The 7 essential things to do in Chiang Mai

Visit Chiang Mai: What are the best things to do and see in the former capital of the kingdom of Lanna?

What if you discovered the legendary country of smile? Cap on Thailand! And more specifically, Chiang Mai, which is called “La Rose du Nord”. The second largest city in Thailand, culturally the most significant in the north and capital of the province of Chiang Mai, is located 800 kilometers north of Bangkok, among the highest mountains in the country. The city is located on the banks of the Ping, an important tributary of the Chao Praya River. Visiting Chiang Mai, it is also to enjoy Thai hospitality and kindness, to admire authentic temples, palaces and monuments, to discover an extraordinary fauna and flora, breathtaking landscapes and to learn more about local crafts and Buddhist culture. ... One thing is sure, the change will be at its peak.

Are you wondering what to do in Chiang Mai? This way:

1. To fall before the temples, including the temple of the Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai is also nicknamed "The City in the 300 Temples". Everything is said! You will find it at every corner of the street, and that is what makes the beauty of the city. These temples are called “Wat” in Thai. One of the main is the Doi Suthep temple which owes its name to the mountain on which it is located. The temple, a true cultural jewel dating from 1383, is located 15 kilometers from the city. Here are some of the other temples that you can observe in the city: Wat Phantao, Wat Chang Taem, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phan Tao... Note that there are some other temples that you can observe in the city: Wat Phantao, Wat Chang Taem, Wat Chiang Man, Wat... a guided tour of Chiang Mai by bike which is the tower of the temples.

2. Attend a Thai boxing match

If you are going to visit Chiang Mai, discover the world of Thai boxing, a true tradition anchored in the history of the country. This is the national sport, more commonly known as Muay Thai. It is a somewhat more violent variant than boxing, in addition to their fists, combatants can use their elbows, knees, feet and tibia to hit the opponent. Count between 400 and 600 Bath (10/15€) to attend a game in one of the 4 stadiums in the city.

3. Testing a traditional Thai massage

What to do relaxing in Chiang Mai? You can’t go to Thailand without testing a complete traditional massage, one of the country’s specialties. Pressions, tension and twists will literally revive you! It is even possible to take classes, to bring back some know-how at home.

You will find many places to massage in Chiang Mai, but we recommend you to test the massages of the women's prison at the Women Correctional Institution Training Center. Through a reintegration programme, women convicted of minor offences may be trained in the ancestral art of Thai massage during their stay in prison.

4. Introducing to new flavours

With a perfect mix between aromatic fillings and some spicy condiments, Chiang Mai's cuisine, also known as lanna cuisine, is particularly succulent. In restaurants and street-foods that populate the streets, you can test succulent specialties, among which: the Khao Soï, delicious soup of cooked and fried noodles, dives in curry and coconut milk, the Sai Oua, a spicy and grilled pork sausage that we season with fresh herbs, ginger and lemon, or even an original Mi’a’a’, or even a If you ask that to do in Chiang Mai, a must is good book a Thai cooking class to learn how to cook a Thai Pad (sleep rice with vegetables, meat or fish flavours) and a mango sticky rice (riz gluant with mango and coconut).

5. See elephants in an ethical way

The elephant is an emblem of Thailand and is omnipresent in Chiang Mai. It is also important to know that these animals are very often mistreated for the purpose of offering various activities to tourists (especially elephant rides). However, many animal collection centres allow you to live in contact with these big mammals without causing them harm. You can, during a day, feed them and give them the bath, or simply observe them in their natural environment. A rare and exceptional moment that will remain engraved in your memory! Learn more about visits to the Elephant Shrine .

6. Walking in the markets with thousand colors

One of the best ways to visit Chiang Mai is to browse its markets! The city has three very well known, but we advise you not to miss the Walking Street Market on Saturday night (also known as Saturday Night Market) located in the old city. It extends over a kilometre from the gate of Tha Phae to the end of Rachadamnoen Street. Colours, flavors, handicrafts and food will be at the rendezvous for your greatest pleasure! What to bring back lots of gifts for your loved ones!

7. See also from Chiang Mai

• Leave one day in Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle
• Do one one day trek in high mountain

How to go to Chiang Mai?

You dream of visiting Chiang Mai? To get there, it’s very simple! From France you will find flights (with at least one stop) to Chiang Mai. To find a cheap flight, you can search our partner's website Ulysses .

From Bangkok, there are 3 options: aeroplane, bus or train. The plane will undoubtedly be the fastest (1h) and the price is not excessive (round 40€), the bus is fairly long (9/10h) but very comfortable and cheap, and the train is a human experience that you are advised if you have time in front of you (15h).

Where to stay in Chiang Mai?

Finding accommodation in Chiang Mai will not pose any difficulties in view of number of establishments that the city proposes ! Hostel, guest house, luxury hotel... There will be for all tastes and budgets! The neighborhood of the old town is definitely the most convenient and cheapest place to stay. Wat Ket is located east of Chiang Mai. This is where you will find many luxurious hotels. To find a cheap hotel in Chiang Mai, search this Compare hotels .