The Best Day Trips From Chiang Mai

The Best Cycling Tours in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Best Hiking Trails for Adventure Seekers in Chiang Mai

10 Alternative Things To Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Top Things to See and Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Why the (Other) Grand Canyon in Chiang Mai is Definitely Worth Visiting

Wat Chiang Man: Why Chiang Mai's Oldest Temple is Worth Visiting

The Best Independent Stores in Nimmanhaemin, Chiang Mai

The Best Arts and Crafts Stores in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Where to Buy Thai Silk in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Best Home and Design Stores in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Best Vintage Clothing Stores in Chiang Mai, Thailand

10 Uniquely Thai Souvenirs and Where to Buy Them in Chiang Mai

Best Kept Secrets Of Chiang Mai, Thailand

The 10 Best Spas in Chiang Mai, Thailand

A Fitness Lover's Guide to Chiang Mai

The 10 Best Yoga Studios in Chiang Mai

8 Holy Temples You Can Visit in Chiang Mai, Thailand

A Tour of Chiang Mai’s Architectural Landmarks

Events and Activities in Chiang Mai, Thailand | Culture Trip

Escape the city - the best outdoor places to visit

Outdoor Activities

Shopping

Wellness

Learn about historic sites and special architecture 

Iconic Buildings

Culture & Education

Outdoors - Land

Food & Drink

Outdoors - Water

Attraction

Entertainment

Been to Chiang Mai? Read our guide on 11 other amazing places to check out in Northern Thailand.

Asia

Thailand

Chiang Mai

11 Awesome Places in Northern Thailand (That Aren't Chiang Mai)

Check out our easy guide on how to make the most of 48 hours in Chiang Mai. Explore sacred temples, vibrant markets, local eateries and more.

How to Spend 48 Hours in Chiang Mai

Hidden away in the forests of Chiang Mai, Wat Umong is an undeniably serene and peaceful place to visit.

Discover Wat Umong, Chiang Mai's Hidden Temple

Discover the numerous cultural activities Chiang Mai has to offer – from temples to cooking classes – within the walls of the Old City.

Top Things To See and Do in Chiang Mai's Old City

Chiang Mai's museums offer something of interest to everyone! Check out our pick of the best museums in Chiang Mai for you to explore.

The Best Museums to Visit in Chiang Mai

Insider Travel Guides

Chiang Mai, founded in 1926 on the banks of the Ping river in northern Thailand’s mountainous region, has a rich cultural history, breath-taking surrounds and a laid-back lifestyle that have made it an irresistible stop on the backpacker circuit.

The Insider Guide to Chiang Mai

Reconnect with nature, with history and with yourself in Chiang Mai. The so-called New City’s mystical energy has drawn visitors for generations – and for good reason. Tour the temples in and around the city walls to get introspective. There are many to choose from, but don’t miss the black jade Buddha at Wat Chedi Luang, the elegant assembly hall at Wat Phra Singh, the elephant sculptures at Wat Chiang Man and the five-tiered chedi (a pogoda-like structure) at the Burmese-style Wat Chedi Liam. 

The city’s power to reawaken the spirit spreads beyond its walls and moat. Escape on an excursion through the historic Tha Phae Gate to see more Buddhist architecture at the Doi Suthep, a temple set in a granite mountain, with incredible views back towards Chiang Mai. And yes, everyone does it – because it’s incredible: you can’t leave Chiang Mai without feeling the magic of Mother Nature up close by helping out with feeding time at the Elephant Nature Park. 

Back in Chiang Mai proper, immerse yourself in Thai life by wandering the Talat Warorot, a market that’s been operating for more than a century. Alongside the souvenirs, you’ll find typical Thai household goods and plenty of surprises – this market is one of the largest in the country. 

After all that exploring and reflection, stop off for a traditional Thai massage, with options quite literally around every corner – or you could take things a step further and book yourself in for a meditation session with a Buddhist monk. 

As night falls, you’ll be ready to discover the emerging roof bar scene, with several new builds topped with decks for cocktails at dusk. Now Chiang Mai has worked its magic on you, you’ll want to bring your new-found Zen home with you. Head to the night bazaar to pick up trinkets and souvenirs to remind you of your trip.


The Main Attractions

Things to do

Places to stay

Read our guide to this magical region that's perfect for your return to travel in 2021 – and check out our pick of places to stay, bookable on Culture Trip.

Africa

Morocco

Culture Trip's Feel-Good Places to Visit in 2021 – Atlas Mountains

Fez, Morocco, is home to beautiful palaces that have been turned into boutique guesthouses. Discover the most stunning, and book your stay with Culture Trip.

The Most Beautiful Riads in Fez, Morocco

Whether you're hiking Mount Toubkal or enjoying a romantic holiday lounging poolside, book one of these top Moroccan hotels with Culture Trip.

Where to Stay in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco

A trip to Morocco’s coastal windy city is a feast for the eyes. Read on to discover the best places to stay in Essaouira – bookable with Culture Trip.

Essaouira

The Best Hotels in Essaouira, Morocco, for Every Traveller

Short on time in Marrakech? Here are Culture Trip's picks of the best attractions in the Moroccan city.

Marrakech

14 Must-Visit Attractions in Marrakech

Check out our guide to the best and most beautiful hotels to stay in while you are visiting Tangier, Morocco – bookable with Culture Trip.

Tangier

The Best Hotels in Tangier For Every Traveller

Read our guide to traveling solo in Marrakech before heading off to this magical city.

A Solo Traveller’s Guide to Marrakech

Treat yourself to some TLC when travelling in Morocco with a visit to one of the country’s beautiful spas and wellness centres – bookable with Culture Trip.

Morocco’s Most Serene Wellness Retreats

Morocco is a country full of history. From Roman ruins to stone circles, set your history enthusiast free with this guide to the country’s best ancient sites. 

7 Ancient Sites in Morocco That You Probably Haven’t Heard Of

Find out the top ten reasons why you should add North Africa's Morocco to your travel bucket list.

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Morocco

Though it’s already an inexpensive place to visit, to really stretch your money, check out these hostels in Marrakech, bookable with Culture Trip.

The Best Hostels in Marrakech, Morroco

Discover the best hotels in the enchanting cultural hub of Morocco, Fes, and book your stay with Culture Trip.

The Best Cultural Hotels in Fes, Morocco

A charming old fishing town on the coast of Morocco, not far from Marrakech – Essaouira has an abundance of beauty just waiting to be explored.

The Top 10 Things To See and Do in Essaouira, Marrakech-Safi

From serious infractions to lighthearted mistakes, learn some of the social faux pas to never commit when exploring North Africa's fascinating Morocco

11 Things That Tourists Should Never Do in Morocco, Ever

Marrakech is full of luxury sleep pads that are as awe-inspiring as the city itself; these are nine of the best.

The 9 Best Luxury Hotels in Marrakech 

Discover the best things to see and do in Chiang Mai, Thailand including museums, parks, and architecture, as well as hidden delights, and seasonal events. Let Culture Trip be your guide.

Outdoor Activities

Escape the city - the best outdoor places to visit

See & Do

The Best Day Trips From Chiang Mai

See & Do

The Best Cycling Tours in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Sports

The Best Hiking Trails for Adventure Seekers in Chiang Mai

Guides & Tips

10 Alternative Things To Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

See & Do

Top Things to See and Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

See & Do

Why the (Other) Grand Canyon in Chiang Mai is Definitely Worth Visiting

See & Do

Wat Chiang Man: Why Chiang Mai's Oldest Temple is Worth Visiting

Shopping

Guides & Tips

The Best Independent Stores in Nimmanhaemin, Chiang Mai

Art

The Best Arts and Crafts Stores in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Fashion

Where to Buy Thai Silk in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Design

The Best Home and Design Stores in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Fashion

The Best Vintage Clothing Stores in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Guides & Tips

10 Uniquely Thai Souvenirs and Where to Buy Them in Chiang Mai

Wellness

See & Do

Best Kept Secrets Of Chiang Mai, Thailand

Guides & Tips

The 10 Best Spas in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Health & Wellness

A Fitness Lover's Guide to Chiang Mai

Health & Wellness

The 10 Best Yoga Studios in Chiang Mai

Iconic Buildings

Learn about historic sites and special architecture

Architecture

8 Holy Temples You Can Visit in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Architecture

A Tour of Chiang Mai’s Architectural Landmarks