Top 10 Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Covering 200 acres of land in the foothills of Doi Suthep and providing excellent views of the city in addition to fascinating wildlife exhibits, Chiang Mai Zoo is certainly worth a visit. Nearly 400 species of animal are kept at the zoo, including elephants, tigers, chimpanzees, hippopotami and rhinoceroses. The zoo also features outstanding special attractions such as the walk through the aviary, a fascinating freshwater aquarium and the zoo's stars – Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui, two young pandas who were sent as goodwill ambassadors from China in 2003 and their offspring Lin Ping, the first ever panda born in Thailand. Read More...

Modeled after a similar attraction in Singapore, Chiang Mai Night Safari opened in 2006 and is part of a huge multi-million baht plan to increase the number of visitors to the region. The concept of the park is to provide visitors with a thrilling experience, similar to being out in the wilderness at night. The safari features a few sections including the ‘Savannah Safari’ which consists of herbivores while the ‘Predator Prowl’ takes visitors through an environment populated by lions, tigers and bears. Enjoy the walk around the ‘Jaguar Trail’ and the fountain light show. The park is on 300 acres of natural land and is 12km from the city. Read More...

Built sometime between 1385 and 1402, during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma, 7th ruler of the Mengrai dynasty, Wat Chedi Luang's massive chedi (pagoda) is a distinctive feature of the Chiang Mai skyline. At its peak, the chedi  measured 60 metres across at the square base and 80 metres tall and was once the home of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred religious relic. Book a tour. Read More...

Located in attractive countryside about five kilometres south of Chiang Mai along the Ping River, Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city dating back to the eighth-century Haripunchai Kingdom. Later on it served as a capital of the then Lanna Kingdom for a short while until Chiang Mai was chosen to replace its status in 1296. Expect to see many interesting items and structures such as stone tablets with Mon inscriptions, Buddhist sculptures and architecture, earthenware and pottery. Taking a horse-led carriage is a popular way to enjoy the ruins although some tourists prefer to take their time to appreciate this large site on foot or by rented bicycle. Book a tour. Read More...

Having secured their names in the Guinness World Record, the elephants at the Mae Sa Elephant Camp are no ordinary beasts. Apart from going about their daily routine of bathing, eating, sleeping and just being domesticated elephants, these extremely intelligent animals have been trained to paint, play football, dance and perform a string of talent shows that will change the way you think about Thai elephants. Book a tour.  Read More...

The highest peak in Thailand, Doi Inthanon rises 2,565 metres above sea level. This altitude means that temperatures in the park stay refreshingly brisk year round and regularly dip below freezing during the cool season (October to February). Known as a sanctuary for a wide range of animal species and perhaps the best place in Thailand for bird-watching, the park has approximately 362 different species, many of which are not found anywhere else in Thailand. Doi Inthanon is a popular destination, not only for its natural beauty, but also for its historical significance. Chedis dedicated to Their Royal Majesties, The King and Queen, can be found atop the peak of the mountain. Book a tour. Read More...

Doi Pui, at 1,685metres above sea level, is the highest peak in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. It is famous for its beautiful waterfalls which are easily reached from the main road. But one of the hottest attractions for Doi Pui must be Hmong Tribal Village situated less than five kilometres from the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. A visit to this village is an eye-opener into the tribal villagers’ private life. Book a tour. Read More...

At Chiang Dao cave, the caverns stretch many kilometres into the mountain yet only a small part of the complex is possible to explore. Two of the caves, Tham Phra Nawn and Tham Seua Dao, are illuminated by electric lights. The challenge and fun comes when arriving at the upper caves as here, local lantern-carrying guides will lead the way. There are some spectacular limestone formations and Buddhist shrines in these caves. Also in the same area is the beautiful Wat Pho Ploy, featuring more than 500 steps up to its summit. Further on is the home of the Long Neck Karen hill tribe. Chiang Dao Cave is about 70km north of Chiang Mai. Book a tour. Read More...

The handcrafting of umbrellas and parasols in Bo Sang Village is known throughout the country and even abroad – so much so that the umbrella has become one of the symbols of Chiang Mai. Here, you'll find plenty of hand-painted umbrellas, tiny cocktail umbrellas, large parasols for gardens or patios and other handmade products – all made from sa paper (produced from the bark of the mulberry tree.) in various designs and at reasonable prices. The skills involved are outstanding and have been handed down throughout generations. Bo Sang is less than 10km from downtown Chiang Mai. Book a tour.  Read More...