Chiang Mai

Thailand’s second city and capital of the north, Chiang Mai has a great cultural heritage and is a charming place to spend a few days 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’s streets. Outside Chiang Mai lies a region of mountains, valleys and rivers where the hill tribes live and the city has long been a base from which to go trekking or start an exploration of the beautiful north of the country.

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. Hunt for souvenirs at the famous Night Bazaar
2. Bargain at the Sunday walking market
3. Sample local culinary delights at the night market
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. Have a massage, Chiang Mai style
8. Try your hand at Thai cooking
9. Cruise down the Mae Nam Ping River
10. Head into the hills for a few days trekking