Chiang Mai may be known for its dazzling temples—and for good reason—but there’s so much more to this northern Thai city than golden stupas and monk chants. Whether you’re a first-timer looking to round out your itinerary or a return traveler seeking something new, Chiang Mai offers a rich blend of culture, cuisine, creativity, and calm.
After spending several days here as part of our two-week Thailand adventure, we quickly realized why so many travelers fall in love with this place. Here are the best things to do in Chiang Mai that go beyond the temples (though don’t worry—we included a few of those too!).
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1. Take a Thai Cooking Class
One of our favorite experiences from our entire trip was learning to cook Thai food at Zabb E Lee Cooking School. The morning started with a market visit to shop for fresh herbs, spices, and produce, and then we headed to the kitchen where we learned to make spring rolls, pad thai, tom yum kung, panang curry, and mango sticky rice. The class was hands-on, the food was delicious, and the instructors were so fun and knowledgeable.
Other popular cooking schools in Chiang Mai:
- Grandma’s Home Cooking School (set on an organic farm)
- Thai Cottage Home Cookery School
- Mama Noi Thai Cookery School
2. Explore Chiang Mai’s Night Markets
The night markets in Chiang Mai are a sensory overload in the best way possible. From handmade crafts and street snacks to live music and quirky souvenirs, there’s something for everyone. We visited the Kalare Night Bazaar, where we found everything from embroidered bags to pellet-gun carnival games. It’s a fun way to spend an evening wandering and snacking.
Other notable night markets:
- Chiang Mai Sunday Night Walking Street (Ratchadamnoen Road)
- Saturday Night Market (Wualai Road)
3. Get a Traditional Thai Massage
After a long day of exploring, nothing beats a Thai massage. We treated ourselves to spa treatments at both our hotel and Makkha Spa Chiang Mai, a peaceful oasis tucked into the old city. Not only were the treatments top-notch, but the spa served us mango sticky rice afterward—which might just be the greatest post-massage snack of all time.
Other recommended spas:
- Fah Lanna Spa (award-winning and beautifully designed)
- Lila Thai Massage (providing employment and rehabilitation to female ex-inmates)
4. Enjoy Afternoon Tea at a Boutique Hotel
Chiang Mai has a growing scene of chic boutique hotels, many of which offer beautiful afternoon tea services. We stayed at The Inside House, where afternoon tea was included in our room rate. Served on the garden terrace with a spread of both Thai and Western treats, it was the perfect way to unwind.
Other spots for afternoon tea:
- Anantara Chiang Mai Resort (located within a century-old mansion)
- Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
5. Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
Although we saved our elephant experience for Elephant Hills in Khao Sok later in our trip, Chiang Mai is home to several ethical elephant sanctuaries where visitors can spend time with these gentle giants in a responsible and respectful setting. While each sanctuary offers slightly different experiences, most focus on observation, feeding, and learning about the animals’ rescue and rehabilitation—without any riding or performances.
That said, researching which sanctuaries are truly ethical can be challenging. Transparency varies widely, and even parks that are widely praised can come under scrutiny. For example, Elephant Nature Park—often considered a gold standard in the region—faced criticism after two elephants died during flooding in 2024, when the facility delayed evacuation efforts. It’s a sobering reminder that reputation alone shouldn’t be your only guide.
If you’re considering a visit, take time to review recent reviews, read up on each sanctuary’s animal care practices, and prioritize places that limit visitor numbers and emphasize the animals’ well-being.
6. Sample Northern Thai Cuisine
Northern Thai cuisine is distinct from what you might find in Bangkok or the south—and it’s absolutely delicious. The regional flavors are bold, herbaceous, and often spicier, with dishes that reflect Chiang Mai’s Lanna heritage and nearby Burmese and Lao influences.
During our trip, we made it a point to try local favorites like khao soi, a rich, curry-based noodle soup that’s considered a must-eat in Chiang Mai. Everyone has their own favorite khao soi restaurant, but we highly recommend a visit to Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kad Kom. Thailand is one of the only places in the world where you can get a delicious, Michelin-recommended dish for less than $2 USD!
Street markets and small family-run restaurants are great places to try these dishes, or you can sample several at once by joining a food tour. Just be ready to say “ped mak mak” if you like it extra spicy!
7. Go Temple-Hopping Through the Old City
While this post focuses on what to do beyond the temples, we’d be remiss not to recommend spending time exploring a few while you’re here. Chiang Mai’s Old City is home to over 30 temples, many of them within walking distance of one another. Two popular temples in the Old City are Wat Phra Singh, known for its ornate Lanna-style architecture, and Wat Chedi Luang, which features a towering brick stupa that dates back to the 14th century.
If you’re up for venturing a bit farther, make time for Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Perched on a mountain overlooking the city, it’s one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic temples. Just be aware that it may be difficult to get a taxi back to the Old City, so either book a tour in advance or negotiate with a driver to wait for you there while you explore.
8. Take a Muay Thai Class (or Watch a Match!)
If you didn’t get your Muay Thai fix in Bangkok, Chiang Mai has a vibrant scene too. Some gyms offer beginner-friendly classes, while others host weekly fight nights. Even if you don’t train, watching a local match is an adrenaline-pumping way to dive into Thai culture.
Suggested Muay Thai Experiences:
- Take a Class at the Muay Thai Training Academy.
- Catch a Fight at the Kalare Night Bazaar Boxing Stadium.
- Catch a Fight at Thapae Boxing Stadium.
9. Bike or Stroll Along the Ancient City Walls
Chiang Mai’s old city is surrounded by a moat and remnants of historic walls. Walking or biking the perimeter is a great way to orient yourself, especially in the cooler morning or early evening hours. Along the way, you’ll stumble across hidden temples, street vendors, and leafy cafés.
10. Take a Day Trip to Chiang Rai
While not technically in Chiang Mai, a day trip to Chiang Rai is one of the most popular add-ons for travelers based in the city. It’s about a 3-hour drive each way, but the stunning temples make it worth the journey.
We hired a private driver and visited three of Chiang Rai’s most iconic sites: the vibrant Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), the eerie and artistic Black House (Baan Dam), and the surreal White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). Each one offers a totally different experience, from bold street-art-style murals to contemporary religious symbolism.
If you have the time, consider spending a night in Chiang Rai to explore at a more relaxed pace. However, if you are on a tight schedule, the city is absolutely doable in a day.
Plan Your Chiang Mai Visit
Chiang Mai is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and soak it in. Yet, it still packs a punch when it comes to memorable experiences. Whether you’re into food, relaxation, adventure, or all of the above, this city delivers.
Check out our full 2-week Thailand itinerary to see how we fit Chiang Mai into our trip!
Or better yet—get in touch and let us help plan your own off-the-beaten-path Thailand adventure.
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