Chiang Mai is one of the ancient cities of Thailand located in the mountainous region of northern Thailand. The region is blessed with natural beauty, historical sites and modern buildings as well. Visiting Chiang Mai will let you know about the culture and heritage of Thailand, and is especially popular among travelers who wish to have a spiritual experience and want to know about the history of the region.
Here is a list of the top things to do and places to visit in Chiang Mai which you must include in your Chiang Mai tour packages:
1. Visit Chiang Mai’s Iconic Temples
Chiang Mai is one of the ancient cities of Thailand and the region is home to 300 Buddhist temples, each temple is spiritually important and has its own history and famous for its architectural design. Here is a list of some of the important temples that you must visit in Chiang Mai:
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: It is one of the ancient temple of Chiang Mai, situated at the top of Doi Suthep Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the city. To reach the top of the mountain you will have to climb around 306 steps, once you reach top you can see the sacred golden pagoda.
Wat Chedi Luang: Another ancient temple of Chiang Mai is Wat Chedi Luang, situated in the Old City, offering a sacred experience. This temple comprises of splendid architectural style with a Lanna-style chedi, dating back to the 14th century. One of the highlight of this temple is that it was once the home of the Emerald Buddha which is now in Bangkok.
Wat Phra Singh: This temple is also famous for its splendid architectural style comprising of Lanna architectural design and has a Buddha statue and murals.
Wat Umong: This temple is also famous for its location, as it is situated amidst the forests and has underground tunnels and offers a serene and peaceful experience.
2. Explore the Old City
The Old City of Chiang Mai is a historic city as it is home to colonial buildings, and is the melting point of different cultures, and has narrow lanes, cafes and local boutique shops. Here is a list of the activities you can engage in the Old City of Chiang Mai:
Sunday Walking Street Market: Visit the Sunday Walking Street Market which is good for buying local handmade items, offers street food, and live cultural performances. You can shop for souvenirs here at affordable prices.
Tha Phae Gate: This is the entry gate to the Old City of Chiang Mai, here you can engage in taking photos.
3. Experience Local Culture and Traditions
For an immersive experience to know about the local culture and tradition of the region, tourists can engage in activities like joining cooking classes, attending meditation sessions or enjoying a traditional dinner at a local household which you must definitely include in your Phuket tours.
Take a Thai Cooking Class: Tourists can join Thai cooking classes to learn preparing Thai dishes, know about the local herbs, the spices used and the important traditional Thai cuisines. You can join a half-day cooking class or a full-day cooking class.
Attend a Traditional Khantoke Dinner: One of the must-have experiences is attending a Traditional Khantoke Dinner in which you will be served the traditional Thai cuisines in Thai style in a low-tray type table. It will also be accompanied by traditional dance and music.
Involve yourself in a Meditation Retreat: For the best way to calm your senses is to opt for meditation which is one of the best activities provided in Chiang Mai. Tourists can opt for meditation in retreating centers and at temples like Wat Umong and Wat Suan Dok.
4. Shop at Vibrant Markets
For shopping lovers, Chiang Mai is one of the best places that lets you buy local hand crafted items and lets you savor street food, all at an affordable price. Some of the best lively markets in Chiang Mai include:
Night Bazaar: This lively market let visitors enjoy shopping for clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and more.
Warorot Market (Kad Luang): This energetic day market let visitors enjoy shopping for traditional Thai snacks, spices, and textiles.
Saturday Night Market (Wua Lai): This bustling market is best for buying local handmade items, offers street food, and live cultural performances.
5. Experience Chiang Mai’s Festivals
For an immersive experience to know about the local culture and tradition of the region, tourists can engage in attending festivals, which you must definitely include in your Chiang Mai tour packages.
Yi Peng Lantern Festival: One of the important festivals of Chiang is the Yi Peng Lantern Festival held in the month of November; it involves releasing lantern into the sky.
Songkran (Thai New Year): Another important festival is Songkran (Thai New Year) which is held in the month of April, it is a water festival.
6. Enjoy Nature and Adventure Activities
For adventure lovers, Chiang Mai is one of the best places that let you enjoy adventure activities. Some of the best adventurous activities to that you must include in your Phuket tours include:
Doi Inthanon National Park: Enjoy a wildlife exploration in the Doi Inthanon National Park, hike to the highest peak of Thailand situated here. The hike involves trekking through the dense forest and waterfalls, and on the way you will find the King and Queen Pagodas.
Elephant Sanctuaries: Visit the Elephant Sanctuaries like Elephant Nature Park, try interacting with elephants and learn about them.
Trekking and Hiking: Opt for trekking and hiking through the local villages, valleys, forests and mountain peak. One of the popular trekking spot is Mae Taeng and Mae Wang.
Zip-lining: One of must-try activity in Chiang Mai is ziplining activity, fly from one vantage point to another watching the jungle below like a bird’s eye.
Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls: Opt for a hike to the Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls, which is situated amidst the dense forests and comprises of limestone rocks through which the water falls.
7. Explore Local Villages and Learn About Hill Tribes
Visit the local mountain villages of Chiang Mai, famous for their rich culture and heritage. The tradition they have been following is from generations now. Some of the important mountain villages to visit include:
Doi Pui Hmong Village: Here is your chance to know about the Hmong tribe’s culture, popular for its unique culture and tradition.
Mae Kampong Village: This village is recognized for its charming tea plantations, homestays, and serene and peaceful ambiance.
8. Relax at a Spa or Hot Springs
Those tourists, who wish to have a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, visit the Hot Springs or opt for spa retreating sessions.
Thai Massage: Enjoy the popular traditional Thai massage at a spa retreating center, offering the best relaxing experience.
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs: Enjoy a dip in the hot water spring of San Kamphaeng, the waters of this spring is believed to have therapeutic properties.
