Chiang Mai is the smaller and more relaxed answer to Bangkok and a major draw for travelers. It’s also a spiritual hub, where you can find a place to quiet your mind and get in touch with your inner self.
One of the best places to do this is at Doi Suthep Vipassana Meditation Centre. It’s a life-changing experience and you’ll leave feeling centered and happy.
Doi Suthep
Chiang Mai is a city of temples, and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most important and iconic ones. Doi Suthep sits high above the city on a mountain, surrounded by a beautiful natural environment and offering breathtaking views.
A trip up Doi Suthep is a must when visiting Chiang Mai. There are many ways to get there, but the most popular option is to take a red taxi up to the summit.
The fare for a one-way ride is 50 bahts. Several spots in town, including in front of the zoo and Wat Phra Singh, offer Song Taew (literally “red trucks”) that run up to Doi Suthep.
Wat Phra Singh
One of Chiang Mai's most attractive and most popular temples, Wat Phra Singh is an excellent example of classic Lanna-era architecture. It's also home to a number of important Buddha statues and is one of the most famous temples in Thailand.
The most prominent structure of Wat Phra Singh is its chedi, or temple tower, which was constructed in 1345. It is decorated with gilded naga (serpent) gables and sumptuous lai*krahm (gold-pattern stencilling).
Sunday Walking Street
Every Sunday night Ratchadamnoen Road, a main road in the old city of Chiang Mai turns into a pedestrian street. During this time no vehicles are allowed and it is packed with tourists, locals and vendors selling handicrafts, traditional food and entertainment.
The market is a great place to explore the art and craftsmanship of Northern Thailand. The stalls display unique decorative objects made of wood, coconut shells, pottery and fabric.
In addition to the stalls, visitors can also enjoy a wide variety of traditional Thai food at one of the temple food halls that line the road. Stalls offer seafood and meat skewers, papaya salads, dim sum, mango sticky rice, fresh fruit smoothies and more.
Chiang Mai Night Market
Chiang Mai has a number of night markets that are open every evening. They are the ideal places to sample delicious street food, grab a cheap drink or go on a shopping spree.
The main Chiang Mai Night Market is located on the eastern side of the city. It stretches along Chang Klan Road between Thapae and Sridonchai roads and spreads onto smaller alleys and side streets.
The market is a great place to shop for souvenirs, clothing, shoes, and accessories. There are also a lot of handicrafts and other items on offer.
Chiang Mai Zip Line Experience
Enjoy the exhilaration of ziplining through a treetop in the rainforest of Chiang Mai. This tour is designed to be fun and safe for all ages.
The zipline is a popular activity in Thailand, and you can find dozens of tours throughout the country. Some of these courses offer scenic views of waterfalls and valleys while others take you near ancient temples and ruins.
There are a variety of adventure parks in Chiang Mai that offer zipline experiences. Most of them also offer convenient transfers from hotels in the city.
