Rock climbing around Chiang Mai combines limestone crags in the countryside with indoor facilities for practice and instruction. Crazy Horse Buttress in Mae On is the main outdoor focus, with varied rock faces and a...
Chiang Mai Attractions
Chiang Mai is one of northern Thailand’s most rewarding destinations for culture, nature and outdoor experiences, with attractions ranging from centuries-old temples and lively markets to national parks, waterfalls and mountain adventures. The current Chiang Mai Travel Hub inventory is organised across major themes including temples, nature, national parks, waterfalls, museums, shopping, hot springs, elephants, adventure and general activities.
The city itself is strongest for temples, markets and cultural attractions, while the surrounding province opens up into mountains, forests and rural areas. That means visitors can easily combine Old City sightseeing with day trips to Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon, Mae Rim, waterfalls, hot springs and adventure attractions.
Explore Chiang Mai Attractions
- Temples and heritage – Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and other important Lanna temples across the city and surrounding hills.
- Nature and national parks – Explore Doi Inthanon, mountain viewpoints, forest trails and protected areas throughout northern Thailand.
- Markets and shopping – Browse Sunday Walking Street, night markets, local produce markets and modern shopping areas for food, crafts and souvenirs.
- Waterfalls and hot springs – Add Sticky Waterfalls, mountain cascades and geothermal attractions to a wider Chiang Mai itinerary.
- Adventure and family activities – Choose from ziplining, trekking, rafting, wildlife experiences, water parks and other outdoor attractions beyond the city centre.
Browse the listings below to discover Chiang Mai temples, nature attractions, markets, adventure experiences and the best places to visit across northern Thailand.
Rock Climbing
Pa Daet, Mueang Chiang Mai
Muay Thai in Chiang Mai gives visitors two different ways to experience Thailand’s combat sport: watching a stadium fight night or joining a gym session. The live bouts combine technique, music, rituals and a...
Hot Air Ballooning
Hot Air Ballooning Available, All Over Chiang MaiHot air ballooning around Chiang Mai offers an early-morning view of the countryside, with fields, water and settlements unfolding below the basket. The experience begins before take-off, as the crew prepares the...
Cooking Classes
Many Cooking Class Options Available, Chiang MaiUp To 23% Off Chiang Mai Cooking Classes
Chiang Mai cooking classes turn a meal into a hands-on introduction to Thai ingredients and techniques. You may begin in a market or herb garden, then prepare dishes at a cooking station and eat what you have made with...
Trekking
Many Trekking Options Available, All Over Chiang MaiUp To 20% Off Doi Inthanon Hiking Tours
Trekking Chiang Mai is a popular activity for the quintessential visitor traversing northern Thailand, thanks to its lush jungles on the mountain peaks.
Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater Rafting Available, All Over Chiang MaiWhitewater rafting near Chiang Mai takes you into the Mae Taeng valley, where guided boats move between forest-lined stretches and rapids. The experience alternates between looking around and working as a team:...
Tours
Many Tour Options Available, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai & MoreUp To 19% Off Selected Chiang Mai Tours
Chiang Mai tours range from a few hours exploring temples and food markets to full days in mountain parks or the surrounding countryside. The best choice depends on what you want to experience, how much driving you are...
Bamboo Rafting
Mae Win, Mae WangBamboo rafting offers a close-up view of Chiang Mai’s riverside countryside from a simple raft made of lashed bamboo poles. In the Mae Wang area southwest of the city, visitors travel past wooded banks and rural...
Private tours in Chiang Mai let you shape a day around your interests, whether that means a few Old City temples, craft workshops outside town or a mountain outing with time to stop along the way. They are particularly...
Northern Thailand Tours
Multiple Tour Options Available, Around Northern ThailandUp To 19% Off Selected Chiang Mai Tours
Northern Thailand tours can be a day in the mountains outside Chiang Mai or a longer journey linking Chiang Rai, Pai and Mae Hong Son. The appeal lies in the contrasts: forest and waterfalls, distinctive temples...
Chiang Rai Tours
Tour pickup: Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai sightseeing routesUp To 19% Off Selected Chiang Mai Tours
Chiang Rai tours take visitors from Chiang Mai into a province known for contemporary temple art, dramatic religious landmarks and the Mekong landscape of the Golden Triangle. The experience depends on the route you...
Chiang Rai Trekking
Many Trekking Options Available, Around Chiang RaiChiang Rai trekking takes you beyond the city’s sights into forested hills, waterfall paths and village landscapes. Trips range from a day’s walking with a guide to an overnight stay with community hosts...
What are the top attractions in Chiang Mai?
Popular attractions include Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai Old City, Doi Inthanon National Park and the city's famous walking streets and night markets.
What is Chiang Mai best known for?
Chiang Mai is best known for its historic temples, Lanna culture, mountain scenery, markets, northern Thai food and easy access to nature and adventure experiences.
What can you do for free in Chiang Mai?
Popular free options include Tha Phae Gate, One Nimman, Sunday Walking Street and several temples and natural attractions, although donation or parking charges may apply at some locations.
How many days do you need in Chiang Mai?
Three to five days gives most visitors enough time to explore the Old City, major temples, markets and at least one or two day trips into the surrounding mountains or countryside.