10 Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Don’t be fooled by the city’s laid-back reputation.  This is a city to be explored with no shortage of activities to keep your days fully packed.  There are countless temples to visit and the surrounding mountains offer exciting adventures from hiking to mountain biking and more. I spent a week in Chiang Mai and could have stayed much longer. However, it helps to be prepared and plan your activities in advance. Here are some of the top things to do during your visit to Chiang Mai:

1. Visit Doi Suthep Temple

Sitting atop Doi Suthep mountain is Wat Phra That, or simply referred to as Doi Suthep. The entrance to the temple is reached by climbing 300+ steps on the naga (serpent) staircase. For those who don’t wish to climb the stairs, there is a cable car that will take you to the top for a fee. Keep an eye out for the White Elephant shrine located outside the central enclave where you can read the story of how the temple was founded. Doi Suthep can be reached by car which takes approximately 30 minutes from the city center.

2. Chat with a Monk

A few of the temples have started an outreach program called “Monk Chat” which enables tourists the opportunity to spend time with Buddhist monks discussing varying topics. This is great way for monks and foreigners to exchange ideas and learn about different cultures, faiths and ways of life.  Every wanted to ask a monk about their way of life?  This is your chance!  Some temples which offer “Monk Chat” include Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Suan Dok Suthep and Wat Umong. Visit www.monkchat.net for information.

3. Spend an Evening in a Night Market

Famous for its handicrafts and portrait paintings, the Night Bazaar is a lively market held every night of the week, rain or shine, from dusk to midnight.  On weekends, there are the Saturday and Sunday Night Markets where the roads are closed off to vehicles.  On Saturday, the walking street market is located outside the city center along Wua Lai Road.  The Sunday Night Market is located inside the city walls along the entire length of Ratchadamnoen Road. The walking street markets are more picturesque than the Night Bazaar due to the restriction of vehicles and the lively crowds that fill the streets. Regardless of which market you visit, don’t forget to bargain, bargain, bargain!

4. Trek through the Jungle

Being surrounded by mountains, its no wonder that Chiang Mai is a great base for which to do some great jungle trekking. Whether you opt for a one-day or multi-day adventure, make sure you choose a reputable company who will actually explain the surroundings during your trek.  Also, if you visit any of the hilltribe villages, make sure any monetary contributions actually go to the villages and not the trekking company. A well-known company is Pooh Eco-Trekking.

5. Visit an Elephant Park

There are numerous elephant parks outside the city center, many of which claim to be “sanctuaries” for rescued elephants but beware – not all parks are actually sanctuaries. Please research the parks and make an informed decision before contributing towards an elephant sanctuary that is more interested in making a profit than helping the elephants. Many of these elephant parks strap chairs to the elephants’ backs, paint their faces and make them play football.  This is for tourist entertainment – not the elephants’. Avoid these parks and search for an organization which aims to educate tourists on elephant life and provide a true sanctuary for rescued elephants. My recommendations are Baan Chang Elephant Park, Elephant Nature Park, and Patara Elephant Farm.

6. Go Mountain Biking

The surrounding mountains have tons of routes to be explored by bicycle.  There are several different options – from scenic routes around a lake to actual mountain biking where you make your way down the mountain.  Choose wisely because once you are en route, there is no turning back.  Avoid going when it has been raining because you will find yourself stuck, knee-deep in mud.  Check out Mountain Biking Chiang Mai.  Fairly priced and run by biking enthusiasts.

7. Watch a Muay Thai Fight

Any visit to Thailand wouldn’t be completely without a visit to a traditional Thai boxing stadium to watch a Muay Thai fight. Tickets cost 400 THB but check with your hotel because they can often get a discount for you. There are a couple stadiums in Chiang Mai so keep an eye out for flyers that are always posted around the city announcing the evening’s fight card (who is fighting).

8. Take a Muay Thai Class

Now that you’ve seen a Muay Thai fight its time to learn how to box like a Thai. Chiang Mai is filled with Muay Thai schools, many of which are often closed on Sundays so plan accordingly.

9. Celebrate Yi Peng

On the second month of the Lanna calendar (usually November), thousands of paper lanterns are released into the air to celebrate Yi Peng, the northern Thai festival which coincides with Loi Krathong. Chiang Mai becomes filled with tourists who come to partake in the event. An opening ceremony is held at the Chiang Mai Provincial Center and a colorful parade featuring giant illuminated krathongs (small floats) makes its way down Tha Phae Road toward the river. Most of the celebrations will be on the west side of the river near Nawarat Bridge.  Try to grab a spot on the bridge for optimal viewing. Also, make sure to book a hotel far in advance and expect to pay higher prices at some establishments due to high demand.

10. Get Pampered

While Thailand is rather inexpensive in general, Chiang Mai is generally cheaper than other parts of the country.  If you are in need of some serious R&R, this is the place to get pampered. A great place for a cheap, quick massage is Pranom Health Massage located near Wawee Coffee on Ratchadamnoen Road.  A Thai massage is only 100 THB. For a luxury spa treatment, check out Cheeva Spa which is located just north of the city center.