Chiang Mai, Thailand

A quieter northern getaway famous for temple culture, mountain trails, and artisan cafés.

chaingmai and chiang mai in Chiang Mai, Thailand

🏛️ Sights & Attractions in Chiang Mai

  • Doi Suthep Temple — A gleaming golden temple perched on a mountain overlooking reached by a long serpent staircase and offering sweeping city views.
  • Old City Moat and Gates — A water-filled moat and restored city gates encircle ancient temples, lively markets and relaxed cafés in the historic centre.
  • Wat Chedi Luang — A massive 14th-century chedi that once held the Emerald Buddha and dominates the old-town skyline.
  • Wat Phra Singh — A classic Lanna temple in the old city known for its exquisite Buddha image and ornate viharn architecture.
  • Wat Chiang Man — The oldest temple, housing two rare Buddha images and ancient elephant-shaped chedi bases.
  • Wat Suan Dok — A 14th-century temple with a large whitewashed mausoleum and the popular monk chat programme for visitors.
  • Bhubing Palace — A royal mountain residence with rose gardens, woodland walks and cool air.
  • Doi Inthanon National Park — The highest peak, with cloud forest, waterfalls, royal chedis and the king and queen pagodas.
  • Wat Umong — A forest temple with ancient tunnels, meditation teachings and a peaceful woodland setting.
  • Wat Lok Molee — An elegant old temple with a large chedi, ancient teak buildings and a serene garden atmosphere.
  • +15 more sights & attractions

🥾 Trails & Hikes in Chiang Mai

  • Doi Suthep monk trail — A forested stairway and path used by monks to reach Wat Doi Suthep, passing waterfalls and shrines.
  • Doi Inthanon summit nature trail — A short boardwalk through mossy cloud forest at the highest point.
  • Mon Jam ridge walk — A gentle ridge walk through vegetable farms, flower gardens and hill-tribe villages with panoramic views.
  • Pha Dok Siew nature trail — A scenic jungle trek ending at a Karen village with rice terraces and a waterfall.
  • Mae Sa waterfall loop — A well-maintained path connecting multiple tiers of a popular waterfall in Mae Sa valley.
  • Bua Tong sticky waterfall trail — A climb up a mineral-coated limestone waterfall where the porous rock provides grip under bare feet.
  • Huay Tung Tao reservoir circuit — A flat walk or bike loop around a reservoir with bamboo restaurants and Doi Suthep views.
  • Chiang Mai old city moat walk — A flat, historical circuit around the ancient city walls, passing gates and temples.
  • Suthep-Pui National Park loop — A longer hike through mixed forest, hill-tribe areas and viewpoints around the mountain.
  • Kew Mae Pan nature trail — A famous cliff-edge boardwalk with sweeping views of the Mae Chaem valley.
  • +20 more trails & hikes

🍽️ Restaurants in Chiang Mai

  • Khao Soi Khun Yai — A local favourite for khao soi, the rich northern-Thai coconut curry noodle soup, served from midday.
  • Khao Soi Mae Sai — A simple, beloved stall serving flavourful khao soi with fall-off-the-bone chicken.
  • Khao Soi Islam — A long-standing Halal restaurant known for northern-style khao soi and biryani.
  • Khao Soi Lam Duan — A no-frills eatery famous for rich, sweet khao soi and crispy noodles.
  • Tong Tem Toh — A popular northern Thai restaurant in Nimman known for laap, spicy soups and sticky rice.
  • Laap Khom Huay Puu Ling — A local laab specialist serving raw or cooked minced pork with intense herbs and chilli.
  • Lert Ros — A hidden gem behind the Three Kings Monument serving excellent larb and grilled fish.
  • SP Chicken — A tiny open-air stall famous for lemongrass-roasted chicken and som tam.
  • Pakorn’s Kitchen — A friendly family-run restaurant near the night bazaar with a long menu of Thai favourites.
  • Anchan Noodle — A vegetarian and vegan noodle shop known for purple butterfly-pea dumplings and plant-based broth.
  • +19 more restaurants

🍸 Bars & Nightlife in Chiang Mai

  • The Beer Garden Chiang Mai — A relaxed garden pub with live music and a long tap list near the Night Bazaar.
  • Maya Rooftop Bar — A modern rooftop perch above the Maya mall with panoramic views of Doi Suthep.
  • Rasta Bar — A laid-back reggae bar with cushions on the floor, fire shows and beach vibes.
  • The North Gate Jazz Co-Op — The North Gate Jazz Co-Op is a live jazz bar inside the old city moat at the Chang Phuak Gate, with nightly jazz sessions, local and visiting musicians, and a casual, open-air atmosphere. One of Chiang Mai's most beloved music venues.
  • Riverside Bar and Restaurant — A long-running riverside venue with live bands, cocktails and a relaxed deck.
  • Ram Bar Chiang Mai — A fun cabaret and show bar near the Night Bazaar with performances and cocktails.
  • Bus Bar Chiang Mai — Bus Bar is a popular open-air bar near the old city, built around a converted bus, with cheap drinks, live music, and a relaxed, backpacker-friendly atmosphere.
  • The FACES Gallery and Gastro Bar — A stylish art-gallery bar with creative cocktails and small plates in the old city.
  • The Volcano — A lively bar with a volcanic theme, strong cocktails and late-night dancing.
  • My Bar — A small, friendly neighbourhood pub with a loyal expat and local crowd.
  • +19 more bars & nightlife

🎯 Activities & Tours in Chiang Mai

  • Thai and Akha Cooking Class in Chiang Mai — Learn how to cook Thai and Akha dishes during your holiday in Chiang Mai with our master chef, a native Akha people. You will learn some unique cooking style and dishes, plus the history and culture of this ethnicity. Light refreshments, tour to local market (for morning class) a
  • 3-in-1: Doi Inthanon Tour, Elephant Sanctuary, and Trekking Trail — 3 Best Experiences at an Amazing Price! 1. Encounter charming elephants at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary, an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary boasting a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor. These elephants are exceptionally well cared for. Immerse yourself in observing these adorable
  • Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai — At Smile Organic Farm, we do not teach you only how to cook Thai food. Our school is set in a beautiful, serene organic farm and garden, you will learn how to grow vegetables and taste herbs in our own garden, as well as cooking and enjoy your food in a relaxing atmosphere. Smile
  • Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai — Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School Are you thinking about taking a cooking class, but don't know if it's worth it? Does the name of your most cooked meal have the words "hamburger" or "helper" in it? If so, a culinary arts class may be right up your alley. Here is the reason why yo
  • Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hrs — See the impressive and famous Wat Chedi Luang, home to one of the biggest stupas in Chiang Mai Marvel at the intricate design of Wat Phan Tao Visit the stunning and lavish Wat Phra Singh, one of the city’s finest temples Pass by the 3 Kings Monument, a shrine named after the thre
  • Chiang Rai White Temple, Blue Temple and more from Chiang Mai — - Marvel at the iconic White Temple's modern art and architecture - Explore the vivid and tranquil Blue Temple - Explore the Red Temple complex and its panoramic views - Explore responsibly with TripGuru, a GSTC-certified sustainable tour platform in Thailand. - Enjoy a low-impac
  • Chiang Rai Day Tour from Chiang Mai: White Temple & More w/ Lunch — Discover Chiang Rai’s most iconic landmarks in a single day with a convenient Join-in group tour from Chiang Mai. Visit the dazzling White Temple, the vivid Blue Temple , and your choice of either the mysterious Black House or the colorful Red Temple. Enhance your experience with
  • Chiang Rai Day Trip from Chiang Mai City with Golden Triangle — This small-group (all inclusive) day trip to Chiang Rai Province will take you to a variety of attractions such as the modern architecture of the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the ancient city ruins of Chiang Saen (Wat Chedi Luang). Ride a long-tail boat on the Mekong River an
  • No.1 Full-Day Chiang Mai Caving & Jungle Kayaking: Chiang Dao — Explore Chiang Dao Caves & Kayak Through Northern Thai Jungle Join us for the most popular adventure in Chiang Mai! Begin by exploring the intricate Chiang Dao Cave system led by a knowledgeable local guide. Spend an hour in the side arms with expansive caverns, then enter the m
  • Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour — Experience a day of fun and adventure in Chiang Mai with a tour that includes a waterfall, an ethical elephant sanctuary, and bamboo rafting. Your day begins at Bau Tong Waterfall where it allows visitors to climb barefoot—an exciting and rare experiences. Take in the serene natu
  • +17 more activities & tours

🏨 Hotels & Stays in Chiang Mai

  • 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai — Boutique luxury hotel in restored teak architecture with 30 suites, Nitra Spa, two restaurants, and riverside gardens near the Ping River.
  • Anantara Chiang Mai Resort — Riverside luxury resort on the Ping River with 84 rooms, Anantara Spa, Bodhi Terrace restaurant, and private pier for river cruises.
  • Shangri-La Chiang Mai — Luxury hotel near Night Bazaar with 277 rooms, Chi Spa, 3 restaurants, outdoor pool, and Lanna-style gardens by the Ping River.
  • U Nimman Chiang Mai — Contemporary boutique hotel on Nimmanhaemin Road with 147 rooms, rooftop pool, and views of Doi Suthep opposite MAYA mall.
  • Tamarind Village — Lanna-style boutique hotel in the historic old city with 41 rooms and 5 suites around flower-filled courtyards near ancient temples.
  • Rachamankha — Intimate heritage boutique hotel blending Lanna and Chinese architecture with 25 rooms, courtyard pool, and library in the old city.
  • ibis Styles Chiang Mai — Stylish budget hotel near MAYA mall and Nimmanhaemin Road with 208 rooms, rooftop terrace, bar, and airport shuttle.
  • ibis Chiang Mai Nimman Journeyhub — Economy hotel in trendy Nimman with 142 rooms, outdoor pool, 24-hour gym, and Charlie’s Corner bar near Chiang Mai University.
  • The Core Gallery Hotel — Art-focused hotel near Nimmanhaemin Road with 56 rooms, outdoor pool, garden, international buffet restaurant, and free minibar.
  • Duangdren Place — Budget hotel near CentralPlaza Chiang Mai Airport with free breakfast, garden, terrace, and scooter rentals for exploring the city.
  • +9 more hotels & stays
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