ACTIVITY GUIDE
Liz and I have gathered all of our favorite activities along with the most popular tourist attractions so everyone can Choose Your Own Adventure and cater their trip to their own interests and tastes. There’s no shortage of fun, unique, and memorable things to do in Chiang Mai. Whether it’s hand feeding rescued elephants, getting pampered with $10 Thai massages, or hitting up a night market for souvenirs, you’ll have more than enough fun things to do.
CHIANG MAI EXCLUSIVES
Chiang Mai’s most popular places to visit and things to do.
WAT PHRA THAT DOI SUTHEP
Chiang Mai’s most famous and sacred Buddhist temple perched high into the mountainside of Doi Suthep overlooking the city. No trip to Chiang Mai is complete without experiencing the beautiful golden shrines and stunning views. Check out Trip Advisor’s top recommend Doi Suthep tours from fellow travelers.
*Tips:
There’s many ways to get to the temple and many companies offer package deals that include other attractions as well. From the front entrance you can take the scenic route and climb the 309 steps to reach the pagodas or you can pay a few bucks to take the tram. We recommend the tram since we wanted to save our legs for more walking adventures later. Also please make sure you are properly dressed as this is a Buddhist temple and a sacred one at that. Please plan accordingly as this temple is about 45 minutes to an hour away from the city center.
DOI INTHANON NATIONAL PARK
Truly one of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see, this is one of the few opportunities that you’ll be able to stand above the clouds. Doi Inthanon is actually a part of the Himalayan Mountain chain and is the highest point in all of Thailand. Check out Trip Advisor’s top recommend ways to get to Doi Inthanon National Park from fellow travelers.
*Tips:
It’ll take two hours from city center to get to the peak so plan accordingly. The views are only worth it if it’s not rainy or cloudy so make sure to check the weather beforehand. Try to get there at sunrise to catch one of the most beautiful sunrises you’ll ever see. Even though it might be 95 degrees Fahrenheit in the city it can get extremely cold as you reach the top at 8,415 feet.
ELEPHANT NATURE PARK
Visiting Elephant Nature Park has been the single most meaningful experience that we’ve had in all of our travels. No other excursion or adventure has left a mark on us as much as getting to see, touch, feed, and understand elephants in this intimate environment. More than a zoo or a circus, you are safely and fully immersed into an elephant sanctuary for a glimpse of their wild habitat. Not only do you get to experience a life changing moment but your entry fees go directly towards the care of future of these majestic beings. If there’s only one thing that you do in Chiang Mai, make it Elephant Nature Park, you won’t regret it!
“The park has received numerous awards from institutions including the Smithsonian. The founder was named Asian Hero of the Year by Time magazine in 2005 and the park has been featured in many international publications including National Geographic magazine as well as feature documentaries from respected film production companies – Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Animal Planet, BBC, CNN, KTV, RAI, major Thai language TV channels, printed press and radio stations.”
-ElephantNaturePark.org
*Whether you choose to visit Elephant Nature Park (which we highly recommend) or another Elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, whatever you do, please do not ride any elephants.
Tips:
This is one of the most popular attractions in Chiang Mai so make sure that you book ahead of time. We recommend the “ENP – Short Park Visit”.
CITY, NATURE, AND CULTURAL TOURS
If you want a more informative and immersive experience of the city, consider one of the many tours that the city has to offer. Whether your passion is experiencing the local culture, enjoying the natural beauty, or understanding the rich local history, you’ll be able to find a tour that perfectly suits your needs. Check out Trip Advisor’s top recommend Chiang Mai tours from fellow travelers.
THAI COOKING CLASS
Thai cooking classes are wildly popular and you’ll be able to learn how to recreate authentic and delicious Thai dishes back at home. You can choose to just have a cooking class or find a bundled package that will even take you to local farms or markets to gather your fresh ingredients. There are tons of Thai cooking classes available and all have their own specialty and packages. Check out Trip Advisor’s Top Recommended Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai from fellow travelers. We recommend booking online if you find one you really like to guarentee your spot.
TRADITIONAL THAI CLOTHING PHOTO SHOOT
A fun way to remember your trip to Thailand, you can get a professional photo shoot with full makeup, traditional Thai outfit, and accessories. The photo shoot takes about an hour and you can pick up a disc with digital copies of your photos the next day. Photo shoot packages start around $15 and go up from there.
Recommended Location:
At the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar you can find two different shops specializing in these Traditional Thai photo shoots on the 2nd floor, one to your left and one to your right after walking up the stairs of the main entrance.
DISCOVER THE CITY
Chiang Mai has no shortage of fun and memorable adventures.
ATV EXCURSION
Take a guided tour through the jungles of Chiang Mai on rugged ATVs. Private ATV paths will take you through jungle, mud, and bumpy terrain to experience the local beauty. There’s many types of tours available with customization packages.
ZIP LINING
Zipline through lush canopies while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Thai jungle. Ziplining has become an extremely popular attraction in Thailand due to the demand of Western tourists and vast supply of towering jungle trees. We recommend Flight of the Gibbon which not only lets you Zipline alongside wild Gibbons but a portion of your entry goes toward the conservation and rescue of endangered wildlife.
HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE
For the adventurous type, take a hot air balloon ride for a once in a lifetime experience. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and distant mountain views as few have.
HIKING, KAYAKING, AND BIKING EXCURSIONS
Choose from a wide variety of outdoor tours to discover the city while getting a more intimate experience. Choose to stay in the city or venture out into the peaceful countryside, the possibilities of fun and adventure are endless.
RELAXATION AND HEALTH
Take some time from your action packed trip to spoil yourself with some quality rest and relaxation.
MASSAGE, SPA, AND WELLNESS
No trip to Thailand is complete without an authentic Thai Massage! Their massages are world famous for a reason and you’ll be leaving invigorated and refreshed albeit a little sore. We highly recommend Sense Massage and Spa as they have the perfect balance of price, quality, cleanliness, and service! Sense Massage and Spa has 2 locations within walking distance of one another so if one is booked they can send you to the other location for an immediate appointment. However, it’s best to call ahead to schedule an appointment to guarantee a pleasant experience. Check out Trip Advisor’s Top Rated Spas and Wellness Centers.
*Tips:
An hour long quality Thai massage that includes tea, a private room, and air conditioning should only run you around $10. We recommend getting one at least once a day that you’re there, seriously! There’s a ton of massage parlors around the city but just be sure to check out Google to find one near you and check out the reviews to see what past customers had to say. Just like Thai food, not all Thai massages are going to be amazing so do your research. Also if you find your masseuse is using a little too much pressure, just kindly ask them to go a little softer and they’ll be happy to accommodate your needs.
BEAUTY
Spoil yourself and get an inexpensive quality Mani and Pedi from one of the many nail salons around town. There’s a ton of quality nail salons around the city so just be sure to check out Google to find one near you and check out the reviews to see what past customers had to say.
PLASTIC SURGERY
Yes, you can get quality, inexpensive, professional, world class, and safe plastic surgery in Chiang Mai, Thailand. In fact, Thailand is an extremely popular Medical Tourism hot spot due to its reputable and inexpensive medical and plastic surgery industry. From Botox, Liposuction, face lifts, and dental veneers you’ll be able to find a huge variety of procedures from reputable and affordable Medical Spas and Clinics in Chiang Mai. We’ve personally have not partaken in surgery tourism so you’re on you own on this one but just make sure to do your research online and read up on what previous patients have had to say about their experiences.
OUTDOOR MARKETS
The local markets are a great place to soak in the local culture and to pick up unique gifts and souvenirs. I recommend hitting up all 5 of our recommended markets as they each offer up their own unique characteristics and products.
CHIANG MAI NIGHT BAZAAR
The most popular market in Chiang Mai, you’ll be able to pick up a huge variety of souvenirs, cheap t-shirts, and all sorts of unique trinkets and gifts. While relatively inexpensive compared to US standards, this is one of the more pricey markets in town.
Open Nightly 5pm-Midnight
ANUSARN MARKET
A large market filled with a variety of shops and food choices. This is our favorite place to pick up souvenirs since it’s typically the least expensive, least crowded, and has the best selection. Don’t forget to go hungry as well since there’s some good food choices as well.
WAROROT MARKET
A bustling market originally catered towards and filled with locals but now turning into a hidden favorite tourist spot. This is my favorite place to pick up dried fruits (the best dried Mango you’ll ever have) and snacks (fresh fried pork rinds) to take back home. I actually enjoy going more for people watching and getting an intimate glimpse into the life of local Thais.
HMONG MARKET
The is the best place in town to pick up Hmong clothing, fabrics, purses, bags, gifts, and souvenirs. Offering a wide selection of vendors and great prices, make sure you pick up a few of these rare and highly sought after items to bring home.
THA PAE WALKING STREET MARKET
(SUNDAY NIGHT MARKET)
A wildly popular street held only on Sunday nights offering a wide variety of trinkets, gifts, fresh smoothies and juices, and a hidden mini food market in the Buddhist temple. While not necessarily the biggest or best market, it’s still a fun place to visit and pick up a gift or something to eat.
Open Sundays 5pm-10:30pm
SHOPPING MALLS
Beautiful and modern shopping malls offering up international and high end brands to satisfy any shopaholic.
Mystic Mekong 