Explore the Ancient Temples of the Old City
The Old City is typically the first stop for newcomers in Chiang Mai. It is the downtown, walled section of the city. This is where a large number of temples is concentrated in a very small area. In fact, it is quite possible to visit all the major temples in a few hours on foot.
My Favorite Temples in the Old Town:
- Wat Phra Singh (วัดพระสิงห์วรมหาวิหาร)—20 THB
- Wat Chedi Luang (วัดเจดีย์หลวง)—40 THB
- Wat Chiang Man (วัดเชียงมั่น)—Free
- Wat Phan Tao (วัดพันเตา)—Free
Temple Etiquette:
When entering temples, visitors must remove their shoes and leave them at the door. It is also considered polite to remove one’s hat and talk quietly. There are almost always signs indicating whether it is unacceptable to take photographs inside a temple. When in doubt, just ask someone.
Many temples have donation boxes where visitors can drop a few coins to feed monks and fund local projects and the upkeep of the temples. While donations are not required, they are a kind gesture and a way to give back to the local community.
Explore the Local Café Scene
Chiang Mai is arguably the most iconic city in Thailand for café culture. Creative and inventive coffee shops can be found around every corner, which is part of the reason the city has become a hotspot for digital nomads. I have seen pet cafés, a Versailles café, and even a Smurf café, just to name a few. Travelers can discover a fresh and exciting workspace every day, with high-speed internet and tasty treats.
I spent time in Chiang Mai as both a digital nomad and a short-term traveler, and in both roles, starting the morning at a quirky café added something special to the experience.
Quirky Chiang Mai Cafés:
Much Room Café – Mushroom-themed café
Jungle De Café – Jungle-themed café
Zombie Café – Zombie-themed café
The Giant Treehouse Café – Treehouse-themed café
Nekoemon Café – Japanese-themed café
Take a Cooking Class
Cooking schools are everywhere in Northern Thailand, but the quality varies significantly. For the basic fee, most schools typically provide a menu with a small selection of appetizers, entrées, and desserts. Of course, there are more luxurious experiences where students can cook additional dishes, stay in a high-end hotel room, and work with professional Thai chefs, but for a premium price.
My Experience:
I attended the Zabb-E-Lee Cooking School on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, thanks to the recommendation of a French couple I met while traveling. It was a fantastic experience and affordable for most at 1,200 TBH (37 USD). The instructor took us to a local open-air market and showed us how to select the best quality ingredients. We spent a few hours learning to make four separate dishes—in my case, spring rolls, pad thai, coconut milk soup, and panang curry. The instructor was patient, explained everything well, and even took photos of me cooking at no extra charge. Best of all, the location was so unique, and I received a recipe book to bring home.
Experience a Traditional Thai Massage
Thai massages are a favorite activity among visitors to Chiang Mai, thanks to their affordability and wide variety. There are masseuses on the side of the road offering outdoor massages for around 100 THB, especially around the Old Town and at night markets. Professional parlors provide private, air-conditioned sessions, with luxury treatments at higher prices.
From firsthand experience, Thai massages can be intense and painful, particularly when communication with the masseuse is limited. Still, for those who enjoy this style of bodywork, Chiang Mai has no shortage of options.
Are happy ending massages a real thing?
Yes, they certainly are, and they are not so uncommon. It does not take much time in Thailand to get catcalled by massage parlor workers, offering a so-called happy ending. Not every massage parlor, and certainly not every masseuse, provides these services. However, they can be found, particularly in tourist-heavy areas where demand is high.
What about tipping?
As with restaurants, tipping is not a requirement. In the case of massages, it is customary to tip a masseuse. Of course, in the case of a more intimate massage, expect to tip higher.
Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
What to Expect:
Most of Chiang Mai’s ethical elephant sanctuaries are located in Doi Inthanon National Park or to the north of the city. Sanctuary staff pick up guests from their hotels in the morning and drive them about 45 minutes outside the city. They provide visitors with a bag of bananas to feed the elephants. After eating, visitors wash the elephants in a watering hole.
There are plenty of opportunities to play with the elephants, take photos, and watch them interact with each other. Before leaving, the sanctuary provides a small buffet lunch of local dishes, such as fried rice, fresh fruit, a dessert, and other treats.
How to Choose an Elephant Sanctuary:
Never visit a sanctuary that permits elephant rides or makes the elephants perform or do tricks, as this involves harsh training methods. Research sanctuaries, read reviews, and ask questions!
As a low-budget traveler, I would never advise anybody to waste their money. Yet, in the case of good-quality sanctuaries, the money goes to the health and well-being of the elephants. So, the cheaper the experience, the less money that is available for the elephants.
Average Cost: 1,500 THB (45 USD)
My Experience:
Visiting an elephant sanctuary is my favorite activity every time I visit Chiang Mai. I have visited three sanctuaries over the years, and each offered something unique. I particularly enjoyed the sanctuaries with baby elephants—I recommend asking the sanctuary ahead of time if they have baby elephants.
For me, a half-day experience was more than sufficient due to the intense heat and hiking, although most sanctuaries offer full-day options. Some unique experiences I had at elephant sanctuaries were cliff jumping into waterfalls and helping to prepare elephant medication.
What to Pack:
- Extra clothes
- Hat
- Insect repellent
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Flip-flops/sandals
- Walking shoes
Visit the Colorful Flower Market
The Ton Lam Yai Market is a colorful, fragrant flower market just 1 kilometer from the Tha Phae Gate. Among the narrow alleyways, vendors sell special arrangements for spiritual offerings and good luck. However, there are also simple flower arrangements of orchids, marigolds, roses, and lotus flowers at very low prices, by Western standards. The market is busiest before sunrise, as stalls are being restocked and local businesses are stocking up on fresh arrangements.
Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Tip: Bring cash. Most vendors do not accept credit cards.
Take a Muay Thai Class/ Watch a Fight
Taking a Muay Thai class with a local trainer is an transformative cultural experience. Muay Thai is not only Thailand’s national sport, but also a centuries-old tradition combining strength with discipline. Classes often take place in open-air gyms with tin roofs, a boxing ring, and basic training equipment.
I have never personally tried Muay Thai, but a good friend of mine used to train regularly. He described it as both intense and challenging. I watched him get in excellent shape in a relatively short amount of time, largely thanks to the rigorous daily training fighting sessions he took part in after work.
What about watching a Muay Thai match?
While Bangkok is better known for its Muay Thai scene, that does not mean Chiang Mai is not a great place to catch a fight. Though Chiang Mai lacks large venues like Rajadamnern or Lumpinee Stadium, events are smaller and more intimate. Beyond the main stadiums, there are plenty of small, neighborhood gyms where it is possible to watch informal matches for free.
Where can I watch a Muay Thai fight in Chiang Mai?
Can I study Muay Thai in Chiang Mai?
For individuals serious about learning the sport, an Education Visa (ED Visa) is available, allowing students to train for up to two years. To qualify, students must enroll in a minimum six-month program at a school that offers ED visa assistance. Most offer training instruction in English for learners at every level, from beginner to expert.
Schools with an ED visa option:
