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What to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, a city located in the North of Thailand is a great spot to escape the chaos and heat of Bangkok. I stayed in the old town and enjoyed wandering around the streets and temples, but I think the best part is the surrounding nature. There is so much to do in Chiang Mai! The city is surrounded by mountains, so besides culture and temples you can also get your nature fix. The city has ancient temples, jungle hikes, waterfalls and a great food and music culture. If you’re planning a visit, here are the all the things that I think you should experience in Chiang Mai.
Hike the Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat
One of the most popular experiences in Chiang Mai is hiking the Monk’s Trail, a forest path that leads from the base of Doi Suthep mountain to a serene jungle temple. It will take around 45 minutes to hike up to the first temple. The trail first arrives at Wat Pha Lat, a hidden temple surrounded by moss-covered statues. Built around 1355–1385 under King Kuena of the Lanna kingdom to honor a sacred white elephant. It served as a resting spot for pilgrims traveling up the mountain. Find the trailhead here.
From here, many hikers continue up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most famous temple. This part of the route will take another hour.
Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Reaching Wat Phra That Doi Suthep requires climbing the iconic naga staircase. This is a long staircase lined with golden serpent statues that guard the temple. At the top you’ll find golden stupas, intricate architecture, and sweeping views over Chiang Mai city. It’s one of the most sacred sites in northern Thailand and a must-visit during your time here. Make sure your knees and shoulders are covered during your visit. A visit to this temple will take around an hour.
How to get here: You can either hike the entire Monks trail that also goes past Wat Pha Lat or take a grab up.
Opening hours: 06.00 tot 20.00 uur.
Entrance fee: 50 THB/€1,30 euro.
Rent a Motorbike and Escape to the Mountains: Don Inthanon
One of the best ways to experience Chiang Mai’s surroundings is by renting a motorbike and heading into the mountains. The roads wind through jungle-covered hills, small villages and scenic viewpoints.
A perfect overnight adventure is heading toward Thailand’s highest peak: Doi Inthanon. Staying somewhere in the mountains allows you to wake before dawn and ride up to the summit to watch the sunrise above a sea of mist-covered valleys. The cool mountain air is a refreshing contrast to the warm lowlands of Thailand. Unfortunately, it was completely foggy and overcast when I tried this, but if you get a good sunrise, it’s magical.
Since you already have to wake up early for sunrise, you want to stay close to the peak. Two good places to stay that are just a 10/15 minute ride from the top are:
After sunrise, visit the iconic King and Queen Pagodas (the Twin Royal Pagodas). They are located near the peak of the mountain and open at 7. So right after seeing the sunrise, you can visit them and still have beautiful lighting. They are surrounded by some nice gardens.
Entrance fee is 100 THB per person.
Kew Mae Pan Nature trail
For one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in northern Thailand, the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is a beautiful hike inside Doi Inthanon National Park. The circular trail runs about 3 kilometers along the mountain ridge and usually takes around 1 to 1,5 hours to complete. It begins in dense cloud forest filled with moss-covered trees before opening onto sweeping ridge lines where you can see layers of mountains stretching into the distance It often has a view of a dramatic “sea of mist” in the early morning.
The trail is open roughly from November to May, as it closes during the rainy season (June–October) to protect the fragile ecosystem. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended. You’ll be hiking in cooler temperatures but also get more beautiful light and avoid crowds.
One important thing to know before visiting is that the trail requires a local guide, which you arrange directly at the trailhead. Guides are typically members of the local Hmong hill tribe community and the fee is about 200 THB per group (usually up to 10 people).
In addition to the guide fee, visitors must pay the Doi Inthanon National Park entrance fee, which is 300 THB for adults and 150 THB for children, plus a small vehicle fee (20 THB for motorbikes or 30 THB for cars.)
Visit Wachirathan Waterfall
On the drive up or down Doi Inthanon National Park, stop at Wachirathan Waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls in northern Thailand. Water crashes down from over 80 meters, creating a constant mist that often forms rainbows in the sunlight. It’s an easy stop along the road and one of the most photogenic spots in the park. You can park your car or motorbike on the parking lot and walk a to the waterfall. It doesn’t require hiking.
Hike the Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail
While visiting Doi Inthanon national park, I suggest taking the time to do this hike as well. The trailhead is located on your way back to Chiang Mai. This trail also requires a guide. The price is 220 baht. I was by myself, but you can share the price with a group. If you come in the morning you can see monkeys. The trail winds through dense forest, rice terraces, a strawberry farm ssmall Karen villages and beautiful waterfalls, before ending a coffee shop where you can try the coffee from the local farms. You have the choice to hike all the way to the village and enjoy the coffee. They will offer you to ride back to the trailhead on the back of a motorcycle for 50 baht. You can also choose to hike back when you reach the waterfall.
Entrance fee: 220 baht/~€6
Explore Pha Chor Canyon
Often overlooked by travelers, Pha Chor Canyon is a dramatic natural formation located in Mae Wang National Park. Towering clay pillars rise from the earth like a miniature canyon landscape sculpted by centuries of erosion.
The short hiking trail loops around the formations and offers a completely different environment compared to Chiang Mai’s jungles and waterfalls. It’s a very short hike though and you can walk through in 30 minutes total.
Wander Through Chiang Mai’s Old Temples
Inside the old city walls, Chiang Mai is home to several historic temples. One of the most impressive is Wat Chedi Luang, a massive Chedi ruin that once housed the Emerald Buddha. Its towering brick structure dominates the temple grounds and provides a glimpse into the city’s ancient Lanna history.
Opening hours: 5:30 AM to 22:20 PM.
Entrance fee: 40 baht/€1,08
Wat Phra Chao Mengrai is a small temple I visited. It’s not well known, but I just loved the way it looked. It has a beautiful Bodhi tree behind the temple. you can just wander in!
Visit Kalm Village
Another cultural highlight is Kalm Village, a creative cultural space dedicated to northern Thai art, craft, and storytelling. It has a museum dedicated to the traditional fabrics of minority groups, design shops a coffee shop with library and just a beautiful courtyard to hang out in.
Experience Chiang Mai’s Night Markets
As the sun sets, Chiang Mai comes alive with food stalls, music, and handmade crafts. The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and Sunday Walking Street Market are the most popular spots to browse local handicrafts, try northern Thai dishes, and soak up the city’s lively atmosphere. Don’t leave without trying khao soi, the rich coconut curry noodle soup that Chiang Mai is famous for.
For the Sunday walking street market, start at Tha Phae-poort and work your way up to Ratchadamnoen Road. The market spreads out through several streets.
Tip: Not visiting on a Sunday? The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is open every night at 17.00 uur on Chang Klang Road.
Visit the Royal Pavilion Gardens
The Royal pavilion is a newer attraction near Chiang Mai. The temple and gardens were built for the kings 80th Birthday in 2006. The pavilion sits at the center of beautifully landscaped gardens filled with tropical plants, orchids, and themed international gardens. We had it all to ourselves when we visited!
Walking through the park feels almost like stepping into a botanical world tour, with pathways leading past traditional Thai architecture, fountains, and quiet lakes. If you visit during the right time the gardens will be in full bloom.
Opening hours: 8AM to 6PM
Entrance fee: 200 baht/€5,42
Take a Trip to Pai
Pai is another popular destination in the North of Thailand. It’s known as a hippy town and many people end up staying there longer than expected. If you have extra time, a trip to Pai is well worth the journey. Located about three hours north of Chiang Mai, the drive winds through over 700 mountain curves before arriving in a laid-back town surrounded by waterfalls, hot springs, and scenic viewpoints.
Visit Chiang Rai
Another popular day or overnight trip from Chiang Mai is Chiang Rai.
The main highlight is the surreal White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). This is a modern Buddhist temple that looks like something from a dream, with intricate white carvings and mirrored mosaics that sparkle in the sun.
Nearby you’ll also find the striking Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten).
Take a Thai Cooking Class
Northern Thailand is home to some of the country’s most flavorful cuisine, and Chiang Mai is one of the best places to learn how to cook it. Most cooking classes start with a trip to a local market before teaching you how to prepare classic dishes like: Khao soi, Green curry, Pad Thai, Mango sticky rice.
My favorite restaurants in Chiang Mai
Fern Forest Cafe: Lovely garden cafe, with really nice food, pastries and coffee’s. If you’re feeling adventurous try the double espresso yuzu honey.
Reform Kafé – Vegan Garden Restaurant: Try the vegetarian Khao Soy!
Goodsouls Kitchen: Vegan restaurant with many options.
Chada Vegetarian Restaurant Chiang Mai: Great veggie food options!
The FACES Gallery & Gastro Bar: This wasn’t my favorite meal, but definitely one of the most beautiful spots to have a drink or lunch at.
Sunflower Smoothies and Coffee & Breakfast: Great spot if you’re craving a western style breakfast.
Garden to Table Chiangmai: Lovely affordable Thai food. Come early if you want to avoid having to queue.
How to get to Chiang Mai
Flight: One of the easiest ways to get to Chiang Mai is to hop on a short flight. Average cost is between $90-190.
Train: the night train is very popular and regularly sells out. Book in advance if you’d like to take this option. Expect to pay between 900 Baht (€24/$27) to 1400 Baht (€38/$44) depending on whether you choose the older or newer trains. The most popular option is the Special Express 9 overnight sleeper, leaving at 18:40 and arriving at 07:15.
Tips for the train:
- You can buy food on the train, but bring along snacks and drinks as it closes at 10 pm. There arevegetarian options but it’s best to bring something just in case. You can also pre-order food to eat in your seat or buy a takeaway meal from the station before you set off.
- Bring a jacket/sweater as it can get cold with the AC on.
- Bring an eye mask! The carriage lights stay on all night and even with the curtain drawn it could be bothersome.
Bus: The most uncomfortable, but also cheapest option. I ended up taking the bus, because the train was sold out. It takes a long 11 hours to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, but it only costs 704 baht/€19/$22.
