A dream destination for numerous travelers, Chiang Mai not only offers delicious food but also experiences galore. Located in the north of Thailand, the city is home to numerous attractions, which is why there is an endless list of things to do in Chiang Mai. And believe us, each one of them is absolutely unique and soul-satisfying. So, don’t think much and take a look at these 10 best experiences that you must tick off your bucket list.
10 Experiences In Chiang Mai For A Blissful Sojourn
While there are a lot of things to do in the city of Chiang Mai, here are the 10 best ones that’ll add stars to your holiday experience in Thailand. Take a look!
1. Take a tour of the Umbrella Factory
A bare bones production factory is the basic introduction about the Bo Sang Handicraft Centre Umbrella Factory, which is located at the Southeast of Chiang Mai, about 8 km away. You will find workers scattered all over the place, making different parts of the umbrella from scratch. Even the paper used for making the umbrellas is created on the premises and every woman meticulously applies it to complete the umbrella. Your list of things to do in Chiang Mai will always stay incomplete without a visit to this factory.
Location: Bo Sang, Bo Sang, San Kamphaeng, Thailand
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2. Bathe an elephant
The majestic creatures await your loving touch and care at the Elephant Nature Park. It is a rehabilitation and rescue camp for elephants, where the visitors are given elephant education and are allowed to feed as well as bathe the royal animal. This is definitely amongst the top things to do in Chiang Mai. Just an hour from the city center of Chiang Mai, you can reach the park by availing a pickup service from the hotel.
Location: 209/2 Sridom Chai Road, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
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3. Get the best Thai massage
Not indulging in a Thai massage when you are visiting Thailand can be definitely considered a sin. There is no way you can leave Thailand after a vacation and say that you didn’t even get a Thai massage. So, do head over to the Fah Lanna Spa and enjoy their slightly expensive, yet definitely worth the money, Thai massage for an hour. Also, if you’re still wondering what to do in Chiang Mai in 3 days, just add this one on the top of your list!
Location: Fah Lanna Spa | Wiang Kaew, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District
Price: 400 Baht
4. Enjoy some action at the Muay Thai Boxing Match
Image Credit: Eric Langley for wikipedia
The national sport in Thailand is the Muay Thai or Thai Boxing. It is considered among one of the hardest forms of martial arts and watching it is also among the most popular things to do in Chiang Mai at night. While walking through the city centre at night, you will definitely hear people yelling ‘Thai boxing tonight’ and handing out flyers.
Location: Thapae Boxing Stadium, Kawila Boxing Stadium
Price: 400 to 600 Baht
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5. Try some insect snacking
Image Credit: Takoradee for wikipedia
Maybe you cannot enjoy insects on the dinner table, but in the traditional way at a typical Thai home, you can still have them on your bucket list. Chiang Mai, you can sure tick it off too! If the question is what to do in Chiang Mai and you’re looking for a unique answer, well, try some insects for snacks at the Sunday Night Market. There you can easily spot at least one booth entirely dedicated to bugs that are edible. In fact, you will have a difficult time choosing with all the different varieties in front of you, ranging from wriggling beetles to mealworms, and cicada to crickets.
Location: ambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
6. Indulge in a foot spa
Image Credit: andreas160578 for Pixabay
The Women’s Correctional Institution has made a home in Chiang Mai where a massage rehabilitation program has been set up by the concerned authorities, with the cooperation of the prison inmates. This helps the prisoners to easily integrate into the society. They are really high in demand and you may have to wait for about an hour before you get your turn. It is amongst the most popular Chiang Mai activities, and hence, there is always a crowd.
Location: 142 Chotana Rd, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
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7. Eat a hundred-year-old egg
Definitely, eating a century old egg must feature in your list of top 10 things to do in Chiang Mai. The century egg is an Asian Tradition, wherein the egg is preserved for several months or weeks, with a combination of rice hulls, quicklime, salt, ash, and clay. You can easily find these in any of the food markets. Though it tastes like a warm, hard-boiled egg, it has a slimy, green moldy color, and smells like ammonia.
8. Have a ‘Monk Chat’
Image Credit: Schwarzenarzisse for Pixabay
While you explore the amazing temples that Chiang Mai has, you have a unique opportunity to experience one of the best, yet free things to do in Chiang Mai. A ‘Monk Chat’ program is run at a few temples in the city, where curious visitors are allowed to speak to the monks about any and every aspect of their lives. It is one of the best opportunities to get an insight into their beliefs and lifestyle.
Location: Wat Chedi Luang | 103 Road King Prajadhipok Phra Singh, Muang District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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9. Go for a Thai cooking class with your partner
Amongst the romantic things to do in Chiang Mai, taking a Thai cooking class with your partner is one thing you shouldn’t miss. From Som Tum to Red Curry and the Pad Thai, at least a dozen cooking schools in Chiang Mai offer classes for individuals as well as couples. You can also try the Thai Orchid Cookery, which has really great reviews.
Location: Thai Orchid Cookery | 1/1 Soi 8 Prapokklao Road Prasing, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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10. Taste some thrill with the Flight of the Gibbon
The Flight of the Gibbon has become widely popular among tourists as one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai. It started its operations in Laos but has now extended even to the jungles of Chonburi. The adventure takes you deep into the wild jungles of the Chompoo Wildlife Sanctuary via a series of zip lines. Trained guides ensure that the safety standards are maintained at all times. You also get a chance of spotting hornbills, barking deer, macaques, and the wild boar!
Location: Near the serene Jae Zorn National Park
Price: 4000 Baht
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These are some of the most enjoyable experiences in Chiang Mai that can really add stars to your Thailand holiday experience. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Thailand with TravelTriangle and head out for an impeccable vacation with your loved ones right away!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Chiang Mai
Is Chiang Mai a safe destination to travel to?
Yes, absolutely! Chiang Mai is a safe place to travel to and explore. You will find a relaxed environment and a chilled out vibe there. Thailand, in general, tends to be safe for tourists.
What can I do in Chiang Mai?
There are many amazing things to do in Chiang Mai that will keep you interested. Some of the best ones are bathing an elephant, watching a Muay Thai Boxing Match, taking a foot spa, and chatting with a monk.
Is Chiang Mai worth visiting?
Yes, Chiang Mai is totally worth visiting. Chiang Mai is home to many beautiful beaches and majestic palaces. If you visit Thailand, you must visit Chiang Mai to get in touch with the culture.
What is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is from October to April as the weather is cool during this time and a light breeze in the surrounding enhances your experience. You can also visit the destination around festivals to get those celebratory vibes.
What is Chiang Mai known for?
Chiang Mai is known for its historical temples, golden beaches, majestic palaces and beautiful landscapes that the city offers.
What are the famous shopping places in Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Not Sang Village, Riverside Boutique shops, Warorot Market and Chiang Mai Walking Street are some of the places where you can shop in Chiang Mai.
Is Chiang Mai safe for female solo travelers?
Yes, Chiang Mai is a safe place to visit for female solo travelers, in fact, it is one of the safest places in Thailand.
Can I drink tap water in Chiang Mai?
No, you should not drink tap water in Chiang Mai. Even the locals don’t drink tap water so it’s better to buy a packaged bottle of water.
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