different side of Chiang Mai, book this tour in advance here!
10. Explore Chiang Mai’s jungle – trekking, waterfalls, and river tubing trip
- Price: $75 USD
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Go on a guided jungle trek, swim underneath a gorgeous waterfall, go river tubing past an elephant sanctuary
- Inclusions: Professional guide, roundtrip transportation, hotel pick-up/drop-off, lunch, snacks, beverages
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Attention adventure lovers! If trekking through the jungle, swimming in waterfalls, and tubing down a river sounds like your idea of fun, then this full-day tour is for you!
On this fun tour, you will head out of the city to Chiang Mai’s nearby jungles where you will go on a guided jungle trek. These treks can be dangerous if you’re alone, so having a guide is really the best way to explore and ensure you don’t get lost. Plus our guide identified the native flora and fauna as we went along.
After the hike, we cooled off at a refreshing waterfall before having some homemade pad thai for lunch. Once we were nice and full, we hopped onto our tubes and headed down the river on a relaxing and scenic float.
At one point we passed by a herd of water buffalo and even floated through an elephant sanctuary where we witnessed these magnificent creatures bathing in the river! It was such an epic experience!
This tour blended together adventure and nature activities perfectly, and is still one of my favorite things that I’ve done in Chiang Mai – and I’m not alone, look at all of the great reviews here!
This tour is likely to sell out – secure your spot here!
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Now that you have the perfect Chiang Mai itinerary planned, it’s time to find somewhere amazing to stay! My personal favorite area to stay is Old Town Chiang Mai so you’re close to the best things to do in the city – plus the historic charm is so fun. There are also good areas near the river, or you can find some local spots too.
Here are my top three recommendations!
Luxury – $$$
Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai is a luxury stay located near the river for amazing views! The entire hotel is stunning, but I especially love the pool and all the details in the rooms that make your stay extra comfortable – like the private balcony. Prices start around $300 USD for a twin room, but you can also get suites, king rooms, or adult-only pool access rooms.
Check prices and book this stay on Booking.com!
Mid-range – $$
Moon Dragon Hotel is a modern, upscale hotel at a moderate price point – my favorite combo! Located in Old Town Chiang Mai, you are steps from temples, restaurants, museums, and more. There’s a fantastic pool, a terrace, and standard hotel rooms, suites, or family rooms, but all are equipped to fit your needs and give you a comfortable stay.
Prices range from $80 – $200 USD and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Somwang Boutique Hotel is a fantastic stay, ranging from $40 to $100 USD a night. This is a steal for the high quality you get – two pools, boutique hotel rooms, and is located in the heart of Old Town Chiang Mai. They offer a shared lounge, terrace, and a shared kitchen too.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
For even more options, check out all the hotels in Chiang Mai here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Chiang Mai is one of those places that we always reminisce about our time visiting, so I know you’ll have a great time! There are even more fun things to do that I couldn’t fit on this list, but even if you check off a few of these top activities you’ll see some of the best parts of Chiang Mai – trust me.
If you found this helpful, be sure to check out our other Southeast Asia travel guides. Here are a few related blog posts that might help in planning your next adventure – cheers!
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