Chiang Mai

Thailand’s second city and former capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai has a great cultural heritage and is a charming place to spend a few days visiting historical temples in the old walled city, learning the art of Thai cooking, browsing through colourful markets or relaxing by the river after a trek. The city has a tradition for making handicrafts and the expertise here makes it a good place to pick up silk, silver, lacquer and wooden souvenirs. Chiang Mai is also famous as a religious centre and there are a number of interesting wats to visit as you wander around the city. Outside Chiang Mai lies a region of mountains, valleys and rivers where minority hill tribes live, and the city has long been a base from which to go trekking or start further exploration of the stunning north.

Chiang Mai has much to offer as destination in its own right and we have outlined a number of the sightseeing options below.

10 things to do in Chiang Mai

1. Explore historical temples within the ancient city walls
2. Bargain for handicrafts at the Sunday walking market
3. Sample local culinary delights such as the mouthwatering Khao Soi - a delicate curried noodle dish
4. Enjoy an evening by the river at Riverside Bar & Restaurant
5. Take in the views from Doi Suthep
6. Cycle around the nearby countryside
7. Relax with a Lanna style massage
8. Try your hand at Thai cooking
9. A river journey along the Mae Nam Ping
10. Head into the hills for a few days trekking