Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai Thailand Must See Activities

As you know from my post about the Four Seasons Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai is definitely one of my favorite cities I ever visited. While the Four Seasons is set in Mae-Rim, which is an idyllic countryside, the city of Chiang Mai is brimming with culture and wildlife sanctuaries where you will get closer than you ever though possible to elephants, tigers and monkeys! Here are my top picks for the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: This is located in the center of the downtown area along the Ping River. This is one of the best night markets I had the chance to visit while in Southeast Asia and trust me I dragged my husband to more than a few (Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, the list goes on…). The main street is lined with vendors selling everything from Thai silks, t-shirts, jewelry and fake purses. Definitely get your souvenir shopping done here. And don’t forget to bargain!

Doi Suthep/Wat Phrathat: This steep hike up 309 stairs, (or tram ride for a tiny fee) will bring you to the peak of Doi Suthep. From here you can take in breathtaking views of Chiang Mai’s countryside. While up here your visit is not complete without exploring Wat Phrathat, my personal favorite, golden temple. Definitely probably the one must-see temple here if you’re pressed for time.

Elephant Rides: After learning much more about sustainable travel, I realize that this isn’t something that tourists should be doing. While you can visit elephant rescue camps, you shouldn’t ride on them. This ensures that elephants are treated humanely and not taken advantage of for tourist purposes. I did do this and while I liked it, I no longer think this is a good idea.

Food Glorious Food: While in Thailand I invite you to eat up all the street food you can! Noodle carts, freshly squeezed fruit juices and other delightful snacks like sugary rice sticks. (I loved the passionfruit juice! YUM!) I also recommend taking a cooking class to learn the techniques and secrets behind all of the delectable goodies you’re eating while here. It will be the gift that keeps on giving. We did the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai’s Cooking School, which was pricey but fabulous. It’s in a gorgeous open-air kitchen and you use all fresh ingredients. I’m sure you can find cheaper places but we loved this one, I think it was about $200 USD pp. And speaking of food, be sure to check out my favorite picks for the best restaurants in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

You may also choose to do a street food tour, which I think is a great way to experience some of the best food Thailand has to offer! Thailand has some of the best street food I have ever tasted in the world. It’s also a great way to eat like a local and experience some of the most authentic recipes. Doing a guided tour allows you to learn more about what you’re eating and make sure you’re hitting up the best spots. With Locals offers some amazing tours.

 

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Where else are you going in Southeast Asia? Check out the Best Things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos

Check out the tour group I used while I was in Southeast Asia that I swear by: Trails of Indochina.

I also highly recommend visiting Hanoi, here are my  Top Ten Things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam, maybe one of my favorite places I’ve ever been to because it’s so different!

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