Discover Chiang Mai temples
Rituals and religion are ingrained in the daily life of Buddhism practicing Thais. From daily offerings in the streets to impeccable temples dotted across town and saffron-colored monks. Chiang Mai has over 300 temples in and around the biggest city in the North of Thailand.
Wat Phat Lat is one of the temples you should visit. It is in the forest in the Mueang Chiang Mai District. It is a popular temple because it is on the hiking route to Doi Suthep. Wat Phat Lat feels like a magical location, as the surrounding jungle has grown into the seven hundred-year old temple.
Another ‘must-visit’ temple and a pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world, is the Golden Doi Suthep temple. Before the pandemic, over 120.000 people visit this sacred place every month. Be sure to reach the top if this hiking route before the sunrise! This makes it possible to discover sleepy monks chanting their morning prayers and admire the temple in the sunrise light.
Explore local night markets
One of the things Thailand is famous for, the night markets. I’ve been to a lot of them, discovered the most amazing tastes and seen a lot of things I can buy. But every night market has its own specialties. At night, the streets of Chiang Mai are full of artisan souvenirs, handicrafts, art and delicious food. There are local musicians, masseurs, fortune tellers, performers, street artists.
In the weekends, the night markets will get really crowded. So, to avoid cramped streets, visit the night markets before closing time. You will be able to get better prices as well.
Try some Northern Thai Food
A famous food market is the Tha-nin Market that sits a 20-minute walk away from Old Town Chiang Mai. It is a good location to taste many Thai dishes, different salads and some classic Thai desserts.
Learn how to cook like a local
Knowledge is the best souvenir you can take home from a trip. And if you love food and rather cook yourself than eat in a restaurant, experience a Thai cooking class in a local home. Learn how to properly cut chilies (the Thai way) and bring home an exotic recipe of seafood curry inside of a coconut shell, for example.
Bathe with the elephants
Elephant Pride Sanctuary is the must-visit place, when you want to do this. This sanctuary was created to protect these giants from suffering and slavery. By choosing to visit elephant sanctuaries instead of the touristic riding camps, you are also helping elephants lead a happy peaceful life. Join the locals and help them wash, scrub, pet and feed a family of elephants, far in the hills of the national park.
Rafting and waterfalls
There are many activities you can do to fill a day away from the city. When you are done at the Elephant Sanctuary, go explore the sticky waterfalls (Bua Tong Waterfalls) and enjoy bamboo rafting. It is a relaxing and slow way to experience the beauty of the national park from another angle. Yes, from the middle of the river.
Go for a jungle trekking adventure
If you want to, you can go deep into the unspoiled jungle of Doi Inthanon National Park. You might want to pack more mosquito-spray then clothes. This park is 2 hours drive form Central Chiang Mai and has the highest mountain in Thailand. With a lunch-break in the Karen village, the ecofriendly jungle trekking experience offers not just amazing nature insight. But it also helps local tribes keep their traditions alive by sharing ancient knowledge with travelers. Try a traditional scarf weaving and take a sip from the dark jungle coffee, which is locally grown.
Explore Thai coffee culture
Coffee is big in Chiang Mai. With an ever-growing expat community, a newfound appreciation for local beans and the rise of knowledgeable growers and roasters, this city is establishing itself as a coffee capital of Thailand. Try the Republic Coffee Van within the gates of the Wat Si Koet temple. This orange van will give you the opportunity to drink local coffee with local coffee-drinkers.
Yoga and an active lifestyle
Chiang Mai is the second most healthy city in the world. All because of its parks, zero waste shops, vegan-friendly restaurants and yoga and Pilates studios. Be sure to experience all these perks when visiting the city. Go to Buak Hard Public Park for a sunset yoga class or join locals playing an active game of ‘Sepak Takraw’. To charge your body and soul, Chiang Mai is the perfect place to go for sunshine, good attitude and an active lifestyle.
Wish upon a burning sky lantern
The best for last. When you visit Chiang Mai in November, this is a must-do. Plan the trip accordingly and you will be able to experience something special: the Yee Peng Lantern Festival, located near the Mae Jo University in Bang Khen Alley. Swarms of sky lanterns decorate the night sky and rivers are filled with floating decorated baskets. Ask locals for help and release the sky lantern for a good year ahead.
