Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. It provides a nice balance between the traditional and the contemporary and is a perfect alternative to the Thai capital, Bangkok. Due to its location in Northern Thailand, the temperatures are a bit cooler than in Bangkok. Therefore you can spend longer days sightseeing without feeling fatigue from the heat. The locals of Chiang Mai really make this city special. They are so friendly and laid back and just add to the city’s charm, which is a joy to explore. So with exploration in mind, here is a list of things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
1) Explore the Old City
Chiang Mai’s old town, surrounded by a moat and ruins of its former wall, is a great place to venture around on foot. Or you can rent a motorbike and cruise the narrow streets. The traffic flows really nicely here, unlike Bangkok where I would not recommend that a tourist try their luck in that frenzied barrage of cars and bikes. Cafes, restaurants, and shops line every street. Simply wandering around maybe getting lost, you’re bound to find something interesting. If you like live music, especially jazz, I highly recommend the North Gate Jazz Co-Op. Located by the North Gate (go figure), it features local Thai musicians playing the jazz classics. The place is really small so get there early if you want a seat. It’s a great place to meet people as well as hear some inspiring young, local talent.
2) Do Some Temple-Hopping
Chiang Mai is loaded with really great temples, both inside the old city and outside its walls. The capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is home to more than 300 temples. Here are some of my favorites:
Wat Chedi Luang
Known as the Temple of the Big Stupa, Wat Chedi Luang is the ruins of an ancient temple situated in the center of Chaing Mai. An earthquake in 1545 damaged large amounts of the temple and when the Burmese captured Chiang Mai five years later the temple was left to fall into ruin.
Wat Suan Dok
Wat Suan Dok, built in late 14th century, houses several structures of historical significance. Among them include the principal pagoda that enshrines the Buddha’s relics, a garden of whitewashed mausoleums housing the ashes of late Chiang Mai rulers and a large open-air wiharn (assembly hall). (source)
Wat Umong
One of my favorite temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Umong was established in 1296 during the reign of King Mengrai. It is now widely known as a meditation center for devout Buddhists from around the world to practice amid its peaceful atmosphere and minimalist structures. You will also find numerous historical artifacts and stunning architecture, such as Asok Pillar, which is devoted to the Indian King Asok Maharaja, a devout Buddhist. Furthermore you can walk through U-Mong, an ancient tunnel-like structure built to create a near-silent ambience for better meditation practice. (source)
3) Venture Out to Wiang Kum Kam, The Ancient Underground City
Located in the attractive countryside about five kilometers south of Chiang Mai along the Ping River, Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city dating back to the eighth-century. I went there because I had read about the stunning architecture. But it was so much more than that. I was one of only a handful of others present. So if you’re looking to get away from the crowds and have a gorgeous Buddhist temple basically to yourself, take the 20 minute trip to Wiang Kum Kam.
4) Wander the Night Market
I had no idea night markets could be so much fun until I came to Southeast Asia. The photographic opportunities here are endless! One of my favorite things to do was walk the night markets, photographing the vendors and their wares, as well as the patrons. Add in the occasional street performer and you are bound to come away with a unique image. And don’t forget to try some of the food. It is so inexpensive and tasty. I’m not sure what they are called, but the mini coconut pancakes are incredible. They look like a tiny burger with the buns being pancakes, filled with fresh coconut. Oh boy!
5) Go on a Jungle Trek
I signed up for a jungle trek through a travel agency on a whim. I usually prefer doing things on my own when I travel. However I couldn’t be more pleased that I used an agency for this part. It ended up being one of the best experiences of my trip! You can book a jungle trek through any of the various agencies in the old city (I actually purchased mine in Bangkok and paid way too much). Most of them offer 3 days and 2 nights hiking in the jungles outside of Chiang Mai. I’m sure all of them are a bit different, but it’s really the experience of spending time with a group of strangers that makes it exciting. I made some really great friendships along this trek, and I still keep in touch with many of them.
6) Get in the Mix at the Sunday Market
Also known as the Weekend Market or the Walking Market this is probably the most famous of all the markets in Chiang Mai. It opens every Sunday starting at Thapae Gate and runs along the entire length of the Ratchadamnoen Road. The market is packed full of stalls selling handmade goods, clothing, jewelry, artwork, souvenirs, and food. Oh the food! You can find multiple options of inexpensive but tasty food here. And then there are the plethora of street performers to keep everyone entertained. They also provide some great photographic opportunities.
7) Visit a Local Village
You can do this on your own, but the villages are pretty spread out along the countryside. Therefore I suggest booking a jungle trek that includes visiting some local villages. That way you have a guide that can help with the language barrier as well as answer questions about the village. The images above are of villagers from my second day of the jungle trek, when we were able to go to the local school and play with the children. The night before we slept in a hut in the village, eating food prepared by the people who lived there. We also enjoyed playing music with the villagers, singing songs, and gazing at the night sky which was so full of stars. Being away from the city and its light pollution, you could see the Milky Way. It was simply stunning!
When I travel I usually find a place I like and stay more days than initially intended. I stayed for one week in Chiang Mai! Leaving here, I knew this place was special, and it is still one of my favorite places in all of Southeast Asia. The way Chiang Mai makes you feel is incomparable, and I highly recommend staying for as many days as your time and budget allow.
For more information on visiting Northern Thailand, read my article The Dow Chaang Hills of Chiang Rai, Thailand.
