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Are you feeling excited about the upcoming visit to Chiang Mai? Do you want to make sure that you explore everything? This city has lots to offer for the passionate travelers that want to experience the Thai culture. From stunning nature, to mesmerizing temples, and tasty exotic foods, everyone will find their favorite thing to do.
You can find many different tours and things to do in Chiang Mai. There is always something suitable for your preferences and budget. Here are the top things to do in Chiang Mai, so you decide about your personal favorites!
Admire The Temples
You will find a typical Budhist temple on every corner in Old City Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai has over 300 temples, more than any other Thai province. Feel free to stop by and explore. The entrance is free in most of the cases, however expect a small fee sometimes.
Some of the most beautiful temples worth visiting are Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Phan Tao. They are pretty near, so you can check them all in one visit. Have in mind that there is a dress code for entering the temples. Shoulders and knees should be covered, so make sure that you are dressed properly before entering.
Not all of the beautiful temples are in the city. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a must-visit. It is located outside of the city and offers the most enjoyable view. Don’t miss the viewpoints, where you can see Chiang Mai entirely.
Hang Out With Elephants In An Ethical Sanctuary
There are elephant sanctuaries, where you can hang out with the elephants in a non-harmful way. They take care of abused and injured elephants. You will have the opportunity to feed and observe them, but also learn more about the Asian elephants. This type of sanctuaries doesn’t allow riding or other forms of abuse.
Have A Dinner On The Riverside
Dining with a view of the Mae Ping River is a spectacular experience. You can pick a place which will look appealing for you. Whether you want to enjoy dinner or a drink, be sure that you will find nice restaurants and bars here.
Swim In The Mae Sa Waterfall
Whether you want to hike, swim, or just have a picnic, head to the Mae Sa Waterfall. This is a highly popular place among locals as well. You can admire the beauty of the nature and swim in the clear waters. There is no entrance fee, so you can enjoy the beautiful sight for free.
Bua Thong Sticky Waterfall
Speaking of waterfalls, the Bua Thong Sticky Waterfall is something that you should not miss. This is another spot that was highly popular among locals, but tourists have started to include it in their itinerary too. The cascading formation was created by the mineral deposits that the water brought. The surface is non-slippery, so you your feet will stick to it. You can climb up without any worries. A natural phenomenon like this one is definitely worth seeing. On the other hand, you can go for a hike and enjoy the forest.
To get there, you need to take an organized tour or rent a car. It is located about one and a half hour away from Chiang Mai.
Stroll Down The Night Markets
Night markets during the weekend are popular between tourists and locals. You can buy local food, souvenirs, and gifts, or just stroll down and experience the atmosphere. The most delicious street foods can be found here. Don’t miss getting a portion of rice and mango.
Get A Massage
If you are not familiar with thai massage, then you are missing a lot. After a long day of wandering around, you certainly deserve relaxation. The thai massages are known to be the best ones in the world. On the other hand, they are quite cheap.
If you hear that massages are done by ex-prisoner women, do not hesitate to go there. The thing is that there women were visiting courses, so that they are reintegrated to the job market. Be sure that this is 100% safe, as only selected women with good behaviour are chosen.
