Top Things to Do in Chiang Mai: Best Activities & Must-Sees
By Tina
June 5, 2026
Chiang Mai, this fascinating city in northern Thailand known as the "Rose of the North," is a world apart from Bangkok or the southern beaches. As the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, founded in 1296, it has preserved its authentic soul despite the influx of visitors. For the complete experience, things to do in Chiang Mai encompass golden temples, lush green mountains, sprawling night markets, and a deeply laid-back vibe.
Best things to do in Chiang Mai: Top sights & activities 🎫
- 🌙 Chiang Mai Night Safari ⭐ From £7.03 — A unique night safari
- 🎭 Skyline Adventure 🌲 From £41.96 — Jungle Ziplines
- 🏛️ Old City 🕌 Free — Dozens of temples
- 🎪 Miracle Cabaret 🌈 From £6.56 — Cabaret show
- 🐘 Elephant Jungle Sanctuary ❤️ From £31.57 — Ethical elephant encounters
💡 Did you know? Chiang Mai actually means 'New City', even though it's one of the oldest cities in Thailand! The square Old City measures exactly 1.5 km on each side and is surrounded by moats and the remains of ancient walls. It's home to over 300 Buddhist temples – incredible, isn't it?
What to do in Chiang Mai based on your stay 📅
Unsurprisingly, your Chiang Mai itinerary will naturally depend on how much time you have. Not sure yet? Here are our recommendations based on the length and style of your trip:
Length of stay | Couples' Adventures | Family adventures | Adventures with friends | Solo |
2 days | Old Town temples + Doi Suthep + romantic dinner | Old Town + Elephant Sanctuary + Night Bazaar | Temples + Nimman cafes + Night Bazaar evening | Old Town + temples + Thai massage |
3-4 days | Temples + Doi Suthep + cooking classes + markets + spa | Old City + elephants + markets + activities for kids | Temples + ziplining + nightlife + markets | Temples + cookery classes + trekking + markets |
5 days | Days 3-4: Chiang Rai, the Golden Triangle and Hill Tribe Villages | Days 3-4: Adventure park, farms, and the great outdoors | Days 3-4 + rafting + sports + evenings | Days 3-4 + meditation + volunteering |
🎁 Kickstart your trip with 5% off Chiang Mai attractions. 👇
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Must-visit districts in Chiang Mai 🏛️
The Old Town: the sacred historical heart
The Old City is truly the heart of Chiang Mai! This square enclosure, surrounded by a moat, is home to the bulk of the city's heritage, with over 30 temples packed into just 2km² (yes, really!). Wat Phra Singh is the most revered of them all, with its sacred Buddha statue and magnificent murals.
Similarly, Wat Chedi Luang is sure to impress with its massive 82-metre chedi, which partially collapsed during an earthquake in 1545 – though it remains a truly awe-inspiring sight today. Finally, Wat Phan Tao, crafted entirely from intricately carved teak, is another absolute gem that you simply shouldn't miss.
The atmosphere is wonderfully peaceful, with quiet backstreets, hidden little cafes, and the chance to observe the monks going about their daily lives. Every Sunday evening, Ratchadamnoen Road is transformed for the Sunday Walking Street Market from 5pm until midnight. It’s Chiang Mai’s most popular market, filled with handmade crafts, delicious street food, and free performances for a fantastic evening out.
📌 Trip.com tip: Visit the temples early in the morning (6 am - 8 am) to witness the monks' ceremonies and soak up the spiritual atmosphere before the crowds arrive. Respectful dress is a must!
Nimman: the hipster and creative neighbourhood
Nimman (or Nimmanhaemin) is Chiang Mai's trendiest neighbourhood! A world away from the Old City, this modern district is home to the best speciality coffee shops (including Ristr8to Lab, world champion in latte art, Graph Café, and Nine One Coffee), designer boutiques, art galleries, and fusion restaurants. The atmosphere is young and cosmopolitan, buzzing with students, digital nomads on their laptops, and local artists alike...
As evening falls, Nimman truly comes alive, buzzing with its fantastic lounge and rooftop bars. While the prices might be a little steeper than elsewhere, the quality absolutely lives up to it!
📌 Trip.com tip: Nimman is perfect for coffee-and-croissant mornings and brunch. Don't miss the vintage boutiques tucked away in the little side streets (sois)!
Night Bazaar: Where local shopping meets nightlife
Get ready to dive into the heart of Chiang Mai's vibrant nightlife at the legendary Night Bazaar, stretching along Chang Klan Road! Spanning nearly a kilometre, you'll discover hundreds of stalls brimming with treasures – from stylish clothes and intricate handicrafts to unique souvenirs, dazzling jewellery, and even those cheeky designer knock-offs you might be looking for. The atmosphere here is absolutely buzzing, alive with twinkling lights, infectious music, and the irresistible aromas of sizzling street food wafting through the air. It's truly a traditional and local market experience, the perfect place to immerse yourself and soak up the vibrant culture of this incredible city.
The market is open every evening from 6 pm to midnight.
💡 Top tip: Haggling is a must – you can easily negotiate 30 to 50% off!
Hotels: Save up to 10% (Book online or on Mobile)
Homes & Apts: Save up to £39 (App-only deal)
Top hotels in Chiang Mai
5 star
Very Good317 Reviews
Chang Khlan Chiang Mai|1.64km from city centre
This is the first time I've encountered a toilet seat and lid that don't match – it was a bit unsettling to sit on. I could frequently hear toilets flushing from other rooms in the middle of the night, suggesting the plumbing design might be quite old. Breakfast was very mediocre, and the smell of toasted waffles was overpowering. The hotel is very eco-conscious, with reminders everywhere to conserve water. The air conditioning lacks in-room controls or a remote, and it occasionally stops working. A staff member even came in to make the bed while I was at breakfast.From£48
Great674 Reviews
Chiang Mai Riverside Chiang Mai|1.05km from city centre
Honestly, the bathroom in the basic room type was quite small, and the water quality was just average; my shower head turned a bit yellow. Overall, the room hygiene was good, and the front desk staff were very friendly.
Upon check-in, we received drink vouchers that could be used at the lounge on the first floor, but the selection was quite limited. The breakfast was decent, nothing spectacular, but it had all the essentials.
The hotel's location is very convenient. Just a short walk through the alley next to it leads to the Chang Klan Night Bazaar, and it's not far from the Michelin-starred restaurant Ekachan. We stayed here for two nights, and then moved to the Old City for the remaining two nights.
Due to time constraints, we didn't get to visit the rooftop bar, but I heard it's quite good.
The hotel attracts a lot of European and American tour groups; every time we returned, we'd see tour buses coming and going. However, luckily, we didn't hear much noise in our room this time.From£82
Amazing746 Reviews
Old City Chiang Mai|0.53km from city centre
The hotel boasts a beautiful environment and a convenient location, with warm and attentive service, making it perfect for exploring the ancient city and its surroundings. The room facilities are well-maintained and feature charming local characteristics, which I personally loved. Special mention goes to the bedding – it was incredibly clean and comfortable, leading to an excellent night's sleep. However, it's worth noting that the hotel is located inside the ancient city, is street-facing, and the soundproofing in the rooms isn't great. Those who require a very quiet sleeping environment might want to consider this carefully. Also, the hotel offers a souvenir for leaving a review, but this promotion is only for Google Maps and doesn't include platforms like Ctrip, which is a bit disappointing.From£84
Very Good523 Reviews
Chang Khlan Chiang Mai|1.28km from city centre
Shangri-La offers two major advantages:
First, they provide free extra beds for children under 12, which is incredibly convenient for families traveling with kids.
Second, the garden design is excellent, and facilities like the swimming pool are very spacious and convenient. The hotel's outdoor heated pool is very large, and there's also a sizable hot tub next to it. You can order drinks by the pool, making it a perfectly relaxing environment.
The hotel also offers a variety of activities for children with childcare services, which I highly recommend.From£99
Great285 Reviews
Chang Phuak Chiang Mai|2.92km from city centre
The hotel is clean and tidy, really great, we all loved it. We'll definitely come back next time. I'm running out of words, but seriously, it's really good and worth experiencing.From£38
Business travel
Very Good81 Reviews
Wua Lai Chiang Mai|0.91km from city centre
Very nice hotel, well-located just outside the old town. The welcome was excellent, and the breakfast was simple yet good. You can also get your laundry washed and dried at very reasonable prices. The staff were very attentive and accommodating; thanks for holding our luggage during our trek. I highly recommend it.From£21
Very Good65 Reviews
Chang Khlan Chiang Mai|0.17km from city centre
The location is super convenient, right near Tha Phae Gate. I've stayed here many times before. There are lots of night markets nearby, so finding food is really easy. The service is great, very polite. I'll definitely stay here again next time I visit Chiang Mai.From£17
Very Good616 Reviews
Chang Khlan Chiang Mai|0.22km from city centre
The room was quite spacious. The hotel's exterior and lobby were very grand, and it's the tallest hotel in the old city area. The doorman was excellent; he took our luggage to the room and even helped us load it into the car when we checked out. We exchanged 20 *zhu* for two small elephants [presumably a local currency/custom]. The downside was that the air conditioning was blasting as if it were free, making it very cold. The worst part was the loud air conditioning noise at night.From£23
Very Good1017 Reviews
Chang Phuak Chiang Mai|1.56km from city centre
I stay at this place for 3 nights. The housekeeper don't change towels even I put a tag in front of the room to make up and forget to arrange the amenities when it runs out. I personally give a review to the staff about this already. There is a pub nearby even you stay at 6th floor, you will hear the noise. Every thing will be quiet when the bar is closed which is almost next morning. However, the room is pretty big and worth for your spend. The location is also nice. It is nearby everything. So if you don't have sleep problem, I recommend this place is worth to stay.From£17
Very Good1146 Reviews
Chang Khlan Chiang Mai|0.77km from city centre
The stay didn't start off on a good note with the bathroom roof leaking over the toilet, but was rectified and we were moved to another room. The breakfast was good, staff were kind, swimming pool needs cleaning, the gym was nice and all equipment worked well. The hotel is in a great location with a mall and night markets in walking distance.From£22
Family friendly
Great1720 Reviews
Nimmanhaemin Chiang Mai|2.63km from city centre
The hotel is great and located right in the city center. The staff provided good service. Below the hotel, there's a Hangouts bar where we could socialize at night, which was really convenient. However, the downside is that I found the room a bit too dark with not enough lighting.From£22
Very Good225 Reviews
Chiang Mai Riverside Chiang Mai|1.42km from city centre
I got the room without the swimming area. For what you pay, you get wooden tiled floor, a giant tv and an efficient air conditioner. Great sleep quality. Beds are firm but comfortable for sufficient sleep. There was a nice sit out and convenient laundry facility. My only problem was the smoking area is right at the entrance. Housekeeping tends to come under the influence of vile spirits but cheerful people at the reception made my stay worth it. Towels had an odd smell to them. There was a giant roach in my room. Location is near perfect with tasty food around. Great value. Perfect for a longer stay.From£16
Very Good515 Reviews
Wua Lai Chiang Mai|1.66km from city centre
Considering the price-to-quality ratio, it’s quite reasonable, especially if everything else is fully booked.
However, there are quite a few downsides.
- The bed linens had stains and holes, and the towels were gray and worn out.
- The housekeeping is extremely poor. In the shower, all the joints and corners are covered with mold, even though they could easily be cleaned with bleach. The toilet is clearly not cleaned properly with disinfectant either. The joint between the bathtub and the wall is also moldy, and the cracks there could be repaired and repainted.
I saw that cleaners used the same towels for cleaning that are later given to guests, which is probably why they are gray.
+
Other than that, the hotel looks beautiful. The furniture is in good condition, and everything appears relatively new.
The breakfast is good, and even guests who don’t eat meat can find suitable options.
The air-conditioning unit’s outdoor box is located on the balcony, which makes it quite noisy. However, they do provide earplugs :)
It also seems that the hotel lacks a proper maintenance team. The wall near the entrance is covered with black marks from suitcases. It could easily be cleaned or repainted, as it currently looks quite unattractive and creates a poor first impression.From£28
Amazing304 Reviews
Old City Chiang Mai|1.27km from city centre
Facilities: Very Thai-themed. The fruit platter and afternoon tea were both exquisite and plentiful. The drinks were also delicious.
Hygiene: Initially, there was a half-empty bottle of water by the pool, but the front desk lady immediately had staff come and clean it up.
Environment: As someone who has visited Thailand more than ten times, I really love the environment.
Service: Attentive and professional. I really enjoyed the breakfast.From£80
Very Good321 Reviews
Old City Chiang Mai|0.42km from city centre
Great location and staff, but cleanliness needs improvement.
Overall, Viangluang is a decent hotel with a fantastic location. The staff were very nice and helpful throughout our stay. If you are looking for good value for money and don't prioritize luxury, this is a solid choice.
However, there are some areas that need attention:
• Cleanliness: It wasn't amazing; we noticed some stains on the towels and bed sheets.
• Shower: The water pressure was inconsistent (fluctuating between strong and weak), and the showerhead seemed partially clogged.
• Breakfast: It was quite average and basic.
Bottom line: Good option for budget-conscious travelers who want a great location, but don't expect a high-end experience.From£41
Top 5 activities and landmarks in Chiang Mai 🌸
Beyond the city's must-see neighbourhoods, let's explore the top activities and unmissable sights for a perfect trip!
Chiang Mai Night Safari: The unmissable night-time adventure
The Night Safari is the perfect activity to enjoy with friends or family! This 300-hectare safari zoo at the foot of Doi Suthep offers tram tours through two zones (Savannah and Forest) to observe hundreds of animals in a nocturnal environment. You’ll see lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, tigers, and even bears and elephants as your tram travels right among them. It’s truly impressive to see these nocturnal animals so active!
📌 Practical info: Open 18:30–22:00. Aim to arrive around 18:30–19:00. Allow 2–3 hours. Bring a jumper, as it can get chilly in the open-top tram!
Skyline Adventure: Thrills in the heart of the jungle
For a bit of an adrenaline rush during your stay, Skyline Adventure offers spectacular ziplining right in the heart of the jungle! That's right – you'll soar between giant trees on cables up to 900 metres long and 50 metres high. The full course includes 24 platforms, 17 ziplines, 2 suspension bridges, and even a giant abseil. Skyline Adventure is open to everyone aged 7 and over.
📌 Top tip: bring closed-toe trainers and comfortable clothes. Everything is provided on-site.
Old City: Immerse yourself in historic temples
As we mentioned earlier, Chiang Mai's Old City is an absolute must-see! Surrounded by moats and the remains of 13th-century walls, this 1.5 km square enclosure is home to over 30 magnificent Buddhist temples, all within a very compact area.
Miracle Cabaret Chiang Mai: A Dazzling and Unique Show
Just like the Simon Cabaret in Phuket, Miracle Cabaret is a must-see show in Chiang Mai! This professional cabaret also features transgender performers (ladyboys) in singing, dancing, and comedy acts that are truly captivating. The costumes are absolutely sumptuous, with towering feathers, sequins, and rhinestones, and outfits that must weigh several kilos. A true Thai-style show!
The show lasts around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, featuring a series of acts inspired by cultures from all over the world (traditional Thai dance, Bollywood, glamorous Parisian cabaret, Broadway musicals...).
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary: The Elephant Sanctuary
Whether you're travelling solo, with family, or with friends, the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is a must-visit experience! Nestled in the mountains near a Karen village, this sanctuary provides a respectful home for rescued elephants. You won't find any elephant riding here!
You'll learn all about their history, feed them bananas and sugar cane, and even join them for a bath in the river.
The experience also includes discovering the Karen way of life, traditional dress, and an authentic Thai meal.
📌 Trip.com tip: book in advance as spaces are limited. Pack a change of clothes, as you'll definitely get wet and a little muddy!
Chiang Mai, the food capital of the north 🍜
Chiang Mai is also, and above all, a culinary capital! The iconic dish is khao soi, a mild and creamy coconut milk curry with egg noodles (soft in the broth + crispy as a topping), chicken or beef, and served with red onions, lime and pickled vegetables. It’s simply addictive!
Be sure to also try the sai oua (spicy northern sausage), nam prik ong (tomato and pork dip), and kanom jeen nam ngiao (curry rice noodles)...
Our favourite spots: Khao Soi Mae Sai (Michelin Guide!), Khao Soi Khun Yai, or any local market.
Best time to visit Chiang Mai 🌤️
Seasons | Weather | Reviews | Activities |
❄️ Fresh (Nov-Feb) | Simply ideal (15-28°C) | The absolute best time! | Yi Peng/Loy Krathong (Nov), flower markets |
🔥 Hot (March–May) | Very hot (25-40°C) | Expect plenty of heat and some haze from agricultural burning during March and April. | Songkran (mid-April) |
🌧️ Rains (June-Oct) | Humid (23-32°C) | Daily showers | Lower prices, fewer crowds |
💡 Our tip: November to February is the perfect time! 15°C in the morning, 25-28°C in the afternoon, and the Yi Peng festival in November, when thousands of lanterns light up the sky, is simply magical! Book in advance, as it is peak season.
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Day Trips from Chiang Mai 🏔️
Chiang Mai is the perfect city for exploring the treasures of Northern Thailand! Here are our two favourite excursions:
Chiang Rai and the White Temple: Contemporary Buddhist Art
Chiang Rai (three hours north of Chiang Mai) is home to two of the most extraordinary and photogenic temples in all of Thailand.
Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) is a truly impressive contemporary work of art: entirely white and shimmering thanks to the mirror fragments embedded in the plaster. Created by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat since 1997, this temple blends traditional Buddhist symbolism with modern pop culture references (you’ll even spot characters from The Matrix and Star Wars in the murals!).
Wat Rong Suea Ten (the Blue Temple) is just as impressive, featuring deep blue and gold tones and monumental sculptures of nagas (mythical serpents). Excursions typically also include the Golden Triangle, a fascinating geographical spot where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet in the middle of the Mekong River.
Practical info:
- Journey time: 3 hours by bus/van (approx. 180 km to the north)
- Transport: Bus from the Arcade terminal, private van or an all-inclusive organised tour
- Must-sees: The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), the Golden Triangle, and Chiang Rai Night Market if you're staying late.
Doi Inthanon: The Roof of Thailand and its Mountain Villages
Doi Inthanon is a truly exceptional nature trip! At 2,565 metres above sea level, it's the highest point in the whole of Thailand (hence its nickname, the 'Roof of Thailand').
This stunning national park offers lush mountain landscapes that are completely different from the rest of the country, featuring pine forests, terraced flower fields, and wonderfully crisp, fresh air.
The twin chedis built for the King and Queen’s 60th birthdays are absolutely stunning, with their pristine flower gardens and breathtaking panoramic views. The Wachirathan (80 metres high!) and Sirithan waterfalls are spectacular, especially during the rainy season. You’ll also visit Karen and Hmong villages, where you can discover their traditional way of life and shop for unique handmade crafts.
Practical info:
- Journey time: 1h 30m - 2h (approx. 90 km south-west)
- Transport: We recommend an organised tour, or you can hire a scooter or car if you're feeling adventurous.
- Must-sees: The summit and its stupa, the King and Queen’s twin chedis, Wachirathan and Sirithan waterfalls, hill tribe villages, and the Ang Ka Luang nature trail.
Chiang Mai awaits you with its golden temples, lush green mountains, captivating Lanna culture, and exceptional cuisine! Whether you're drawn to Buddhist spirituality, mountain trekking, adorable elephants, or local handicrafts, the Rose of the North is sure to charm you!
Enjoy your trip to Chiang Mai! 🌸
FAQ – Things to do in Chiang Mai
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