What to Do in Chiang Mai: A Curated Escape for Art and Culture Connoisseurs
Chiang Mai, the beating cultural heart of Northern Thailand, offers a gentle yet intoxicating blend of ancient traditions, modern artistry, and tranquil luxury. Nestled among misty mountains and lush rice paddies, the city hums with creativity – from gilded temples and bustling craft markets to cutting-edge galleries hidden in leafy lanes. For the discerning traveller, exploring what to do in Chiang Mai is an invitation to experience a slower, richer rhythm of life, where every corner reveals a story etched in silk, stone, or song.
Partner Offer
Top Experiences in Chiang Mai
Book one of the experiences that other customers have liked and recommended:
-
Chaing Rai White Temple & Blue Temple from Chiang Mai
Don’t let limited time in northern Thailand stop you seeing the best of Chiang Rai and its world‐famous temples. Tick off three top attractions in just one day on a stress‐free tour that saves you the hassle of public transport. You’ll travel between the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), and your choice of other temple, in cool comfort.
-
Chiang Mai Lifestyle
Leave hotel to Wat Chai Mongkol where you start cruising through rural Mae Ping River by long‐tail boat for 30 minutes. Softly moving along the river, you will see wooden houses and modern residences with colourful scenery and lifestyle of the local people. Arrive at a local farm house where you can take a leisurely stroll around the grounds. Continue on to Waroros Market, to see and feel the real northern people way of life and much more. In order to feel more about it, we take a tricycle ride along the main road to the old city. Then comes to the main temple in town named Wat Prasingh (A.D.1345), housing a very old and sacred Buddha image, Phra Singh, for a visit. This temple contains supreme examples of Lanna art at Viharn Lai Kham, which was built to house Phra Singh image enthroned inside. On the inner walls of the Viharn Lai Kham are some murals of two fables.
-
Mae Kampong Village from Chiang Mai Exploration Tour
Embark on a full‐day adventure from Chiang Mai to the charming Mae Kampong Village. Discover the village's hidden gems, savour a delightful lunch at a local eatery, visit the awe‐inspiring Mae Kampong Waterfall, and unwind at a cosy coffee shop before returning to Chiang Mai. The convenience of hotel pick‐up and drop‐off is included.Start your day by arriving at the scenic Mae Kampong Village, where you can take a leisurely stroll to capture memorable moments. When hunger strikes, indulge in a meal at a local restaurant. Post‐lunch, you'll explore the mesmerizing Mae Kampong Waterfall. There, you can relax and rejuvenate amidst the tranquillity of nature. Later in the afternoon, unwind at a popular yet charming coffee shop, before finally, depart for Chiang Mai city and be dropped off back at your hotel.
-
Half‐Day Chiang Mai Temple Tour from Chiang Mai
Come and visit Chiang Mai's ancient city walls and five of the most significant temples in Chiang Mai. the glorious "Wat Suan Dok," where the ash remains of Chiang Mai's royal family are kept. You will also visit the enchanting "Wat Phra Singh," which is known for its collection of fine buildings and old library (dating back to 1345 AD), the magnificent "Wat Chedi," the majestic "Wat Jedyod" temple of Seven Spires, and the oldest "Wat Chiang Mun," which houses two sacred Buddha images and the chedi with the surrounding stone elephant heads.
-
Chiang Rai Highlights from Chaing Mai Private Tour with Hotel
Rather than rushing to tick of Chiang Rai’s highlights in just one day, explore the Thailand’s northernmost town at a more relaxed pace on a 2‐day tour that takes you to White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), and the Golden Triangle—where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar intersect. You’ll stay cool and relaxed as you travel between each sight in air‐conditioned comfort.
-
Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai and Mae Ngat Boat Tour
On this full day tour we take you to a stunning off‐the‐beaten track temple in Chiang Mai province, enjoy a boat trip on the Mae Ngat reservoir and visit the stunning Sticky Waterfalls! We drive through tranquil local villages amidst jungle‐blanketed hills and pass shimmering rice paddies, lush rural farm land and local Buddhist temples. Leave the busy city behind you and join us on an exciting day out into the province!
-
Chiang Mai Whitewater Kayaking On The Mae Taeng River
Book this small group kayaking adventure on the Mae Taeng River, which is perfect for whitewater enthusiasts. You’ll have a coaching lesson before you go, and the coaches will be with you while you go down the river for safety. You’ll keep costs down by booking this small group tour, and most likely make a few new friends along the way, too.
-
3D2N Mae Wang Jungle Trekking Adventure from Chiang Mai
- Enjoy 3 days away from the hustle and bustle of the city - Local experience home‐cooked meals and homestay - See native wildlife in their natural environment - Guided hike through the remote Mae Wang National Park - Hassle free hotel pickup and round trip transport
-
Chiang mai City Tour
During this tour we are going to visit the most important and attractive temple in Chiang Mai Wat Phra Singh is the largest and containing several fine woods carved buildings. Then to Wat Chedi Luang which was a former home to the Emerald Buddha
-
Chiang Mai ATV Adventure
This is the latest adventure activity in Chiangmai that you cannot miss. We have the best ATVs, 1,000 ccs off‐road 4×4 Can‐Am from Canada! We have the most powerful and the best brand of ATVs. Not far from the city's center, we offer you the most exciting driving experience in the stunning view of Chiangmai's nature! Spartan Motorsport Chiangmai is where you can experience the most potent ATVs. Only 10 minutes from Chiangmai's city center. The track is located near Huay Tueng Thao Reservoir, and you offer great options for all riders, including kids as young as 12, looking to participate in their ATV self‐driven tours. You can finish a circuit or choose to ride on a dirt track and through the jungle paths for 30‐60 minutes. Depending on what you want, to get your adrenaline pumping or want to enjoy a casual and fun ride with your family. This activity is offered on a Single rider basis, but if you prefer to share one vehicle with your partner, this is also possible.
What to Do in Chiang Mai for Culture Lovers
Begin your cultural immersion at the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, a beautifully restored colonial building that unravels the city's historic Lan Na heritage through interactive exhibits and art installations. Understanding the city's origins sets a soulful foundation for discovering what to do in Chiang Mai.
What to Do in Chiang Mai at Night: A City Illuminated
As twilight cloaks the city, the tantalising question of what to do in Chiang Mai at night arises. While many retreat to serene boutique hotels, those in the know head straight for the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Here, artisans, jewellers, and painters spill into the lantern-lit streets, offering treasures that tell tales of craftsmanship handed down through generations.
Off the Beaten Path: Unique Things to Do in Chiang Mai
For those yearning for things to do in Chiang Mai that will take you off the beaten path, step beyond the old city walls. Enrol in a traditional Lan Na painting workshop or try your hand at Sa paper-making in the village of Bo Sang, where artists craft exquisite pieces from mulberry bark.
Aesthetic Journeys: What to See and Do in Chiang Mai for Art Aficionados
Chiang Mai’s aesthetic appeal lies not only in its monuments but in its living traditions. Start your morning at the Saturday Walking Street Market, where artisans offer everything from handwoven textiles to intricate woodcarvings. Then, slip into the serene grounds of Wat Umong, a 700-year-old forest monastery, where mossy tunnels and ancient murals invite quiet reflection.
A Taste of Tradition and Tranquility: What to Do in Chiang Mai in One Day
Just one day to spare and wondering what you can do in Chiang Mai? Start with sunrise alms-giving along Tha Phae Road, offering sticky rice to monks clad in saffron robes - a humbling, deeply local experience. Then, weave through the old city's labyrinth of temples, punctuating your morning with a coffee break at Ristr8to, home to Chiang Mai’s legendary latte artist.
What to Do in Chiang Mai in Two Days: Deeper Discovery
With 48 hours at your disposal, design your Chiang Mai itinerary for depth rather than distance.
A Chiang Mai Must Do
While Chiang Mai is rich with possibilities, there’s one experience that should top every list: participating in a traditional Khantoke dinner. Seated on silk cushions, you’ll savour a feast of Northern Thai dishes while dancers perform slow, hypnotic routines in shimmering costumes. It is an absolute must do in Chiang Mai, blending food, history, and performance into one unforgettable evening.
Final Thoughts: Chiang Mai’s Lasting Spell
In Chiang Mai, artistry is not confined to galleries, and culture is not locked in glass cases. It pulses through the rhythm of daily life — in the gilded temples, the aroma of street-side curries, the weavers at their looms.