15 Unmissable Experiences for things to do in Chiang Mai
Here are my absolute favourite things to do in Chiang Mai (and surrounding area's)
1. Once in a life time experience - Must do, Zip-lining!
Now I'm not particularly scared of heights, but my friend Emily did need to give me a little nudge on this one, but I've got to say, 9 years later we still talk about it.
This is one of the best experiences of my life and I would have regretted it forever if I had never gone through with it, the views are magical and the staff are so patient and kind, making you feel completely safe the entire time.
2. Zip lining including jungle roller coaster
Now don't get me wrong, zip lining is thrill enough, but add a jungle roller coaster into the mix and you've got an experience you're likely never going to do again, this is highly reviewed and a unique experience to Chiang Mai.
3. White temple, Baan Dam Museum and Hot Springs
There are hundreds of beautiful temples in Thailand but none like these.
These temples are beautifully decorated and have such an enchanting atmosphere to them, they are really special and an absolute must see.
A lot of people miss the Baan Dam Museum (commonly known as black house) which was our absolute favourite by far (Plus, who doesn't love a natural hot springs?)
It takes 3hrs from Chiang Mai in Chiang Rai and is much easier to do with a guide, so I've linked one below:
Alternatively, you can see just the hot springs, plus gorgeous local villages here:
4. Land Of Angels, Blue Temple and Sticky Waterfall
An exceptional price for money, this tour takes you to three un-missable destinations.
Dantewada Land of Angels is a man-made retreat crafted to reflect spiritual and artistic beauty. With angelic sculptures, tranquil gardens and calming water features. This peaceful atmosphere is perfect for reflection and relaxation.
Blue temple is another beautiful temple with a different aesthetic than your usual Thai temple, another must visit in the same location.
And last but not least, sticky waterfall, yep! The waterfall is made of a natural limestone surface and unlike most slippery waterfalls, the naturally rough texture makes it easy for you to climb up or down the falls without slipping, Such a fun and unique experience that sets it apart from other waterfalls in Chiang Mai.
Alternatively.. take a private tour!
See 3x gorgeous temples and grab lunch at the gorgeous Lalitta Cafe, see my Instagram reel on it here, it's well worth visiting!
5. UNESCO World Heritage Site Historical Park
I loved this site, it's known as the "Dawn of Happiness," and celebrated as the birthplace of Thai art, culture, and architecture.
The park spans over 70 square kilometers and includes approximately 200 ancient sites, including majestic temples, Buddha statues, palaces, and city gates, surrounded by picturesque moats and canals.
My absolute favourite part was when our guide explained how this buddha head got into the tree like the image I took above!
I think about this a lot, even 9 years later, so definitely check out this tour.
6. Spiritual Sunrise Tour with an Ex-monk
What better way to feel a part of Thai culture than by doing an Alms giving with Monks and being taken to an incredible sunrise spot. See the beautiful colours of Thailand skies first thing in the morning
7. Visit An Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
A truly unforgettable experience, I chose this because it was an ethical sanctuary and they treat the elephants with respect.
Everything revolves around the elephants well-being and happiness, from feeding them to walking alongside them in their natural habitat, letting them do their thing.
If you’re looking for an ethical way to connect with elephants, this is it!
Want to spend more time with these beautiful creatures?
Try this: Elephant and Gibbon Encounter (5 days, 4 nights)
This highly rated tour takes you on a special trip with the locals to spend time with these beautiful creatures in their natural habitats, without disturbing them.
Or, why not include water rafting and swimming in a waterfall?
8. Caving & Jungle Kayaking
It felt like stepping into another world! After, we kayaked through the lush jungle which was breathtaking.
Fancy a longer trip?
We also took this trip, it includes one day in Pai which is a just under 3hrs drive from Chiang Mai. You'll visit the memorial bridge (see me on the bridge below) do rafting and cave exploring! An unforgettable experience.
9. Trekking, Waterfall & Tubing.
If you really want to immerse yourself in the wild, take this tour to trek through the jungle, visit natural pools and waterfalls, see elephants being cared for and try out tubing! It's so much fun, especially with a group!
10. ATV Quad bike
Now I have done quad biking all over the world, but no place than Thailand is better for sight seeing than on ATV's.
Cruising through the jungle, seeing the locals go about their day and coming across all sorts of animals and gorgeous sights, Thailand is the 100% the place to do it.
Or, if you really want to crank it upp..
Give this one a go.. a thrilling off road experience, well worth the money.
After something calmer? Try these:
11. Authentic cooking class with a market visit
I LOVED this experience, such a fun idea, they took us to a local market to learn about the ingredients we would be using, then we were talked through each step and created the most delicious meals, I couldn't believe it was my cooking!
12. Dreamy rice fields experience
Escape the city and enjoy a peaceful retreat.
Surrounded by lush green landscapes, these fields provide a glimpse into Thailand’s traditional way of life, where farmers work in harmony with the land.
As you wander through the fields or relax nearby, you’ll feel a soothing connection to the slower rhythms of rural life.
With golden sunsets reflecting off the water-filled paddies and the gentle rustling of rice plants in the breeze, it’s a retreat for the soul, ideal for unwinding and reconnecting with nature.
13. Doi Ithanon & Local Long Neck Karen Village
I know I've said it was all incredible, but this was my absolute favourite.
The waterfall in the Doi Ithanon mountains looks like something plucked from the Avatar movies, it's absolutely enormous and completely breath-taking (Watch my reel above!)
I would highly recommend booking a guide for this, not only to understand more about the culture, but because if you don't, you'll need to hire a car for the day (why not spend the same, but get driven with a guide??)
Taxi's won't go that far out the city, and if they do, they'll charge you a large fee and won't drive you around the mountain, it's way too far to walk the entire way and back down again.
Plus, you'll get to see the Long Neck Local Karen Village, unique to Chiang Mai and very interesting. The locals are super friendly and I thought it might feel as if we were imposing but they were more than happy to see us, make sure you buy something from them, just to be polite!
14. Yoga Retreat
Take spirituality to the next level by immersing yourself in a deep meditation and yoga experience.
In a small intimate group, you can experience Thai culture at it's best, Thai yoga is un-matched, surrounded by a beautiful landscape, how could you not relax and delve deep?
15. Walking Food Tour
You can't leave a destination without trying the local food, you can find out our favourite local dishes in my full Chiang Mai guide (Read below)
What better way to immerse yourself into the culture than being taken around the best (and safest) food stalls to try the local cuisine.
A great way to end a trip on a calm with a full belly and lot's of memories.
Don't Miss This:
In my guide 'The Ultimate Chiang Mai Travel Guide' - I'll be sharing all the tips, tricks, apps and places to visit from the locals recommendations (that aren't available to book online)
After living in Thailand for a year so far, there are so many things I WISH I had known before moving abroad, or coming for a long trip.
(Including lots of tips that saved us a LOT of money!) Click my guide below to check it out and save it to come back to later!
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Need more help? Book a 1-1 call with me to discuss your travel needs.
I can write you a complete itinerary, or even book your entire trip for you! Including all your flights, accommodation and excursions.
Email: ugc@coachedbykashima.co.uk
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