Chiang Mai is a city in northern Thailand known for its ancient temples, traditional markets, and beautiful mountains. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are ten things to do in Chiang Mai, along with five interesting facts about each of them:
- Visit Wat Chedi Luang – A temple in the heart of the old city, Wat Chedi Luang is known for its large, ancient chedi (stupa).
- Fact 1: Wat Chedi Luang was built in the 14th century.
- Fact 2: The chedi was once home to the Emerald Buddha, now in Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok.
- Fact 3: The temple was partially destroyed by an earthquake in the 16th century, but has been partially restored.
- Fact 4: Wat Chedi Luang is one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai.
- Fact 5: The temple is home to a school for traditional Lanna-style Buddhism.
- Explore the Night Bazaar – A popular market in the center of the city, the Night Bazaar offers a wide variety of goods, including clothing, souvenirs, and traditional handicrafts.
- Fact 1: The Night Bazaar is open every night and is a popular spot for tourists and locals.
- Fact 2: The market offers a wide range of goods, including traditional Thai handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Fact 3: The Night Bazaar is also known for its street food, with many delicious options to choose from.
- Fact 4: The market is located in the center of the city and is easy to get to.
- Fact 5: The Night Bazaar is a great place to find good deals on souvenirs and gifts to take home.
- Take a cooking class – Chiang Mai is known for its delicious food and many cooking schools offer classes to teach you how to make traditional Thai dishes.
- Fact 1: Chiang Mai is particularly famous for its Northern Thai cuisine.
- Fact 2: Cooking classes are offered by many different schools and can range from half-day to full-day classes.
- Fact 3: Classes typically include a visit to a local market to buy ingredients.
- Fact 4: Many classes are taught by experienced local chefs.
- Fact 5: The cooking classes are a great way to learn about the local food and culture.
- Visit Doi Suthep – A mountain located just outside the city, Doi Suthep is home to a temple and offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
- Fact 1: Doi Suthep is one of the most famous landmarks in Chiang Mai.
- Fact 2: The temple is located at the top of the mountain and can be reached by car or by hiking.
- Fact 3: The temple is known for its beautiful golden pagoda and its panoramic views of the city.
- Fact 4: The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Thai Buddhists.
- Fact 5: Doi Suthep is also home to a number of hiking trails that offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
- Visit the Chiang Mai Zoo – A popular tourist attraction, the Chiang Mai Zoo offers the chance to see a wide variety of animals from all over the world, including elephants, tigers, and pandas.
- Fact 1: The Chiang Mai Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city
- Fact 2: The zoo features a large variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, pandas, and primates.
- Fact 3: The zoo also features a botanical garden and a lake with boat rides.
- Fact 4: The zoo is home to the first successful breeding of pandas in captivity outside of China.
- Fact 5: The zoo also offers a number of interactive experiences, such as elephant riding and tiger feeding.
- Visit the Hill Tribe Villages – Chiang Mai is home to many different hill tribe villages, each with their own unique culture and traditions.
- Fact 1: The hill tribes of Chiang Mai include the Hmong, Karen, Lahu, and Akha.
- Fact 2: Visiting the hill tribe villages is a great way to learn about the different cultures and traditions of the hill tribes.
- Fact 3: Many tour operators offer guided tours to the hill tribes.
- Fact 4: Many of the hill tribe villages are located in the mountains surrounding Chiang Mai.
- Fact 5: Visitors can also experience traditional activities such as weaving, and observe the traditional housing of the tribes.
- Visit the Chiang Mai Arts & Cultural Center – A museum located in the old city, the Chiang Mai Arts & Cultural Center offers a glimpse into the history, art, and culture of the region.
- Fact 1: The Chiang Mai Arts & Cultural Center is located in the old city of Chiang Mai.
- Fact 2: The museum features exhibits on the history, art, and culture of the region.
- Fact 3: The museum also features a traditional Thai house and garden.
- Fact 4: The museum also offers workshops and classes on traditional Thai arts and crafts.
- Fact 5: The museum is open daily, and admission is free.
- Take a yoga class – Chiang Mai is known for its yoga scene, with many yoga studios and retreat centers offering classes for all levels.
- Fact 1: Chiang Mai is a popular destination for yoga enthusiasts.
- Fact 2: Many yoga studios and retreat centers offer classes for all levels.
- Fact 3: Yoga classes can range from traditional Hatha yoga to more modern styles such as Vinyasa.
- Fact 4: Yoga classes are often held outdoors in beautiful natural settings.
- Fact 5: Yoga retreats are also available, with options for accommodation and meals included.
- Visit the Chiang Mai Night Safari – A popular tourist attraction, the Chiang Mai Night Safari offers the chance to see a wide variety of animals at night.
- Fact 1: The Chiang Mai Night Safari is the first night safari in Thailand.
- Fact 2: The safari features a tram ride that takes visitors through different zones of the park.
- Fact 3: Visitors can also see animal shows, such as elephants and tigers.
- Fact 4: The park is home to over 200 species of animals.
- Fact 5: The park is open from 6pm to midnight, and offers a unique experience to see animals at night.
- Take a massage class – Chiang Mai is known for its traditional Thai massage, and many massage schools offer classes to teach the technique.
- Fact 1: Chiang Mai is known for its traditional Thai massage.
- Fact 2: Massage classes are offered by many different schools and can range from half-day to full-day classes.
- Fact 3: Classes are typically taught by experienced local massage therapists.
- Fact 4: Massage classes are a great way to learn about the traditional Thai massage technique and its benefits for relaxation and healing.
- Fact 5: Classes may also include instruction on other traditional Thai healing practices such as herbal medicine and aromatherapy.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Chiang Mai. From visiting ancient temples to taking a cooking class or massage class, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. With so much to see and do, you could easily spend a week or more exploring all that Chiang Mai has to offer.