10 Things To Do in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is located in the North of Thailand and offers something quite different from paradise beaches and the hectic capital, Bangkok. Life in Chiang Mai is somewhat slower than it is in the nations capital but there is still plenty to do. It also offers a cooler alternative as the North of Thailand is not as hot as the South, depending on when you visit.
The city has something to offer to people of all walks of life, with activities ranging from the slow and idyllic, to extreme and demanding. There is so much to do here that it can be difficult to choose, and we have highlighted some of the best to make the decisions easier for you.
1. Visit Doi Suthep Temple
When most people think of Thailand they tend to think of the stunning beaches and islands, but that is not the only natural beauty that the country has to offer. Head to Chiang Mai, and you will also find some stunning mountain scenery, much of which you can see from the city itself.
Chiang Mai is a city that is surrounded by mountainous terrain and one of the most popular is Doi Suthep. Visitors can take a trip up to the top of the peak, which stands at 1,676 meters high. For Thais, the mountain is not only visually stunning but also has deep religious and spiritual significance thanks to its glorious temple at the peak.
2. Doi Inthanon National Park
The tallest of the peaks around Chiang Mai is Doi Inthanon, which is also the highest peak in the country. The area has been designated a national park and visitors will get a chance to get closer to some of the countrys fascinating wildlife.
Thailand is a haven for bird-watchers in particular, and Doi Inthanon is one of the best bird-watching locations in the country. Those who are able-bodied are able to scale the mountain to experience the incredible views. Visitors will find walkways going through thick forests and impressive waterfalls. Those that make it to the top will get to see the stunning twin pagodas found here.
3. Zipline through the Forest Canopy
For many people, the chance to take a hike through a tropical jungle is one that should not be missed. Even just the sounds of the wildlife in the area can make such a trip magical and you may even get a glimpse of some of the regions most wonderful creatures.
Walking is not the only way to enjoy the forest, however. One alternative is to take a speedy tour over the canopy by ziplining from one platform to another. It is as exhilarating as it is beautiful; the ziplines give the opportunity to see the forest from a rather different perspective.
4. Old City Temples
You cant miss the history in Chiang Mai, it is all around you. The main city itself is surrounded by a moat and ancient walls that are crumbling in some places, but in great condition in others.
It is easy to envisage how the citys citizens would have rushed inside the city walls for defense against invading armies long ago. In addition to the walls, you will also find a selection of ancient temples dotted around the old city. Many visitors come to this part of the city for the history while it also makes for a pleasurable walk in a relaxing atmosphere.
5. Chiang Mai Night Safari
As mentioned, the natural scenery and wildlife are some of the citys main attractions. At the Chiang Mai night safari, visitors get a chance to see the animals at night, which is when many species are at their most active.
Visitors get to see the inhabitants in the comfort of open-sided trams. The animals living here include gentle herbivores such as zebra and giraffe, and also fearsome predators such as lions, tigers, and hyenas. Guests are also treated to dancing fountains as well as laser lights shows.
6. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
Thailand is well known for its elephants and many visitors will want to go for elephant rides and see elephant shows in zoos. Attitudes are changing rapidly to these attractions, however, because the elephants are often treated cruelly and kept in terrible conditions.
The elephant jungle sanctuary is a pachyderm attraction with a difference. The elephants here are well cared for and live in an environment that is close to how they would be living if they were in the wild. Many of the elephants living here have been rescued from tourism and logging industries where they get to retire happily and in peace.
7. Street Food
No trip to Thailand is complete without taking the chance to try out some of the nations legendary cuisine. Although many of the dishes are notoriously spicy, Thai cuisine has a huge range, meaning that there is something suitable for all palates.
Chiang Mai is just the same as any other Thai city in that there are food stalls on just about every street. For many people, this is the best way to experience Thai food because it is 100% authentic, and it also makes for quite a unique dining experience. You can tour the food stalls yourself or ask a local to be your guide so you don’t miss out on the best of what’s on offer.
8. Lanna Folklife Museum
The Lanna Kingdom was an ancient Thai kingdom that now covers much of Northern Thailand. At its height, the Kingdom was powerful and influential and was a direct rival to the neighboring Ayudhya Kingdom, which is now central and Southern Thailand.
The Lanna Folklife Museum gives visitors a glimpse in what it would have been like to live in the era. The museum is full of exhibits that give insights into the history of the region and the lives of the people there. It is a fairly small museum, but it still makes for a great attraction if you have a few hours to kill.
9. River Cruise
Chiang Mai sits on the Mae Ping River, a river that has long served the residents of the city and the surrounding area well. As you would expect, the river is a focal point of many activities. Here, you will find scenic restaurants and other establishments as well as places where you can take part in water-based activities.
If you have half a day to kill, why not consider taking a gentle tour along the Mae Ping River. The tour gives you the chance to see Chiang Mai from a different perspective in a very relaxing setting. Go for an evening cruise instead and you get to enjoy a fine meal with views of the city when it is lit up at night.
10. Shop
It doesn’t matter where you go in the world, one of the first things you are likely to look for is places to go shopping. Thailand is known to be a shoppers paradise and Chiang Mai is no different. Here, you will find a wide range of shopping opportunities from bargain stalls to high-end malls.
Depending on the time of year, Chiang Mai can be very hot in the day time, and you won’t want to be walking around markets in the soaring temperatures. Fear not, however, because Thailand and Chiang Mai are well known for night markets, which give you the chance to enjoy the sprawling markets in the relative cool.
