It's not surprising that visitors come to Chiang Mai, as it offers museums and attractions, food, hiking, and budget-friendly accommodations.
A few of the most popular sights are:
- Elephant Nature Park for ฿2500
- Doi Inthanon National Park for ฿300
- The Saturday Night Market (Free)
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for ฿30
- The Sunday Walking Street (Free)
- Wat Pha Lat (Free)
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar (Free)
- Chiang Mai Night Safari for ฿1600
- Chiang Mai Zoo for ฿350
- The Sticky Waterfall (Free)
- Wat Umong (Free)
- The Chiang Mai National Museum (Free)
- Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara (Free)
The old city center is surrounded by ancient walls, and contains many historic temples and architectural gems. The city sprawls outward from here, and mostly east towards the Ping river and the nearby Night Bazaar with surrounding restaurants, hotels, and shops. While many markets are open during the day as well, the nighttime activity at the market brings in the crowds and a vibe of excitement.
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a temple 13km outside of the city, and makes for a great half-day trip. Many visitors rent motorbikes or hire a taxi for the ride up the hill to explore the temple and take in the great views of the city from up high. For more information on religious sites in the area, see this great guide to the temples of Chiang Mai.
For information on elephant parks, see the Activities section below.
If museums interest you, several great finds are available in Chiang Mai. The Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre offers a modern and air-conditioned experience showcasing the history and culture of northern Thailand. The Chiang Mai National Museum also offers a good overview of history. Don't miss the unique Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders, which displays a wide range of butterflies, bugs, wildlife, geologic samples, and other natural science exhibits.
The Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium also draws in a number of visitors, most of which are Thai. Foreign visitors tend to give the Zoo unfavorable ratings as the animals are kept in small areas and there are more kiosks selling trinkets than the number of animals on display.
Muay Thai Boxing is quite popular in Chiang Mai, just as it is in Bangkok. Various venues around town showcase the sport. But unlike in Bangkok, it is much less expensive in Chiang Mai. The Kalare Boxing Stadium is near the Night Market, and Tha Phae and Loi Kroh are other popular venues.
If you want to wrap everything that northern Thailand offers into a few days, then a jungle trek is a convenient, although somewhat touristy option. Many guesthouses, hostels, and hotels run multi-day treks into the surrounding countryside that combines the beautiful scenery with elephant rides, local villages, and a bit of rafting or swimming. Note that many of these trips are not very authentic as you will be with other travelers and in locations that are not far from Chiang Mai. (Also, many hostels only open rooms up to travelers who agree to go on their organized treks.)
Elephant tours, and visits to elephant parks, are perhaps the most popular activity in northern Thailand, and a number of Elephant parks are in or near the Chiang Mai area. These parks are often very controversial, as many do not take care of their elephants very well, while others are not just for tourists but also act as animal sanctuaries. Do your research first, and ask other tourists what their experiences were like.
Some elephant parks with good reputations include Baanchang Elephant Park (one of the less expensive places), Eddy Elephant Care Chiang Mai (a full day ore more experience), Elephant Nature Park (a sanctuary with day, night, and weekly options), and Friends for Asia Elephant Camp Volunteer Project (two week minimum with lodging options).
Cooking classes are very popular in Chiang Mai, as a number of small cooking schools have opened up to benefit the tourists. These classes are usually a full day, and the students are instructed by local Thai people on how to prepare and cook various Thai dishes. The day usually begins with a trip to the local market where various ingredients are explained (curry, exotic herbs, interesting fruit, etc). Then the students, under instruction and guidance from the teachers, prepare dishes such as salads, curries, meats, and desserts. Many of these classes also involve some entertainment and humor from the teachers, which makes for an enjoyable experience. And, of course, there is much eating.
Tours to hilltribe villages are also quite popular and make for a great cultural experience. The northern jungles of Thailand are home to a dozen or so tribes, each with their own culture and history. Many of the trips to these villages are touristy, and sometimes exploitative of the locals, so do your research first. The further away from civilization, the more authentic your experience will likely be.
Mountain biking is another popular activity, as a number of bike trails have been created in the surrounding hills. Inquire at local travel agencies or at your hostel or hotel or options.
Spas, heath centers, yoga studios, and massage centers are also quite prevalent in Chiang Mai. As always, do your research first to make sure that you are getting what you paid for, not less, and not "more". Many places also offer Thai massage classes.
If you're interested in local markets and handicrafts, make sure you visit the Umbrella Village in Chiang Mai. Here, local artisans make umbrellas and other crafts by hand with generations of traditional techniques.
With so much to offer at great prices, Chiang Mai offers a great addition to any budget-oriented trip through the region. For more information about traveling on a budget, check out this guide to backpacking Thailand.
Museums and Attractions:
Chiang Mai is well-known for its iconic museums and renowned landmarks. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many beautiful temples in the area. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a mountain-top temple that is an iconic landmark in the city. Other famous sights include Doi Inthanon and Wat Chedi Luang.
Historical Sights:
The charming old town is a magnet for tourists. The old city is about 1.5 square kilometers in size and it has four gates, one on each side. The most famous area is Sunday Walking Street, which comes to life at 4pm every day when it is lined with stalls and filled with people.
Hiking:
Discovering the hiking trails around Chiang Mai is a delight. Many people use this city as a base for a trekking excursion into the surrounding countryside. The land is lush and beautiful and many treks also expose you to the welcoming Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand. Treks can be organized at almost any hotel or hostel as well the many tour agencies around town.
Shopping:
Shopping here is a unique experience you'll want to have. The city is famous for its night markets, which run every night of the year until around midnight. You'll find the streets packed with people and vendors, rain or shine. This is a great place to search for local handicrafts and try some of the city's famous street food. Popular items to buy include rice boxes, silk, and Thai sky lanterns.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Chiang Mai. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Chiang Mai Coffee Tour: Trekking to Farm, Roast and Brew Workshop for $115 details
- 7 Hour Sticky Waterfall and ATV Guided Adventures for $88 details
- 1 Day Sukhothai Historical Park from Chiang Mai Private Tour for $182 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Chiang Mai. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
Cheap hotels, cheap airbnb's, cheap food, and so many free activities. I don't know if I found anything that was actually expensive here. The night markets are full of delicious food that doesn't cost anything and the temples and other tourist attractions are so cheap.