Chiang Mai is a city located in the north of Thailand and is known as one of the most engaging cities. It is filled with centuries-old sanctuaries and night markets. Indeed, Chiang Mai is the perfect place to experience authentic Thai local life.
Despite being one of Thailand’s major cities, Chiang Mai still has a bit of a small-town vibe. Everything here seems to be done more calmly, without so much noise and hustle. It truly is a city to disconnect from the world’s rush!
I spent a month in this city and will tell you about some incredible outings you can do during your stay in Chiang Mai.
1 – Night Market in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is full of night markets, with thousands of stalls selling all kinds of things and food. The biggest and most well-known is the Sunday Night Market, which, as the name suggests, takes place on Sunday nights within the Old Town.
The Sunday Night Market, like all markets here, takes place at night, starting around 6 PM. At this market, you will find the best of Thai cuisine, and it’s also possible to buy clothes and souvenirs at great prices. A tip is to always negotiate, as sellers often inflate prices.
If you can’t make it to this Sunday market, you can visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, another night market that happens every day from 5 PM on Chang Klang Road.
2 – Visit an Elephant Sanctuary
Another must-do activity on your trip to Chiang Mai is visiting an elephant sanctuary. Chiang Mai is known for its elephant sanctuaries, most of which are ethical and involve as little interaction with the animals as possible.
The elephants living in these sanctuaries have been rescued from places where they were mistreated, such as circuses or taken from hunters. However, before booking your visit, research to ensure the place you intend to visit is genuinely ethical, as some may only appear to be so.
The experience at these sanctaries is incredible; you can see the elephants roaming free, walk close to them, and even participate in a mud bath with the elephants. If you can go, it’s a unique experience!
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3 – Go to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep stands out as one of the most impressive temples in Chiang Mai, located at the summit of Doi Suthep mountain.
When visiting this temple, be prepared for uphill climbs and many stairs. The effort is rewarded upon reaching the top, where you’ll have a spectacular view, as the temple is located on top of one of the country’s highest mountains.
This outing can be done on the same day as your visit to the elephant sanctuary, saving a lot on transport since both activities are quite far from the center of Chiang Mai, where you’re likely staying.
4 – Eating Insects in Thailand
For the brave, there’s also the option to try a scorpion skewer or even a fried cricket (Im not that brave).
At the Sunday Night Market, you can find stalls selling these insects for you to try. Eating these insects is not very cheap and is not typically Thai, as Thais do not include insects in their meals.
This is an attraction focused entirely on tourists, but it’s still an interesting and different sight.
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5 – Experience an Authentic Thai Massage
Chiang Mai is the perfect place for you to experience a true Thai massage. I wouldn’t say it’s the best massage I’ve ever had, as it can be quite painful, but it’s definitely 100% different from western massages.
It’s common for the massage to involve cracking your entire body, from your back to your toes, and the massage can be done with or without oil, your choice.
These massages usually cost around 200 baht, and you can find a massage house on almost every corner. However, be aware, as some places claiming to be massage houses are actually brothels. It’s generally easy to tell which is which, just look at the facade and the information on the signs.
Ready to Visit Chiang Mai?
These were some of the outings and attractions I recommend you do while in Chiang Mai. Of course, the city has much more to offer, so explore as much as you can, I guarantee you will find many cool things to do.
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