While most of us remain fixated with the pristine beaches of Krabi and Phuket in Thailand, there lies a whole different world of fun, adventure and culture in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. Here is how you can choose to ditch the beaches and brace yourself to be amazed how Chiang Mai can dish thrilling activities to keep you engaged.
A spontaneous bunch can never ignore the "call of the wild"!
How To Reach?
You can take a flight directly to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) or fly to Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok and then from there fly to Chiang Mai Airport.
Indulge in Unique Activities
1. Climb a “Sticky Waterfall” - Bua Tong Waterfall
Unleash your inner Tarzan and climb this unusual waterfall known as the Sticky Waterfall or Namtok Bua Tong Waterfall. Unusual because, unlike other slippery, moss-covered waterfalls this is NOT SLIPPERY AT ALL (except for one or two places where the water is held for long)!!! Made of limestone deposits, the bulbous cream-coloured rocks contrast well against the dark green forest around. An hour and a half journey from the city, this place is an ideal half day picnic spot. Manageable washrooms are available to change into dry clothes after the climb.
How to reach
• Hire a songthaew (meaning two benches) or “red cars”, there is room for 8 people.
• Tuk-tuk
• Driving a scooter (if you have a Thai Licence or International Driving Permit)
• Book a tour
• Book a taxi
Things to Remember
• Carry an extra set of clothes
• Leave your shoes in the car (you will not need it because you can climb barefoot)
• Make sure your phone is safe and inside a cover (our friend fell on his bum while climbing with his i-phone in his back pocket!!!)
• Although there are wooden steps to go down the water in case you don’t want to climb down via a rope, after a point the wooden steps give way to ankle-deep muddy way with only branches to hold for balance. We did that!!
But climbing this waterfall should be on your “MUST-DO” list this experience will blow your mind.
2. Tour an Old Buddhist Cave / Indulge in caving and touring a cave temple at Doi Luang Chiang Dao Cave
Nestled at the misty foothills of a limestone mountain Doi Luang Chiang Dao, lies the famous temple complex of Wat Tham Chiang Dao and the Chiang Dao Cave. Located 73kms from Chiang Mai city, that takes around 1.45 hrs to cover, this is perfect for a day trip if you like caving and exploring cave temples.
A popular local attraction, the Chiang Dao Cave network consists of five separate cave systems and each quite unique – Tham Seua Dao, Tham Phra Nawn, Tham Maa, Tham Naam and Tham Kaew
P.S. – Take a guide, there are tour guides with lanterns (eerieee!!!!)
Things to Remember
• Remember to wear respectable clothing as you would be entering a Buddhist Temple and wearing modest clothing in temples is part of the Thai culture. Cover your shoulders, wear long pants. In case you prefer wearing shorts, carry a decent sized stole/shawl that will your legs or rent one at the entrance of the cave for THB 20
• Do not take anything from inside the cave; not even a small stone – it is forbidden as per Thai culture, and we should respect it.
• There will be extremely tight spaces where you have to crawl so be ready to slither like a dragon (sounds tacky!!))
• The floor will be slippery and wet, so you got to be careful.
• Consider wearing good walking shoes because the caves are winding throughout the mountain so it will be quite a good walking exercise.
How to Reach
Scooter, Taxi, songthaew, cabs
Timing: 8 am to 5pm
Entry Fee: THB 40 (INR 87)
In case you are hiring a guide, the lantern comes complementary. Starts with THB 200, you can decide how much to tip over and above (suggested to be THB 100/person in your group)
3. Play with elephants at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
Want to be amazed by the “largest mammal on land” play like a child in their natural environment?? And this too up, close and personal!!! If yes, then this is the place for you.
Watching elephants engage in their natural environment, learning about their history and behaviour throughout generations is fun and exciting!
4. Check out the PooPooPaper Park where they Make paper from elephant poop fibres
I have read about paper being manufactured from trees, but have you ever heard paper being manufactured from elephant poop!!! Being a student pursuing studies on elephant, I am sure of one thing – there wont be any shortfall of poop! Because the elephants consume 150 – 300 kgs of food per day to meet their daily nutrition requirement!! Having started 15 years back, the PooPoopaper Park educates the visitors on the benefits of sustainability and also explain the entire process of paper making from poop. Visitors can also participate in this quirky process!
Tour usually takes 45 minutes, but it might also take a good two hours in case visiting with kids.
Timings: 8:30am to 5:30pm (Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)
Entry Fee: THB 100 (INR 217), entry free for children under 5.
Address: 87 Moo. 10 T, Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
Contact:
+66 53 299 565
5. Touring an Erotic Garden - Chiang Mai Erotic Garden
Everything erotic!! Some may smirk, some may giggle awkwardly, some may feel scandalized. But it is what it is – a place that manifests erotica in the most sensuous and aesthetic way. A teahouse, located amidst green rice paddies of Mae Rim was created by Katai Kamminga. From human-sized phalluses to breast-shaped mountains, to Katai this is a place where she welcomes artists to showcase their erotica art. Opened to public in January 2015, this place was built in just six months and is the First Erotic Garden in Southeast Asia!
Timings: 10:00am to 5pm
Entry Fee: THB150/person for locals (INR 325)
THB300/person for foreigners (includes a free beverage in the teahouse) (INR 650)
Address: 46/3 Soi 5, Huay Sai Maerim,, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
Contact: +66833184855
Things to Remember:
• Respect the artistic sensibilities
6. Take a Trip to Hell at Hell Temple – Wat Mae Kaet noi
This place is not for the fainthearted! Brainchild of a Buddhist monk, Pra Kru Vishanjalikon had a vision on the concept of this temple where he wanted to display the consequences of “sins” grotesquely. The intention was to create fear among the mass to prevent them from committing sin. Various torture methods are elaborately designed for sinners based on the sins they committed and some installations are equipped with sound effects for wholesome experience!!
Entry Fee: THB 10 (INR 22)
Address: Highway 1001, Tambon Pa Phai, Amphoe San Sai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50210, Thailand
Things to Remember:
• The installations pretty graphically represent the concept of the underworld so visit at your own discretion!
7. Relax with an Actual Prison Massage – ChiangMai Women’s Prison Massage/ Women’s Massage Center By Ex-Prisoner
You read it right!! A 15-minute drive outside the city takes you to The Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution where apparently only minors and short-term offenders are incarcerated. the Vocational Training Centre. With Thailand known to offer massages at decent price, this is not only a unique massage experience but apparently the cheapest in Chiang Mai and who wouldn’t love a nice foot massage after a long walk!!
Timings: Monday to Friday – 8:00am to 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday – 9:00am to 4:30pm
Entry Fee: No entry fee but only for massage service
Foot Massage for 1 hr – THB200 (INR 434)
Thai Massage for 1 hr – THB200 (INR 434)
Full Body Thai Massage for 2 hrs – THB400 (INR 867)
Address: 18/2 Wiang Kaew Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Things to Remember:
• No prior appointments required. It first come first served basis. But it is usually packed. So, to avoid the long queue it is advisable to be the first when it opens or reach there within an hour of opening.
• Like most places in Thailand, you need to leave your shoes outside.
8. Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai
A very popular tourist destination in Chiang Mai is Tiger Kingdom, where you get to interact with the big cats. Starting from medium, big to giant tigers (the smallest and small are not currently available). Although an attraction, this place might cause you to question of ethicality of this place – big cats are not meant to be confined in cages however big that might be. On the contrary they are well-fed and well taken care and protected from being poached in the wild!! These are polarizing statements and the dilemma will never cease. And conservationists feel differently. If you feel like looking at the tigers playing like house cats (after all same family), you should definitely pay a visit!
Timings: 9:00am to 5:00pm (last admission 4:30pm)
Entry Fee: None, they charge based on what you want to see.
Address: 51/1 Rim Tai, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
Contact: +66 61268 2669
Things to Remember:
• Despite being in cages tigers are wild animals and they have certain innate instincts so always listen to the keeper.
• And respect the space of the animal, don’t try to grab or pinch, try to frighten them by sneaking from behind, or touch the head.
• Try to avoid making any sudden noise, or screech or yell. You might agitate the tiger and he/she might become aggressive
9. Enjoy the Chiang Mai Night Safari
Across an area of 323.81 acres, Chiang Mai Night Safari is the Third Nocturnal Zoo In The World, a Nature Park run by the Thai government. To experience the wild animals in their natural habitat up, close and personal, this facility has a 50-seater tram that takes you across the nature park to interact with the wild animals. This nature park offers a wide range of activities that you can indulge in.
Timings: 11:00am to 21:00 pm (ticket office closes at 8:pm)
Entry Fee: No entry fee. Charges based on Safari selected
Address: 33, Nong Kwai, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand
Contact: +66 53 999 000
Things to Remember
• Respect the animals
• Don’t make sudden noises
• Listen to your guide on the tram
• Don’t try to pat the zebra, their jaws are hardy and the bite pretty nasty!!
10. Art in Paradise
A 3D art museum that houses 130 art works and offers a fun time for both adults and children. From Alladin’s flying carpet to gondola rides in Venice, to crumbling bridges over waterfalls, they even have optical illusions that make the paintings look alive!!
Timings: 9:00am to 7:00pm
Entry Fee: THB400 for adults and children between 101-135 cm in height (INR 867)
Entry free for children below 100cm in height
Address: Moo 1, Charoen Muang Road, Tha Sala, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
Contact: +66 52 009 595
Things to Remember
This place is accessible on wheelchair.
11. Get A Traditional Sak Yant tattoo Inked by A Monk
Sak Yant that means “tattoo a geometric diagram that invokes various elements and power of protection and blessings” in Thai has its origin in India!! The tattoo is inked by using a metal rod or khem sak by a master known as Ajarn who studies sak yants and the spiritualism and mysticism surrounding it, but he may or may not be a monk.
Best place in Chiang Mai for sak yant is Panumart Tattoo
12. Hike to Doi Inthanon National Park
The national park is situated on top of the tallest mountain in the country – Doi Inthanon National Park. With spectacular views from the top, this place is a favourite among hikers.
13. Take a Cruise on the Mae Ping River
The cruise on the Mae Ping River offers visitors the experience of local riverside sights and sounds. Cruises Depart from jetty behind Wat Chai Mongkhon temple at 133 Charoen Prathet road, East of the old walled city center.
There are four different cruises that are offered
• Mae Ping River Cruise
Adult: THB 480 (INR 1040)
Child: THB 250 (INR 542)
Toddler - Free
• Mae Ping River Cruise with Khao Soi
Adult: THB 530 (INR 1149)
Child: THB 300 (INR 650)
Toddler - Free
• Mae Ping Dinner Cruise
Adult: THB 650 (INR 1408)
Child: THB 400 (INR 867)
Toddler - Free
• Mae Ping Cruise to Wiang Kum Kam horse carriage.
Adult: THB 700 (INR 1517)
Child: THB 450 (INR 975)
Toddler - Free
14. Flight of the Gibbon – Ziplining
Ziplining over the rainforest and spotting gibbons (a primate) in their natural habitat sounds adventurous.
Timings: Starts from 6:30am
Entry Fee: No fee. Charges are according to package – THB4299 (INR 9,314)
15. Jump in Hang Dong Canyon
20 kms from the Old city of Chiang Mai lies its very own Grand Canyon!! Known as the “Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai”, this is an ideal place to jump into the water and take a swim – a good half day trip!
16. Tour The Bo Sang Umbrella Village
Famous for producing hand made umbrellas of bamboo, this village is located to the east of Chiang Mai. As you enter you see the artisans at work, and they display how the bamboo frames are designed and how they make the umbrellas durable and waterproof. They residents of this village are extremely proud of their heritage which reflects in their work. An ideal place to know about the blended culture of Thailand and Burma.
Timings: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Entry Fee: THB 20 (INR 43)
17. Explore the Lost City of Chiang Mai in Wiang Kum Kam
Are you someone as adventurous as Indiana Jones, then you should take a trip to the ruins of what is known as the Lost City of Chiang Mai in Wiang Kum Kam! Founded in 1286 and then abandoned in the 16th century, this city was unearthed in 1984 by archeologists when a cluster of temples were found. If you are a history geek, you should plan a visit there.
Timings: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Entry Fee: Free
Address: 149 หมู่ที่ 2 Somphot Chiang Mai 700 Pi Rd, Tha Wang Tan, Saraphi District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Contact: +66 53 140 322
18. Camp At Doi Ang Khang
Located 120 kms from Chiang Mai, this place is known for its natural beauty and there are options to trek, hike, bird-watching and mountain biking.
19. Visit Doi Mon Jam For Glamping
Around 45 minutes from the city centre lies a community called Mon Jam on the mountain top in the Mae Rim County, which is home to ethnically diverse Hmong tribes. This place is amazing for a day-trip and also known for glamping due to the gorgeous mountain views!
20. Relax In The San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
Nothing can feel as naturally relaxing as immersing yourself in a hot spring! San Kamphaeng is located in Ban Sahakorn with two mineral baths. An ideal place to “shed your stress”
Timings: 7:00am to 6:00pm
Entry Fee: THB100 (INR 217)
Address: 1 Ban Sa Ha Khon, Mae On District, Chiang Mai 50130, Thailand-
Contact: +66 53 037 101
21. Visit The Hills Tribes
A lot can be learned about the culture of the place from the indigenous community residing there. Similarly Chiang Mai’s culture can be learned from the hill tribes of Akha, Palong, Karen and the famous Padaungs, who reside in villages funded by the royal charity and relief organizations top keep their legacy alive.
22. Celebrate The Local Thai Festivals
Loi Krathong
Celebrated on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, this “festival of lights” is celebrated in honour of river and the river goddess Pra Mae Khongkha. Meaning “to float a basket” on this festival “Krathong” – a basket made from the cellulose trunk of the banana tree, bread or Styrofoam, decorated with banana leaves, flowers, incense sticks and candles is floated in the river. A lot of lights are also floated in air and in the river. This festival is usually celebrated either in October or in November
Songkran
A festival that takes places on the 13th of April and extended till 16th of April is the celebration of the New Year of Thailand! Since it is associated with water, you will find people engaging in water fights in the streets, with water guns and large buckets of water. On New Years’ families pay tribute to their elders and buy gifts for them and a common tradition is to collect sand and take to the monasteries and temples.
23. Watch Muay Thai Boxing Match
One activity that can set your trip apart from everyone else’s is if you watch the national sport of Thailand inside a fight arena!! Muay Thai, a kickboxing style that’s prevalent in Thailand shows a different style of martial arts. Fought by professional fights, watching this sport is sure to shoot your adrenaline and keep you on the edge.
Timings: 9:00pm to 11:30pm
Entry Fee: THB 600 (INR 1,300)
Address: Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium, Changphuaek Road
24. Check out the Shooting Range at Chiang Mai Shooting Club
While planning, the first thing one of our friends suggested was trying out the shooting range in Chiang Mai. Although there are a not of shooting ranges, Shooting Club Chiang Mai, is by far the best. Equipped with a wide range of firearms and safety measure, under the guidance of experiences instructors, you can have a unique experience of shooting under supervision.
Timing: 8:30am to 5:30pm
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee. Charges Based on Type of Guns and bullets used
Address: 178 Chotana rd, direction Chiangmai - maerim T.Donkaew Chiangmai 50180
Contact: 065 018 7700
25. Go on Temple Run
Temples in Thailand are known for the intricate details on them and their fascinating architecture. Since most temples are dedicated to Buddha, despite having several similarities in their construction, they are sometimes widely different from one another. Some have Indian influence, some Burmese and some even Chinese! And some are placed in unique locations – inside the forests and even on top of mountains!
Some of the temples worth visiting are:
26. Become A Local – Explore the Local Markets
Southeast Asia is popular for their night markets and the array of things offered to the consumer, let alone the myriad food options in these night markets!!
Some of the usual markets to visit to procure local produce, along with a quick tour of the few night markets are:
Saturday Walking Street
Sunday Night Market
Kalare Night Market
Warorot Market
Kat Rin Kham Night bazaar
Chiang Mai Gate Market
Chang Puak Gate Night Market
Best Unique Hotels and Homestays in Chiang Mai
You can either opt for luxury stay, or modest stays depending on your budget. But between those two types, there also exists Unique Stays!! Based on the budget the stays are mentioned below.
Unique Stay - Be Ready To Be Woken By An Elephant!!
Chiang Mai Elephant Friends
Located 50 kms from Chiang Mai, this is a one-of-kind-stay where you get to be woken up by elephants!! Since they are concerned about the welfare and health of the elephants, there is a No Riding policy!! The property offers a wide array of stay options with modern amenities although situated amidst wilderness. Definitely one of the most unique experiences to encounter!!
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 1, 900 (INR 4,117)
Type of Accommodation: Bungalow + Room
Activities: They are priced differently, and they include
• Being woken up by elephants
• Elephant bathing
• Feeding and walking with elephants in the jungle
• Bamboo rafting with guide or “driver”
• Picnic at a waterfall
Book here
Stays That Cost More Than THB 3,000/night (more than INR 6,500)
Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 8,200 (depends on season) (INR 17,766)
Types of Accommodation Offered:
Grand Deluxe
Royal Deluxe
Corner Suite
Colonial Suite
Deluxe
Book here
The Inside House
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 4,950 (depends on season) (INR 10,725)
Types of Accommodation Offered:
The Bedroom with Balcony
Bodhi Pool Suite
The Chedi Pool Suite
The Waterfall Pool Suite
The Glass Pool Suite
Book here
Rachamankha Hotel
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 12,409 (depends on season)
(INR 26,886)
Book here
Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel and Spa
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 4290 (depends on season) (INR 9295)
Book here
Cross Chiang Mai Riverside
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 5,611 (depends on season) (INR 12,157)
Book here
137 Pillars House
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 14,699 (depends on season)
(INR 31,847)
Book here
Stays That Cost Less than THB 3000/night (INR 6,500)
Pissamorn House
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 733 (depends on season) (INR 1,588)
Book here
Wualai Sabaidee
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 900 (depends on season) (INR 1,950)
Book here
Wiang Kum Kam Resort
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 910 (depends on season) (INR 1,972)
Book here
Sleep Guesthouse
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 999 (depends on season) (INR 2,164)
Book here
Inn Oon Villa
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 1,170 (depends on season) (INR 2,535)
Book here
Gordnuea Boutique House – SHA Extra Plus
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 1,181 (depends on season) (INR 2,559)
Book here
18 In Town Homestay
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 1,215 (depends on season) (INR 2,632)
Book here
Liam’s Suan Dok Mai Guesthouse
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 1,251 (depends on season) (INR 2,710)
Book here
Hongkhao Village
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 1,567 (depends on season) (INR 3,395)
Book here
Kodchasri Thani Hotel Chiang Mai
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 1,872 (depends on season) (INR 4,056)
Book here
Baansuwanburi
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 1709 (depends on season) (INR 3,703)
Types of Accommodation Offered:
Twin Room with Terrace
Queen Room with Pond and Pool View
King Room with Pond and Garden View
King Room with Garden View
Book here
Thai Akara – Lanna Boutique Hotel
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 2,119 (depends on season) (INR 4,591)
Book here
The Bridge – An Eclectic Luxotel
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 2,142 (depends on season) (INR 4,641)
Book here
VC@Suanpaak Boutique Hotel & Service Apartment
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 2,160 (depends on season) (INR 4,680)
Book here
Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 2236 (depends on season) (INR 4,845)
Book here
Aksara Heritage
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 2,476 (depends on season) (INR 5,365)
Book here
Baan Boo Loo Village
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB 2,480 (depends on seasons) (INR 5,373)
Types of Accommodation Offered:
Golden House
Artisan Teak Suite
Rice Farmer House
Tree House in the City
Sticky Rice Villa
Mountain View Lodge
Grand Balcony Penthouse
Mango Villa
Sticky Rice Barn Mountain and Golden Chedi View
Book here
The Granary Resort
Price of Accommodation: Starts from THB2,700 (depends on season) (INR 5,850)
Types of Accommodation Offered:
One-bedroom House
Book here
Stays Less Than THB 500/night (INR 1,083)
In case you are on a tight budget you can opt for hostel stays that will be equally exciting because you will get to meet people from various cultures and countries
You can also book Airbnb Stays if you are in a large group.
Places to Eat Your Heart Out!
Although nothing beats street food and the night markets in Chiang Mai offer everything on a platter, in case you want to eat in style you should visit the below.
• Boat Restaurant
• Shangri-La Chiang Mai
• B Samcook Home16
• Nun’s Retaurant
• Pakorn’s Chicken
• The Service 1921 Restaurant & Bar
• Reform Kafe
• Tanita Coffee House
• Goodsouls Kitchen – Vegan Café & Restaurant
• La Fourchette
How to travel within Chiang Mai
There are different modes of travel. So you can
• Book a cab for the duration of you stay
• Rent a bike or car and drive around (as long as you have your driver’s licence and International Driving Permit)
• Book Uber
• Local taxis
• Tuk Tuks
• Hire a songthaew (meaning two benches) or “red cars”, there is room for 8 people.
While most tourists flock the beaches of Thailand, they remain oblivious to the treasures that Northern Thailand offers which includes variety of quirky experiences along with a taste of history and local culture. It's time we try experimenting with the unusual than the ordinary!! Isn't it?
Think we missed out on something? Tell us about it in the comments below. Or write about it here on Tripoto and earn Tripoto Credits!