Things to Do in Chiang Mai
Top attractions, best neighborhoods to wander, and the food you shouldn't skip in Chiang Mai, Thailand — 2026 traveler picks.
Top places to see
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Iconic gold-roofed mountain temple (1383). 309-step Naga staircase. THB 50 entry. Best Chiang Mai panorama. 40 min from city.
Old City (walled town)
Square 1.5x1.5 km medieval moated old town. Walk Wat Chedi Luang (THB 50) + Wat Phra Singh (free). Free walking 360°.
Sunday Walking Street Market (Tha Phae Gate)
Sundays only 4pm-10pm — Old City closes to cars for an iconic Thai night market. Street food + crafts + free.
Doi Inthanon National Park (full-day)
Thailand's highest peak (2,565m) + twin pagodas. 2-hour drive from CNX. THB 300 entry. For 12+ hour layovers: full-day excursion.
Book tours + skip-the-line tickets
Compare tours + attractions in Chiang Mai across GetYourGuide, Tiqets and Trip.com — free cancellation on most, and prices match direct booking.
Things to do in Chiang Mai
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Chiang Mai and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse Chiang MaiJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Want a private driver-guide? Trip.com Private Tours in Chiang Mai.Eat here first
Khao soi (Northern Thai curry noodle soup, the city's signature dish) at Khao Soi Khun Yai. Sai oua sausage at any Northern Thai restaurant. Mango sticky rice at Pa Daeng.
Local tip
CNX is 4km from Old City — songthaew (Chiang Mai's shared red-truck taxi) is the cheapest option (THB 40-80 / €1-2) but multi-stop. Grab is the standard tourist choice. For Doi Suthep temple: hire songthaew at Chang Phueak gate (THB 250 return for the day).
Where to stay
Hotels across Chiang Mai — filter by neighborhood + budget on the map below.