CHIANG MAI & NORTHERN THAILAND
What to Do in Chiang Mai: The Complete Guide
Wild rapids, off-road jungle trails, golden temples and legendary street food — your insider’s guide to the very best of the Rose of the North.
YOUR LOCAL GUIDE
Welcome to Chiang Mai
Looking for what to do in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand? From whitewater rafting and ATV safaris to ancient temples, night markets and Michelin-listed restaurants, there is an endless list of brilliant attractions in this city. Our list covers our favourite activities, from outdoor adventures to temples, food spots for all occasions, and nightlife.
Our recommendations are what we believe to be the best venues and operators in Northern Thailand, and none of them are paid recommendations. Please do let us know if you feel something is missing and we will be sure to go and check it out.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Your Chiang Mai Quick Guide
8ADVENTURES SIGNATURE TRIPS
Adventure Day Trips with 8Adventures
Chiang Mai is a haven for a huge array of outdoor and adventure activities, for sports enthusiasts and families alike. It is home to arguably the best whitewater in Thailand. That might not be the first thing people think of when planning what to do in Chiang Mai, but it is a top choice and a much-loved activity by all.
Our base camp is at Kaeng Kuet in Mae Taeng, about 55 km from the city (1 to 1.5 hours by road); see our maps and directions page for how to get there.
★ OUR BEST SELLER
Whitewater Rafting
Paddle thrilling rapids through lush jungle with expert river guides. Choose the full 10 km run (ages 15+) or the shorter 8 km run, perfect for families with children aged 7+.
From 2,500 THB per person
🔥 MOST POPULAR
ATV Off-Road Safaris
A 3-hour safari on off-road jungle trails for anyone who wants mud and speed. Drivers must be 15+, and passengers aged 7 to 14 can ride along.
3,500 THB per person
Jungle Trekking
A 3-hour, 3.2 km round-trip trek to a 10 m waterfall. Great for nature lovers and families. 2,000 THB.
Inflatable Kayaking (IK10)
About 7 hours on the river, with Class IV rapids from March to May. Built for experienced paddlers. 3,000 THB.
Combination Trips
Only have one free day? ATV + Rafting packs both into a full day for 5,900 THB, or try Trek + Rafting.
When to Go
Rafting is best from July to February. From March to May, IK10 offers Class IV rapids. That gives 8Adventures a water trip for almost every month of the year.
Not Sure Which to Pick?
- Travelling with children aged 7 or over: the 8 km raft
- Want the full river: the 10 km raft
- Only have one day: ATV + Rafting
- Want a night in a village: the 2-day stay
To book, call +66 8 9000 7728 or use our reservations page.
WATS, HISTORY & CULTURE
Temples and the Old City
There are 31 temples inside the 1.5 km square of Historic Chiang Mai, so you can see a lot on foot. If you only have time for a few, start with these. Fees for foreign visitors are approximate and can change, so check at the gate.
| Temple | Known for | Entry fee (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Wat Phra That Doi Suthep | Gold chedi dated 1383 on a 1,073 m hill, a 309-step naga staircase and city views. A cable car runs for 30 THB. | About 30 |
| Wat Phra Singh | 14th-century murals in Viharn Lai Kham; hosts the Songkran procession | Free or a small fee |
| Wat Chedi Luang | Built in 1391; the 60 m chedi was partly toppled by an earthquake in 1545. Home to the city pillar shrine | 50 |
| Wat Phan Tao | An all-teak viharn with peacock door reliefs, right next to Wat Chedi Luang | Free |
| Wat Suan Dok | White royal chedis and a huge open-sided viharn; Monk Chat Mon, Wed and Fri 5 to 7 pm | Free |
| Wat Umong | Founded in 1297, with brick meditation tunnels in a forest setting | Free (20 donation suggested) |
| Wat Sri Suphan, the “Silver Temple” | A silver-clad ubosot in the Wua Lai silver village; women are not allowed in the inner hall | Free by day, 50 after dark |
Further Afield
Wat Phra That Doi Kham has a 17 m seated Buddha and is quieter than Doi Suthep, and Wat Phra That Hariphunchai in Lamphun, 26 km south, is an 11th-century Mon-period chedi that is older than Chiang Mai itself.
Temple Etiquette
Cover your shoulders and knees at every wat and take your shoes off before entering a viharn. Sarongs can be rented at Wat Phra Singh for 50 THB. Women should not touch monks. Be respectful, keep your voice down, and enjoy it; it is one of the highlights of any visit.
A Walk Worth Doing
Link Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phan Tao on foot for a relaxed half day inside the old city moat. For something more active, the Monk’s Trail hike from Wat Pha Lat up to Doi Suthep is sold as a guided half-day tour.
GET OUT OF TOWN
Nature, Day Trips and Outdoor Activities
Most of the region’s best nature sits one to three hours out of the city, in the same northern direction as the 8Adventures base camp. Pick a day by drive time.
| Place | Drive from the city | Fee (THB) | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mae Sa Valley: waterfall and Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden | 30 to 40 minutes | Waterfall 100 | A 10-level waterfall, a garden you can drive through, mountain viewpoints and cafes |
| Bua Thong “Sticky” Waterfalls | About 1 hour | Free | Climbable limestone falls; open 8 am to 5 pm; best from November to April |
| Chiang Dao Cave and Doi Luang Chiang Dao | About 1.5 hours | Cave 40; lantern guide about 200 per group | A limestone cave with Buddha statues, and Thailand’s third-highest peak |
| Doi Inthanon National Park | 1.5 hours to the entrance, 2 hours to the summit | Adult 300 (foreigner), child 150 | Thailand’s highest point at 2,565 m, waterfalls and twin pagodas |
| Chiang Rai temples (White Temple, Blue Temple) | About 3 hours | Varies | Wat Rong Khun and Wat Rong Suea Ten; best as a guided long day |
Doi Inthanon Tips
The park is open 5 am to 6 pm. Temperatures range between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius, so bring a layer. The 2.8 km Kew Mae Pan trail is open from November to April, and some sights charge extra (Mae Ya Waterfall is 200 THB without a park ticket).
Ziplines
Flight of the Gibbon is the best-known zipline operator and sells 1-day and 2-day packages.
Go Rock Climbing
Chiang Mai has some of the best rock climbing in Northern Thailand and it definitely has the best access to climbing. Crazy Horse Buttress is a managed climbing area overseen by Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures (CMRCA) and is just 40 minutes from town. You can go with a guide or rent gear.
RECOMMENDED
Mountain Biking
Chiang Mai is a hotspot for mountain biking. The road to Doi Suthep is a paradise for downhill riders: people take red trucks up the paved road to the temple, then dip off the hill onto some serious single track back down into town. Or go on some more cruisy rides with one of the mountain bike tour companies in town.
TRADE THE PADDLE FOR FOUR WHEELS
Craving More Adrenaline? Go Off-Road on an ATV!
- 4×4 off-road jungle trails & river crossings
- Ride through authentic local Thai villages
- Beginner friendly — full instruction & training course
- DOT & CE rated helmets and body armor
ETHICAL ENCOUNTERS
Experience the Elephants
Elephants are an incredible animal: huge yet gentle, clever and majestic. Ultimately they are wild animals and ideally should be left to their own devices in their own habitat. Unfortunately, Thailand’s development, the history surrounding elephants and the lack of national parks do not allow for this. If you want to see elephants, choose a sanctuary where there is no riding and no chains.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
Elephant Nature Park in Mae Taeng, about 60 km north of the city. Other no-riding sanctuaries include Sai Nyam Elephant Care Center in Mae Wang (about 70 km west) and Elephant Highlands in the Pai area (about 175 km).
What to Expect
Visits involve observing herds from a distance, preparing fruit and rice balls, and supervised feeding from platforms. Guide prices for 2026 run roughly 1,800 to 2,500 THB for a half day and 2,500 to 3,500 THB for a full day, with children usually half price. Book 4 to 6 weeks ahead from November to February.
Red Flags
Skip any operator that offers riding, painting, soccer or circus shows, forced bathing, or uses bullhooks. A package that mixes these is an entertainment camp, not a sanctuary.
Other Wildlife
The Chiang Mai Night Safari is open after dark and works as an evening plan. Doi Inthanon and Chiang Dao are also good for birdwatching.
SHOP LIKE A LOCAL
Shop the Night Markets
There are so many places and so much choice for shopping in Chiang Mai. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, some places are worth visiting just for the experience.
The Sunday Night Market (Sunday Walking Street) is a must. If you’re not in Chiang Mai on a Sunday, the Saturday Night Market is great too; they are on different streets, but very near each other. There is also an every-night market, the Night Bazaar, which is okay if you can’t make the weekend, but the weekend markets are better.
Warorot Market and Chinatown are fun to explore just to experience a local working Thai market.
| Market | When | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday Walking Street | Sun 4 to 10 pm | Ratchadamnoen Road, Old City | Handicrafts, hill-tribe textiles, street snacks. Arrive 4 to 5 pm to beat the crowds |
| Wua Lai Walking Street (Saturday Night Market) | Sat 4 to 10 pm | Wua Lai Road, south of the moat | Silver jewellery, indigo clothing, soaps |
| Warorot Market (Kad Luang) | Daily 6 am to 6 pm | Chang Moi and Wichayanon Roads | Fresh produce, fabric, northern snacks. Go early |
| Night Bazaar | Most nights 5 to 11 pm | Chang Khlan Road | Souvenirs and tailoring; haggle politely |
| Jing Jai Market | Weekends 8 am to 8 pm | Atsadathon Road | Organic produce, coffee, vintage finds |
| Kad Na Mor | Nightly 5 to 10 pm | Huay Kaew Road, by Chiang Mai University | Cheap street food, student crowd |
Hours come from Time Out Chiang Mai and can change.
HUNGRY YET?
What to do in Chiang Mai – Eat, Eat and Eat!
Food
From Street food to some of the best rated restaurants in the world. From local Northern Thai food to some of the most delicious burgers and pastas out there. Whilst you’re here in Chiang Mai be sure to try as many as the local, foreign and fusion delicacies available!
Breakfast!
Cafe Oasis & Toby’s Pizza: Coffee, western food and homemade pizza make this cafe a great spot in the Chiang Kian district
Food4Thought
Another breakfast favourite, Food4Thought never ceases to please. Although slightly out of the way, their enormous omelettes, creative wraps and paninis as well as their super healthy smoothies Food4Thought totally makes the trip worth it!
Thai
Khao Soi Nimman Soi 7
If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s a must! Khao Soi is a traditional northern noodle soup with a delicious coconut-based broth. This is a local favourite situated in the popular area of Nimman – open between 11am and 8pm, this restaurant is best visited for a late lunch.
Ginger & Kafe
This is a personal favourite in Chiang Mai and is my favourite high-end Thai choice in town. Ginger successfully manages to combine the delicacies of Thai flavours with a western finish making it truly palatable and enjoyable for all.
North Gate Food Market
If you’re looking for street food, look no further. Highly recommended is the authentic Pad Thai. Come here to find some delicious local food at the very lowest prices you’ll ever see.
Tong Tem Toh
Packed with young Thai people. Tong Tem Toh is always extremely busy but the wait is always worth it! The menu isn’t in English so ordering sometimes is tricky. The food however you are unlikely to find anywhere else in the world! Real local northern Thai food.
Huen Muan Jai
Similar to Tong Tem Toh, Huen Muan Jai is an excellent choice for authentic and unique Thai food seldom found outside of this area. Less busy and their menu is in English – come here if you’re looking for something slightly less adventurous but equally delicious. Huen Muan Jai is also slightly more ‘up market’ than Tong Tem Toh.
Italian
Casa Antonio
Located not too far from the Night Market Antonio’s does some of the best Italian in town. Their Pizzas, Pastas, Starters and Wine List is all brilliant. Very reasonably priced for the quality of food and is our favourite all round Italian in Chiang Mai.
Why Not?
Following closely Why Not? is also up there! Located in the heart of Nimman Why Not? has a highly recommendable selection of cheeses, wines and their open wood oven baked pizzas are delicious.
Mexican
Miguels Mexican
Wet Burritos and Margaritas! Miguel’s located a few hundred meters North of Tha Phae Gate is amongst the best Mexican restaurants in Chiang Mai!
Salsa Kitchen
Enchiladas and Nachos – Salsa conveniently has a few branches to choose from and also has amazingly authentic Mexican food in the city.
Japanese
Sushi Umai
Centrally located on Nimman, Sushi Umai is the best affordable Sushi in town.
Miyazaki
Hidden away in CentralFestival, this Japanese is easily some of the most delicious in Thailand. Slightly more expensive than others but certainly worth it!
Vegetarian
Dada Kafe
Yummy and reasonably priced Vegetarian food in the heart of the Old City of Chiang Mai!
Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant
Easily the best Vegetarian food in Chiang Mai – worth a visit even for non-veggies too!
Burgers
Beast Burger
My personal favourite Burger joint in Chiang Mai. The blue cheese burger comes highly recommended!
Rock me Burger
Another very good option for the meat lovers of Chiang Mai. Rock Me Burger also has a few locations to choose from which is helpful!
AFTER DARK
What to do in Chiang Mai at Night – Drinks and Nightlife
UN Irish Pub
This is a decent sports Bar with multiple channels to watch which ever game you’re interested in. A haven for expats in Chiang Mai this Bar has a selection of international draft beers and a fresh bakery too. The UN Irish Pub is rich in history and is very comfortable.
ZOE in Yellow
Zoe in Yellow is a very popular bar-come-nightclub in the heart of the old city. On a Friday and Saturday night Zoe’s will be packed with young Thais and backpackers alike. They boast a large outside seating area as well as multiple bars and dance floors depending on your preference in music.
Beer Lab
Beer Lab located on Nimman has by far the best selection of international beers in the city. These beers do however come at a premium price. Beer Lab is often busy with affluent Thais.
Riverside Restaurant
Riverside is a very friendly, affordable and good fun restaurant-come-bar. The food is traditional Thai and delicious. In the evenings a live band performs a mixture of Thai and Western hits. Drinks are well priced and the view across the river is brilliant.
North Gate Jazz Club
The Jazz Club in Chiang Mai is extremely popular. Live music and cheap drinks brings locals and tourists to this bar every night. Be sure to get there early if you’re hoping to find a seat!
Big Day Tomorrow?
Rest up after a night out — then hit the river or the trails with 8Adventures.
EXPLORE THE CITY
Inside the City: Cycling, Cooking, Art and Rainy-Day Ideas
Cycle around the Old City
Hands down a brilliant way to see the sights of Chiang Mai. Receive a guided tour of some of the city’s most famous temples and be introduced to local culture and foods. Cycling around the old city on a guided tour is surprisingly relaxing, easy and cooling, especially when compared to walking.
This is the most highly recommended tour to take part in within the city of Chiang Mai itself.
Go to a Cooking Class
Suitable for absolutely everyone, especially those who don’t think they can cook. A cooking class while you’re in Chiang Mai is a must. Learn the simplicity of Thai cooking and what is involved in creating such mouthwatering masterpieces. The top-rated cooking classes in Chiang Mai are completely beginner friendly, family friendly and heaps of fun, all topped off by the opportunity to eat everything you create.
A half-day class costs about 800 to 1,500 THB and a full day about 1,500 to 2,500 THB, usually with a market tour. Farm-based classes cost about 1,500 to 2,000 THB.
ONE WE RECOMMEND
Practice Your Rock Climbing
A great attraction inside the city is to go to one of the local artificial rock climbing walls, practise your climbing skills and get a workout. There are two climbing walls.
One is at Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures, a bouldering wall along with a great outdoor store and chill seating area. The other is No Gravity, a bigger facility with full indoor routes and packages where one of their staff can belay you if you are travelling solo.
Get Lost!
Getting lost is fun and it’s a part of what travelling to new places is all about. Getting off the beaten track is where you are going to meet and do some of the most memorable things on your holiday.
Thailand, and Chiang Mai especially, are incredibly safe places as long as you keep your wits about you. Don’t be afraid or shy to ask for help if you need it, as Thais are some of the friendliest, most welcoming and most helpful people out there.
Go for a massage, chat with a monk, or just chill at a cafe watching the world go by for a few hours.
Art and Creative Spots
- MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum. A mirror-tiled museum in a converted 3,000 sq m warehouse, holding Thai and regional contemporary art. Check current admission and opening hours before you go.
- Baan Kang Wat. An artists’ village on Soi Wat Umong, open Tuesday to Sunday 11 am to 6 pm, with a market on Sunday morning. It pairs well with Wat Umong.
- Gallery nights. The annual late-night gallery crawl returned in 2026 with 16 spaces open until 10 pm over two evenings.
CAN’T CHOOSE JUST ONE?
Raft, Ride & Trek — All in One Unforgettable Day
Our combination trips pair whitewater rafting with ATV riding or jungle trekking, so you can pack Northern Thailand’s best adventures into a single trip.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Festivals and Events
| Event | Date | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Yi Peng and Loy Krathong | 24 to 25 November 2026, main night 25 November (full moon) | Lanna lantern festival and the floating-krathong festival run side by side. Temples across the Old City hold free ceremonies and parades. |
| Chiang Mai Flower Festival | 5 to 7 February 2027 | Held at Nong Buak Haad Park, at the south-west corner of the Old City moat. 2027 is its 50th year. |
| Songkran (Thai New Year) | 13 to 15 April 2027, with citywide events 6 to 17 April | The famous water festival. Expect crowds and some closures. |
Lanterns
Rules around sky lanterns are strict. Release them only at an authorised venue, and check the Tourism Authority of Thailand programme for this year’s official events. Ticketed mass releases outside the city are priced in the hundreds of US dollars, and are not needed to enjoy the festival. The free ceremonies in the Old City are the best way to experience it.
Visiting During a Festival?
The city roughly doubles in size, so book hotels well in advance, and plan your rafting or ATV day on a non-festival day.
BEFORE YOU GO
When to Go and Getting Around
| Period | Conditions | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| November to early February | Cooler, little smoke; peak tourist season | Temples, markets, trekking, Kew Mae Pan trail, rafting |
| February to April | Burning season; March is worst | Indoor and cultural plans; IK10 with us (Class IV from March to May) |
| May to October | Rainy season; better air quality | Rafting (best July to February), cooking classes, quieter crowds |
In burning season, check the air quality index daily and wear an N95 mask outdoors. Travelling in an enclosed vehicle helps more than an open tuk-tuk. We also have a guide to outdoor activities in the rainy season and a rafting guide.
Getting To & From Chiang Mai
We always recommend flying. If your flight from abroad arrives in Bangkok, the easiest and cheapest way is to fly on to Chiang Mai, which only takes 1 hour. Please note that some domestic airlines leave from a different Bangkok airport to your arrival, so check carefully.
Getting Around
Chiang Mai airport is only 4 km from the Old City. A Grab costs about 80 to 180 THB, a licensed taxi 150 to 200 THB, and the city bus 30 THB. Around town, a red songthaew costs about 30 to 50 THB per person, a tuk-tuk 80 to 150 THB, and a rented scooter 150 to 300 THB a day. For our adventure trips, see our maps and directions page.
Passport and Photos
When travelling to Thailand, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the end of your trip. It is also a good idea to take some extra passport photos and photocopies of your passport. This will save you trying to find a scanner and a printer in a pinch.
Entry rules change often, including visa-free stay length and the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, so check the official immigration sites before you travel.
Thailand’s Cultural Do’s & Don’ts
Thai people are very friendly and fun. Please be respectful of local customs, remove your shoes when entering someone’s house, avoid situations of conflict and keep calm at all times, and learn some basic Thai (Hello: Sawadee krup / ka. Thank you: Khop khun krup / ka).
WEEKEND PLANS
Chiang Mai Weekend Itineraries with 8Adventures
These are starting plans. Mix and match, and call us if you want a trip built around your dates.
2 DAYS
Family Getaway
- Day 1: Walk the Old City temples, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phan Tao, then a cooking class in the afternoon. If it is a Sunday, finish at the Sunday Walking Street.
- Day 2: Whitewater rafting 8 km (ages 7+), or the jungle trek to a 10 m waterfall.
2 DAYS
Couples Getaway
- Day 1: Doi Suthep and the view over the city, then dinner at Riverside with live music and the river view.
- Day 2: ATV + Rafting for a full day of adventure, then a drink at the North Gate Jazz Club.
2 DAYS
Singles Getaway
Travelling solo can be the best way to explore a new country or city, giving you the ultimate freedom. If you like a little adventure, check out this recommended weekend getaway with 8Adventures.
- Day 1: A morning cooking class, an afternoon at the Night Bazaar or the Saturday or Sunday market, and a night out at ZOE in Yellow.
- Day 2: Whitewater rafting 10 km, then an easy evening back in the Old City.
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
Ready to Book?
Call +66 8 9000 7728 or visit our reservations page. You can also reach us on Facebook or Instagram.
CONTACT INFO
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