Chiang Mai was hands down my favourite stop on our recent 12-day trip around Thailand. Combining the variety of a big city with the friendly feel of a small town, Chiang Mai really is the best of both worlds. There is so much to do both within the city and nearby, and here are 5 of my favourite recommendations:
1. Visit the Wats
Chiang Mai and the surrounding province is home to the largest number of temples and wats in Thailand, with over 300 in the area. Many of these beautiful buildings and complexes are open to visitors. Wherever you stay in Chiang Mai, you are likely to find a wat near to your hotel but some of the must sees are:
2. Walking Streets
Chiang Mai hosts several different markets and walking streets throughout the week, including a range of popular night markets. These are a must-do experience whilst in Chiang Mai, and are a great way to spend an evening, browsing local handicrafts and snacking on authentic street food. The most famous of the night markets is the The Pae Walking Street on Sunday evenings, between 4pm and 10:30pm. Another great alternative is the Wua Lai Walking Street, running at the same times on a Saturday evening. Not in the city during the weekend? Fear not! The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar takes place every evening at the intersection of Chang Khlan Road and Loi Khro Road between 5pm and midnight.
3. Indulge in the wellness culture
Chiang Mai is the epicentre of Thailand’s culture of wellness and wellbeing. Vegan and vegetarian restaurants abound, green space is plentiful and restorative massage can be found on every street. After a busy day of sightseeing, it’ll be hard to resist an hour of tranquility and Green Bamboo Massage in the old city comes highly recommended. With a focus on sustainability, Green Bamboo Massage is a traditional Thai Massage centre, with friendly and professional staff. Their commitment to your comfort lasts from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, with refreshments provided free of charge both before and after your massage.
4. Enjoy the green spaces
Going hand in hand with its focus on wellbeing, Chiang Mai is surrounded by countryside, so there is plenty of space to explore, get some exercise in and enjoy outdoor activities. Several hiking trails begin just outside of the city, taking you out into the neighbouring Doi Suthep National Park. The heart of the city also offers enjoyable green spaces, including the Nong Buak Haad Public Park. This park offers lots to see and do, including an outdoor gym, running track, fountains, kids’ playground and an evening aerobics class. It’s also a beautiful place for an evening stroll.
5. Eat your way around the city
Chiang Mai is a food lover’s dream, with a vast range of restaurants, cafes and street food to sample. From large restaurants offering evening entertainment and smaller, family run establishments, you could easily spend a week just taking in Chiang Mai’s culinary scene. Along with the street food stalls that typically pop up all over the old city during the evening, some restaurant highlights include It’s Good! Kitchen and Nun’s Restaurant (the Khao Soi is to die for!)
