Nestled in the lush mountains of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a city that effortlessly blends ancient history with vibrant modern culture. Known for its stunning temples, bustling markets, rich traditions and incredible food and coffee scene, Chiang Mai caters to every type of traveler. Whether you’re up for an adventure in the great outdoors, looking to taste some amazing Northern Thai dishes, or eager to explore the city’s history, local life, and hidden gems, Chiang Mai has got you covered.
Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links, If you click one of them I will earn a small commission, it won’t cost you anything extra.
Writing this blog post is a bit emotional for me, because I absolutely love Chiang Mai. While it wasn’t love at first sight, I did spend many amazing months there and by the end, living in Chiang Mai was the closest I’ve been to feeling at home. And now it is home! So calling this blog post: “a local’s guide to Chiang Mai” is a little bit justified. Therefore, you won’t find many overcrowded tourist spots and popular activities here. Instead, I handpicked 12 places and experiences that are really worth checking out, including some Chiang Mai hidden gems. Especially if it’s your first time in the city.
I also share what NOT to do in Chiang Mai…you might be a bit disappointed with that one.
But before sightseeing in Chiang Mai, you first have to get there. Check out my full guide to taking a special sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and receiving your tickets within minutes! No train tickets available? You can take the VIP sleeper bus instead!
Instead of chatting about things to do in this exciting city, let’s dive into some popular activities and Chiang Mai hidden gems to discover what makes this city so special.
Ah wait, before we start, check out some basic info about Chiang Mai!
Chiang Mai Key Info
The best to time to visit
November to February
How to get there
You can fly to Chiang Mai International Airport.
You can take a train from Bangkok.
Or take a bus from Bangkok.
How to get around
Chiang Mai’s famous red trucks (Songthaew)
Take a Grab or Bolt
Rent a scooter.
Currency
Thai Baht (THB)
100 THB = 2.30 GBP/ 3 USD
Ideal trip Length
3-5 Days
WHERE TO STAY
Old Town – Touristy
Nimman – Hipster
Santitham – Budget
Jed Yod – Quiet
Chiang Moi – Alternative Budget
Hotel picks
U Nimman Chiang Mai
Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts
Book Design Hotel
Cross Vibe Chiang Mai Decem
Darley Hotel
Best Cafes
Roast8ry
Akha Ama
Ministry of Roasters
For even more check out my blog post
Now you’re ready! We are starting with something that will require grabbing your hiking shoes:
The prettiest temples, the best markets, the coolest cafes and more.
And now back to business…
1. Hike Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat
While Chiang is full of beautiful temples, Wat Pha Lat is my ultimate favourite. Nestled in the lush forested hills of Doi Suthep, Wat Pha Lat, also known as the “Hidden Temple” or “Jungle Temple”, offers a serene escape from the city noise. Old stone structures and beautiful carvings, cascading waterfalls and a tranquil garden create a mysterious vibe conducive to meditation and reflection.
How to get there?
This hidden gem can be accessed via the Monk’s Trail – a beautiful hiking path that begins near Chiang Mai University and winds through the forest. The hike is fairly easy and takes around 30 min. Simply type “Monk’s trail” in Google maps and Google will show you the hike’s starting point.
Don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle with you. It can get hot very quickly.
If you don’t have a reusable water bottle with filter yet, buy the one and only WaterWell bottle. I’ve been using it for all my South East Asia travels.
Useful tip!
Go early. You’ll be able to avoid the heat, the crowds and to be able to fully enjoy Wat Pha Lat’s beauty in a peaceful atmosphere.
Don’t forget…
that it’s a temple, so wear appropriate clothing. If you’re hiking, bring a scarf or something to cover yourself.
Naturally, you can also access Wat Pha Lat by car: “red truck” or Grab. But hiking Monk’s Trail is definitely more entertaining.
2. Watch sunrise from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Yes, this is a very touristy and very popular spot. But it’s also a must-visit in Chiang Mai, so I couldn’t not mention it.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic and revered temples, perched high on Doi Suthep mountain. Dating back to 1383, this stunning temple is not only a place of spiritual significance – the central chedi is said to house a relic of the Buddha – but also offers breathtaking panoramic views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding countryside.
Despite being super busy, I actually enjoyed my visit there a lot. But I do have one…
Useful tip
…for you: instead of going there during the day with the masses, visit this beautiful temple for sunrise. You won’t be alone, but the temple will be definitely less crowded when you go there that early. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of monks’ morning prayers.
How to get there for sunrise?
Simple answer: order a Grab taxi.
There are thousands of famous Chiang Mai’ “red trucks” going there daily, but for Wat Phra That sunrise experience grabbing a Grab in the best option.
3. Start your weekend at THE Coconut Market
While Chiang Mai is full of different types of markets (I’ll mention at least one or two more), the Coconut Market is definitely the cutest one. Located near the popular Nimmanhaemin area, this market is a favourite among both locals and tourists for its wide variety of coconut-based products. You can find everything from fresh coconut water and coconut milk to coconut ice cream (a must try!) and other sweet treats there.
What else can you do there?
Well, the usual market things. Stroll little alleys, shop for handmade stuff, drink coffee, tea, juices, smoothies, eat Thai snacks.
But what really makes this market so special is its amazing scenery. Rows of palm trees separated by little canals connected by cute bridges! You can have a glimpse of its beauty in my reel.
How to get there?
I’ll sound like a broken record, but…simply get a Grab. That will be the fastest and the most convenient way of reaching the market.
Important info!
As the name suggests, the market is open only during the weekends, starting on a Friday. From 8 am to 3 pm (August 2025). So no sleeping in!
4. Have a coffee in Brewginning and snap a photo in front of a “basket shop”
While the coffee scene in Chiang Mai is so incredible that it deserves a separate blog post (which I did write – check it out!), you can’t not visit Brewginning during your time in the “new city”. Located in the heart of Chiang Mai, Brewginning is the place to be!
The minimalist decor, combined with delicious coffee, relaxed atmosphere and super friendly service makes Brewginning an ideal spot for working, meeting friends, or simply taking a break from exploring the vibrant city of Chiang Mai.
Brewginning is also famous for live music events. And last November, December and January they were throwing mini “parties” every Saturday – sunset music sessions. Cold beer, cool music and great vibes…hopefully we get to enjoy them this year too!
But Brewginning wouldn’t be so famous without the cute basket store opposite. Ot the other way around.
Because if I had to name the most popular Instagram spot in Chiang Mai, it would definitely be the basket shop. No matter the time of day, there are always people taking photos in front of the store. But who can blame them! It’s too cute!
Don’t forget to check out my ultimate guide to Chiang Mai coffee shops!
5. Have a prisoners massage
Does that sound a bit weird? I bet. But let me explain.
There is a place in Chiang Mai where you can have a massage done by female ex-prisoners. It’s called Chiang Mai Women Correctional Institution Vocational Training Center and apart from being a unique and highly regarded spa, it’s a place with a mission. The goal is to allow the ex-inmates to gain valuable skills and work experience as professional masseuses, preparing them for reintegration into society.
You can enjoy a range of traditional Thai massages and spa treatments in a clean, welcoming environment. The quality of the massages is consistently praised, and the experience itself offers a meaningful way to support the rehabilitation and empowerment of the women involved. The institution’s serene setting and the friendly, professional service make it a must-visit for anyone seeking relaxation and a positive social impact during their stay in Chiang Mai.
Useful tip!
The institution is gaining more and more popularity, so it’s a great idea to book in advance. You can either call or simply walk there, since its located in the city centre.
6. Enjoy the sunset from Wat Phra That Doi Kham
Wat Phra That Doi Kham, also known as the Temple of the Golden Mountain, is a revered Buddhist temple situated on a hill just southwest of Chiang Mai. This temple is famous for its impressive 17-meter tall Buddha statue, which offers a majestic view visible from miles away. Dating back over 1,300 years, Wat Phra That Doi Kham holds great historical and spiritual significance.
For me the best part of this temple was the long staircase flanked by mythical Naga serpents. And the panoramic views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding valleys. Especially beautiful during sunset. That’s why I recommend this time for a day for the visit.
How to get there?
Grab, naturally. You can either drive up straight to the temple. Or ask the driver to drop you off on the main road (opposite Cup Fine Day Coffee & Cuisine) and climb the impressive staircase. In my opinion it’s better to hike it down on the way back than climb up, but maybe you’re more adventurous than me.
Speaking of Chiang Mai temples…
…this is what Chiang Mai is famous for, so the amount of shrines and temples in the city is endless. I mentioned only 3 here, but if you want to know what other temples are worth visiting, here are some suggestions:
- Wat Suan Dok – it’s big and white.
- Wat Lok Moli – especially pretty during Yi Peng Festival
- Wat Chedi Luang – Chiang Mai must visit!
- Wat Phra Singh – another must visit!
- Wat Umong Suan Putthatham – nice complex and hidden Buddha.
Or you can simply have a look at my video for more inspiration.
7. Go jogging at Angkaew Reservoir
Ok, you don’t have to go jogging, although it is a very popular place for runners. But if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you can have a stroll around Angkaew Reservoir. Located within the Chiang Mai University campus, this picturesque and tranquil spot serves as a popular recreational area for students, locals, and tourists. The calm waters of the lake and and scenic views make it an ideal place for a leisurely walk, a run or for a moment of relaxation by the water’s edge. And if you crave caffeine, there’s also a nice coffee shop there.
How to get there?
Do I even have to say it? Grab! You can also take a “red truck”. Or if you live in Nimmanhaemin you can also walk there. It will be a longer walk, but totally doable.
Useful tip!
Avoid going there during the day. It will be simply too hot. Morning or evening hours are the best.
Since it’s my favourite place to run in Chiang Mai, I always go there after sunrise. It’s way calmer than in the evening. Although if you decide to visit the reservoir in the evening, you can combine it with a…
8. Stroll through Chiang Mai University Night Market
It’s one of my favourite markets in Chiang Mai. Maybe because it’s full of vintage clothing. And even though I wouldn’t class it as one of the Chiang Mai hidden gems, it’s definitely not that popular among tourists.
The Chiang Mai University Night Market, often referred to as the CMU Night Market is located near the university campus, kind of opposite to Angkaew Reservoir. It comes alive in the evening (usually it opens at 5 pm), offering a wide variety of street food, unique handmade crafts and, as I mentioned before, vintage clothes. It attracts students and locals with affordable prices, delicious Thai dishes (you have to have Pad Thai there!) and lovely atmosphere.
So if you want to experience local culture and interact with Chiang Mai’s youth, CMU Night Market is a must-visit during your time in Chiang Mai.
If you need a great travel card for all your Chiang Mai shopping adventures, get a Wise card! I’ve been using it for years and I can guarantee that it’s the only travel card you’ll need! Convenient to use app, no hidden fees and (what’s important in Thailand since they’re still using cash) super easy withdrawals!
9. Get all arty in Baan Kang Wat
One of Chiang Mai hidden gems, one of my favourite places in Chiang Mai.
Baan Kang Wat, or as I call it – the Art Village, is a charming craft market located just outside of Chiang Mai. This creative community is home to a collective of artists, designers, and craftspeople who showcase their unique works in a serene, village-like setting.
What can you do there?
You can explore a variety of quaint shops, cozy cafes, and art studios, each offering handmade goods, local crafts, and artistic creations. You can also play an artist yourself and make some hand painted clay mugs or coasters. And when you get thirsty, you can have a delicious iced tea or coffee in one of the cute cafes.
It’s also a great place to buy some unique souvenirs. So if you don’t feel like haggling and hassling on big markets, you have to come to Baan Kang Wat to shop in a relaxing, creative atmosphere.
The art village makes a delightful escape for those looking to experience the artistic side of Chiang Mai.
How to get there?
You know the answer: Grab, Grab, Grab. There’s no way you could walk there.
10. Embrace the hustle and bustle of Chinatown
From a cute and quiet art village, we’re jumping to something totally opposite: loud and busy Chinatown.
But it’s also worth visiting.
Chiang Mai’s Chinatown known locally as Warorot Market, is a vibrant area located near the Ping River. This not-that-big, but usually crazy busy neighbourhood offers an array of shops, food stalls, and traditional markets where visitors can find everything from fresh produce and exotic spices to clothing and household goods.
The area also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with Chinese temples and historical buildings reflecting the long-standing Chinese influence in Chiang Mai. So whether you’re there to shop or simply to soak up the lively atmosphere, Chinatown will provide an immersive cultural experience in the heart of the city.
Useful tip!
It’s a great place for buying your souvenirs. Elephant pants, coconut bowls, rattan handbags or hats? Yep, you can find them in Chinatown too. For even lower prices!
11. Fill your belly with Khao Soi In Aum Vegetarian
Ok, now it’s finally time to eat something!
Aum Vegetarian Restaurant is a great spot for those seeking healthy and delicious vegetarian cuisine. This cozy and welcoming eatery offers a diverse menu featuring Thai and international dishes, all made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Aum is particularly known for its flavourful curries and creative salads, as well as its selection of vegan and gluten-free options. Including vegetarian Khao Soi!
If you don’t know what Khao Soi is, it’s the best dish you’ll ever eat.
But to give you a little background: Khao Soi is a traditional Northern Thai dish that is particularly popular in Chiang Mai. It is a rich and flavorful curry noodle soup with a creamy coconut milk base. The dish typically includes tender egg noodles and is topped with crispy fried noodles. The soup is usually served with chicken or beef, but Aum Vegetarian makes incredible vegetarian and even vegan versions.
Their Khao Soi is so good, that there was a time during my time in Chiang Mai, when I had it for dinner every night.
So if that didn’t convince you to visit, I don’t know what will. Ok, maybe the cosy rustic interiors (especially upstairs), super friendly service and chilled atmosphere.
Do you want to relax with your favourite Netflix show after dinner? But what if it’s not available in Thailand? NordVPN can fix that for you! Plus, it will protect your Internet connection. Read more about how great NordVPN is and use my special link to get it at a great price!
12. Have a walk along Mae Kha Canal
After stuffing yourself with delicious food, you might want to walk it off. Just a few minutes away you can find another lovely spot in Chiang Mai. It’s not one of the Chiang Mai hidden gems, but it also not a place where tourists flock.
I’m talking about Mae Kha Canal.
Khlong Mae Kha is an important waterway running through the heart of Chiang Mai. Historically, it has been a vital resource for irrigation and transportation for the local communities. Recently, after millions of baht being invested in a massive clean up, the area around the canal has been transformed into a new Chiang Mai night market.
All the stalls and shops located at the riverside are slightly Japanese themed, but you can still buy Thai souvenirs and have a taste of Thai dishes.
What can you do there?
You can walk along the canal, snap a photo on one of the bamboo bridges decorated with lanterns and enjoy a somewhat more relaxed atmosphere than at the other markets. And if you get hungry or thirsty, there’s a nice range of cute cafes and restaurants that can help you solve that problem.
Ok, that was the main part of my “Chiang Mai hidden gems and popular spots” blog post.
I realize I didn’t mention the most “popular” things like:
- visiting the weekend night market
- strolling around Tha Phae Gate
- or participating in a cooking class.
But you can read about those things is literally every other blog post.
I do have to add one more paragraph here though.
Things NOT to do in Chiang Mai!
I realize that many of you will come to Chiang Mai expecting to check “seeing an elephant” off your bucket list. Well, how can I break it to you gently…? It would be best if you didn’t!
While more and more travellers get educated about why they shouldn’t ride elephants, there has been a shift towards elephant “sanctuaries”. And as the demand for sanctuaries grows, there are unfortunately many places that are capitalizing on this and calling themselves “sanctuaries” without doing what’s right for the elephants.
I’m not saying that truly ethical sanctuaries don’t exist (I’ll share one below), but nowadays it’s really hard to find a reputable one. So use this as an indication:
if you can ride, feed or bathe with an elephant – it’s NOT an ethical sanctuary!
If you want to know what an elephant has to go through for you to feed or bathe with him, read this heartbreaking blog post. Elephants are WILD animals, they shouldn’t be forced to be around people and every encounter might be bringing them a huge amount of stress. Not to mention the tortures they have to go through to make it possible.
After spending more than half a year in Chiang Mai, I have still never been in any sanctuary. Because really the best thing you can do for the elephants is donating to reputable organizations without visiting them. But if you want to see an elephant with your own eyes, my friend Kirsten, visited Elephant Nature Park. It’s an ethical and award winning sanctuary where the only thing you can do is to observe those amazing creatures. If you want to visit, book in advance! Truly ethical places book up quickly.
There is another full on animal cruelty tourist attraction in Chiang Mai called: Tiger Kingdom. If you’re even been to the circus, you know what it entails.
I’d stay away from the Night Safari too.
So in general, do yourself but most importantly the animals a favour and…
stay away from all the activities involving animalS in Chiang Mai!
Mass tourism in Thailand caused a lot of negative effects and animal exploitation and animal abuse is one of the biggest ones. So please do your research and don’t be a part of it. By visiting some shady “sanctuary” or participating in another animal “tourist attraction”, you’re contributing to those issues and basically promoting animal cruelty!
If you want to be more conscious as a traveller, download my mini guide on becoming an eco-friendly traveller!
traveller without making an effort
I didn’t want to end this blog post on such a “depressing” note, but I feel like this was an important thing to throw out there!
Nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed my “Chiang Mai hidden gems and popular spots blog post”. Chiang Mai is an amazing place to visit and I hope you will have a great time there! Grab a delicious coffee, wear comfy shoes, download Grab app and enjoy your Chiang Mai adventure.
If you have any question about Chiang Mai hidden gems or popular spots, drop them in the comments or send me a message on Instagram!
Hi, it’s Aga, the author of this blog. If you found this blog post interesting, entertaining or useful, please think of buying me a virtual coffee to support the site’s running costs. But if you know me, I might actually spend it on coffee. Thanks!
Pin for later!
I’ve been to Chiang Mai twice and it looks like I need to go back a third time because I still missed a lot!!
Yes! Let’s go! 🙂
Thank you for this wonderful blog! I would totally buy you a coffee in chiang mai 🙂
Aww thanks so much! Well, there is a button down there where you can buy me a coffee 😛
Everything you recommended is spot-on!! Love chiang mai and definitely hope we can reunite one day in this beautiful city! 🩵
Thank you! I hope so too! 🙂
Hi,
The information you provided is useful for a first timer like me. I am planning to go in January. Do you have more details on the places to stay or roam around in Chiang Mai.
hey! Glad to hear you found the blog post useful 😉 yhmm places to stay in CM..? if you mean hotels I have a blog post about hotels in Nimman (great neighbourhood in Chiang Mai) and to roam around Chiang Mai, I don’t have a blog post about that yet, but drop me an email and I’ll share some “day trip places”. If that’s what you mean 😉 also, maybe I’ll write a blog post about by the time you go 😛
Thank you for posting this. Currently in Chiang Mai and using this post to plan my activities. I have already been to Aum and plan to go back there!
Hi Sarah, that’s so great to hear! Uhh Aum is the best! Hope you tried their khao soi 🙂 Enjoy Chiang Mai!
Thanks so much for all the tips, will be visiting Chiang Mai in 2 weeks, so this helps!
Happy to hear that! Enjoy Chiang Mai!
Thanks for the advice! One thing I‘m asking myself: Is it not more eco-friendly to use collective taxi trucks and so on rather than Grab? Do you have any insights on this?
Well, that’s tricky. But thanks for asking this question! On one hand every means of collective transportation is usually more eco-friendly, but there’s so many red trucks in Chiang Mai, that a lot of times I was in one alone anyway. So it’s no different than a Grab car then. Plus they’re engines don’t seem t be the most environmentally friendly. And unfortunately red trucks can’t take you everywhere and they’re not the most reliable. Usually you see them everywhere, but I swear that whenever I needed one desperately – there was no red truck around 😛
Elephants are not WILD animals, at least not any longer. During pandemic, without tourist dollars, many elephants starved -even within the camps. Again, elephants cannot survive in the wild, they need a habitat that is protected and humans to feed and care for them.
You’re wrong! By definition, even if born in captivity, elephants are still wild animals. Maybe do some quick Google search, before commenting on any blog. With regards to the pandemic, all online articles said that they were in danger of starving, not that any of them actually starved. And even if they did starve, it was the camps’ fault for not providing them with food. Elephants wouldn’t have to (and shouldn’t be) in camps in the first place, if they weren’t captured and used for tourism purposes. They can survive in the wild on their own, like they have for hundreds of years.
While many of these elephant ‘sanctuaries’ serve to exploit the tourist dollar, I’m uncomfortable with your sweeping generalisations especially when attempting to take the ‘learned’ moral high ground. Ethical, non-exploitative sanctuaries do exist to rescue elephants who otherwise would live miserable, cruel lives. I’d also rather doubt that elephants that have been exploited and conditioned to serve humans would find it easy to survive on their, especially when many will have sustained serious long-term injuries. IMO, where some tourists fall down is they don’t do their research to make sure they only visit ethical sanctuaries.
Thanks for you comment. And yeah…I did write that ethical sanctuaries exist. I’m even recommending one.
My comment was in response to Patrick M’s post, not your article, which was much appreciated.
What a fantastic guide! I’m planning trip to Chiang Mai next year and this post has been incredibly helpful for navigating the night markets. Your photos are stunning too!
Thanks so much! Hope you’ll have a great time in Chiang Mai!
I’m heading to Chiang Mai in November and I thought I had a lot on my list to see, but you’ve added a few more! I’ll only be there for 4.5 days so I’m packing a lot in, but also trying to keep things more relaxed, as it seems like a nice city to wonder around in and see what you find.
Thanks for the post!
Hi Lydia, thanks for your comment 🙂 It might seem like there’s a lot to see and try here, but 4.5 days should be totally enough. But yeah, keep it relaxed – Chiang Mai is all about being relaxed with a great coffee in your hand 🙂 if you’re interested, I’m selling Google Maps pins, so you’ll have all the spots in one place: temples, markets, coffee shops, activities and more: https://agaonthe.run/product/chiang-mai-google-maps-pins/ Enjoy Chiang Mai!