Chiang Mai is not only a beautiful and culturally rich tourist destination, but also digital nomad haven. Its lush jungles and golden temples make for stunning views. And the food is absolutely incredible! If you’re sold on traveling to one of the coolest cities in Southeast Asia, find out the best things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand, here!

1. Night Markets

The markets in Chiang Mai offer pretty much anything you can dream of, from clothes to food (to deep-fried crickets?), if you only know where to look. But it’s the night markets that truly shine in this beautiful city. While there is always a food market on somewhere at night, such as the market at Chang Phuak Gate (North Gate), the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar really pleases. It spans all the way from the Ping River to Tha Pae gate and you can easily get lost in all the marvelous things that are offered here. Even more famous and offering even more food and souvenirs is the Sunday market from Tha Pae to Ratchadamnoen Road. The best part are the hidden temples and alleys into which the market spills for lack of space, where you can find some truly delicious food and curious objects,

2. Doi Suthep Pui National Park

This national park hosts not only lush forest, waterfalls and hiking trails but also a famously stunning temple atop the Doi Suthep peak. There are multiple hiking trails connecting the waterfalls, and if you’re courageous there are also overnight camping spots. Bhubing Palace, which is also a part of the park, is a quaintly beautiful royal residence. The famous What Phrathat Doi Suthep, which is a temple within the park, is not only stunning but offers meditation retreats for those who want to get some cultural insight and spend more time at the temple. If you’re not up for hiking there, you can take one of Chiang Mai’s red taxis to get there.

3. Ancient Wiang Kum Kam

This archaelogical site is full of ancient culture and incredible sights. Since it’s been abandoned 700 years ago, the city of Wiang Kum Kam has been left untouched and today is a fascinating sight of stunning temples and rotting houses. There are a total of nine temples, some of which still stand tall while others are merely ruins.

4. Doi Inthanong National Park

Home of Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanong, visiting the “roof of Thailand” is one of the most interesting things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It’s also famous for its twin pagodas. The park is still home to Karen and Meo Hmong peoples. It offers a nice fresh breeze after the air in the city and plenty of hiking trails such as Gew Mae Pan and Ang Ka nature trail.

5. Elephant Sanctuary

There is nothing quite as majestic as an elephant. Due to lots of cultural and legal shifts in Thailand, such as the shut down of the elephant logging industry, many elephants find themselves living in horrible conditions while working for the tourist industry. However, especially in Chiang Mai, a lot of sanctuaries have opened up to protect and care for these magnificent creatures. When visiting, you can feed them, play with them and bathe them. To be able to visit these friendly, fun (and a little intimidating) creatures in a sustainable environment is a rare and fantastic opportunity!

There you go! There’s really a lot to do and see, but these five things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand, are definitely some of the biggest highlights of the region. If you’re not sure you can afford a trip to Chiang Mai, check out this article. Not sure which destination to go yet? Compare a few here!

Have you ever been to Chiang Mai? What did you like best about ti? Let me know in the comments.