When we arrived in Chiang Mai, I wasn’t expecting too much. We’d already seen the more famous cities of Phuket and Bangkok, and I didn’t really know what to expect from the Golden Triangle. However, Chiang Mai quickly became my favorite city in all of Thailand. The people here are much friendlier than in Bangkok, and it’s significantly more affordable than the far-overpriced Phuket. It has a unique blend of modern development and traditional charm, hitting the sweet spot between being popular and developed while still retaining its local vibe.
Chiang Mai is actually the largest city in northern Thailand and the second-largest city in the country. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Land of Smiles. From its bustling night markets and street food stalls to its serene temples and lush green mountains, Chiang Mai offers something for everyone. In this article, I’ll share my top recommendations for things to do in this vibrant city that perfectly balances the old and the new.
Wat Phra Singh
Wat Phra Singh is often described as Chiang Mai’s most beautiful temple. However, this also means it’s one of the busiest. Like many of the temples in Thailand, Wat Phra Singh is actually a temple complex with a main temple and multiple side temples. The grounds are relaxing and full to bursting with greenery and flowers, and the classic red and gold coloring brings the viewer a sense of peace. Best of all, it’s free to enter.
Doi Suthep
Doi Suthep is one of the most famous attractions in all of Chiang Mai. In fact, there’s even a saying: “If you haven’t tasted Khao Soi or been to Doi Suthep, you haven’t been to Chiang Mai.” We’ll get to the delicious joy that is khao soi later in this list, but climbing up to Doi Suthep is a must!
This temple complex is located at the top of a high mountain west of Chiang Mai city center. I recommend taking a songthaew (or red “taxi”—it’s more like a truck) up to the top and negotiating a round trip price with your driver. Then you’ll have to climb up a long set of stairs, but it’s not too strenuous. There are beautiful temple spires and intricate wooden carvings waiting for you at the top!
Chai Lai Orchid
The Chai Lai Orchid is an Instagram-famous eco-lodge located in the rural jungle around Chiang Mai. This wonderful nonprofit hotel takes care of rescued elephants and donates their earnings to underprivileged women in the nearby Thai village. At around 80 USD a night, a stay here is one of the best things you can do in Chiang Mai! A night’s price comes with “morning call,” aka the elephants coming around to your bungalow’s front porch to wake you up for breakfast. It’s unbelievably sweet and beautiful.
Unlike many elephant “sanctuaries” that are dangerous or unhealthy for elephants, the ones at Chai Lai Orchid are so obviously well taken care of and respected that there’s no need to worry. Rooms are snatched up fast, so make sure to book well in advance. And to truly commemorate your time here, consider booking a photography session!
Like the look of the Chai Lai Orchid? I have more awesome hotel picks where that came from! Check out my favorite 3 hotels in Chiang Mai.
Wat Suan Dok
Wat Suan Dok in Chiang Mai is a beautiful white and gold temple, a breath of fresh air from all the red and gold temples in Thailand. According to legend, there is a fragment of the Buddha’s bone housed in the central temple. It’s an extremely popular sight to visit, so I recommend either visiting early in the morning or evening. The crowds will be far less, and you can enjoy the temple when it’s not as blazing hot outside.
Wat Rajamontean
Many temples in Thailand are red and gold, but none as much so as Wat Rajamontean, which is even dubbed the “Red Temple.” This temple is free to enter and interestingly located right off the side of a highway, which makes it an unusual sight with all the cars zipping past!
This was one of my favorite temples in Chiang Mai and I fell in love with the rich red color and the dragon staircase railings. It’s also a less popular temple so you will most likely have the whole place mostly to yourself.
Wat Sri Suphan
The colored temples continue with Wat Sri Suphan, also known as the Silver Temple. This temple is made almost entirely of silvery metal, which certainly sets it apart. It’s not very large, but unique enough to warrant a visit! Note, however, that women are not allowed to enter the temple building itself. I would have liked to go inside, but I was happy enough appreciating the beautiful design of the exterior as well.
Stay at a Luxury Resort
Chiang Mai, in my opinion, is the best city in Thailand. It’s popular and developed enough to have beautiful amenities, but rural and local enough to still be much more affordable than Phuket or Bangkok. Chiang Mai boasts some of my favorite resorts in the world, and I recommend staying at a luxury resort at least once during your visit if you aren’t on a super-strict budget.
You can check out my top 3 favorite hotels in Chiang Mai here, but you can also let these photos speak for themselves. Treat yourself, because 5-star luxury doesn’t get much more affordable than this!
You can book your stay at the Chai Lai Orchid, Veranda Resort Chiang Mai, and Akyra Manor here.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
A visit to any city in Thailand wouldn’t be complete without a night market, and Chiang Mai is no exception. The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is mostly geared towards tourists, and you’ll find streets lined with cheap tourist products, but wander further inside and you’ll find a wonderful section for delicious, affordable, local food—all set to the backdrop of live music. Of course, you can opt for the ever-popular khao soi (a creamy and spicy noodle soup), but don’t be afraid to branch out and try other bites as well. We had a delicious braised chicken vermicelli soup, super crispy spring rolls, potstickers, and some fresh coconut water to top it all off!
Khao Soi Mae Sai
Khao soi, a spicy and creamy noodle dish with crispy bits and sour pickles, is one of the regional specialties of northern Thailand. Put aside your pad thai, because here, khao soi reigns king. There are cheaper and more local places to get a bowl of khao soi in Chiang Mai, but Khao Soi Mae Sai is still one of my favorites! This little restaurant earns its Michelin Bib Gourmand award year after year. Service is lightning-fast with no frills necessary. There’s nothing better than sitting down with a bowl of chicken drumstick khao soi and an iced Thai milk tea, especially when it comes out to 70 baht for both.
Chiang Mai Umbrella Factory
If you’re interested in the cultural activities of Chiang Mai, try the Chiang Mai Umbrella Factory. It’s located slightly out of the city center, but offers insight into how traditional Thai paper umbrellas are made. You can also learn how to make one yourself and even have your umbrella custom-painted to take home. It’s super affordable and makes for a fun hands-on activity when you’re feeling a bit templed out—I know, it happens!
Wat Lok Moli
Wat Lok Moli is located across the street from Wat Rajamontean, the red temple that I mentioned earlier on this list. I don’t often see this temple on travel guides for Chiang Mai, but I think it’s very special! The temple is covered in rainbow lanterns and streamers, especially during festival season, making the entire area colorful and eye-catching. There’s also an interesting ritual that you can do where you use a rope to lift a bird-shaped bucket of water up to the central Buddha statue. I highly recommend this temple, especially because it’s unique even among all the other interesting and more famous temples in Chiang Mai.
In conclusion, Chiang Mai is a city that truly has it all. From its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty to its lively markets and delicious cuisine, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this northern Thai gem. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Chiang Mai is sure to leave a lasting impression. So why not add it to your travel bucket list and discover for yourself why it’s my favorite city in Thailand?
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