Although not an exhaustive list of things to do in Chiang Mai, these are what we recommend for our friends and family when they visit our city:
Named after the Doi Suthep mountain which overshadows Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, also known as "Doi Suthep Temple", sits high up on the mountain around 15km from the centre of town.
Often referred to as Chiang Mai's most beautiful template, Wat Phra Singh is just a 15 minute walk from the Airbnb. It is also the ending or starting point for the Sunday Night Walking Street Market (Depending on which way you walk!)
A 14th century UNESCO heritage site in the heart of the Old Town, Wat Chedi Luang features Chiang Mai's largest stupa, which was partially destroyed during an earthquake in 1545.
The Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary to dozens of elephants previously forced to work in tourism. The sanctuary is an hour outside of Chiang Mai (they typically arrange transport for you).
You can get up close and personal with the elephants and learn about these majestic animals, but there is strictly no riding.
The owner “Lek” is world famous, and her efforts at the Elephant Nature Park have been recognised by conservation groups all over the world.
You might've seen her on the likes of National Geographic or BBC's Planet Earth series.
Chiang Mai is a mountainous region surrounded by national parks and home to Thailand's highest peak, Doi Inthanon.
Hiking the national parks around Chiang Mai offers a blend of jungle trekking with...
There are waterfalls, beautiful views, hill tribe villages and
As mentioned above, Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains and national parks. The hillsides feature countless trails and tracks which are used by the Hill Tribes and farmers, which are ideal for mountain bike excursions.
Ride with Plernjai to explore the intricate network of narrow winding streets around Chiang Mai’s old town and discover Chiang Mai on two wheels.
This 3-hour bike tour introduces you to temples, museums, markets, and people in this northern Thai city.
Travel through neighbourhoods down out-of-the-way lanes and to see parts of Chiang Mai that are still historically intact, learning about the city's traditions and culture. Local snacks and hotel transfers are included.
Jungle Zipline
Get a bird’s-eye perspective you’ll never forget by zip-lining through the canopy of Chiang Mai's jungle forests. Ideal for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers alike!
There are around a dozen Zipline companies to choose from, with some of the more popular being Eagle Track & Skyline Adventure.
Oasis Spa is a luxury spa & massage retreat with two locations in the heart of Chiang Mai's Old Town. Both locations are just a 2-3 minute drive from the AirBnb.
Ex-Prisoner Massage at Lila Thai Massage
Lila Thai Massage was setup in 2014 to support female ex-prisoners with gainful employment. They now have a handful of locations throughout the city, providing employment to dozens of women; many of whom have served lengthy sentences.
Warorot Market, locally known as Kad Luang, is located in the China town area of Chiang Mai and is the largest and most well-known market in the north region of Thailand.
It is a hive of commerce both day and night - selling everything the city traders need!
This bustling open-air market is located at the southern side of the moat, with a wide range of food stalls serving street eats, sweets & produce.
In the early morning and during the day the market is a "wet market" selling fresh food and produce, whilst at night it becomes a hive of food stalls selling noodles and other street food dishes.
Located on the north eat side of the moat, Somphet Market is a covered market selling fresh vegetables, fruits, meat and even live animals. Ideal if you want to look inside a "real" Thai market.
The best way to get to know a country’s culture is through its food. Delve deeper into Thai cuisine, and the culture of the Akha hill tribe, during a cooking class in Chiang Mai, which proves perfect for food lovers and first-time visitors.
Get an intimate guide to northern Thai cuisine & street food with this guided tour around the city. Over the course of the evening, you'll visit between 5-6 different food spots and sample more than 15 different drinks, snacks and dishes.
Chiang Mai's famous Sunday Walking Street Market takes place every Sunday evening, from around 4pm to 10pm. The market begins at Thaepae Gate and stretches all the way down to Wat Phra Singh temple (or vice versa, depending on which way you choose to walk!)
The Saturday Walking Street Market is a slightly smaller version of the Sunday Walking Street, and takes place on Wua Lai Road, starting at Chiang Mai Gate.