THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Chiang Mai
Things to Do in Chiang Mai
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Night Bazaar, Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Flea & Street Markets. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Night Bazaar, Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Flea & Street Markets. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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- fromper adult (price varies by group size)C$67
Cooking Classesfromper adultC$35- fromper adult (price varies by group size)C$75
- fromper adultC$100
Walking Toursfromper adultC$87
Zipliningfromper adultC$116- fromper adultC$109
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)C$29
Day Tripsfromper group (up to 4)C$191
4WD Toursfromper adultC$42
Flea & Street Markets
Vibrant night market encompassing several blocks, lined with stalls showcasing textiles, local handicrafts, and street food. Cultural hub for traditional crafts and haggling culture.
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Ancient Ruins
Ancient temple complex with serene ambience, intricate carvings, and cultural interactions. Features include historical buildings, opportunities for quiet reflection, and conversations with monks.
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Religious Sites
Historic temple in the heart of the old city, showcasing intricate carvings, tranquil gardens, and daily monk chants. Highlights include a sacred Buddha statue and cultural processions.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Tranquil mountain temple with a scenic nature trail, peaceful ambiance, and less-traveled paths, ideal for a reflective retreat or a serene hike.
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
Interactive elephant sanctuary allows close encounters with the gentle giants, including feeding and bathing activities, amidst a serene setting.
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Flea & Street Markets
Vibrant weekend night market teeming with street food, live music, and local crafts. Known for its array of tropical treats and the opportunity to haggle for unique souvenirs.
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
Twin pagodas and Thailand's highest point offer panoramic views, serene hikes, and cultural insights. Ethical elephant sanctuary and local cuisine enhance the experience.
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Flea & Street Markets
Vibrant market in the heart of Chinatown bursting with local produce, textiles, and authentic Thai snacks like deep-fried pork skin. Known for its lively atmosphere and friendly vendors.
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
Ethical elephant sanctuary allowing intimate interactions with well-cared-for elephants in a serene natural habitat, focused on animal welfare and conservation.
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Religious Sites
One-day meditation retreat emphasizing mindfulness, balance, and Buddhist philosophy, set in a peaceful monastery with cultural learning opportunities.
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Ancient Ruins
Tranquil temple in a mountainous forest setting with underground tunnels and Buddha statues, ideal for meditation and cultural exploration.
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Other Top Attractions around Chiang Mai
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia20,819 contributionsChiang Mai night market is situated outside the very center, outside the walled city old town. It stretches along the eastern part of town for several blocks, occupying the side streets as well.
It's a classic Thai night market area with plenty of all kinds food, souvenirs, clothes, trinkets, fake goods,.....Written March 3, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia20,819 contributionsLocated in the very center of old town Chiang Mai, this is the absolute best Temple in entire municipality.
Wat Chedi Luang means Big Chedi, and it's quite understandable why's so called once you enter the Temple grounds.
First you enter a magnificent Temple with golden standing Buddha statue. When exiting, behind it you'll stumble upon a massive brick Chedi. It used to be 90m tall being the tallest in Thailand, but an earthquake demolition decreased it to 60m - still a very impressive site.
To the right are learning and living monk quarters with a library.Written March 3, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - KeelyimpsLuton, UK121 contributionsHad a lovely walk around and loved going into each temple. All very impressive to see. You can be blessed by a monk for a small donation to.
I would recommend visiting in the morning or later in the afternoon when it isn’t too hot.Written February 20, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Albia-NewtonEvanton, UK4,988 contributionsSurrounded by forest
Peaceful place
Lovely ambience
Some nice architecture- but it is the natural location that will impressWritten January 22, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - cflippenRoanoke, VA335 contributionsWe had an amazing experience at Kanta Ethical Elephant Sanctuary. When we arrived we were greeted warmly by Nine and his assistants. Nine spent several minutes talking about how the elephants were acquired and some safety tips. We were given a key to a locker to change to our Karen Clothes. Afterwards we were given sugar cane and instructions on how to interact with these majestic creatures. The animals were calm and relaxed and it brought us so much joy to interact with them. We made a special treat for them consisting of nutrients to keep them healthy. We were able to plop this delicious treats right in their mouths. Our activities ended when we got in the water with the elephants. It was an amazing experience!Written February 26, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia20,819 contributionsChiang Mai has many Temples in its old town, as well scattered around in the mountains. I suggest visiting this one, which is in the western mountains, reachable within half an hour drive from downtown.
It's a magnificent Temple with many Buddha statues - sitting, standing and reclining. Besides, it offers great city views beneath you from the viewing terrace.Written March 3, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Roberto CSantiago, Chile178 contributionsIt’s good but nothing so special. Many places where to eat in a casual street way. Clean and safe place to go and walk for a couple of hoursWritten February 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Andrei C4 contributionsMr Su was very helpful, being with the elephants was beautiful and they also had a baby elephant!! We also loved bamboo rafting, very fun!Written March 21, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- kjell mSubic, Philippines1,229 contributionsCompare night marked we find this marked must better. It is more local and not so crowed. The staff in the shop dont puss you like in night marked, and the standard of teh goods is higher here. special the shop jsut outside the marked where they sell cotton clothesWritten March 22, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Costas PythiosAthens, Greece9 contributionsIf you're searching for a truly ethical sanctuary, this is the place to be. We had the pleasure of meeting two gentle elephants, Tomato and Papaya, who were clearly cared for with love and dedication by the ownerWritten March 26, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ella a2 contributionsWe attended the one-day retreat hosted by Phra KK. He was a well-experienced monk who presented in a wholly entertaining way! We learnt the basics of Buddhism and meditation through meditation practice and an interactive presentation given by KK. Would absolutely recommend this to anyone with an interest in Buddhism and Thai culture whilst in Chiang Mai!!!Written December 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- oak2wnOakland, CA1,277 contributionsVery cool to see a wat here at the side of a mountain. You walk through tunnels to see other parts. Nothing alarming, but there were bats resting/hanging in one of the tunnels.Written September 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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