21 Unforgettable Experiences In Chiang Mai, Thailand

21 Unforgettable Experiences In Chiang Mai, Thailand

Paperdonutholes
Chiang Mai is a must-visit if you are looking for culture, adventure and exploration to a new world. Having travelled and lived in Thailand over a month, Chiang Mai holds close to my heart as I learnt a lot about Thailand's rich history there. Both free and paid experiences:) I highly recommend you to try out The Pongyang Jungle Coaster and visit the Sticky Waterfall for the stunning views! This article contains affiliated links which I would make a small commission if you choose to purchase from my site:) Let me help you make the best memories in Thailand!
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Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline

The coaster zipline combines the excitement of a roller coaster with the thrill of ziplining, providing an adrenaline-pumping ride through the treetops! 

Pong Yaeng Jungle Coaster & Zipline
@paperdonutholes
This is so much fun! Though I've never really been there myself but seeing the Instagram stories of my friends, I really do want to go on it for the stunning scenary! There are also other adreline pumping options such as the tree-top bikes and ziplines!
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Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai

Elephants has always been part of the history of Thailand and during the war, the Karen people would sit in front of the Elephants while the Thai people fight the war. The people had always a good relationship with the Elephants. Elephants are also very commune creatures and would only allow a human to their tribe if they like the humans or the humans treat them well. Interacting with Elephants was a really memorable activity when I went to Chiang Mai! 

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
@paperdonutholes
As many people are concerned about harming the Elephants, this place is for you as this place is famous for their ethical, no-riding method of giving visitors an experience with these gentle giants, visitors will be able to make unforgettable memories of being a part of their lives.
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Elephant Care Camp Chiang Mai at Mae Taman

Maetaman Elephant Camp & Bamboo Rafting
@paperdonutholes
Would recommend to bring mosquito repellent when you come here:) Well-trained staff will give you all the essential information and basic command of the elephant so that you would know how to care for them:)
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Chiang Mai Sky View Paramotor Academy 

Add this unforgettable activity to your bucket list as you are in for a ride of your lifetime! Discover the real beauty of Chiang Mai nature that you never found on the ground with professional guides, amazing photography and scenery. 

Chiangmai Skyview Agency
@paperdonutholes
Clear instructions and an additional 2,500B for 2 pax if you were to add photography services! The hotel pick-up is worth is and an absolute must do in Chiang Mai:)
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Try Khao Soy 

Easily one of my favorited dishes in Thailand is Khao Soy! Khao Soy is a Thai Curry Noodle Soup which is usually cooked with a chicken drumstick and yellow noodles. You can find this dish easily at the road side street food or even as restaurants. 

It is so hard to find this dish in my country as it takes a long time to prepare. However if you manage to find some Khao Soy paste, don't forget to buy some home:) 

Thai Cooking Classes by Grandma's Home Cooking School 

Learn how to make authentic Thai dishes with this fun, small group cooking class in Chiang Mai, where you'll prepare classic dishes using ingredients from a local market. 

Grandma's Home Cooking School
@paperdonutholes
If you can't finish your food, you can even pack them home! A wonderful experience to explore the market and the garden! A lot of tips and they will provide you recipes for you to cook even after you go home.
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Skyline Jungle Luge Adventure Zipline Experience Chiang Mai

Zoom through the skies on one of the world's longest ziplines! Weave your way through a maze of 21 ziplines and 38 platforms scattered and get spectacular views of Chiang Mai's rainforest! 

Skyline Jungle Luge
@paperdonutholes
You can get relaxed by sipping a cup of scented and delicate tea or coffee from one of the most famous cultivation farms in Thailand at Pa Pan Village after your rides! Try out different zipline styles including bouncing and bird style:)
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Go to Central Chiangmai Airport Mall

Me and my friends really enjoyed coming to this mall as it had everything! There is a huge range of food choices to choose from. If you are lucky, you may chance upon a night market inside or outside of the mall. Clothes are also affordable here. There is even a mini aquarium when you enter the mall. 

Central Chiangmai Airport
@paperdonutholes
Good place to get necessities if you just arrived in Chiang Mai. There is a supermarket which you can get groceries and other necessities like shampoos, contact lenses solution and all.
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Loy Kratong Festival 2023

Rapunzel dreams come true! If you are lucky, you will be able to catch the festival of lanterns where they release lanterns into the sky at night! This festival happens every November where everyone gathers to see this beautiful sight. An experience of a lifetime:) 

Horizon Village & Resort
@paperdonutholes
Special Garden Access: Gain access to Tweechol Botanic Garden, where you can witness a wide variety of plant species. Cultural Performances: Immerse yourself in Thai culture with traditional music and dance performances. Culinary Delights: Savor a special Loy Kratong feast featuring traditional Thai cuisine!
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Climb the Famous Sticky Waterfall 

This was a really memorable experience as I've never climbed a waterfall before! As the stones of the sticky waterfall are limestone, this makes the stones not slippery. Don't forget to look down as you will see amazing views of the mountains of Chiang Mai. Me and my friends brought some food up to picnic as we enjoyed the scenery! 

Namtok Bua Tong-Nam Phu Chet Si National Park
@paperdonutholes
I would highly recommend you to bring a waterproof phone case as you would love to snap some photos while on your way up! There is even a little pond on the top where you can just sit inside and chill to enjoy the scenery. Bring some snacks up and have a picnic!
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Thai Dress Rental by Love Season Studio Chiang Mai

Dive into the Thai culture but renting a Thai traditional dress! I always recommend to go to a country to rent their ethic costume as it makes you feel really good. When I was in Korea, I rented a Hanbok and it felt so good to immerse yourself into the culture. I myself own a Thai Skirt and it really looks cute. 

Thai Dress Rental By Love Season Studio
@paperdonutholes
They even provide hair and makeup services! Photo shoots are also available for customers who want to capture their experience and memories in traditional Thai attire:) Located in the heart of Chiang Mai.
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Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight with Champagne and Spa Package

 There’s simply no better way to see the beauty of northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai than by hot air balloon! You will be picked up from your hotel to the the launch site and served coffee, tea, soft drinks and a snack while you watch the balloon filling with hot air and getting ready for take-off. During your flight, you will get a spectacular bird’s eye view of the gorgeous Chiang Mai scenery, guided by your English-speaking pilot.

ฟ้าล้านนา สปา เมืองเก่า - Fah Lanna Spa - Old City
@paperdonutholes
Enjoy a relaxing spa after you flight! What to bring: Camera, Binoculars What to wear: The temperature in the air is the same as on the ground. Special clothing is not required for hot air ballooning. We suggest practical wear, such as long pants, a light jacket, a hat and no sandals or high heels.
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Fah Lanna Spa Experience at Nimman

Indulge in a luxury experience at Chiang Mai's multi-award-winning day spa with your loved ones. Enjoying a Thai massage was a highlight while I was in Chiang Mai and I would love to share this experience with you! Do let them know which parts you would like to focus on so that you can maximize your experience. 

ฟ้าล้านนาสปา เอ็กซ์คลูซีฟ นิมมาน Fah Lanna Spa Exclusive - at Nimman
@paperdonutholes
There are many attractions to check out in the area so it is really convenient. After the treatment you will be served afternoon tea set with fresh herbal tea and a selection of Thai sweets:) Be pampered by highly trained professional masseuse.
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Cave & Kayak Jungle Experience

GLITTER EVERYWHERE! Tourists can imagine the glitters to be any pictures! Experience a kayaking tour and discover the Northern Thai jungle. Head to the giant Chiang Dao Cave with a local guide and spend an hour exploring. Discover amazing caves with beautiful rock formations as you paddle in clear water! 

Wat Tham Chiang Dao
@paperdonutholes
Tham Chiang Dao is an attractive cave in Chiang Mai. The stalagmite and the stalactite, causing different shapes, inside the cave stun the tourists by their natural beauty. One of the charms of the cave is its cold clear water running from inside to the front of the cave. This happens for years until the water flow becomes a pond, a habitat of various fish.
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Chiang Mai City Half Day Tuk Tuk Tour

Travel back in time as your Tuk Tuk takes you to the ancient ruins of Chiang Mai:) Learn more about the city's culture and history with the help of an English speaking guide! 

Sunday Night Market

I got to eat a really delicious Pineapple Fried Rice while I was here! Also known as Chiang Mai Sunday Market/ Chiang Mai Night Market/ Sunday Walking Street Market Chiang Mai. They are opened everyday and you can find all sorts of things! They are opened from 4pm until about midnight and it is free to visit! 

Sunday Night Market
@paperdonutholes
Don't forget to haggle! The prices here have risen a lot as there are many tourists visiting this place. I got a special gift for my friend while I was here:)
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Pha Chor Canyon 

Trek up a scenic canyon and experience this natural wonder! There is a cafe here where you can take a bite or a cold drink. The viewpoint is cool as you look over the 30m cliffs. Head on down into the area surrounded by the cliffs and get some cool selfies or whatever is your favourite shot.

Entry Fee: 100 THB (2.89 USD) + 20THB (0.58 USD) for a motorcycle. Opening Times: 8:30 AM – 4:40 PM. Unfortunately, There is no public transport to the park itself. You can hire a taxi from one of the travel agencies in Chiang Mai, or The nearest you can get is Ban Kat by songthaew from Chiang Mai, which costs 30 baht. From here you’ll have to take a moto taxi whose driver you’d negotiate with in front of Ban Kat market. This "Mini Grand Canyon " is definetely a place you would want to visit to complete your trip! 

Chiang Mai Michelin Food Walking Tour

Get to taste local and authentic dishes such as Guay Jub Chang Moi Tat Mai (rolled rice noodles), Mango Sticky Rice, Pa Tong Go (deep-fried dough sticks), and Khao Kriab Pak Moh (steamed rice skin dumplings)! Learn about Chiang Mai’s food scene and history from a local foodie guide:) 

*Tip: The tour is about 2hrs, do confirm the meeting location as it might change last minute. 

Visit the Old City Walls

Since the beginning of its foundation, Chiang Mai city layout was based on ancient military and astrological beliefs. King Mengrai wanted to protect his new city so, he ordered the construction of a perimeter wall and moat. Fall in love with the calm and relaxing atmosphere. In addition, the city has a unique architecture and historical remains which can be seen while walking in the streets!

Chiang Mai Old City Walls
@paperdonutholes
Plenty of cafes and shops along the moat and city walls:) I stayed at a hotel along the wall where transport like tuktuks and taxis were very easily accessible.
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Mae Ping River Boat Cruise Tour in Chiang Mai

Enjoy a day of serenity and relaxation in Chiang Mai and hop on this boat cruise at Mae Ping River. Appreciate the area’s laid back atmosphere as you pass by quaint wooden houses and refreshing greeneries:) 

Mae Ping River Cruise
@paperdonutholes
Make friends with the boatman and they would explain lots of facts to you! When you reach the farm, you were served with delicious Khao Sai or Pad Thai. A must try activity while you are in Chiang Mai!
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Rafting with 8Adventures

With a professional instructor by your side, Chiang Mai river rafting is a great way to relax and pick up a skill that will come in hand in lots of other Thailand adventures. If you want to try out other thrilling activities, there are also packages that include trekking, ATV jungle rides, and more!

8Adventures
@paperdonutholes
Instructions and safety drills to make sure participants are crystal clear on the appropriate movements and actions to take in each situation! Do be careful not to fall into the river or you might suffer minor injuries. Enjoy a lunch during the trip! Super fun activity to try out!
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[Klook Counter Pick Up] Unlimited 4G Portable Wifi for Thailand 

Connect 5 devices with just one pocket WiFi with up to 10 hours of battery life:) Enjoy high speed internet access in Thailand with a reliable 4G WiFi device and make your experience easier with the Data Unlimited pocket WiFi. 

Let me help you make the best memories! If you find this information helpful, any tips are appreciated for my work 🚀

Check my hotel guides out! 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paperdonutholes
In April 2023, I brought a group of Americans to Asia on a low-budget trip where we visited different tourist attractions and soak in the Asian culture. I enjoy sharing my knowledge about different cultures and how we can be culturally sensitive when we visit another's country. A few of my favorite memories also include going to the dressing up in Hanboks to visit the Korean Palaces, Florida's Disneyworld, Night Markets in Thailand and floating on the Dead Sea in Israel! I have stayed and visited in many different countries such as Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, Taiwan and the United States etc. My favourite things to do is to climb mountains, visit beaches, eat local food and visit farmer's markets. In Asia, we have a very buzzling night life that I hope you get to experience too! I hope that you find my information helpful and any tips are appreciated for my work :)
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