Top 10 Best Things To Do In Chiang Mai in 2024

The ancient city of Chiang Mai is one of Northern Thailand's most visited spots, and it has been a favorite destination of visitors to the country for decades. This is for a good reason - the area offers an abundance of cultural, natural, and adrenaline-filled attractions, with something on offer to suit every traveler. As we step into the year 2024, this enchanting destination continues to captivate travelers with its unique blend of ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and exhilarating excursions.

We've put together this guide of the "Top 10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai in 2024". It's been carefully curated with our expert knowledge and years of experience in the local area to help you choose how to spend your time in this magical city. From thrilling adventures in the lush mountains to cultural explorations within the historic Old City - you can be sure you won't struggle to find things to do here.

Read on to discover the must-see attractions and activities that will make your visit to Chiang Mai an unforgettable chapter in your travel story.

1. Jungle Trekking in Doi Inthanon National Park

Described as the 'Roof of Thailand,' Doi Inthanon is the country's highest peak, and the national park is not to be missed during your time in Chiang Mai. It's one of Thailand's best hiking spots, and there is a vast range of treks and trails to choose from, with routes to suit all interests and abilities.

A popular way to explore Doi Inthanon is through a jungle trekking tour. This is a truly unforgettable experience, and a trek through the National Park offers the chance to explore awe-inspiring scenery made up of diverse flora and fauna, cascading waterfalls, and unique hill tribe villages. If you want to discover breathtaking views, diverse nature and admire the famous twin pagodas - this is the perfect Chiang Mai activity for you.

2. Ziplining Adventure

For thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike, Chiang Mai is the perfect place to embark upon an exhilarating adventure that combines adrenaline-pumping excitement with breathtaking natural beauty: ziplining. The region boasts several renowned ziplining experiences, including Jungle Flight and Skyline Adventure, each providing a unique perspective of the lush landscapes that define this part of Thailand.

Jungle Flight is Thailand's longest zipline, spanning a whopping 1000 meters in length. Nestled within the dense rainforest, this canopy adventure takes participants on a journey through the treetops, allowing them to witness the vibrant flora and fauna from a bird's-eye view.

Skyline Adventure is home to 21 different zipline courses, as well as a 15-meter-high abseiling tower, five sky bridges, and a giant swing. It's the perfect spot for a full-day adrenalin adventure.

Whichever location you choose (or maybe you'll visit both?!), ziplining in Chiang Mai is not just about the adrenaline – it's the perfect way to immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of Northern Thailand's landscapes. Admiring the sprawling rainforests and rolling hills from above offers a unique perspective on the beauty of Chiang Mai.

3. Elephant Sanctuary Experience

Thailand is world-renowned for its elephants. But did you know that in Chiang Mai, you can experience these majestic creatures up close? Visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary is on many travelers' bucket lists when visiting Thailand, and it is an experience that won't disappoint.

There are a wide range of sanctuaries to choose from, all of which prioritize their elephants' safety and comfort - allowing visitors to interact with these beautiful animals responsibly and ethically. Each different sanctuary offers the chance to engage in activities like feeding, bathing, and learning about conservation efforts aimed at protecting elephants in their natural habitat.

We work with multiple elephant sanctuaries to provide various tours, varying in duration. Whether you have a full day to spend or just a few hours, we have an elephant tour to suit your requirements. We also have multiple tours that combine a visit to an elephant sanctuary with other activities, like hiking and Chiang Mai's famous Grand Canyon.

4. Explore Old City Temples

If there's one thing Chiang Mai is famous for, it's got to be the city's multitude of temples. As the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom in Northern Thailand, the city is home to over 200 temples! During your time in the city, make sure to discover Chiang Mai's rich cultural heritage by exploring its remarkable ancient marvels. Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep are just a few architectural wonders showcasing the city's historical significance.

5. Night Markets Shopping

Thai night markets, or 'walking streets' as they're also known, are a massive part of local culture, and the night market in Chiang Mai is the best place to be once the sun sets over the city.

The markets in Chiang Mai are a treasure trove of unique finds; from traditional handicrafts and intricately designed textiles to contemporary art and jewelry, the stalls offer a diverse array of goods. Visitors can wander through the maze-like alleys, exploring the rich tapestry of Thai craftsmanship and creativity.

There's more to the night markets than just shopping, though - another reason they draw such a crowd is the fantastic food on offer. The aroma of sizzling street food wafts through the air, with vendors selling everything from delicious Pad Thai to skewers of satay and vibrantly colored fruit shakes. The night markets are a paradise for food enthusiasts seeking to savor the authentic flavors of Thai street cuisine.

A visit to Chiang Mai's night markets is more than a shopping spree; it's an immersive journey into the heart of Thai life and one of the best things you can do when you're in the city. Remember to barter for the best prices!

6. Thai Cooking Class

If you've fallen in love with Thai food during your trip (along with every other traveler who has visited before you!), make sure you don't leave Chiang Mai without taking a local cooking class. Once you've returned home and found yourself craving your favorite Thai dish, you'll be grateful you've learned how to make it yourself!

Chiang Mai's cooking classes are renowned as being some of the best in the country. Many offer the whole farm-to-table experience, where guests pick their ingredients from the fields and learn about cooking using only what's available. You will leave the class armed with a host of new recipes to impress family and friends and gain in-depth knowledge about Thailand's food culture and traditional techniques.

A cooking class is a truly memorable experience and is the perfect Chiang Mai activity for any foodie.

7. Attend Yi Peng Lantern Festival:

If you happen to visit Chiang Mai during November, you're in luck - you get to witness the magical Yi Peng Lantern Festival. This world-famous festival is an ancient tradition marking the end of the monsoon season and the start of the winter season, and it is also one of the ancient traditions to honor Buddha.

Thousands of locals and tourists release paper lanterns into the night sky, an act believed to bring good luck and symbolize releasing negative elements and worries. The flickering lanterns rising through the sky create a mesmerizing display of floating lights, and it's one of Chiang Mai's most beautiful cultural events.

8. White water rafting

Chiang Mai's white water rafting scene offers adrenaline junkies an exhilarating voyage through the heart of nature's untamed beauty. The city's surrounding rivers provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable whitewater rafting experience.

The tropical climate of Northern Thailand means that the area experiences a heavy monsoon season, and the high levels of rain during this period mean Chiang Mai's rivers hold a constant flow of rushing water. Combined with the cascading limestone cliffs and rapid twists and turns of the rivers, it makes for the perfect action-packed activity. The Mae Taeng River is one of the best in the area for rafting.

Both white water rafting novices and seasoned enthusiasts can get involved, thanks to the different grades of rapids on offer and the presence of experienced guides who ensure the safety of each expedition.

9. Sticky Waterfalls

Chiang Mai's 'Sticky Waterfalls' (or Nam Tok Bua Tong as they're also known) are a fascinating natural phenomenon whereby the porous limestone surface of the waterfall's rocks makes their surface smooth rather than slippery. Visitors can climb up the waterfall without slipping - a truly unique experience. The waterfall comprises multiple tiers, all of which can be climbed at your own pace. Reaching the top of the waterfall and staring down at the cascading water is an exhilarating feeling!

The waterfalls are located in the beautiful Namtok Bua Tong-Nam Phu Chet Si National Park, and a tour here is a fantastic thing to do during your time in Chiang Mai.

10. Watching a Muay Thai Match

The famous national sport of Thailand, Muay Thai, is something every visitor to the country should experience - and Chiang Mai is one of the best places to do it. Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium is home to some incredible talent, and fights occur each week from Monday to Saturday night.

The atmosphere during a Muay Thai match is electric, and the skill displayed by the athletes is truly a sight to behold. The sport is shrouded in deep tradition, and at the start and end of each match, fighters show respect to one another - it's a unique sport and incredibly enjoyable to watch.

We hope this guide has helped you decide what to do in Chiang Mai. As you can see, it's an extraordinary place with many things to experience - ensure you allow enough time to complete everything!

All tours mentioned in this blog post can be booked on our website.