The National Park of DOI INTHANON
This national park, often known as “the top of Thailand,” is a must-see for anybody visiting the country. Taking advantage of a tour group in the area is perhaps the simplest method to see this wonderful landmark. Many tour companies offer tours here since it is one of the top things to do in Chiang Mai, so just inquire about your accommodation and there will be more than glad to organize this for you.
Sirithan Waterfall, a Karen hamlet, and Vachiratharn Waterfall are just a few of the sights on a typical full-day trip to the area. Lunch at a local Thai restaurant, where you may sample authentic dishes like Kao Soi, is often included on trips.
Visit the site and go up the 2565-meter-high AngKa Nature Trail to Thailand’s highest peak. Next, visit the pagodas of the King and Queen. Seeing the chedis is one of the most popular things to do in Chiang Mai, and for good reason: the surrounding region has some of the park’s greatest panoramas.
Save the elephants in the sanctum
One of my favorite memories from my trip to Chiang Mai is the time I spent helping out at Elephant Rainforest Sanctuary as a volunteer. You won’t want to miss this, even though it’s probably the most touristy thing you can do in Chiang Mai. You shouldn’t miss this fantastic attraction when in Chiang Mai.
You may spend the day with rescued elephants at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, a facility dedicated to their care and rehabilitation. There are no rides or performances at this center, and no hooks or chains are used in any way.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel and given a presentation about the elephant and why they needed to be saved before spending the day at the sanctuary, where you’ll get to feed and play with the elephants (and even help them take a bath in the river, so wear old clothes and shoes!) together with a very authentic Thai meal.
Check out our Chiang Mai guidebook, which contains our Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Tour Tour, which includes trips to WatChediLuang and the gorgeous surrounding rolling hills and forests with one of our charming local tour guides.
What is it that you believe?
There are few more well-known Thai temples than DoiSuthep. The temple is readily accessible by taxi ride from any place in Chiang Mai, and it is highly recommended that you make the trip.
Experience the peaceful and mysterious ambiance of the ancient temples atop the mountain after ascending the renowned 300 stairs leading there.
The main temple requires visitors to remove their shoes before entering. The same goes for how you dress. Shoulders and legs must be covered, so bring a sarong that can be tied around your body quickly and easily. Alternatively, you may rent one from the website for a low price.
Welcome to the temple of silver
Ubosot’s holiest site is the Silver Monastery in Chiang Mai. Silver, associated with the moon and so with Yin energy, also symbolizes great age and wisdom.
Its silver facade stands out from the sea of similarly-styled temples that populate Northern Thailand. Contrary to popular belief, however, the structure is not fabricated entirely out of silver. It’s just an ordinary structure with silver panels installed on the inside.
Unfortunately, the law prohibiting women from entering the shrine is strictly enforced. The nicest part of visiting the temple, however, is outside sightseeing, therefore a visit regardless of your gender is highly recommended. The laws may be severe, but don’t let that stop you from visiting; this is easily one of the most beautiful spots in all of Chiang Mai.
Real, active monks will also be there, as well as silversmiths creating their wares. The shrine welcomes visitors from the early morning till late at night. You may give alms to the monks if you show there early daybreak.
Sunday after-dark street market for walkers
Our tour of Chiang Mai wouldn’t be complete without a discussion of the city’s many excellent markets. Chiang Mai’s Sunday Walking Street Night Market is a must-see on every traveler’s itinerary. While there are several markets in Chiang Mai, none compare to the size and variety of this one. It stretches a full kilometer and is packed with stall after stall selling anything from clothing to antiques to fresh produce.
Why not go beyond the street food and try a cooking lesson in Chiang Mai if you want to get a feel for the local cuisine and culture?