What To Do In Chiang Mai? 10 Best Things To Do In Chiang Mai

Traveloka Accomodation
13 Jan 2023 - 6 min read

What to do in Chiang Mai - Thailand is a country in the Southeast Asia region. Travelers who come here usually visit Bangkok and tourist destinations in the city. However, did you know that other cities are worth it to explore further? The city is the city of Chiang Mai, the capital of Chiang Mai Province. This city is the second largest city in the northern region of Thailand.

This city is located in a mountainous area so the air is cooler. Comparing Bangkok and Chiang Mai in size, of course, Bangkok is wider. However, travelers who have visited this city say that Chiang Mai is much more pleasant to visit. One of the reasons is because it is rich in history as well as interesting old buildings.

Chiang Mai is also named the second largest city in Thailand. One other important thing, this city is also included in the ranks of the richest cities in the country. You also don't need to worry if you choose to do solo traveling here because Chiang Mai is the safest city for tourists.

Does your budget you have for a vacation to Thailand limited? You don't need to worry because a vacation in Chiang Mai is suitable for those of you who want a budget vacation. Prices for hotels, food, and entrance tickets to tourist destinations here are known to be friendly for a traveler's pocket. Apart from that, here you will also enjoy the mountainous atmosphere with beautiful rivers, as well as various natural waterfalls. Those of you who like to explore the outdoors will be very excited.

Things To Do In Chiang Mai

1. Temple Hopping

It cannot be denied that in Thailand there are many temples (or in the local language it is called 'Wat'). If the itinerary is filled with visits to all the temples in Chiang Mai, of course, it will be very boring. Some temples are very easy to visit on foot if you live in the 'old gate' area.

The most recommended temple for you to visit is the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple which is located in the Mueang district, Chiang Mai. The distance of this temple from Chiang Mai airport is about 30 minutes. This temple is unique and looks very beautiful because it is covered in gold. Operating from 5 am local time, you can visit it while watching the sunrise.

When visiting a temple there are several things that you need to pay attention to, such as the obligation to dress modestly, maintain calm, and also take off your shoes. Oh yes, in this temple you will also see children wearing traditional Hmong clothes.

2. Trekking at Doi Inthanon

Doi Inthanon - What to do in Chiang Mai

Travelers who prefer a mountainous atmosphere are best suited to visit Doi Inthanon first. This is a national park with the highest mountain landscape in Thailand. The attraction of this tourist destination is the beautiful mountain scenery. There are two twin temples known as Phra That Naphamataneedon.

You can do trekking to the top and watch the sunrise. Apart from mountains and parks, there are also waterfalls in the vicinity. During the rainy season, from May to November, you can witness the heavy flow of water. But this means you have to be more careful when climbing.

3. Trying to be Brave at the Chiang Mai Night Safari

Chiang Mai Night Safari - What to do in Chiang Mai

Are you looking for tourist attractions that test your courage? Try to visit the Chiang Mai Night Safari, this is a zoo with the concept of giving visitors a thrilling experience as if they were exploring the wilderness at night.

The zoo which operates at night is located in Mae Hia Chiang Mai, Nong Khwai, Hang Dong District. There are many activities you can do such as watching animal shows, feeding wild animals directly, holding animals, and many more. There are three animal zones available, namely Savanna Safari, Predator Prowl, and Jaguar Trail. You can choose to walk or take the tram. Very interesting isn't it?

4. Enjoying the Beauty of Cherry Blossom at Baan Khun Chang Kian

Cherry Blossom at Baan Khun Chang Kian - What to do in Chiang Mai

Did you know that to witness the beauty of cherry blossoms, you don't have to go all the way to Japan? You only need to come to Thailand, to be precise at Baan Khun Chang Kian in Chiang Mai Province. This village has the same beautiful scenery as traditional villages in Japan.

The appearance of the cherry blossoms was initiated by the efforts of the Chiang Mai University Agriculture Faculty. They do it deliberately to attract the attention of travelers who come. This business was successful. During the blooming season, from December to the end of January, Baan Khun Chang Kian is crowded with visitors who want to witness the beauty of the cherry blossoms in person.

5. Bathing Elephants at The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai

Elephants are highly respected and protected animals in Thailand. This country is even often referred to as the white elephant country. Those of you who are also interested in this one animal can visit the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai which is an elephant sanctuary in Thailand.

Initially, this place was devoted to caring for elephants. But gradually, travelers who come are also allowed to enter it. The manager offers the natural environment of the animal's habitat. You can interact by feeding it, bathing it, and touching it, as long as it's accompanied by officers.

6. Exploring Chiang Mai Old City

Chiang Mai Old City - What to do in Chiang Mai

There is a living museum today in Chiang Mai. The tourists who come can see firsthand the temples, rows of old shops, and historic buildings along the narrow streets of this old city.

There are ruins of ancient walls and moats built since ancient times. You can see the traces. This tourist area is not too wide, so you can walk around it casually and enjoy the scenery around it. Here many vendors are selling a variety of culinary choices. You can buy and taste it. In addition, some shops sell souvenirs typical of Chiang Mai.

7. Admire the Chiang Dao Caves

Chiang Dao Cave - What to do in Chiang Mai

There is a cave that has a depth of up to 14 kilometers under the mountain. However, until now, only about the first 1 km has been equipped with lighting so it is safe to enter. This cave is Chiang Dao Cave. Besides Chiang Dao Cave, other caves that are famous are Tham Phra Nawn and Tham Seua Dao.

A few important notes, you can't go in and explore it alone. Make sure you have hired a guide as well as bring a torch or other lighting so you don't get lost while inside. The scenery inside Goa is quite interesting, with stalactites and stalagmites that you can see and touch directly.

8. Hunting for beautiful umbrellas at Bong Sang Handicraft Village

This place is known throughout Thailand as the center of traditional umbrella making. Travelers can view and buy hand-painted umbrellas. So, all the umbrella products produced are originally handmade, not factories. The types and sizes and colors are very pretty. Located about 9km from Chiang Mai Old City, you shouldn't miss it.

9. Playing with cats in the Cat Café

You may already be familiar with Cat Cafe. Chiang Mai has several Cat Cafes that can be visited, especially for cat lovers. These are Catmosphere Cafe and Meowmoth Cafe. Cafes like this are very unique because you can play directly with cute cats.

Some things you need to know when you come to Cat Cafe, you don't need to pay for an entrance ticket. You can come and order food or drinks as usual. However, don't forget to obey the rules such as not feeding the cat with cafe food, not pulling the cat's tail, and taking pictures with a camera without a flash.

10. Refreshing Your Body With Thai Massage

Thai Massage - What to do in Chiang Mai

What's so special about Thai Massage? For all the things called massage, the goal is actually the same, to relax the muscles. What is unique about this Thai massage is that usually the customer is always asked to change clothes first using typical Thai clothes made of cotton and loose fitting.

Standard Thai massage usually does not use oil, only relying on pressure at certain points. The most exciting thing is the ending. Before it's finished, there are always movements that require cooperation from the customer. Don't tense up because later the muscles will be tight. Are you curious about Thai Massage? Just try it yourself.

Let’s Go Visit Chiang Mai!

Those are 10 interesting activities that you can do in Chiang Mai. Apart from those mentioned above, of course, there are many more tourist destinations that you can try. Therefore, immediately arrange your vacation to Chiang Mai right now. Remember, to order plane tickets, train tickets, and bus tickets, you can do it on the Traveloka application.

Do you want to find a comfortable hotel? Don't forget to use Traveloka too. Find the hotel and accommodation you need in this best lifestyle app in Southeast Asia.

Not only Articles about what to do in Chiang Mai that Traveloka provides, but we also have a lot of best-recommended articles for you guys to read! Here is the list of the best Articles recommendation special for you:

Experience the beauty and comfort of Chiang Mai firsthand. Don't forget to taste the culinary delights and make as many best memories as possible here. Happy holidays!

In This Article

• Things To Do In Chiang Mai
• 1. Temple Hopping
• 2. Trekking at Doi Inthanon
• 3. Trying to be Brave at the Chiang Mai Night Safari
• 4. Enjoying the Beauty of Cherry Blossom at Baan Khun Chang Kian
• 5. Bathing Elephants at The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
• 6. Exploring Chiang Mai Old City
• 7. Admire the Chiang Dao Caves
• 8. Hunting for beautiful umbrellas at Bong Sang Handicraft Village
• 9. Playing with cats in the Cat Café
• 10. Refreshing Your Body With Thai Massage
• Let’s Go Visit Chiang Mai!
Hotels
Flights
Things to Do
Always Know the Latest Info
Subscribe to our newsletter for more travel & lifestyle recommendations and exciting promos.
Subscribe