Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Lorraine Aust, Somchai Boonmee
12/08/2025
Gije Cho, Pexels
Chiang Mai, known as the 'Rose of the North,' offers a captivating blend of ancient Lanna culture, historical temples, and vibrant markets, set against a backdrop of lush mountains and waterfalls. Visitors discover it an ideal destination for cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and a more relaxed pace of life compared to other major Thai cities.
For socializing, the Old City serves as a central point where many find hostels and guesthouses, fostering a sense of community amidst historical sites. The Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) area buzzes with younger travelers and digital nomads, providing trendy cafes, co-working spaces, and a lively nightlife. The Night Bazaar and Chang Klan areas, particularly around Loi Kroh Road, are also vibrant for markets, street food, and various bars. Many hostels actively foster social connections by organizing events like pub crawls.
Top 6 Things to do in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai offers a diverse range of experiences, from engaging with rescued elephants and exploring ancient temples to mastering Thai culinary skills, hiking scenic national parks, and discovering unique natural wonders and vibrant markets.
1. Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
Spending time at an ethical elephant sanctuary is a deeply rewarding experience, focusing on observing and interacting with rescued elephants in a humane, hands-off environment. This allows for feeding them, preparing their food, and learning about their individual stories and conservation efforts. It is a stark contrast to past exploitative practices, prioritizing the elephants' well-being and natural behaviors. Many sanctuaries are located in lush, spacious areas, providing a peaceful home for these majestic animals. Booking in advance is highly recommended due to popularity.
Cost: Half-day experiences typically range from 1,225 THB to 1,800 THB. Full-day experiences generally cost around 2,400 THB to 3,000 THB per person. Some popular sanctuaries like Elephant Nature Park charge approximately 2,500 THB for a single-day visit. These prices usually include transportation and a vegetarian lunch.
Transport: Most ethical elephant sanctuaries are located outside the city center, typically requiring dedicated transport. Many tour packages include return transport from Chiang Mai accommodations by minivan or songthaew (red truck taxi).
2. Explore Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Perched atop Doi Suthep mountain, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a truly iconic temple that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Chiang Mai below. The ascent to the temple involves either climbing a Naga-lined staircase of 306 steps or taking a funicular. Inside, visitors find a revered Buddha relic, intricate Lanna architecture, and serene grounds that invite quiet reflection. Visiting early in the morning helps avoid crowds and allows for a more peaceful experience.
Cost: The entrance fee to the temple is 50 THB for foreigners. There is an additional fee of 20 THB for the funicular cable car, if chosen.
Transport: Red songthaew (shared taxis) are a popular and cost-effective way to reach Doi Suthep. They gather near the Chiang Mai Zoo on Huay Kaew Road and cost around 60 THB per person one-way, waiting for 8-10 passengers before departing. A chartered songthaew for a group costs approximately 600 THB for a round trip, including waiting time. Alternatively, one can rent a motorbike (150-200 THB/day) or a car (around 1,000 THB/day) for a self-drive, though the road is winding. A Grab taxi may cost around 300 THB one way from Nimman area.
3. Participate in a Thai Cooking Class
Joining a Thai cooking class provides a delightful immersion into the local culture through its vibrant cuisine. Most classes begin with a visit to a local market or an organic farm to select fresh ingredients, offering insights into Thai herbs and vegetables. Participants then receive hands-on instruction to prepare several traditional dishes, such as Pad Thai, various curries, and Tom Yum soup. It is a fun and interactive way to learn authentic cooking techniques and enjoy the dishes created.
Cost: Half-day cooking classes typically range from 1,200 THB to 1,500 THB per person. This usually covers the market visit, ingredients, cooking instruction, and the meal, often with a recipe book to take home.
Transport: Many cooking schools offer complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off services within the Chiang Mai city area.
4. Wander the Old City Temples and Markets
The Old City, encircled by a moat and ancient walls, is Chiang Mai's historical heart. Exploring it on foot reveals a wealth of ancient temples, each with unique Lanna architecture and spiritual significance. Key temples include Wat Chedi Luang, with its impressive ruined stupa, and Wat Phra Singh, known for its elegant gardens. Beyond the temples, the Old City's streets buzz with local cafes, spas, and boutique shops. The Sunday Walking Street, specifically, transforms Ratchadamnoen Road into a vibrant market selling handicrafts, street food, and offering live performances.
Cost: Many temples within the Old City offer free entrance, though Wat Chedi Luang has an entrance fee of around 40-50 THB. Purchases at markets vary greatly based on bargaining skills.
Transport: The Old City is highly walkable. For those staying outside, red songthaews are readily available throughout Chiang Mai, acting as shared taxis to transport visitors to and from the Old City for a low cost (e.g., 30-50 THB).
5. Trek and Explore Doi Inthanon National Park
A day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park offers a refreshing escape into nature, home to Thailand's highest peak. The park features impressive waterfalls like Wachirathan and Sirithan, serene cloud forests, and the striking King and Queen Pagodas with their beautiful surrounding gardens and viewpoints. Hiking trails, such as the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, provide opportunities to experience the lush mountainous landscape and observe local flora and fauna. Tours often include visits to local Karen hill tribe villages, offering cultural insights.
Cost: The park entrance fee for foreigners is generally around 300 THB. Many full-day tours from Chiang Mai, which include transport, guide, and lunch, range from 1,200 THB to 2,500 THB per person.
Transport: Doi Inthanon is about an hour and a half drive from Chiang Mai. The most common and convenient way to visit is by joining an organized full-day tour, which includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Private taxis or rented cars are also options for independent travel.
6. Climb the Bua Tong 'Sticky' Waterfalls
Bua Tong, widely known as the 'Sticky Waterfall,' is a unique natural phenomenon where visitors can literally climb up the waterfall's limestone rocks. Unlike typical waterfalls, the mineral deposits on these rocks provide exceptional grip, making the ascent surprisingly easy and enjoyable. It is a refreshing and adventurous experience, set amidst a lush jungle environment, perfect for cooling off and engaging with nature in an unusual way. There is also a natural spring, the 'Seven Colors Spring,' near the top.
Cost: Entrance to the Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall is free.
Transport: Located about an hour to 1.5 hours north of Chiang Mai, the falls are best reached by rented motorbike (around 200 THB/day), chartered red songthaew (800-1,500 THB for a round trip, shared among a group), or Grab taxi (around 1,500 THB round trip). Organized tours are also available.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
