Top Things to See and Do in Chiang Mai Old City

The Old City of Chiang Mai is known for its cafes, restaurants and historic sights. Read on for our list of things to see and do inside the city walls.
Want to explore more of northern Thailand with like-minded travellers? Now you can book a place on TRIPS by Culture Trip’s 10-day adventure.
Three Kings Monument
Historical Landmark

Chiang Mai Art and Cultural Centre
Museum

Thai Massage at Fah Lanna Spa
Spa

If you haven’t had a Thai massage yet, it’s well worth a try and a great way to relax travel-weary muscles. The art of Thai massage has been passed down through generations over 2,000 years. It’s a little different to a traditional oil massage, so be prepared to be contorted into various positions. In the Old City spas you’ll find plenty of other treatments, including oil and foot massages. And for some proper pampering, head to Fah Lanna Spa just down from Wat Phra Singh.
Bicycle Tour with Grasshopper Adventures
Building, Sports Center

Is there a better way to explore the Old City than by bicycle? On the Bike Historic Old City tour, you can learn about the history and culture of Chiang Mai while visiting some of the city’s ancient temples. You’ll visit Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai’s oldest temple, the famous Wat Chedi Luang and stop at Thae Pae Gate and Sompet Market – a hive of local activity. This tour is perfect for the whole family and will take you through the quiet backstreets at a leisurely pace.
Visit the North Gate Jazz Co-op
Bar, Pub Grub, Cocktails, Wine, Beer
Explore the Wat Chedi Luang with a Temple Tour
Buddhist Temple

Try a Traditional Thai Cooking Class
Restaurant, Thai

Keen to learn how to make those delicious Thai dishes? Chiang Mai is the perfect place to do it – it even has local specialities like khao soi. There are numerous cooking schools to choose from, with the Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School one of the most reputable . Offering full- and half-day courses, it also includes a trip to a local market where you hand-pick your fresh ingredients.
Chat With a Thai Monk
Buddhist Temple, Ruins

Join the Sunday Walking Street Market
Market, Shopping Mall

This is an updated version of an article originally written by Lena Blos.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.