Top 15 Things to Do in Chiang Mai

By Travel Tips • September 3, 2025

🏛️ Cultural Heritage☕ Coffee Culture🌄 Mountain Views
Chiang Mai Thailand

Northern Thailand's cultural capital mixes temple heritage, mountain air, coffee culture, and night markets. Start with these favorites and sprinkle in a day trip or two for the complete Chiang Mai experience.

Essential Experiences

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai
1
🏛️

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Climb to this sacred temple for sunrise views over the city

Sunrise ViewsSacred TempleMountain Location
Old City Temples in Chiang Mai
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Old City Temples

Wander through Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh

Historic TemplesCultural HeritageWalking Distance
Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai
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Thai Cooking Class

Learn to cook authentic Thai dishes with local market visit

Hands-on LearningMarket VisitAuthentic Recipes
Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai
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Elephant Sanctuary

Visit an ethical sanctuary for a day with gentle giants

Ethical TourismNo RidingAnimal Welfare
Sunday Walking Street in Chiang Mai
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Sunday Walking Street

Shop and snack at the famous Sunday Night Market

Local CraftsStreet FoodLive Music

Best Neighborhoods to Explore

Nimmanhaemin

Hip cafes, co-working spaces, and trendy boutiques

Modern CafesCo-workingBoutiques
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Old City

Temples and quiet lanes perfect for slow strolls

Historic TemplesQuiet StreetsCultural Heritage
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Riverside

Sunset dinners and chilled bars along the Ping River

River ViewsSunset DiningRelaxed Atmosphere

Easy Day Trips

⛰️

Doi Inthanon

Thailand's highest peak with waterfalls and hiking trails

Highest PeakWaterfallsHiking
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Sticky Waterfall

Climbable limestone cascades at Bua Tong

ClimbableNatural WonderAdventure
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Chiang Rai

White Temple, Blue Temple, and Black House art

Art TemplesUnique ArchitectureCultural Sites

Why Visit Chiang Mai?

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Cultural Heritage

Discover ancient temples and rich Lanna culture throughout the city.

Coffee Culture

Experience Thailand's best coffee scene with trendy cafes and roasteries.

🌄

Mountain Views

Enjoy cooler weather and stunning mountain scenery year-round.

🛍️

Night Markets

Shop for local crafts and enjoy street food at vibrant night markets.

Build Your Chiang Mai Plan

We'll tailor temples, cafes, and day trips to your pace and interests.