Chiang Mai is a beautiful place situated in the north Thailand. It has numerous tourist attractions ranging from scenic mountain views, intricate architecture, local tribal communities, rich Thai food, stimulating rides, the National Parks and water parks. The calm serenity of the flowing rivers, places of religious significance like the ancient Buddhist temples, and the museums preserve the history and past of the people.
To help you plan the itinerary, here are the top 25 things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
25 Top Things To Do in Chiang Mai
1. Karen Hill Tribe
If you are willing to explore the tribal culture at Chiang Mai, you can reserve a day’s visit to the Karen hill tribe residing in the Padung village, 72 km from Chiang Mai. They have characteristically long necks with brass rings wrapped around their necks. One can learn about their traditions and lifestyle while interacting with them – and also buy some of their original handicrafts and devour their authentic cuisine.
Timings- 7 am-8 pm
Budget For The Tour– INR 2270; THB 1050
2. Doi Inthanon National Park
Dedicate a day of your Thailand tour to nature by exploring its beautiful national parks, Doi Inathon National Park being the most sought-after park. It has numerous waterfalls amid the vast green forests—a few patches of remote traditional villages here and there. Also, to mention the scenic views from various hills deserve a post on Instagram. The climate is soothing enough to fall in love with. It will surely be an unforgettable experience.
Location: Ban Luang, Chiang Mai
Timings: 7 am to 5 pm
Price: THB – 1150; INR – 2500
3. White water Rafting on the Mae Taeng River
Thrill and adventure are must for anyone on a holiday, and what can be more exciting than a bumpy ride in the Mae Taeng River? The best part is that you are given an insight about safety instructions from an English-speaking instructor. Then, you are accompanied by an experienced guide, letting you have a thrilling and safe experience while you hold your heartbeat sailing on the river water rapids and witnessing the forests surrounding the river. If you are visiting in March and July, make sure not to miss the chance.
Location: Ratvithi Road, Chiang Mai
Timings: 8:30 am to 5 pm
Price: THB – 1800; INR – 3900
4. Lanna Folk Life Museum
It is the appropriate place to visit for those who have a keen eye for historical places and the urge to know about the past life of the city. Developed inside the old court building, the entire museum consists of 18 different galleries. It houses costumes, artifacts, objects of everyday use, and colossal dioramas of the Lanna village. Religiously sacred statues, paintings, and specimens of temple architecture are on exhibition for the viewers to witness. It is affordable than most places in Chiang Mai, so make sure to pay a visit.
Location: Prapokkloa Road, Chiang Mai
Timings: 8:30 am to 5 pm
Price: THB – 90; INR – 195
5. Flight of the Gibbon
The word “flight” refers to ‘flying or gliding through the rainforests while also being amused by the sight of wild gibbons perched on the trees. It is the most famous operated zipliner in the entireThailand.
Performing this activity is sure to give you an adrenaline rush! Don’t worry, as there will be trained sky rangers along with you, and top security standards will be followed. Also, it is the only place in Thailand where you can perform ziplining, so this place is a sure-shot to visit.
Location: Mae On
Timings: 6 am to 11 pm
Price: THB – 4000; INR – 8200
6. Tiger Kingdom
Although Thailand is known as the Land of Elephants, it also possesses a Tiger Kingdom, and the most enthralling part is you can interact with them and get as close to them as you would to your pet!! It is a unique experience where you can mingle with these majestic cats and their cubs and photograph sweet memories. Since the entire place is supervised by the trainers, there is no chance of threat or danger.
Location: Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Price: THB – 700; INR – 1530
7. Thai Cooking Classes
This is an exclusive opportunity for food enthusiasts to learn the basics of Thai cuisine and cook from scratch. They provide detailed guidance on how to choose the right ingredients, put in the right amount of spices and learn some tips and tricks so that you can curate some of the most popular main courses and desserts. Watch yourself gradually turn into a Thai cooking expert. If you have a few days to spare, this is certainly going to be worthwhile.
Location: May Kaidee’s Cooking School, Chiang Mai Kao Road
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Price: THB – 1000; INR – 2150
8. Grand Canyon Water Park
It is the only outdoor and national park in Chiang Mai, spanning over 35 acres and containing almost everything from giant sliders for people of all ages to a separate pool for children to entertaining outdoor activities such as ziplining, canoeing, wakeboarding to enjoy with friends and family. They also have restaurants and cafes providing Thai and Western food and desserts.
Lifeguards are deployed all over the place to provide safety at all costs. There are lockers on rent to keep your valuables and swimsuits for sale/rent.
Activity Duration: 10 Hours
Activity Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
9. The Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is formed by the confluence of Thailand, Burma, & Laos borders. There are a few important viewpoints here, like the Mae Ka Chan hot springs with three ponds. Also, witness the meeting of the Mekong & Ruak rivers. You can also pay homage to the White Temple which is a Buddhist shrine.
Activity Timings: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Duration: 12 hours
10. Thai Massage from an Ex-Prisoner
Yes, it does sound strange enough, but it attracts many tourists who visit Thailand. These ex-prisoners are skilled enough in the art of therapeutic Thai Massage including a few yoga postures and some rare acupressure techniques. The most common are 2-hour Thai Massage, 1-hour Thai massage, and foot massage. After all the fun and thrill, it is the best way to calm and rejuvenate your soul. You need not be anxious that they are ex-prisoners, for everything is under proper surveillance.
Location: Women’s Massage Center, Chiang Mai
Timings: 9 am to 9 pm
Price: THB – 200; INR – 430
11. Muay Thai Boxing Match
Muay Thai is the national sport of the country. You can witness this combat sport live in several arenas. For someone who is a sports enthusiast and finds deep interest in watching professional boxers fight with courage and knock the opponent down, it will be truly amazing to watch this brutal form of entertainment.
Location: Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium, Changphuak Road
Timings: 9 pm to 11:30 pm
Price: THB – 600; INR – 1300
12. Bau Thong Waterfalls/Sticky Waterfalls
If you are bored of the usual sightseeing, you should visit these waterfalls. The unique feature of this waterfall is it descends in three tiers in the middle of a dense forest. It is perfect for a fun-filled time with your friends and family, where you can climb up the fall, bathe or just wander around the flowing stream. It is free of charge. Also, there are a few restaurants nearby for a temporary stay.
Location: Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
Price: Free Entry
13. Museum of World Insects
Established by a Thai couple inspired by insects, this museum is a collection of about 10000 species of insects. It also showcases fossils of trees, bones, animals, and shells.
Location: Siri Mangkalajarn Road, Chiang Mai
Timings: 10 am to 4 pm
Price: THB – 100; INR – 217
14. Kayaking in Chiang Mai
Kayaking, a safer type of river rafting, allows for peaceful sailing across the Mae Ping River, surrounded by abundant greenery and mesmerizing villages. A kayak ride helps you to explore the uncharted beauty of Northern Thailand.
15. Bai Orchid and Butterfly Farm
Witness the alluring beauty of orchids in brilliant shades at Bai Orchid. Take a moment to fall in love with the place as you watch several species of butterflies perching on flowers or flying past you. The vivid sight of butterflies and the fragrances of flowers will surely make your Chiang Mai trip an unforgettable one.
Location: Mae Raem, Chiang Mai
Timings: 7:30 am to 5 pm
Price: THB – 60; INR – 130
16. Bhubing Palace
If you are someone who is fascinated by ancient architecture, be sure to visit the Bhubing palace, which served as a residence to King Rama V. It is now a winter abode for the Royal Family and also hosts the royal guests on several occasions. The main highlights are the gardens adorned with colorful flowers and the palace’s location in tranquility away from the urban buzz.
Location: Sriwichai Alley, Chiang Mai
Timings: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Price: THB – 50; INR – 108
17. Araksa Tea Plantation Tour
If you are a chai addict, then you should tour the Araksa tea plantation and get a whiff of the fragrant tea leaves. Learn about the tea-making process, and collect young leaves while enjoying the scenic landscape.
18. San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
If every day’s sightseeing seems monotonous, head straight to the San Kaemphang hot springs and relax in its long pools containing hot mineral water surrounded by dense leafage. It also houses two massage parlors, providing you with a peaceful and calming experience.
Location: 40 km from Chiang Mai
Timings: 7 am to 6 pm
Price: THB – 100; INR – 217
19. Sak Yant Tattoo
Unlike the modern form of tattooing, Sak Yant tattooing is only performed by a Buddhist monk and is considered sacred. It involves inking the skin using a sharp tool or metal rod. Thai people believe this tattoo possesses potential energies and can provide protection, strength, success, and happiness. The SakYant tattoo can be a permanent remembrance of your trip to Thailand.
Location: Arak Road, Chiang Mai
Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Price: THB – 2000; INR – 4200
20. 3D Art Museum
3D Art Museum i is a quirky Instagrammable art museum divided into 6 zones consisting of creative, outlandish art murals on its walls offering amazing opportunities to get clicked with your group and create lifetime memories.
Location: Changklan Road, Chiang Mai
Timings: 9 am to 7 pm
Price: THB – 300; INR – 650
21. Jungle Trek in Chiang Mai
If trekking is on your bucket list, then you should venture into the deep foliage of the forests, tread upon a bat cave, enjoy the exotic view around you, and take a bath or a short swim in the waterfall stream. Stop by small tribal villages, learn about their lifestyle, and stay closer to nature while staying at a jungle camp near nature.
22. Songkran Festival
It is usually celebrated over 3 days, from 13th to 15th April, on their New Year. So, if you do visit Chiang Mai during this time, do not shy away from participating in the joyful festivities, spraying water on other people, and getting sprayed on by water guns.
23. Bungee Jumping in Chiang Mai
If you feel you need more adventure in your trip, Bungee jumping is the ultimate adrenaline-charged activity. It’s a 50-meter-high jump while being a spectator to the mesmerizing mountain view.
Location: 1 816 Rim Tai, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
Timing: 9 AM to 6 PM24. Catmosphere Cafe
If you are fond of cats, this café, as the name suggests, houses a number of these meow animals. You can feed and play with them, all while sipping coffee.
Location: Huay Kaew Road, Chiang Mai
Timings: 10 am to 7 pm
Price: THB – 100; INR – 217
25. Bor Sang Umbrella Village
The Bor Sang Village people make beautiful paper umbrellas made out of paper produced from the bark of mulberry trees and adorn them with some designs to make them unique. You can learn this art from them or buy their one-of-a-kind handmade sa paper items.
Location: Tambon Ton Pao
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
FAQs
Q1. Which places should I visit as an art addict?
Ans – 1. 3D art museum at Chanklang Road showcasing illusionary 3D murals on its walls
2. Bor Sang Umbrella village at Tambon Ton P
ao selling sa handmade paper items
3. Local markets
Q2. Which places to visit to acknowledge the history and architecture of Chiang Mai?
Ans- 1. Lanna Folklife Museum with 18 galleries containing exhibits of artifacts, objects of daily use, and huge dioramas
2. Bhubing Palace, established by the late King Rama V.
3. The Buddhist temples, i
ncluding Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chiang Man, Golden Temple, etc.
Q3. What are the adventure hotspots in Chiang Mai?
Ans- 1. Doi Inthanon National Park
2.Water Parks such as the Grand Canyon National Park, Tube Trek Water Park
3.Ziplining or the Fight of Gibbon
4.Roller Coaster ride at Pyongyang Jungle Coaster.