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What To Do In Chiang Mai? Top 7 Best Things To Do In Chiang Mai Thailand

Tuesday, December 31, 2024 Places to visit & things to do Nguyen Phuong

Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, is a city that attracts travelers from all over the world thanks to its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and centuries-old traditions. Once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, it offers a perfect blend of history, adventure, and relaxation. If you're wondering, "What to do in Chiang Mai?", here's a detailed guide to the best things to do in Chiang Mai and activities to enjoy, allowing you to discover the city from all angles.

1. Visit the best temples in Chiang Mai
2. Experience the Loy Krathong festival in Chiang Mai
3. Taste the culinary specialties of Chiang Mai
4. Join a cooking class
5. Go trekking to explore the surroundings
6. Relax with a massage
7. Spend time with elephants in Chiang Mai

1. Visit the best temples in Chiang Mai

Visit the best temples in Chiang Mai: best thing to do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is renowned for its beautiful Buddhist temples, which are not only places of worship but also witnesses to an ancient history and remarkable architecture. If you're wondering what to do in Chiang Mai, starting with its temples is an excellent idea to immerse yourself in the local culture. Don’t miss Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched on a mountain with a spectacular view of the city. Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh are also must-visits, with their impressive architecture and serene atmosphere. These temples provide an opportunity to explore Thai culture and immerse yourself in the country's religious heritage.

2. Experience the Loy Krathong festival in Chiang Mai

If you visit Chiang Mai in November, don’t miss the chance to participate in the famous Loy Krathong festival. This event is one of the most popular in Thailand, celebrating the goddess of water and symbolizing gratitude for the blessings of water in the Thai people’s lives. In Chiang Mai, the Loy Krathong festival is combined with Yi Peng, a lantern festival, making it a particularly magical event. Thousands of paper lanterns are released into the night sky, creating a breathtaking scene of floating lights above the city. Locals also make krathongs, banana leaf rafts decorated with candles and flowers, which they release onto the rivers, symbolizing the letting go of bad deeds and thoughts.

The best place to experience this is Mae Jo University, which hosts an outdoor event where you can participate in the lantern release while admiring the beauty of this tradition. Participating in Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai is a unique activity that will immerse you in local culture in a memorable and visually stunning way.

3. Taste the culinary specialties of Chiang Mai

Don’t miss the chance to try local specialties in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai’s cuisine is one of the best you can taste in Thailand. Influenced by the traditions of the Lanna Kingdom and the flavors of neighboring countries, the food in Chiang Mai is flavorful, spicy, and fresh. If you're wondering what to do in Chiang Mai, don’t miss the chance to try local specialties. Try dishes like Khao Soi, a northern Thai noodle curry, or Sai Oua, a herb-flavored sausage. You'll also find a variety of street food, including grilled meat skewers and spicy salads. Be sure to visit local markets like the Sunday Walking Street Market, where you can sample traditional dishes while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

4. Join a cooking class

After discovering local specialties, why not learn how to prepare them yourself? Several cooking schools in Chiang Mai offer classes where you can learn to cook traditional Thai dishes in a fun and interactive setting. These classes will guide you through each step of preparing dishes like Green Curry, Pad Thai, or spring rolls. You'll visit local markets to buy fresh ingredients, getting to know typical Thai products. Then, you'll be guided by local chefs in preparing these dishes, with tips on recreating these recipes at home. Taking a cooking class in Chiang Mai is a perfect activity, a best thing to do in Chiang Mai for food lovers and a practical souvenir to take home.

5. Go trekking to explore the surroundings

Go trekking to explore the surroundings in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains, forests, and lush valleys, offering many opportunities for adventure for nature enthusiasts. If you're looking for the best things to do in Chiang Mai to explore nature, trekking tours are an excellent choice.

There are many trekking tours around Chiang Mai, ranging from short walks to multi-day hikes. These treks allow you to discover beautiful landscapes, explore ethnic villages like those of the Karen or Hmong people, and immerse yourself in local culture. You'll walk through tropical forests, discover hidden waterfalls, and admire the region's biodiversity. A trek in the Chiang Mai area is a must-do for those seeking adventure.

6. Relax with a massage

After a day of sightseeing and adventure, there's nothing like a moment of relaxation in one of Chiang Mai’s many spas. Traditional Thai massage is renowned for its benefits to the body and mind. It consists of a series of pressure movements and stretches that help relax the muscles and improve blood circulation. Chiang Mai’s massage parlors are plentiful and offer a wide range of services, from foot massages to full-body treatments. Thai massage is a true art and a great activity in Chiang Mai to recharge after a busy day.

7. Spend time with elephants in Chiang Mai

Spending time with elephants is a meaningful activity in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is one of the best places in Thailand to learn about elephants. However, it's important to choose an animal-friendly sanctuary, as some places exploit elephants for tourism purposes. Elephant sanctuaries around Chiang Mai offer immersive experiences where you can feed, bathe, and care for elephants while learning about their rehabilitation. These sanctuaries strive to protect elephants and preserve them from abuse, providing them with a natural and respectful environment. Spending time with elephants is a meaningful activity in Chiang Mai to support conservation and learn more about these magnificent creatures.

Chiang Mai is an unmissable destination in Thailand, offering a perfect combination of culture, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you're interested in history, food, nature, or local traditions, this city will meet your expectations. By exploring the best things to do in Chiang Mai, you’ll discover a cultural richness and natural beauty that will make your stay unforgettable. So, get ready for a memorable adventure in this fascinating city! For a satisfying experience that exceeds your expectations, please CONTACT ATOUR ASIA, Thailand Travel Agency now.

It is advisable to refer to:
> What to do in Chiang Mai in 2 days?
> Read our full Chiang Mai travel guide
> Day trip to Pai from Chiang Mai
> Thailand Tours

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Java Gloaguen

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How long would you stay in Chiang Mai?

To explore Chiang Mai's main attractions and enjoy the city:

A stay of 3 to 4 days is recommended. You can read more 2 days in Chiang Mai what to do. This will give you enough time to visit the temples, taste the local cuisine, take a cooking class, and explore the surrounding mountains.
If you want to go on several day trips or spend more time relaxing, you can extend your stay to 5 or 6 days. See more: 5 days in Chiang Mai

Sara Sandid

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How to get around Chiang Mai?

Getting around Chiang Mai is relatively easy thanks to a variety of transportation options suitable for different budgets and preferences. You can explore the city on foot, especially in the Old City, where temples and markets are close to each other. For more comfort, renting a bicycle or an electric bike is a popular option, allowing you to discover the city and its surroundings at a pleasant pace. Tuk-tuks and songthaews, traditional forms of transport, are ideal for short trips, although it’s advisable to negotiate the prices beforehand. If you prefer more privacy, you can use apps like Grab to book a taxi or a private car. Car and motorbike rentals are also available for those who wish to explore the mountains and villages around Chiang Mai. For longer trips, organized tours are a great option. Public transport, such as buses, does exist but is less frequent. Whatever mode of transport you choose, it’s essential to stay alert, especially for motorbike safety, and always check the prices before departing.

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