Top 7 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand 2024

1. Go shopping

Chiang Mai doesn't have as many night markets as Bangkok, but that doesn't mean you can't shop here. Chiang Mai has 10 shopping malls and a lot of markets with handicraft shops. Mentioning handicrafts, Chiang Mai is Thailand's main handicraft center, with many workshops selling beautiful crafts along the roads.

Maya Mall

About shopping centers, you can list the best centers in Chiang Mai are Central Festival, Maya and Promenada, etc. As the largest shopping malls in Chiang Mai, those shopping malls have everything to satisfy you. These centers all have huge cinemas so you can enjoy brand new movies.

2. Visit Night Safari Park

Less than 10km from Chiang Mai city center is a space for all-age visitors to participate in an adventure with many surprises, a combination of cultural and artistic elements bringing the beauty of nature. With 3 areas: Predator Prowl, Savanna Safari, and Jaguar Trail, the best way to visit the park is by tram. Joining in a private tram journey, tourists will be able to experience a unique feeling by reaching over 1400 friendly animals.

Night Safari Park

Night Safari Park has a timetable for each area to visit, such as the Jaguar Trail opens from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., parrot feeding area open from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., photography area is open from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., etc. There are also areas such as the world for children's entertainment, photography and feeding the horses, circus zoo area with elephant circus, and tiger circus.

3. Explore the Golden Triangle Area

The Golden Triangle is the intersection of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, located in Chiang Rai District of Thailand. However, this place is known as the intersection point of the Ruak River and Mekong River by locals. Thus, you can visit 3 different countries at the same time at a cost of less than $50.

Golden Triangle Area

Golden Triangle Area was famous for growing opium, now it becomes the most attractive tourist destination in Northern Thailand. Don't miss the Treasure Ship, there is a large golden sitting Buddha statue, which is a suitable place to take unique photos.

4. Explore Jungle Flight

Located in the northern part of Thailand, Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains, locals have taken advantage of this terrain to create a unique rainforest. If you come to Chiang Mai, you cannot miss the experience of Zip-line Adventure through the forest. You will slide over the trees with panoramic views of the forest.

Zip-line In Chiang Mai

Tourists can have a chance to admire the spectacular scenery while sliding through 7 (or more) different routes, including overcoming obstacles on the way. It is a totally unforgettable experience for those who are passionate about thrilling.

5. Learn about the hill tribes of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a part of Northern Thailand, It is home to many ethnic minorities as known as “Hill Tribes”. Most of these tribes have migrated to Chiang Mai since the last century and still retain their traditions and culture, which has attracted both tourists and locals.

Long-Neck Tribe

Many different tribes are living here, they are very friendly and each tribe has its own unique character. You will recognize the Meo people because of the stilt houses built from big pillars, the Palongs famous for tea, and the Karen people are often called 'weaving masters' and also Thailand's most populous tribe. Learning about the culture and traditions of these tribes is a unique experience.

6. Wander around Night Market

There are 2 weekend night markets on Saturdays and Sundays in Chiang Mai. The Sunday market starts at noon, and the Saturday market only starts at 5 p.m.

Saturday Night Market

As one of the two big night markets in Chiang Mai, "Saturday Night Market", as the name implies, is only available on Saturday nights. Saturday night market is mainly located on Wua Lai Street, from the Thipanet Road to the ancient gate of Chiang Mai. If you come here, you do not need to worry about getting lost, just go straight down then you can find the way-out.

Sunday Night Market

Sunday night market is the most recommended night market because of its location and convenient transportation. Unlike Saturday night, the Sunday night market is larger and sells more goods. If you have time for Chiang Mai, don't forget to visit this night market.

7. Visit Black Pagoda - White Pagoda

White Pagoda and Black Pagoda are located in Chiang Rai, northeast of Chiang Mai. The White Pagoda was designed by a Thai artist: Chaloemchai Khositphiphat and it was inspired by the journey from hell to heaven. The Black Pagoda was built by Thawan Duchanee and is a museum with the theme "Hell and death".

The White Pagoda

Unlike the traditional yellow temples in Thailand, Rong Khun Pagoda as known as White Pagoda is built with white stucco lime, plaster, and white paint. It was built in 1997 to honor the pure wisdom of Buddha.

The Black Pagoda

The Black Pagoda (Ban Dam Pagoda) consists of 40 black houses made of wood, bricks, and concrete in a large area with many trees, the atmosphere here is very quiet with a few tourists. Some houses have sloping roofs, multi-layer which is the architectural style under the Kingdom of Lan Na (from the 13th to the 18th century).

Chiang Mai has many beautiful landscapes, ancient and unique buildings. It is difficult to list all those places. Above are just some of the famous Chiang Mai tourist destinations that you should consider that as a suggestion to your Thailand trip.

Thanh Van

(Image source: Internet)