Chiang Mai travel guide

Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai

The number one thing to do in Chiang Mai is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep — the golden mountain temple overlooking the city. Go at sunrise before tour buses, climb the 306-step naga staircase, then spend the afternoon in the Old City’s temples and the evening at the Sunday Walking Street market.

Best things to do in Chiang Mai — Lanna temple and mountains at golden hour, northern Thailand
best things to do in Chiang Mai — updated 21 September 2026 | original AmazingAsia artwork

What to do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai days write themselves: temples at dawn, cafés at noon, mountains or jungle by afternoon, markets by night. Book the elephant sanctuary a few days ahead — the ethical ones cap visitor numbers.

The best things to do in Chiang Mai

  1. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep · Temple

    Golden chedi on a mountain above the city — Chiang Mai’s holiest site

    Area: Doi Suthep · Time needed: 2–3 hours · Cost: ฿50 (+ cable car ฿50)

  2. Wat Chedi Luang · Temple

    Massive ruined 15th-century chedi in the heart of the Old City

    Area: Old City · Time needed: 1 hour · Cost: ฿50

  3. Sunday Walking Street · Market

    The Old City’s main road becomes a lantern-lit craft and food market

    Area: Old City (Sundays) · Time needed: 2–3 hours · Cost: Free

  4. Ethical elephant sanctuary · Wildlife

    Feed and walk with rescued elephants — no riding, no chains

    Area: Mae Taeng valley · Time needed: Half or full day · Cost: ฿2,500–3,500

  5. Bua Thong Sticky Waterfall · Nature

    Climb straight up a limestone waterfall that grips like velcro

    Area: Mae Taeng · Time needed: Half day · Cost: Free (driver ฿1,000–1,500)

  6. Thai cooking class · Experience

    Market tour plus five dishes you cook yourself — the souvenir you keep

    Area: Various farms & schools · Time needed: Half day · Cost: ฿1,000–1,500

Destinations in Chiang Mai

best things to do in Chiang Mai — FAQs

What is the number one thing to do in Chiang Mai?

The number one thing to do in Chiang Mai is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep — the golden mountain temple overlooking the city. Go at sunrise before tour buses, climb the 306-step naga staircase, then spend the afternoon in the Old City’s temples and the evening at the Sunday Walking Street market.

Are elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai ethical?

Some are, many are not. Ethical sanctuaries ban riding, chains, hooks and performances, limit group sizes and let elephants choose contact. Look for verified no-riding policies and observational or feeding-only programs; expect ฿2,500–3,500 for a genuine half-day visit.

Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.