After many years of running my cooking school and welcoming travelers from all over the world into my kitchen, I realized something funny. I had been telling my students about all the best things to do in Chiang Mai, but I had not written down my honest opinions in one place.
So I decided to do that. Whenever I have free time between classes, I go visit these famous places in Thailand myself. Sometimes I take a whole day, sometimes just an afternoon. Sometimes I bring a friend, sometimes I go alone. Over the years, I have built up real experiences at every place on this list, and I want to share them with you, the way I would tell a friend who is visiting my hometown.
I want to give you my honest, real opinions. What I loved. What surprised me. What I would actually recommend. This is not a sponsored list. This is just me, a Chiang Mai local, telling you about the best things to do in Chiang Mai and why.
So, what is Chiang Mai known for? It is known for ancient Lanna temples, incredible Northern Thai food, ethical elephant experiences, and a kind of slow, soulful energy you do not find in Bangkok. Let me show you, one place at a time.
1. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Where I Always Go At Sunrise
If you ask any Chiang Mai local for the top things to do in Chiang Mai Thailand, this temple will be on every list. I have been to Doi Suthep many times in my life. Every Thai person from Chiang Mai has. But my favorite time to go is sunrise. So whenever I want to remind myself why I love this city, I wake up at 4:30 AM and take a red songthaew up the mountain.
When you arrive at the top, it is still dark. The golden chedi is glowing under the lanterns, and you can hear the soft chanting of the morning monks. There are maybe five other people in the whole temple complex. I sit on the cool marble floor and watch the sun come up over the city. The mist is still hanging over the valley like a blanket.
If you have only seen Doi Suthep during the day with the big crowds, you have not really seen it. The 306 steps up the Naga staircase feel different when you climb them in the quiet morning. I always feel emotional when I am there alone like that.
Tip from a local:
After you finish at the temple, look for the small coffee shop hidden behind the main hall. Most tourists miss it. The coffee is only 40 baht and you can sit and watch the sunrise with the monks who are taking their morning break.
- Hours: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Entry: 50 baht for foreigners
- How to get there: Songthaew (red truck) from Chang Phueak Gate, around 50 to 60 baht one way
- Best time: Sunrise (5:00 to 6:30 AM) or late afternoon
2. The Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat, My Favorite Hidden Temple
For travelers who want unique things to do in Chiang Mai instead of just the famous spots, this is my secret recommendation. On the days when I have more energy, I like to skip the songthaew and hike down the Monk’s Trail from Doi Suthep instead. This is the path that monks have used for centuries, and the orange robes tied around the trees still mark the way.
The trail leads you to Wat Pha Lat, which I personally think is more beautiful than Doi Suthep. Yes, I said it. Wat Pha Lat is hidden in the forest, next to a small waterfall, under the canopy of huge trees. No tour buses can reach it. No vendors. Just stone Buddhas covered in moss, a few monks doing their meditation, and the sound of water.
It feels like walking into a video game where you discover a forgotten temple. One traveler I met on the trail told me it reminded her of Tomb Raider, and honestly, she was not wrong. Amulets hanging from the trees, stone naga serpents winding around old buildings, the smell of incense drifting through the jungle.
Tip from a local:
You can start the trail near Chiang Mai University. Wear proper shoes, not flip-flops like one Australian couple I met. They had to walk back barefoot. Bring water. Start before 9 AM because the second half of the hike up to Doi Suthep is steep and hot.
- Trail length: About 4.6 miles (round trip from CMU to Doi Suthep)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Cost: Free
- Closed during: Heavy rain (becomes muddy and slippery)
3. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, The Place I Personally Recommend To My Students
When people ask me about adventures in Chiang Mai that are also good for the soul, I always send them here. But first, something I want to say clearly. Please do not ride elephants in Thailand. The process they go through to make elephants accept riders is called Phajaan, and it is heartbreaking. I will not get into details, but if you research it, you will never want to support that.
The place I always recommend is Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, an ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai. I have visited a few times over the years, and every time I tell my cooking students about it, they come back glowing.
The day starts with a pickup from your hotel in a bumpy pickup truck. The ride through the mountains is part of the fun. When you arrive at the camp, the guides give you a talk about each elephant’s rescue story. Some come from circuses. Some from logging. The stories will make you emotional.
Then you change into traditional Karen tribal clothes, which I recommend, because you will get muddy. You feed the elephants bananas and sugar cane. Did you know elephants prefer sugar cane to bananas? They will literally push the bananas aside if you offer both. They wrap their trunks around your arm trying to find more food.
The best part for me is the mud bath. You climb into the mud pool with the elephants and throw mud all over them, which actually helps protect their skin from the sun. Then you walk them down to the river to wash them. They were splashing, rolling, having the time of their lives. No chains. No hooks. The elephants walk around freely and can leave whenever they want.
Three things I learned that I love sharing:
- Elephant skin is actually soft, not rough like I always thought
- Elephants have hair! Tiny little hairs all over their body
- They sweat through their toenails (yes, really)
Tip from a local:
Bring a swimsuit, a towel, and a change of clothes. The showers there only have cold water. Don’t bring nice clothes because you will be covered in mud. They also have a photographer who takes photos all day and posts them on their Facebook page for free download. Worth it.
- Cost: Half-day around 2,000 THB, full-day 2,400 to 2,800 THB
- Duration: Half-day (5 hours) or full-day (8 to 9 hours)
- What’s included: Transport, lunch, all activities, photos
- Website: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
4. Cooking Class at Mama Noi (Yes, My Own School, But Hear Me Out)
I know it sounds strange to put my own school on a list of fun things to do in Chiang Mai. But one day, I actually went and joined a class as a student. I wanted to see what it felt like from the other side. I wore a hat and sunglasses so my staff would not recognize me at first. They did, immediately, and laughed at me.
What I want to tell you is this. I have been cooking Thai food my entire life, and even I learned something new that day. When you cook with other people from around the world, Germans, Koreans, Brazilians, Australians, you see your own food through fresh eyes. You hear them gasp when they smell the kaffir lime leaves we just picked. You see them laugh when they pound the curry paste for the first time and realize how much arm work it really is.
We started with a tour of our local market, where my chef showed everyone how to choose a good galangal versus a bad one. Look at the skin. It should be smooth and not wrinkled. Then we drove back to the school in our traditional songthaew, and everyone walked through our 6-acre garden. They picked their own holy basil, morning glory, lemongrass.
In our Cooking Class Chiang Mai, you make three Popular Thai Dishes from scratch, mango sticky rice for dessert, Thai tea, and you take home a recipe book. The cookbook is my favorite part because so many students tell me they actually use it back home. We also offer a Vegetarian Cooking Class Chiang Mai for anyone who prefers plant-based options.
The student next to me one time was from Berlin. She had never cooked anything spicier than mild paprika. By the end of class, she was making green curry from scratch and crying because it was “the best food she had ever made herself.” She said, “I want to bring this home to my mother.” That is the magic, I think.
If you only do one cooking class in Chiang Mai, please do one. The market tour, the garden walk, the mortar and pestle work, all of it teaches you why our Thai Traditional Food tastes the way it does.
Tip from a local (me, ha):
Book the morning class if you want to feel productive. Book the afternoon class if you want to relax and have a leisurely lunch first. Both classes include the same dishes. We also have an air-conditioned classroom option for hot days, which honestly, I would choose myself in April.
- Morning class: 9:00 AM start
- Afternoon class: 3:30 PM start
- Price: 1,000 THB normal / 1,399 THB air-conditioned
- Includes: Hotel pickup, market tour, garden walk, 3 dishes plus dessert plus Thai tea, cookbook
- Vegetarian option: Yes, available
- Booking: Cooking Class Chiang Mai
5. Khao Soi Khun Yai, The Best Bowl I Have Found
Trying real Khao Soi is one of the most essential Chiang Mai activities, and every Chiang Mai local has their favorite Khao Soi spot. One of my favorites is the famous Khao Soi Khun Yai, which means Grandma’s Khao Soi, that everyone on TikTok and Instagram talks about.
I usually arrive around 11:15 AM. By 12:30, they are already running out of chicken. The line is mostly Thai office workers and a few tourists who have clearly done their research.
The broth is rich but not oily, that is the key. The chicken falls off the bone. The crispy noodles on top are perfectly fried. I always add shallots, Thai pickles, lime, and extra chili paste, the way every Northern Thai person does it. The whole bowl costs 70 baht.
One time I sat at a tiny plastic table next to two Japanese travelers who were filming every spoonful for their TikTok. I could not blame them. The presentation alone is beautiful. Those crispy noodles piled high like a little crown on top.
For anyone interested in our local food culture beyond Khao Soi, I have also written about how we eat Thai Breakfast and what Thai Drinks pair best with our meals.
Tip from a local:
Get there before 11:30 AM. They close at 2:30 PM but they often run out of the popular meats much earlier. Try both the beef and chicken if you can. Beef has the deeper flavor, chicken is more comforting.
- Address: Sri Poom 8 Alley, near Wat Kuan Khama
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM (closed Sunday)
- Price: 60 to 80 THB per bowl
- Cash only
6. Sunday Walking Street, Yes It’s Crowded, But Go Anyway
If your trip lands on a Sunday, the Sunday Market Chiang Mai is one of the top Chiang Mai tourist attractions you should not miss. I know, every guide says this. But there is a reason. The whole Old Town in downtown Chiang Mai transforms. The roads close. The stalls stretch over a full kilometer from Tha Phae Gate down Ratchadamnoen Road, spilling into all the side streets.
I usually go at 4 PM, which is the sweet spot before the crowds arrive at 6 PM. I once bought a hand-woven cotton scarf from a Karen tribal woman for 200 baht. Yes, you can negotiate, but be kind. These are real artisans, not factory products. I love to eat khanom buang (Thai crepes) from a vendor who has been there for 20 years. I always listen to the young Thai musicians playing acoustic guitar covers in front of Wat Phan Tao.
The street food alone is worth the trip. Try the corn dumplings, the chive dumplings, the grilled river prawns, and the mango sticky rice from the woman with the green umbrella near the gate. Trust me on the green umbrella.
I have read that some people find it too crowded and chaotic. Honestly, it is. But that is part of the experience. Going to Sunday Walking Street is going to a festival, not a shopping mall. You go for the energy.
If you want to explore even more, I have written a full guide to all Markets In Chiang Mai and a separate guide just for the Night Bazaar Chiang Mai.
Tip from a local:
Arrive at 4 PM or after 9 PM to avoid the worst crowds. Bring cash because most vendors do not accept cards. If your feet get tired, there are massage stations set up directly on the street where you can get a 30-minute foot massage for 100 baht. Do it.
- Day/Time: Sunday, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Location: Tha Phae Gate down Ratchadamnoen Road
- Free to enter
7. Wat Chedi Luang and the Monk Chat, A Conversation I Will Not Forget
In downtown Chiang Mai, you cannot miss Wat Chedi Luang. It is the giant ruined pagoda from 1385 that sits like a broken giant in the middle of the temple grounds. The whole back half collapsed in an earthquake in 1545 and they never rebuilt it. I think that is what makes it powerful. It is not pretending to be perfect.
But what I really want to tell you about is the Monk Chat program here, which I consider one of the most unique things to do in Chiang Mai. On the north side of the temple grounds, there are tables set up under shaded trees. Young monks in orange robes sit there from 9 AM to 6 PM, every day. They want to practice English. You can sit down and talk to them about anything.
I once sat with a young monk named Phra Nong who was 22 years old. He had been a monk for three years. We talked about why he chose to ordain, what his daily routine is like (waking up at 4 AM, alms walk at 6 AM, meditation, study, more meditation), and what he thought about TikTok. He had heard of it from other tourists but is not allowed to use it.
I asked him what foreigners ask him most. He laughed and said, “They ask me if I am happy. I tell them yes, mostly. But also sometimes I miss my mother.”
That stayed with me.
Tip from a local:
Bring questions but also be ready to answer their questions. They are curious about your life. Wear modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees). Do not sit higher than the monk, do not touch them (especially if you are a woman). Donation to the temple is appreciated but not required for the chat.
- Hours: Daily 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry to Wat Chedi Luang: 50 baht for foreigners
- Best days: Saturday and Sunday mornings have the most monks available
- The chat is free
8. Bua Thong Sticky Waterfall, The Climbing Waterfall
This is one of my favorite Day Trips From Chiang Mai. The Bua Thong Sticky Waterfall is about an hour from Chiang Mai, and it is unlike any waterfall I have ever seen.
The limestone rocks are not slippery. They have a strange, sticky, grippy surface because of the minerals in the water. You can literally climb up the waterfall barefoot, with the water rushing around you. It feels like being Spider-Man.
I always climb all four tiers of the waterfall, which is 160 meters long total. At the top, there is a small pool where you can sit and just listen to the water. After that, I follow the short jungle trail to the Fountain of Seven Colors (Nam Phu Chet Si), a natural mineral geyser that bubbles up from the ground. It is small but magical.
I usually go on a weekday morning and there are maybe ten other people there. I have heard the weekends get busier, so go on a weekday if you can.
Tip from a local:
Climb barefoot for the best grip. Sandals slip. Bring a picnic. There are wooden benches and grassy spots near the waterfall. We Thais love to pack sticky rice, grilled chicken, and some som tam (papaya salad) and have lunch by the falls. There is a small café at the entrance if you forget.
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Entry: Free
- How to get there: Rent a scooter, hire a red truck for the day, or book a half-day tour
- What to bring: Swimwear, towel, change of clothes, picnic
9. Hmong Doi Pui Village, Coffee, Strawberries, and a Story
If you want unique things to do in Chiang Mai that take you outside the city, this Hmong hill tribe village is one of my favorites. After visiting Doi Suthep, you can continue up the mountain to Hmong Doi Pui Village, which sits even higher up.
Now, I want to be honest. Some hill tribe villages feel touristy and staged. But Doi Pui feels real to me. The Hmong families have been living here for generations. They used to grow opium long ago, but after King Rama IX visited in 1969, the Royal Project helped them switch to coffee, strawberries, lychees, and beautiful flowers.
The whole village is built on a steep hillside. I always buy freshly roasted Arabica coffee at the Hmong Doi Pui Family Coffee shop, which sits high above the village. The view from there, on a clear day, stretches all the way back to Chiang Mai city. I once sat with my coffee for nearly two hours just watching the clouds move over the mountains.
The village also has a small flower garden, a small waterfall, and a museum about Hmong culture. The kids playing in the village pool always wave at visitors. The grandmothers in traditional Hmong dress sit outside their homes hand-embroidering colorful fabric.
You can also rent traditional Hmong clothing for 50 baht and take photos. I have done it. I am not too proud.
Tip from a local:
The road up is narrow and steep. If you are nervous on a scooter, please take a red truck or join a tour. Buy something small from the local vendors. The strawberries are sweet and the woven bags are beautiful. This is their main income.
- Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry to village: Around 20 baht
- Best time: Morning for clearest mountain views
- Bring: Light jacket (it gets cool at 1,658m altitude)
10. Doi Inthanon and the Kew Mae Pan Trail, Walking Above the Clouds
This is one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai for nature lovers. Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand at 2,565 meters, about a two-hour drive from the city. Many tours take you to the King and Queen Pagodas at the top, which are beautiful, yes.
But what you really need to do is hike the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail.
The trail is only 2.8 kilometers, but it is one of the most beautiful walks of my life. You walk through a cloud forest where the trees are covered in moss and the air feels like cotton candy. Then suddenly, the trail opens up to a cliff with a panoramic view of mountain after mountain after mountain. On a clear morning, you can see a sea of clouds filling the valleys below your feet.
You need to hire a local Hmong guide (200 baht per group of up to 10 people). My guide one time spoke very limited English, but she pointed out wild orchids, rare birds, and a kind of tiny purple flower that only grows above 2,000 meters. We did not need many words.
Important: The Kew Mae Pan trail is closed from June to October during the rainy season. It opens November 1st. For the full picture of when to plan this hike, see my guide to the Best Time To Visit Chiang Mai.
Tip from a local:
Bring a jacket. Even in March, the temperature at the top can drop to 5°C. Wear proper hiking shoes, not sandals. Start your hike before 8 AM if you want to see the sea of clouds. By 10 AM the mist often burns off. Bring cash for the park entry, guide fee, and food.
- Park entry: 300 THB for foreigners
- Guide fee: 200 THB per group
- Trail open: November 1 to May 31
- Distance from Chiang Mai: About 2 hours by car
- What to bring: Jacket, hiking shoes, water, snacks, cash
11. Thapae Boxing Stadium, My Surprise Favorite Night Out
I am 60 years old. I never thought I would enjoy watching Muay Thai live. But my niece said, “Auntie, just try it.” So I went to the Thapae Boxing Stadium on a Friday night, and now I consider it one of the most exciting Chiang Mai activities for the evening.
The stadium is right next to Tha Phae Gate in downtown Chiang Mai, so very easy to find. It is not a huge fancy venue. It is small, intimate, a bit grungy in the best way. The matches start with traditional Wai Khru dances where the young fighters honor their teachers. Then the live music starts (the traditional sarama music with drums and oboes), and the matches begin.
Most of the fighters are young, between 15 and 25, from local Muay Thai gyms in the North. They are not professional champions. But the energy is electric. The local fans shout, bet small amounts of money on the rounds, eat sticky rice with grilled meat, drink Chang beer.
By the third match, I was on the edge of my seat. By the fifth match, I was shouting in Thai for my favorite fighter (the smaller one who looked like he had no chance, then suddenly knocked the other guy down with a beautiful spinning elbow). I left feeling like I had been to a community festival rather than just a sports event.
Tip from a local:
Choose ringside if you want the full experience. You can feel every punch. Stadium seats are cheaper and give you a better view of the whole ring. Tip the fighters 20 baht if you enjoyed their match. They appreciate it. Do not bet money on fights if you do not know what you are doing.
- Hours: Shows usually start at 9:00 PM, fights continue until midnight
- Tickets: 600 to 1,500 THB depending on seating
- Location: Next to Tha Phae Gate
- Best for: Couples, solo travelers, anyone who wants a real cultural night out
12. The Thai Massage I Recommend To Everyone
Listen, I am a Thai woman. I get Thai massages all the time. But the one I always recommend is the massage place that supports blind therapists. A traditional Thai massage is one of those classic Chiang Mai activities you have to experience at least once.
The blind massage therapists have an incredible sense of touch. Their hands know exactly where your tension is, where your old injuries are, where you have been carrying stress without even realizing it. I had a 1-hour Thai massage for 250 baht once, and I walked out feeling like a new person.
By choosing a blind massage center, you also help provide employment for people in our community who otherwise have very few opportunities. It is a good thing for everyone.
If you don’t go to a blind massage center, my second tip is to look for older female therapists. In our culture, the older grandmothers know the traditional techniques that have been passed down for generations. They might not have a fancy spa room, but their hands know things that no spa training course can teach.
Tip from a local:
Tell the therapist your pain level. They will adjust pressure. If something hurts in a bad way (not the good “ouch this is releasing tension” way), say “jep” (เจ็บ, which means it hurts). They will go gentler. Tip 20 to 50 baht if you enjoyed the massage.
- Foot massage price: 200 to 300 THB per hour
- Full body Thai massage: 300 to 500 THB per hour
- Oil massage: 400 to 600 THB per hour
13. Yi Peng Lantern Festival, If You Can Time Your Trip Right
If you can plan your trip to coincide with Yi Peng, do it. It is one of the most magical Chiang Mai tourist attractions you will ever witness. I have lived through 60 of these festivals and I still cry every time.
Thousands of khom loi (sky lanterns) are released into the night sky during the full moon of the 12th lunar month. People believe each lantern carries away your bad luck and bad memories from the past year. The whole sky becomes a slow-moving river of golden lights. It is what inspired the lantern scene in the Disney movie Tangled.
The festival also includes Loy Krathong, where people float small decorated baskets with candles down the river. The river becomes another sky of lights.
Important note: Free public lantern releases have been banned since 2015 for safety reasons. The only legal places to release a lantern are organized events at Mae Jo University or CAD Cultural Center. Book your tickets months in advance because they sell out fast.
- 2026 dates: Around early November (full moon of 12th lunar month)
- Booking required for organized events
- Hotel rooms book up fast, so book early
14. Chiang Mai’s Grand Canyon, A Hot Day Solution
For travelers looking for fun things to do in Chiang Mai during the hot season (March to May), the Grand Canyon Chiang Mai (also called Hang Dong Quarry) is the answer to your prayers. It is an old quarry that filled up with water, now a water park where the water is 40 meters deep in places.
You can jump off cliffs (with life jackets, mandatory), float around on inflatable obstacles, ride zip-lines into the water, and just generally cool off. The water is bright turquoise and surprisingly cold.
I went on a Tuesday afternoon once and had a wonderful time. I am not 25 anymore so I did not jump off the 10-meter cliff. I floated around with my life jacket, ate Thai BBQ at the small restaurant nearby, and made friends with a family from Spain.
Tip from a local:
You can pay for entry only (300 baht) or pay for the full water park access (750 to 1,000 baht). The full access is worth it for the obstacles and slides. Bring a waterproof phone pouch if you want photos. Sunscreen is critical because the water reflects the sun.
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry: 300 THB (basic), 750 to 1,000 THB (full park access)
- Distance from Chiang Mai: 45 minutes by car
- What to bring: Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, change of clothes
15. Warorot Market (Kad Luang), Where The Locals Actually Shop
I want to end this list with a place that tourists often miss but where I, and most Chiang Mai locals, actually do our shopping. Warorot Market, also called Kad Luang, is a giant indoor market north of downtown Chiang Mai. It is open every day from morning until around 5 PM.
This is where you buy:
- Dried fruits and Thai snacks to take home
- Real Northern Thai sausage (Sai Oua) at half the price of tourist areas
- Fresh flowers (the flower market section is gorgeous in the morning)
- Cheap but high-quality clothing
- Authentic Lanna handicrafts
- Spices and curry pastes (much cheaper than the Old City)
Last time I went, I bought 1 kilogram of dried mango, three different curry pastes, a bag of Thai chili powder, and a hand-embroidered Hmong wallet for my niece. I spent maybe 600 baht total. The same things in the Old City night market would have cost 1,500.
Tip from a local:
Come in the morning (around 9 to 11 AM) for the freshest flowers and produce. The flower market alone is worth the visit. The smell of fresh jasmine garlands is unforgettable. Bargain politely. Start at 70% of the asking price and meet in the middle.
- Hours: 4:00 AM to 6:00 PM (different sections have different hours)
- Best time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Location: Off the eastern side of the Old City, near the Ping River
- Bring: Cash, a reusable bag
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Whenever friends ask me where to stay in Chiang Mai city, here is what I recommend:
Inside the Old City (best for first-time visitors):
Pastell Oldtown is a boutique hotel that blends traditional Lanna style with soft pastel colors. Walking distance to Wat Phra Singh and the Sunday Walking Street.
Between Old City and Nimman (best for foodies):
The Earth Creative Lifestyle Hotel is stylish, warm, and conveniently located so you can hop between the Old City temples and the trendy Nimman cafes.
For groups or families (best value):
Any Day House is a modern house just 1 km from the city moat, in the foodie neighborhood of Santitham.
Getting Around Chiang Mai City
I use a mix of transport whenever I go around the city. Here is what works:
- Red Trucks (Songthaews): Best for short trips and local experiences. Always agree on the price before you get in. Usually 30 to 60 baht per trip within the city.
- Grab: Best for convenience and air conditioning. Fixed price on the app. No haggling. Drivers know the shortcuts.
- Blue RTC Buses: Modern, clean, fixed price (20 baht). Use the ViaBus app to track them. Best for solo travelers on a budget.
- Scooter rental: Best for total freedom. Around 200 to 300 baht per day. Only rent if you have experience riding. The mountain roads are winding.
- Bicycle: Best for exploring the Old City flat areas. Around 50 to 100 baht per day.
My Honest Final Thoughts on Things To Do In Chiang Mai
I have lived in Chiang Mai my whole life. I thought I knew everything about this city. But visiting these places again and again over the years has reminded me that there is always something new to see, even in the place you call home.
If you are planning your trip and wondering what to do in Chiang Mai, I hope this honest review helps you. Do not try to do everything in one trip. Pick the things that genuinely interest you. Walk slowly. Eat slowly. Talk to the locals.
And whatever you do, please come hungry. We have so much food to feed you.
If you would like to join one of my classes during your visit, our Cooking Class Chiang Mai runs every morning and afternoon. I personally believe that cooking together is the best way to truly understand a culture.
Thank you for reading. I hope you fall in love with Chiang Mai like I have, all over again.
Mama Noi 🌸
Contact Us:
- 📞 Tel: +66 83-641-6464
- 📧 Email: [email protected]
- 🌐 Website: https://www.mamanoicookingschool.com/
- 📘 Facebook: Mama Noi Thai Cookery School
- 📷 Instagram: @mamanoithaicookeryschool.th
- 🚛 Free pickup within 5km of Chiang Mai Old City
Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Chiang Mai
How much should I budget per day in Chiang Mai?
- Backpacker: 800 to 1,200 THB per day (hostel, street food, public transport)
- Mid-range: 2,000 to 3,500 THB per day (boutique hotel, mix of restaurants, some tours)
- Comfort: 4,000 to 7,000 THB plus per day (4-star hotel, nice restaurants, private tours)
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?
The Best Time To Visit Chiang Mai is during the cool and dry season, which generally runs from November to February. This period offers the most comfortable temperatures (ranging from 15°C to 28°C). November is particularly popular as it often hosts the magical Yi Peng festivals.
What are Chiang Mai’s food recommendations?
The signature local dish is Khao Soi, a rich and creamy Northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup. You should also try other Northern specialties like Sai Oua (northern Thai sausage), Laab (spicy minced meat salad), and Nám prík nùm (green chili dip).
Are Chiang Mai’s foods spicy?
Thai food famously balances four main flavors: sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. While many dishes contain chili (like the spicy Nám prík nùm green chili dip), if you take a Cooking Class Chiang Mai, instructors allow you to adjust the spice levels for your own dishes.
