Chiang Mai is the most northern Thai city and the largest in the far North. The terrain is mountainous and forested, so there are a great number of rivers and waterfalls, as well as some of the most beautiful caves in Thailand. The city also has a variety of attractions that appeal to visitors of all ages: Buddhist temples, ancient palaces, and more.
Here are some of the awesome things to do in Chiang Mai:
- Drop by at Chiang Mai’s Very Own Grand Canyon
Thanks to Thailand’s Grand Canyon, Chiang Mai’s very own Grand Canyon is something people are starting to notice. It’s a long, narrow canyon located in the North of Chiang Mai, about 30 minutes outside the city. The canyon, which the Mae Nam Kwae River has carved, is about the same length as the famous Dark Canyon in the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA. The city is home to the Dark Canyon waterfall and the Dark Canyon Waterfall Cave (but it’s not as big as its US counterpart).
- Explore To Doi Suthep
To Doi Suthep is a hill located in Chiang Mai City. It is about 2,200 meters above sea level and has a lot of cool spots and good views. Surrounded by a forest, an old monastery, and a lake, the hill is a great place to relax and chill out.
- Explore Wat Phra Singh
This is a small temple located at the top of a mountain on the side of the Pai River. Wat Phra Singh is a Buddhist temple that is said to have been built by King Mangrai around AD 1010. The temple is also said to have been built over the ruins of an even older temple, a temple that was probably built by the first King of Chiang Mai, U Thong.
- Have a Traditional Khantoke Dinner
The ancient traditions of the Thai people are held dear in the modern-day, for these ancient customs define Thailand’s culture. One of these ancient arts is the Khantoke Dinner, which is a unique and interesting way of pairing traditional Thai food with an ancient dance. In one tradition, the participants of the dance are presented with a wooden bowl of food, arranging it in a specific pattern, which is then watched for the duration of the dance. The dance is about the presentation of the food, and the value of the food, not about the food itself.
- Go around The San kamphaeng Road
The San Kamphaeng Road is known as the best road in Chiang Mai. It’s a 3.2 km drive with stunning views of the city and the peaceful Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It is a great place to go to chill out, take a rest, and relax. Many of the locals like to stay there for a short time for a few hours and then take the bus back to the city. The San Kamphaeng Road is a very popular tourist attraction.
- Sip Coffee at The Cat Café
If you’re in Chiang Mai and you’re looking to get out of the city and into nature, then The Cat Café may be the perfect solution. There’s nothing quite like the experience of sitting in a room full of cats, sipping a latte, and watching them drape themselves around you. The weather is fantastic so why not grab a coffee and sit outside on the terrace by the cats.
- Boat Trip on The Mae Ping River
The Mae Ping is the second largest river in Thailand and the second most popular river for tourists to visit, after the famous River Kwai, and is the fifth-longest river in Thailand. There are many scenic spots along its banks, including the world-famous Setthathirath National Park. What makes this river unique is that it offers a unique 60-minute boat trip that takes you along the river’s length, from the headwaters to the estuary. The boat trip is very relaxing and well worth the time, and you’ll see a variety of different types of wildlife along the way.
Chiang Mai is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand and home to some of the country’s most beautiful temples and ruins.