Written by Charlotte Lock
Posted, 15th July 2025
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Chiang Mai, you’ve come to the right place.
Chiang Mai is one of the top destinations for anyone heading to Thailand, and it has something for everyone, including green mountains, ancient temples, buzzing night markets, and some of the best food in the country.
Whether you’re here to soak up the culture, trek through the jungle, or simply chill with an iced coffee in a cute café, Chiang Mai won’t disappoint.
And as a group travel company that runs group tours in Thailand, we’re always looking for new cool things to do around the country, Chiang Mai included.
So in this post, we’ll give 21 of the best things to do, from must-see sights to hidden gems you won’t see on social media.
Things To Do in Chiang Mai
As we said in the introduction, Chiang Mai really does have something for everyone. It’s one of those cities that is so diverse and offers so many amazing and different experiences.
It’s the Nomad Capital of Thailand, and after visiting, you’ll understand why – nobody wants to leave!
1. Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
A major activity on most people’s bucket list heading to Thailand, is a visit to an elephant sanctuary to get closer to the gentle giants than you may ever have done.
However, tracking down an ethical experience can be quite challenging in Southeast Asia, where animal rights aren’t always respected like they are at home.
Definitely skip the places offering rides or shows and choose an ethical sanctuary focused on rescue and rehabilitation.
It’s a much more humane way of getting close to these animals and ensuring they are treated with care.
2. Hike Doi Suthep
For stunning views over Chiang Mai and a dose of culture, hike up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The trail winds through the forest and ends at one of the city’s most sacred temples.
It’s a bit of a climb (expect a couple of hours of uphill panting), but you’ll be rewarded with the beautiful, golden temple, sweeping views, and a peaceful escape from the city buzz.
If you ever see a postcard in Chiang Mai with a viewpoint, chances are it’s from Doi Suthep. It’s iconic and the views are worth every step.
3. Go to a Ladyboy Cabaret Show
Chiang Mai’s nightlife isn’t all bars and night markets – don’t miss a ladyboy cabaret show for glitz, glamour, and a performance you’ll never forget.
Venues like the Chiang Mai Cabaret Show at the Night Bazaar offer a fun, welcoming atmosphere and are the perfect place for travellers to introduce themselves to an interesting aspect of Thai culture.
Ladyboys are synonymous with Thailand, and the reason why is because of the ties between kathoeys (Thai for “ladyboy) and Buddhism. There is no judgment from anyone in Thailand as they recognise kathoey as a third gender.
4. Watch Live Music
Chiang Mai’s live music scene is small but full of character, with lots of music spots scattered around the city offering everything from jazz to rock and roll.
North Gate Jazz Co-Op is a local favourite known for its nightly jam sessions, with musicians spilling onto the street and a crowd that’s always buzzing.
Chai Restaurant offers slower-paced music, with vintage décor, dim lighting, and chilled-out live sets that pair perfectly with dinner and a bottle of Leo beer.
For something more casual, My Bar has regular live bands, a relaxed vibe, and a mix of locals and tourists keeping the energy up late.
5. Go for Brunch
Chiang Mai has a thriving café scene, and brunch is taken seriously here. Whether you’re after a refreshing smoothie bowl, eggs multiple ways, or a strong coffee, you’re spoilt for choice.Head to Sun Rays for a minimalist vibe and great pastries, Frans for hearty breakfasts with a European twist, or Fern Forest Café if you’re more about enjoying a natural setting. The latter is particularly nice if you visit on Sunday for their live jazz session.
6. Take a Cooking Class
Thai food is legendary, and there’s no better skill to take home than learning how to make it yourself.
Joining a cooking class to whip up classics like pad Thai, curry, and mango sticky rice is the perfect way to spend an afternoon and can also be a great way to meet people.
We go to Zab E Lee Thai Cooking School on our group tours and would recommend this to anyone looking to do a cooking class in Chiang Mai! The bamboo structure, pumping music and high vibes from the teachers make it a really enjoyable experience.
7. Go Ziplining
Soaring through the treetops and getting an adrenaline fix with a ziplining adventure in the jungle is one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai.
In fact, Chiang Mai is home to the largest zipline in Thailand, stretching a full kilometre (100 metres)! As well as the longest zipline roller coaster in the world (1100 metres)! These are both at Jungle Flight.
Flight of the Gibbon also offer epic courses with sky bridges, abseils, and zip lines stretching over lush forest, perfect for thrill-seekers and anyone interested in viewing the jungle from up above.
8. Try Vegan Thai Cuisine
Chiang Mai is one of the most vegan-friendly cities in Southeast Asia, making it super easy to enjoy Thai food without compromising on your diet choices. From flavour-packed curries to fresh spring rolls and smoothie bowls, there’s no shortage of options.
Some top spots include Mr. Greens and Begin Vegan for affordable vegan takes on local dishes and some filling comfort food. Or if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, then you could try Vegan Alchemy, known for more inventive meals.
Khun Kae’s Juice Bar is the best option for fresh juices and healthy snacks. Even non-vegans will be impressed with their selection!
9. See a Muay Thai Fight
For a taste of real Thai culture and adrenaline, try to catch a Muay Thai fight while you’re in Chiang Mai. This traditional martial art is fast, fierce, and a bit frightening to watch!
Head to The Pavilion Night Bazaar Boxing Stadium or Thaphae Boxing Stadium for evening matches featuring both local and international fighters. It’s loud, intense, and unforgettable.
10. Take a Weekend Trip to Pai
Just a few hours’ drive from Chiang Mai, the peaceful town of Pai is a perfect escape for nature lovers and those seeking some time away from busy city life.
Surrounded by mountains, hot springs, and waterfalls, Pai has a very laid-back atmosphere and is full of quirky cafés and night markets, which you can easily pass your time in.
There are plenty of buses that connect Chiang Mai and Pai, but you could also opt to drive the route yourself with friends for a fun experience with 762 turns in the road!
11. Go Souvenir Shopping
Like most of Thailand’s top travel spots, Chiang Mai is packed with markets and shops where you can find unique souvenirs and handmade crafts.
While you’re there, we recommend you check out Jing Jai Market which is open daily with local snacks and lots of unique trinkets.
Or if you’re after something a bit more curated, Chanya Shops and Gallery offers beautiful handmade art and crafts from all over northern Thailand.
12. Visit Pha Chor in Mae Wong National Park
Located in Mae Wang National Park, about an hour from Chiang Mai, Pha Chor is a beautiful natural canyon formed by erosion over thousands of years.
Its shape and unique rock formations have earned it the nickname “Thailand’s mini Grand Canyon.”
The short hiking trail to the canyon is easy to follow, and the views make for great photos, especially in the late afternoon when the sunlight hits the rocks just right. It’s a great little side trip if you’re also heading toward Doi Inthanon.
13. Explore the Nightlife
Chiang Mai may be more laid-back than Bangkok, but it still knows how to party. With plenty of backpacker bars and late-night clubs, there’s something for every kind of night owl.
Start your evening at Zoe in Yellow’s in the Old City – a backpacker favourite with cheap drinks, loud music, and a big courtyard packed with bars that are usually heaving with people to make friends with. If you’re looking for something a little different then karaoke bar, The Gasoline, could be exactly what you’re after.
Havan UV Bar has a psychedelic twist on the usual bar environment with UV lighting, glowing cocktails and bizarre murals – all the more enhanced when you have a few drinks in you!
Still going strong? End the night at The Spicy Club, one of Chiang Mai’s only proper late-night clubs. It’s dark, loud, a little chaotic – and the perfect place to end the night.
14. Take a Day Trip to Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is just a few hours from Chiang Mai and makes for a brilliant day trip, especially if you want to see some of Thailand’s most unique temples.
There are two must-see spots – the White Temple and the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai, each as stunning as the other and with decor reflective of their names!
You can choose to drive yourself in a hire car, take the bus, or join a guided day tour – it’s a long day, but absolutely worth it.
15. Hop Around Coffee Shops
If you’re an avid coffee shop lover then Chiang Mai is the place to be. With peaceful locations for a chill brew and busy laptop hubs all over the city, you’ll never be short on a place to enjoy a coffee and a traybake.
Chom Café is one of the best cafés in all of Chiang Mai, located in lush gardens with cascading waterfalls, it feels like you’ve sitting within a fairytale. The food and drinks are pretty solid too!
Carp Café and Bear Hug Café are also pretty good options with aesthetic settings, fabulous baristas and delicious snacks. If you’re after a quiet spot for working remotely, then Juliet is a great option, with elegant decor and lovely cakes.
Another of our top picks is Khum Café, a little further out but totally worth the trip. Set in a traditional-style Thai house with rice paddies and mountain views all around, it’s a great escape from the city – best enjoyed at sunset.
16. Take a Sticky Waterfalls Day Trip
About an hour north of Chiang Mai, Bua Tong (Sticky) Waterfalls is a must-visit nature spot in the area. Thanks to the limestone rocks, you can actually climb up the waterfall without slipping – although take some water shoes to give you a better grip!
There are ropes to help you on the steeper parts, and the climb is surprisingly easy (and addictive). It’s free to visit, surrounded by forest, and makes for a great half-day trip if you’re up for something a little adventurous.
17. Wander Around the Night Markets
Chiang Mai’s night markets are a must and are perfect for picking up souvenirs, trying street food, or soaking up the city’s evening buzz.
The Saturday Night Market (Wua Lai Road) is slightly less chaotic and great for handmade goods and silver jewellery.
The Sunday Night Market on Ratchadamnoen Road is the biggest and most popular, stretching through the Old City with everything from crafts to snacks and some great live music.
Throughout the week, check out Anusarn Night Market, with clothes, souvenirs, and casual dining options on offer. And if you’re after more of a food court vibe, Ploen Ruedee Night Market is a great choice – it’s a bit more polished, with music acts, cocktails, and some of the best gyozas in town.
18. Visit the Grand Canyon Waterpark
If you’re in need of a break from markets and temples, head to the Grand Canyon Waterpark in Hang Dong, about a 40‑minute ride from Chiang Mai.
Originally a sandstone quarry, it’s now packed with inflatable obstacle courses, giant slides, floating trampolines, and zip lines. Plus you can jump off cliffs if you’re brave.
Everything you need is included in the entry fee including a life jacket, zipline, giant slide, kayak, and access to the aqua park.
19. Take a Walking Tour Around the City
Chiang Mai’s Old City is made for walking – with quiet alleyways, crumbling walls, and over 30 temples packed into a tiny square kilometre.
Joining a walking tour is a great way to get your bearings, learn about the city’s Lanna history, and hear stories you’d never discover on your own.
From hidden shrines to bustling local markets, taking a walking tour lets you soak up the slower pace of life here. Some tours are free (tip-based), while others focus on food, temples, or local legends.
20. Visit Baan Kang Wat Artisan Weekend Market
Just a short ride north of the Old City, Baan Kang Wat is a creative village-turned-weekend market that’s full of charm. Located in a beautiful open-air setting with garden features, it can be hard to tear yourself away from this market.
It’s quieter and more relaxed than the big night markets, making it the perfect spot to browse local art, sip a coffee in a café, and pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Open only on weekends, it’s ideal for a chill afternoon away from the crowds.
21. Go Thrifting
Chiang Mai has some seriously cool vintage and second-hand shops, perfect if you’re into unique fashion, retro vibes, or just love a good rummage.
Crazy Vintage is a fun, jam-packed shop full of bold prints, vintage denim, and 90s streetwear that feels straight out of an old music video. PM 2 Second Hand is another great spot that often flies under the radar, but it’s a goldmine of affordable pieces.
Love 70’s is a bit of a portal, transporting you straight back to one of the best decades with bell bottoms, groovy patterns and disco accessories all on offer. Nostalgia Vintage has a great personality too with statement jackets and plenty of one of pieces.
It’s a great way to spend an afternoon– and you’ll leave Chiang Mai with something nobody else is wearing.
Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting?
Yes, Chiang Mai is 100% worth visiting. It has a slower, more laid-back atmosphere than Bangkok but still packs in tons to do, see, and eat.
With ancient temples, beautiful green mountains, cool cafés, and buzzing markets, it’s the kind of place that appeals to backpackers, digital nomads, and culture lovers alike. It’s also the must-stay destination if you have any northern attractions on your itinerary.
What really sets Chiang Mai apart is its mix of city and nature. One day you’re sipping coffee in a cosy café; the next, you’re ziplining through the jungle or climbing waterfalls. The food scene is amazing too – whether you’re after street food, vegan Thai, or funky brunches.
It’s also incredibly affordable and easy to get around. Whether you spend a few days or settle in for a while, Chiang Mai tends to surprise people with how much they fall in love with it.
How Many Days in Chiang Mai?
Three to four days is a great starting point for exploring Chiang Mai. That gives you enough time to explore the old parts of the city, visit a couple of temples, try a cooking class, and take a day trip to a nearby national park or an ethical elephant sanctuary.
If you’re into nature, café sampling, or want to take things slow, you could easily stretch your stay to a week. There are loads of cool day trips to take – like Chiang Rai, Pai, or Doi Inthanon – and the city is perfect for slowing down and just spending a few days at a more relaxed pace than in the south.
Plenty of travellers end up staying much longer than they planned. With cheap accommodation, great food, and plenty to explore at your own pace, Chiang Mai is the kind of place that makes it easy to stick around.
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is between November and January, when the weather is cool, dry, and tolerable for exploring. You’ll get clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and great conditions for hiking, sightseeing, or just wandering around markets without melting.
March to May is the hot season – and it gets really hot. This period also includes the “burning season,” when farmers burn crops and air quality drops. If you visit during this time, check the air pollution levels before booking.
The rainy season falls between June and October, but don’t always rule it out. Mornings are often clear, and the rain usually comes in short, dramatic bursts. It’s quieter, greener, and cheaper. These are the ideal months to travel if you want to avoid crowds and don’t mind a bit of weather.
FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions related to things to do in Chiang Mai, along with our expert answers to them.
Chiang Mai is jam-packed with temples to see, night markets to explore and is also the perfect stopover for many day trip destinations. Many travellers go to Chiang Mai to enjoy ethical elephant experiences, ziplining and mountain hikes.
Three days will give you enough time to get to grips with Chiang Mai, explore the ancient city, enjoy authentic Thai cuisine and venture further to places like Pai or Chiang Rai, but more days in the city certainly wouldn’t go a miss.
Three or four days in Chiang Mai is enough time to explore most of the city and experience plenty of its attractions, but if you have more time on your hands then a couple extra days would only add to the experience.
Conclusion: Things To Do in Chiang Mai
Overall, Chiang Mai is filled with things to do and you’ll very easily fill an itinerary.
Whether you’re visiting for temples, trekking, street food or just chilling out, Chiang Mai has something for everyone. It’s a place that’s easy to love – and hard to leave.
If you need a base for exploring some of northern Thailand’s top sights then Chiang Mai should definitely find its way to the top of your list.
And if you want to join us on a Thailand group tour, we spend 2 days in the city!
Whether you’re looking to travel solo or bring a friend along for the ride, our group tours in South East Asia & Australia are the perfect balance of culture, adventure, chill time & nightlife. You’ll arrive as strangers and leave as the best of friends.
Here are a few useful links to help with that planning;
👉🏼 View all Trips
👉🏼 Frequently Asked Questions
👉🏼 Check out our Reviews
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If you’ve got any burning questions or just need a little travel inspo… jump in the DM’s with the team via either Whatsapp, Livechat or Instagram.
