Northern Thailand and the famous old city of Chiang Mai had been on my list to visit ever since I first moved to Phuket two years earlier. Nestled in the mountainous north of Thailand, Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 and is now the country’s second-largest city after Bangkok. But what is there to do in Chiang Mai? Why is it a must-see destination in Thailand? Let’s have a look.
As soon as I arrived in Chiang Mai, after a six-hour train ride from Sukhothai, I had a great feeling about the city. However, it was already late, so I had to wait until the next day to discover what there was to do. Read more here: The Temples of Sukhothai – Which Ones to See!
Walk the Old City of Chiang Mai
Walking through the streets of the Old City of Chiang Mai is, of course, a must. Inside the old city walls, you’ll find plenty of charming streets, boutique hotels, cosy coffee shops, temples and countless massage parlours. Surrounded by a moat, I enjoyed strolling both inside and outside the ancient city walls. It is a unique place and so different to Phuket.
The layout of the city, especially the moat, reminded me a little of Strasbourg.
And if you need a break, stop at one of the many charming cafés and enjoy a cup of locally grown Chiang Mai coffee. It’s delicious. Of course, you also can’t miss visiting one, or several, of the city’s many temples. There is certainly no shortage of them inside the Old City.
During my time in Chiang Mai, I discovered that the TAGTHAi Travel Pass is a great way to explore the city and surrounding areas. It offers access to 96 attractions, making it easy to experience everything from eco-friendly EV tuk-tuk rides to thrilling zip-line adventures. Along the way, you can enjoy Chiang Mai’s vibrant culture, ethical animal sanctuaries, and a variety of unique dining spots. Click here for more details!
But why are there so many temples in Chiang Mai?
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The Temples
There are more than 300 temples in and around Chiang Mai, with around 117 of them located inside the Old City. Why? Chiang Mai served as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom in northern Thailand for nearly 500 years, so I guess that explains it. However, sometimes too much of a good thing is simply too much. After visiting a few temples, I eventually stopped noticing the others.
That said, I enjoyed seeing the contrast between the ancient and the more modern temples. It was a nice change after exploring the historic ruins of Sukhothai. One of my favourites was the beautiful Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham. Established in 1297, it sits in a peaceful forest just outside Chiang Mai.
Its underground tunnels, with their narrow walkways and a Buddha statue at the end of each passage, were unlike anything I had seen before. Really incredible.
I was also surprised to read a sign at one of the temples stating that women were not allowed to enter because they menstruate. I must admit, I had never seen a sign quite like that before, although I have come across signs saying “No women allowed.” It certainly made me stop and think.
For the best Asia experience visit Alltours to organise the perfect Chiang Mai walking tour! And remember always to dress appropriately when visiting Temples.
Wat Chedi Luang Stupa
and Wat Lok Molee
Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham
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The Huay Tueng Tao Lake
II enjoy finding different places for my morning walks. So, after doing a little research online, I discovered Huay Tueng Thao Lake.
Well, I didn’t actually walk around it. The loop was a little too long, so I decided to explore it on my scooter instead. The little lakeside huts looked wonderfully idyllic and are apparently popular spots to relax and enjoy some delicious Thai food.
As I rode around the lake, stopping every now and then to take photos, I suddenly spotted a series of giant animal sculptures standing among the rice fields. I had to stop for a closer look. It was such an unexpected art display, and certainly not a place where I expected to find King Kong! What a fun and unusual thing to do in Chiang Mai.
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The mountains of Chiang Mai
Of course, you can’t visit Chiang Mai without a trip to the mountains. Having gained some confidence from my road trip to Pai, I decided to follow Route 1004 to Bhubing Palace. Nestled in the Doi Buak Ha Mountains, the 27 km drive is both scenic and enjoyable.
Once I reached the top, I decided not to visit the palace. Instead, I rode back down a little to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Thailand’s most sacred temples. Entering via its beautiful staircase, I discovered a stunning temple with breathtaking views over Chiang Mai.
Unfortunately, because it was the dry season, I didn’t stop at any of the waterfalls or go hiking. I was still recovering from my little incident in Pai (bike accident), so I decided to take it easy in Chiang Mai.
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Shopping and Dining – Day & Night Markets
I don’t shop much when I travel, and I’d already bought my souvenir from the Karen ladies in Pai. However, I do enjoy wandering through local shops and markets, especially when they sell unique handcrafted pieces. And Chiang Mai is full of them.
From beautifully handwoven cushions, rugs and bags to hand-carved wooden elephants and handmade jewellery, the Old City of Chiang Mai is a fantastic place to shop. In my opinion, it’s a much better shopping destination than Bangkok. It feels more authentic, and I much prefer that.
Besides the many shops, Chiang Mai also offers plenty of markets to explore. The Night Bazaar is certainly the most popular. It’s fun to wander through the endless stalls selling accessories, clothing and local handicrafts, although it can get very crowded.
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The Warorot Day Market, on the other hand, feels much more local and colourful. From stalls selling baskets and other handmade goods to herbs and regional specialities, there’s plenty to discover. I personally found it a little too chaotic and untidy, but according to Google, it’s the market to visit in Chiang Mai.
As for the food, I definitely preferred the Ploen Ruedee Night Market. It became my favourite place for dinner, and judging by the crowds, many other travellers agreed. I ate there almost every evening. It’s relatively small, but the atmosphere is fantastic, and the variety of food on offer is excellent.
Want more? Here is a list of other markets in Chiang Mai.
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And so…
Well rested and happy to have finally explored northern Thailand, I can honestly say that Chiang Mai and Pai were well worth the trip. I would highly recommend visiting this part of the country. You won’t be disappointed. Remember to plan your trip here to find the best experiences. I hope I gave you a nice read about what to do in Chiang Mai. Besides walking the old city!
And if you’re feeling a little fancy, stay at the Astra Sky River Condo. It has the most amazing pool.
As for me, it was time to head back to Phuket, back to the beach and my friends. Maybe it was time for some sailing as well?
(Post 185)
