We love Chiang Mai not only for its enchanting temples, vibrant markets, and authentic Thai cuisine, but also because it's the gateway to Northern Thailand. It's a place where you can easily spend weeks and settle in – enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, the café culture, and taking trips to Pai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son.

Chiang Mai is Thailand's second-largest city, yet it feels like a world apart from bustling Bangkok. The differences are immediately apparent upon stepping off the plane: the people are more polite and friendly, the streets are open and inviting for a stroll, and nature is never far away. We love spending time in the student neighborhoods or along the river, mingling with the locals and sampling all sorts of unusual and delicious street food. Chiang Mai elevates Thai cuisine to a new level, offering far more than the popular restaurants of Khao Soi or Sai Ua.

Besides classic sights like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and the Sunday Market, Chiang Mai offers many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. That's why we've put together this guidebook, which shows you Chiang Mai from a fresh perspective and introduces you to experiences that travelers often miss. From authentic northern Thai restaurants to secret temples known only to locals, you're guaranteed not to be bored in this fascinating city.

10 Top Things to Do in Chiang Mai

1. Get dressed up for a photo shoot at Wat Ton Kwen

One of our most memorable experiences in Chiang Mai was the photoshoot in traditional clothing at Wat Ton Kwen (Wat Intharawat). The temple, made famous by the Thai television series "Klin Kasalong," is renowned for its beautiful old wooden buildings in the typical Lanna architectural style. There, you can dress up in these stunning Lanna garments, stroll through the peaceful temple grounds, and book a photoshoot for 800–1000 THB, including all digital files. It's absolutely worth it, and you'll receive unique photos to take home.

Our friend from Chiang Rai organized the photoshoot for us, but you can also hire a photographer on site. Arrive early to avoid the heat and crowds. Photographers are usually found near the costume shops by the temple gate. The clothing costs an additional 150–300 THB, but you can choose your own colors and patterns, and the staff will even dress you—including accessories like hats and earrings. If you prefer to book in advance, you can do so through Airbnb Experiences: Chiang Mai Chic. Photos by Birdy & Friends.

Read more: Wat Ton Kwen: Chiang Mai's photogenic Lanna temple

2. Enjoy mookata in the student districts of Chiang Mai.

On our last trip to Chiang Mai, we stayed in an Airbnb in Chang Phueak. Our place was right in the heart of the student district, so we couldn't find a 7-Eleven or a supermarket that sold beer (in Thailand, alcohol sales are prohibited near schools and universities). However, we did discover delicious mookata in a quiet side street at incredibly low prices. Incredibly, for just 129 THB per person, you get a mookata buffet with as much fresh pork, chicken, and seafood as you can eat. Besides Chang Phueak, Chiang Mai has many other student districts with inexpensive restaurants, such as Na Mor, Lang Mor, Santitham, and Jed Yod.

3. Visit Wat Chedi Luang at night

Wat Chedi Luang is the only touristy temple in Chiang Mai that we can truly recommend, as the experience at night is simply wonderful. Arrive at dusk and you'll see the lanterns flickering, the magnificent, crumbling stupa (with its famous staircase) bathed in light, and with a bit of luck, you might even spot monks in orange robes praying and collecting merit. We were overwhelmed by the peaceful atmosphere at sunset. It was also particularly lovely to watch schoolchildren playing volleyball on the court right next to the temple grounds – it added an authentic, local touch to the visit.

4. Try northern Thai food at Krua Phech Doi Ngam

Krua Phech Doi Ngam is a Michelin-starred restaurant that caters primarily to locals. Therefore, you won't find typical Pad Thai or green curry here. Instead, the focus is on trying unusual and delicious northern Thai dishes, such as Gaeng Pak Wan Sai Kai Mod Dang (soup with vegetable leaves and red ant eggs) and Aep Pheung (grilled bee larvae in banana leaves). Those who prefer something a little more adventurous can also order less unusual dishes like northern Thai pork curry or grilled leaf omelet.

5. Take a day trip to Mae Kampong

Whether for a perfect day trip or as a stopover on the way to Chiang Rai, Mae Kampong is a worthwhile little adventure. This mountain village lies 50 km east of Chiang Mai and is known for its lush forest, traditional wooden houses, and quaint cafes. We spent a few hours there during the day, wandering through the village, buying snacks from street vendors, and enjoying coffee at the Rabiang View Cafe. We didn't stay overnight, but we saw some really cool homestays and glamping options. It must be a magical place to spend the night.

The drive to Mae Kampong is not for the faint of heart. The road up is narrow, winding, and very steep in places – so drive with extra care. You can park your car at the bottom of the village, but to get to the Rabiang View Cafe, you'll need to take a local songthaew for a short, nerve-wracking ride up the valley. Some sections of the road seem almost vertical, but the drivers do their best to make you feel comfortable.

Read more: Mae Kampong: How to visit this charming mountain village

6. Volunteer at a children's home in Chiang Mai.

In our opinion, the best way to give back while traveling to Chiang Mai is to visit an orphanage or children's home. There are countless ways to contribute – through donations, gifts, or volunteering. We were lucky enough to experience this firsthand recently when one of Kat's best friends took us to a small orphanage on the outskirts of the city in the San Sai district. We all chipped in to buy snacks and toys for the children and ordered Pad Krao Pao and Pad Thai, which we ate together for dinner. The children were a little shy at first, but they quickly warmed up – they enjoyed their meal, chatted animatedly, and played football with great enthusiasm.

The highlight of the evening was when everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to Cam in Thai. He turned 34 that day and struggled to hold back tears as they all sat together and sang. We don't usually do things like that when we travel because saying goodbye afterward is so difficult, but this experience was truly moving. A kind local Christian couple runs the orphanage and provides the children with a loving and positive environment. If you'd like to visit an orphanage in Chiang Mai, please remember that it's not meant for taking photos or as a tourist attraction. You must book your visit in advance and ensure it's conducted with the utmost respect.

7. Explore the local markets of Chiang Mai

Throughout Chiang Mai, you'll find countless street markets – on tourist streets, near student neighborhoods, and even in the heart of residential areas. Some can get quite crowded, so be prepared to weave your way through the throngs to find your favorite street food. The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a popular spot with tourists, as it's open daily and stretches along Chang Khlan Road. Another market not to be missed is the Sunday Night Market in the Old City. Here, alongside food and drink stalls, you'll find numerous artisans and other creatives. The Chamcha Market in the San Kamphaeng district offers something truly special: charming wooden stalls and a relaxed, communal atmosphere.

8. Take a trip to Doi Inthanon National Park

Just a two-hour drive southwest of Chiang Mai lies Doi Inthanon National Park – one of Thailand's most unique cultural and scenic attractions. The royal and queen pagodas offer breathtaking views over the mist-shrouded valleys, making them culturally fascinating. Numerous waterfalls and hiking trails provide adventure seekers with the opportunity to enjoy nature. We recommend visiting Doi Inthanon as part of the Mae Hong Son tour – a fantastic 4- to 5-day motorbike adventure to the hidden treasures of Northern Thailand.

Doi Inthanon National Park

9. Drive the Mae Hong Son loop.

The Mae Hong Son loop is an unforgettable adventure and one of the most beautiful motorbike tours in Asia, arguably surpassed only by the Ha Giang loop in Vietnam. You can rent motorbikes in Chiang Mai, conquer the 762 curves of the mountain road to Pai, visit the charming village of Ban Rak Thai, and marvel at the rice terraces of Mae Chaem. We did this tour with Cam's parents, as they are big motorbike enthusiasts, and we had a blast. We often felt like we were off the beaten track, riding through remote mountain villages and observing the locals in their traditional clothing going about their daily lives.

Read more: Mae Hong Son Loop: The Ultimate 5-Day Motorcycle Tour

10. Take a road trip to Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is phenomenal – a place we were lucky enough to visit with Kat's friend, who is from the region. She took us on a tour of her favorite spots and helped us immerse ourselves in the local culture as much as possible – whether it was eating frog with her family, watching the "Ram Wong" dance at the markets, or rafting with locals at the Mae Suai Dam. The road to Chiang Rai isn't quite as adventurous as the one to Pai, but we're absolutely certain you should visit this gem of Northern Thailand.

Read more: 10 unique activities in Chiang Rai: A guide by locals

Accommodation in Chiang Mai

  • Luxury: Maladee Rendezvous Hotel

    • Frequently asked questions about visiting Chiang Mai

    When is the best time to travel?

    We usually visit Chiang Mai between November and March and find this time of year wonderful. The weather is pleasant and a bit cooler than in Bangkok, without the heavy smog that can occur in April/May during the burning season. The Yi Peng and Loi Krathong festivals also take place at the end of November – an absolute must for many. The rainy season from June to October also has its charm: lush jungle, cheaper hotel prices, and less crowded markets.

    What's the best way to get to Chiang Mai?

    There's hardly anything better than flying to Chiang Mai, as the bus or train journey from Bangkok simply takes too long. The flight takes just over an hour, and you'll feel instantly relaxed upon arrival. Even the taxi ride to the airport is straightforward, especially if you're staying nearby, for example in Nimman (a 10-20 minute drive). We prefer Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways, as they are a bit more comfortable, but AirAsia is also reliable (and inexpensive).

    How many days should I spend in Chiang Mai?

    Chiang Mai is ideal for both short and long stays, offering something for everyone from action-packed travelers to those simply seeking relaxation. You should plan to spend at least three nights here and then extend your trip with a visit to Chiang Rai or Pai, or even better, with the Mae Hong Son tour. Chiang Mai is a young, trendy city where it's simply a pleasure to enjoy a coffee, stroll through the streets, and visit a temple or two. Life moves at a slower pace in the north, and the region is perfect for unwinding and recharging.