Things to do in Chiang Mai

Best Things to do in Chiang Mai

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Chiang Mai? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 0 activities in Chiang Mai, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 0, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Chiang Mai in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Some Incredible Things to Do in Chiang Mai

About Chiang Mai

There’s a reason people keep going back to Chiang Mai. It’s not the loudest city or the flashiest, but there’s something about its pace—slow enough to breathe, layered enough to hold you. Between ancient temples, tangled alleys, mountain air, and street food so good you’ll consider cancelling your return flight, this northern Thai city wraps you in a kind of quiet magic. Whether you’re travelling solo, with family, or just passing through, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Chiang Mai.

It’s a place that grows on you—not through big gestures, but in the small, steady ways that matter. A monk’s smile, a perfectly brewed cup of local coffee, the sudden view of a golden stupa against a blue mountain. Some cities are about ticking boxes. Chiang Mai is about slowing down enough to actually feel where you are.

Unique Experiences

Cook Like a Local – Thai Cooking Class

If you’ve eaten in Chiang Mai, you’ve already wondered how they make everything taste that good. Solve the mystery by joining a traditional cooking class. You’ll start in the market, learning to choose herbs and ingredients like a local. Then you’ll head to a home-style kitchen where you'll crush, stir, fry, and finally devour what you’ve made—usually things like khao soi, green curry, and mango sticky rice. It’s immersive, fun, and easily one of the most memorable things to do in Chiang Mai.

• Where: Multiple spots in and around the Old City
• Pricing: Approx. INR 2,000–2,500
• Timing: Morning and afternoon sessions
• When to Visit: Year-round

Chat With a Monk – Wat Suan Dok

This isn’t a guided tour or a lecture. It’s a chat. Sit across from a young monk, ask anything—from Buddhist philosophy to daily routines—and just talk. These conversations are open, honest, and often surprisingly deep. If you're looking for unique things to do in Chiang Mai, this one hits differently.

• Where: Wat Suan Dok
• Pricing: Often free (part of larger temple tours)
• Timing: Late mornings or early afternoons
• When to Visit: Weekdays are less crowded

Sunday Walking Street Market

One of the most fun things to do in Chiang Mai is wandering the Sunday Market. It runs through the Old City and is packed with local artisans, food stalls, performers, and musicians. Grab a sausage-on-a-stick, haggle for handmade jewellery, and let the crowd carry you forward.

• Where: Ratchadamnoen Road
• Pricing: Free entry
• Timing: 4 PM to 10 PM
• When to Visit: Every Sunday evening

Top Attractions

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Perched on a hill just outside town, this golden temple offers a panoramic view of Chiang Mai. The climb—306 steps, lined with mythical serpents—is part of the experience. The temple itself is sacred, intricate, and glowing with reverence. Easily one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Chiang Mai.

• Where: Doi Suthep Mountain
• Pricing: Approx. INR 300
• Timing: 6 AM – 6 PM
• When to Visit: Early morning for clear skies and fewer crowds

Wat Chedi Luang

This is the kind of ruin that holds power. Cracked by an earthquake centuries ago, the chedi still towers over the Old City. It’s quiet here. No flashy gold, just stone, sky, and silence. Visiting Wat Chedi Luang is one of those top things to do in Chiang Mai that doesn’t need to shout.

• Where: Inside the Old City
• Pricing: Approx. INR 200
• Timing: 7 AM – 5 PM
• When to Visit: Any time of day, but sunsets are special

The Old City

The heart of Chiang Mai beats slowly and steadily inside the square moat. Temples, cafes, tiny bookstores, co-working spaces, and a thousand stories all blend into this small radius. Walking the Old City is not just one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai—it’s the backdrop for most of what you'll remember.

• Where: Central Chiang Mai
• Pricing: Free
• Timing: All day
• When to Visit: Mornings are quiet; evenings feel alive

Sightseeing Tours

Chiang Mai Essentials Guided Tour

Short on time? Book a half-day tour that combines a few key temples, markets, and local stories into one smooth experience. The guides are locals who don’t stick to scripts, so you get more than just facts—you get texture.

• Where: Old City + nearby districts
• Pricing: INR 1,500–2,000
• Timing: Morning and afternoon slots
• When to Visit: Anytime

Elephant Sanctuary Visit

Skip the shows and the riding. Choose one of the many ethical elephant sanctuaries outside the city where rescued elephants roam freely. You’ll get to feed, bathe, and walk beside them. It’s one of the most meaningful activities in Chiang Mai, especially for conscious travellers.

• Where: Around an hour from the city
• Pricing: INR 3,500–4,500
• Timing: Full-day experience
• When to Visit: November to February (dry season)

Doi Inthanon National Park Day Trip

Home to Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon offers cool air, waterfalls, and views you won’t forget. Tours often include a hill tribe visit and twin royal pagodas. This is among the most scenic things to do in Chiang Mai if you’re craving green space.

• Where: South of Chiang Mai
• Pricing: Approx. INR 3,500
• Timing: 7 AM – 5 PM
• When to Visit: November to March

Day Trips

Pai

Laid-back, artsy, and weirdly magnetic, Pai is a small town tucked into the mountains. People come for a day and stay for weeks. Hot springs, canyon hikes, cheap eats, and the vibe—that’s Pai. If you want one of the chillest things to do in Chiang Mai, hop on a van and go.

• Where: About 3 hours northwest
• Pricing: INR 1,000–1,500
• Timing: Day trip or overnight
• When to Visit: November to February

Chiang Rai – White Temple & Blue Temple

If you’re up for a longer trip, Chiang Rai offers surreal architecture with temples that feel like art installations. The White Temple is dazzling, the Blue Temple intense. It’s a visual feast and one of the more dramatic tourist attractions in Chiang Mai’s wider region.

• Where: Chiang Rai
• Pricing: INR 3,500–4,000 (includes transport)
• Timing: Full day
• When to Visit: Dry months are ideal

Boat Tours

Ping River Dinner Cruise

Wind down your day with a gentle cruise along the Ping River. Soft lights, local dishes, and live music set the mood. It’s romantic, low-key, and definitely one of the more relaxed fun things to do in Chiang Mai.

• Where: River near Nawarat Bridge
• Pricing: Around INR 3,000
• Timing: 6 PM – 8 PM
• When to Visit: Evenings in dry season

Getting Around

• Songthaew (Red Trucks): Cheap shared taxis that go almost anywhere.
• Tuk-Tuks: Fast and fun—just agree on price beforehand.
• Scooter Rentals: Popular for longer stays; be cautious on the roads.
• Grab App: Reliable and transparent fares.
• Walking: Ideal within the Old City.
• Bicycles: Some guesthouses offer them for free or rent.

Traveller Tips

• Currency: Thai Baht (THB); carry small bills for street vendors.
• Language: Basic English is spoken in most tourist areas.
• Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples.
• Weather: Best months are November to February.
• Local Etiquette: Smile, be polite, and never touch a monk.
• Connectivity: Buy a Thai SIM with good data—makes everything easier.
• Family-Friendly: Plenty of things to do in Chiang Mai with family—from elephants to craft workshops.
• Food Note: Northern Thai cuisine is distinct—try everything once.
• Footwear: Easy-to-remove shoes help at temples and cafés alike.