Last updated: October 2026
Nestled in the mountains of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is full of beautiful temples, bustling markets and an incredible food and coffee scene. But beyond its famous sights, it’s the forest trails, little neighbourhood cafés and quieter corners that made me want to stay – and keep coming back.
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While this blog post was written with the help of ChatGPT, all of the content (photos and text) is my original work. I actually visited all of the places featured in this blog post.
It wasn’t love at first sight, but after spending many months here, Chiang Mai gradually became home. These days, I live here for a good chunk of the year – and I still love showing people the places that made me fall for it. So I reckon calling this a local’s guide to Chiang Mai is a little bit justified.
I’ve handpicked 12 places and experiences worth checking out, from Chiang Mai hidden gems to popular spots I genuinely love. Think forest temples, local markets, excellent coffee and my favourite bowl of khao soi. If it’s your first visit, this is a good place to start.
I’ll also share what NOT to do in Chiang Mai…you might be a bit disappointed with that one.
Coming from Bangkok? Check out my second-class sleeper train guide or my first-class booking tips if you’d prefer a private cabin. No train tickets left? The VIP overnight bus is another option.
First, here’s some practical info to help you plan your visit.
Chiang Mai Key Info
best to time to visit
November to February
How to get there
You can fly to Chiang Mai International Airport,
or travel by:
– second-class sleeper train,
– first-class sleeper train,
– VIP overnight bus.
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
Carry cash for markets.
Ideal trip Length
3-5 Days
WHERE TO STAY
Old Town – temples and sightseeing
Nimman – hipster cafés and nightlife
Santitham – local food and budget stays
Jed Yod – a quiet base
Chang Moi – markets near the Old City
Hotel picks
U Nimman Chiang Mai – centre of Nimman
Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts – boutique stay, Old City
Cochet – budget stay, Nimman
Tamarind Village – higher-end stay, Old City
G Nimman – my favourite
Best Cafes
Tann
Roast8ry
Akha Ama
Ministry of Roasters
More favourites in my Chiang Mai coffee guide.
If you want all the best bits, right in your inbox:
Ok, back to business!
Let’s start with my favourite temple in Chiang Mai. Grab your hiking shoes – we’re taking the scenic route.
1. Hike Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat – my favourite thing to do in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is full of beautiful temples, but Wat Pha Lat is my favourite. Tucked into the forest on Doi Suthep mountain, this “jungle temple” has old stone structures, intricate carvings, little waterfalls and views over the city. It’s a lovely place to slow down – and getting there on foot makes the visit even better.
How to get to Wat Pha Lat?
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.
Monk’s Trail can get hot, so bring water! I use a WaterWell filter bottle on my Southeast Asia travels to cut down on plastic bottles.
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 to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep 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 to the Coconut Market?
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 (October 2026). 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 also hosts live music, with Thai bands playing on some evenings – another good reason to stick around after your coffee!
But Brewginning wouldn’t be so famous without the cute basket store opposite. Or 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 an ex-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 traditional Thai massage and spa treatments in a clean, welcoming environment, while supporting the women’s training and helping them prepare for work after their release.
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 it’s 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 Buddhist temple perched 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 to Wat Phra That Doi Kham?
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.
Like what you’ve seen so far? Find even more places to explore with my Chiang Mai map.
My Chiang Mai mapNo time to read now?I’ve saved over 80 places on one Google map: the prettiest temples, the best markets, the coolest cafes and more.Lifetime access, with new spots added automatically whenever I update the map.
7. Go jogging at Angkaew Reservoir
Ok, you don’t have to go jogging, although it’s a popular place for runners. But if you want a break from the city bustle, take a stroll around Angkaew Reservoir. Located within the Chiang Mai University campus, the lake has lovely mountain views and is popular with students and locals. And if you crave caffeine, there’s also a nice coffee shop there.
How to get to Angkaew Reservoir?
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 while I wouldn’t call it a hidden gem, it’s less popular among tourists.
Chiang Mai University Night Market, also known as CMU Night Market, is near the university campus, kind of opposite Angkaew Reservoir. It usually opens at 5 pm, with street food, handmade crafts, vintage clothes and a huge shop full of second-hand Japanese finds. Expect plenty of students and locals, affordable prices and a lovely atmosphere.And come hungry – there’s plenty of Thai food to try!
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.
I’ve used my Wise card for years to pay abroad and withdraw cash with no hidden fees – handy for Chiang Mai’s markets!
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?
Explore little shops and art studios selling handmade goods and local crafts, or play an artist yourself and paint a clay mug or coaster. When you get thirsty, grab an iced tea or coffee in one of the cute cafes.
Baan Kang Wat is also a great place for unique souvenirs, especially if you’d rather browse in a relaxed, creative atmosphere than haggle at a busy market.
The art village makes a delightful escape for those looking to experience the artistic side of Chiang Mai.
How to get to Baan Kang Wat?
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, around Warorot Market near the Ping River, is not that big, but usually crazy busy. Its shops, food stalls and markets sell everything from fresh produce and spices to clothing and household goods. Wander past Chinese temples and historic buildings, do some shopping or simply soak up the lively atmosphere.
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 serves Thai and international dishes, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options – including my favourite 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: it’s a Northern Thai curry noodle soup, with a creamy coconut milk base and crispy noodles on top. Usually served with chicken or beef, Aum makes delicious vegetarian and 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.
12. Have a walk along Mae Kha Canal
After stuffing yourself with delicious food, you might want to walk it off. Just a short walk from Aum, Mae Kha Canal is a lovely spot for an evening stroll.
This historic waterway once played an important role in irrigation and transport for local communities. After millions of baht were invested in a major clean-up, the canal’s surroundings were transformed into a lively market area. Japanese-inspired shopfronts now line the water, selling Thai souvenirs, snacks and 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.
How to see the elephants ethically?
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 all the time I’ve spent in Chiang Mai, I’ve still never visited an elephant 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!
And that’s it!
I didn’t want to end on such a serious note, but this felt important to share.
And there’s still plenty to love about Chiang Mai! I hope these Chiang Mai hidden gems and popular spots have given you a few ideas for your visit. Put on your comfy shoes, grab a delicious coffee and leave a little room for getting distracted along the way. That’s how I found some of my favourites!
Take it with you
A few things to make your Chiang Mai adventures easier:
- All the spots on your phone: my Chiang Mai map has over 80 places saved, including the spots in this guide and plenty more.
- Somewhere to sleep: check out my Nimman hotel guide to find a place in my favourite neighbourhood.
- Your next coffee stop: my Chiang Mai coffee guide will keep you caffeinated between temples and markets. Very important business.
See you in Chiang Mai – probably in a coffee shop!
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!
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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!