Things To Do In Chiang Mai

Here are the top things to do in Chiang Mai that you must not simply scroll through but actually do them -

Head out to Doi Suthep - certainly the most popular destination in Chiang Mai, every Chiang Mai tour is incomplete with a visit here. Doi Suthep to Chiang Mai is just like Big Ben to London. Located 12km away from the city of Chiang Mai, the place overlooks the whole city from the mountain top. Check out the 13th century temple and the huge elephant shrine seated here.

Elephant Nature Park visit - There is only one sanctuary in the whole of Chiang Mai which is committed to the rehabilitation of elephants as it is seen that Thailand has an infamous history of animal abuse. This park acts as a safeguard centre for those elephants which have been abused by the tourism industry in the past. During your visit here, you can either just watch the elephants strolling in their natural habitat or help volunteer the sanctuary administration. Most importantly, do not expect to experience an elephant ride here.

Take delight in attractive cafe scenes - Chiang Mai is one of those few places in Thailand which offers one-of-a-kind coffee hopping experience. You can visit the quirky cafes for your morning breakfast or just drop in late evening for a decaf after your day tour. Some of the best cafes around Chiang Mai are Bird’s Nest Cafe and Good Morning Chiang Mai. Although it does not sound that exciting, yet it is one of the coolest things you will love to do in Chiang Mai.

Go bonkers at the Nimmanhaemin Road - the hub of posh bars and fancy restaurants, Nimmanhaemin Road is definitely the most vibrant place in Chiang Mai. Perfect spot for a casual hangout or weekend cocktails, you will enjoy a lively experience here. There are a few upscale bars and a shopping mall at the main road where you can enjoy movies, drinks and fine food.

Eat Khao Soi - Khao Sai is a curry flavoured soup infused with coconut milk and garnished with yellow egg noodles and chicken. Deep-fried egg noodles is also served on top of it. The real flavour of the soup is beyond the regular Thai soup served in India. Once you are in Chiang Mai, definitely try this dish out. Add some pickles and chopped garnishings for a hot flavour. Do not forget to relish this delicious dish when trying out the local dishes of Thailand.

Boat ride to the Mae Ping River - take a joyful and exciting boat trip along the Mae Ping river. If you have nothing much to do during the afternoon hours, head out to the Mae Ping river and hop on a boat. Watch some of the most mesmerising scenes as you pass by villages that have teak houses. Relax during the entire ride or take an opportunity to stop by the farms and watch how the jasmine rice is produced.

Trek through the hills enveloped by the mountains - Chiang Mai is undoubtedly a beautiful city in Thailand. With an infinite number of options available for tourists, trekking is definitely one of the best things to do in Chiang mai. When you are tired of visiting the temples, head out on a trek to any of the valleys here. On your way, you will find captivating vistas of waterfalls and valleys on either side. Also, you will get a chance to mingle with the local hill tribes here.

Take part in the Loi Krathong festival - the festival of Loi Krathong is celebrated with much excitement in Chiang Mai. It is an annual fair that takes place during the twelfth lunar month. Krathongs, baskets shaped like lotus, are released in the air during this festival. It is a sight to watch the thousands of lanterns lighting up the night sky. If you are here during the festival, make sure to release your own krathong in the sky