Best things to do in Chiang Mai

21.07.2023 - 07:32 / roughguides.com / Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, the unofficial capital of northern Thailand, has been on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2015. In recent years, the city has become increasingly popular with travellers. People come for a perfect family holiday with a huge variety of activities, affordability and vicinity to some great natural and cultural gems. Here are the best things to do in Chiang Mai, from learning to be a masseur to trying the local food.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Thailand, your essential guide for visiting Thailand.

Chiang Mai's old city, with its crumbling brick walls and protective moa, has a medieval feel. Its gates face the cardinal directions with red brick bastions in each corner. Although the first city walls were built here in the late 13th century, the bastions that remain today date from the late 18th century and have been extensively rebuilt over the years.

Grassy banks and shady trees border the moat, and within the walls, a hushed atmosphere prevails. Take an improvised stroll along the old city's narrow lanes and see what surprises await.

On this tailor-made trip to Chiang Mai, you'll have a chance to escape from Bangkok’s humidity. Regarded as the cultural heart of the country, come here for nature, lovely Lanna-style temples, museums and the infamous night bazaar.

Tha Phae Gate Chiang Mai old town city and street ancient wall in Chiang Mai © Shutterstock

Since it was founded in 1296, Chiang Mai (which, ironically, means ‘new city’) has had a turbulent history. It was once the capital of a vast kingdom called Lan Na (meaning 'a million rice fields'). It was then ruled by the Burmese before being completely abandoned and was eventually merged into the Kingdom of Siam.

To find out more, visit the Arts & Cultural Museum, the Historical Centre and the Lanna Folklife Museum, which are conveniently located next to each other in the heart of the old city.

Chiang Mai's Arts & Cultural Museum © asiastock/Shutterstock

The city’s fresh markets are the best place to feel the pulse of life in Chiang Mai. Take a stroll around Muang Mai, the wholesale fruit and veg market, and breathe in the pungent air. Snack on dried wild strawberries, sweet Thai tea or the infamous durian fruit.

Local markets spring up at daybreak – a popular one can be found at Chiang Mai gate – and you can sample local delicacies such as sai oua (Chiang Mai sausage) or nam phrik num (chilli and aubergine dip).

Come nightfall, markets are a great place to sample some of the best street food in Chiang Mai. One of the most famous dishes is kow kah moo, or slow-cooked pork with rice, served at Chiang Phuak night market by the backpacker's favourite chef, 'Cowboy Hat Lady'.

Durian fruits, Chiang Mai