Discover Chiang Mai: Your Guide to Thailand's Cultural Gem

Visit Chiang Mai’s many temples: Chiang Mai is home to over 300 temples, many scattered within the ancient walls and walkable streets of the Old City. Below are some highlights:

• Wat Chedi Luang: Impressively large, and built over the span of two centuries.

• Wat Phan Tao: One of the oldest temples in the city, known for its unique teakwood architecture.

• Wat Phra Singh: Established by King Pha Yu to house his father’s ashes, this is the most visited temple in the city.

• Wat Palad: The secret jungle temple, tucked away from the city.

Hang with Elephants: A trip to Thailand wouldn’t be complete without it. We did quite a bit of research to make sure we did so in an ethical way. Elephant Nature Park is a rescue and rehabilitation center outside of the city, established by the elephant rights advocate Saengduean Lek Chailert. You can spend a half day, full day, or overnight observing and learning about these amazing (and mischievous!) creatures. TIP: This experience books up. I’d recommend booking a couple weeks ahead of your trip.

Learn how to cook your favorite Thai dishes: An amazing way to share your travels with your friends and family when you come home. Here are some the top options:

• Thai Farm Cooking School: This is the class we booked, and loved it. We did the full day experience which included a shopping trip to a local market, a tour of their farm, and cooking and eating many delicious dishes. They even gave us a cookbook to bring home!

• Grandma’s Home Cooking School: Great reviews, and similar inclusions as Thai Farm Cooking School

• Mama Noi Thai Cookery School: Great reviews, and similar inclusions as Thai Farm Cooking School

TIP: Cooking classes book up! I’d recommend booking a couple weeks ahead of your trip.

Treat yourself to a massage. You’re in Thailand, after all. Many hotels will offer their own upscale services. Here are some other top-reviewed options:

• Zira Spa

• Fah Lanna Spa

• Cheeva Spa

• Kiyora Spa

• Wander the night Bazaars

Chiang Mai has a ton to offer on the food front - from casual lunch spots, bustling night markets, and a blossoming chef-driven dining scene, there’s something for everyone.

Casual Spots

• Khao Soi Khun Yai: This outdoor stall is tucked off the roadside, and serves up what was likely the best (and cheapest, at around $1USD per bowl) meal of our whole Thailand trip. The rich, creamy curry noodle soup is the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and sweet. Personally, I love it with the beef. Open 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

• SP Chicken: A popular spot for Isan cuisine, most known for their rotisserie chicken, often eaten with sticky rice, papaya salad, and a smattering of sauces.

• The Night Bazaar also offers a cheap and easy way to sample many different dishes. It’s open every night from 5:00 to 6:00 pm to midnight.

Special Dinners

• The House by Ginger: A well established and buzzing restaurant in the Old City this place serves up vibrant Thai classics with a modern, upscale twist. The atmosphere is as eclectic as the food is colorful. Their cocktails (and mocktails!) are not to be missed.

• Rasik Local Kitchen: An open-kitchen chef’s table experience, with seasonal Thai dishes cooked on a charcoal stove, and other traditional cooking methods.

Cafés & Treats

• Coco Mango The Garden: Mango sticky rice ice cream! You will not regret it.

• Akha Ama: This understandably popular coffee shop (especially with the expat crowd) serves delicious affordable coffee, brewed with beans grown in the neighboring Chiang Rai province.