Chiang Mai holidays

Visitors flock to Chiang Mai for its elephant sanctuaries, but be aware that not all those marketing themselves as ethical are what they seem. The Elephant Freedom Village lets you get close to these gentle giants while learning about the Karen people, who’ve lived side by side with elephants for centuries.

With upwards of 300 Buddhist temples in and around the city, how many will you manage to visit during your holiday to Chiang Mai? Burn off the street food by taking the ‘Monks’ Hike’ through the jungle, ending with spectacular vistas from the golden Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Wat Umong, with its underground tunnels, wins the award for the most unique monastery.

Be sure to venture out to the surrounding countryside during your holiday to Chiang Mai. From remote rice paddies to river rafting, there are endless things to see and do. Watch an amazing sunrise from Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s tallest peak. Or climb the Bua Tong ‘Sticky’ Waterfalls, so called because of their coat of slip-free limestone deposits.

This is the best area to stay in Chiang Mai if you’re short on time. Within Old City Chiang Mai’s 700-year-old walls, you’ll find more than 30 temples, the iconic Sunday Walking Street Market and countless festivals. When the sun goes down, choose from plenty of spots along Ratvithi Road to cool off with a bottle of local beer.

Good for: History, culture, temples

North of the Old City, Santitham is where to stay in Chiang Mai if you crave an extra dose of local flavour. This neighbourhood is home to some of the tastiest food stalls in the city. You’re unlikely to find English on the menus, but don’t let that slow your journey. And don’t forget to catch a traditional Muay Thai match at the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium.

Good for: Food, Muay Thai, your budget

If you’re looking to stay in the trendiest part of Chiang Mai, this might just be your spot. Digital nomads have flocked to Nimmanhaemin in recent years, bringing with them cool coffee shops and a cosmopolitan vibe. Browse chic boutiques and galleries by day before moving on to the bars and clubs at night.

Good for: Trendy vibes, boutiques, art galleries

Multiple zipline operators allow adventurous kids and parents to fly through Chiang Mai’s lush jungles. Check any age and weight restrictions before you book. Visit Art in Paradise Chiang Mai, a 3D art museum full of fun optical illusions. Or take a cooking class so you can bring the taste of Thailand back home with you.

Shop in Chiang Mai for local goods like lacquerware, silks and paper umbrellas. Be sure to plan your visit to coincide with the Sunday Walking Street Market. Nibble on ‘sai oua’ (spicy grilled sausage), listen to musicians and watch puppeteers along the way. When it’s time to knead the knots out of aching muscles, stop for a traditional Thai massage.

Some of the best museums in Chiang Mai are conveniently located right next to each other. These can be visited with a combined ticket over one week. Visit the Lanna Folklife Museum for an insight into Northern Thai culture. Elsewhere, the Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders is a lovingly curated collection by a bug-loving power couple.

Find some of the best nightlife in Chiang Mai in trendy Nimmanhaemin. A lively music scene extends throughout the city, and both locals and tourists head to the North Gate Jazz Co-Op in the evening. Be sure to catch a cabaret show. The Night Bazaar is a great place to soak up a buzzing atmosphere with locals.

You can’t visit Chiang Mai without devouring a bowl of ‘khao soi’. The stars of this creamy curry and coconut noodle soup are the crunchy noodles sprinkled on top. One of the best restaurants to try it is Khao Soi Islam Noodles. Finish your meal with a serving of mango sticky rice.

Though donations are gratefully accepted, most monasteries are free to enter, and some even offer a dedicated ‘monk chat’. Given that women aren’t usually permitted to interact with monks, this is a unique opportunity and one of the best free things to do in Chiang Mai. A chat may be followed by meditation.