Best 6 Things to Do in Chiang Mai – Culture, Nature & Muay Thai

Explore Chiang Mai: 6 Must-Do Activities for Culture Lovers & Muay Thai Enthusiasts

Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most beloved travel destinations, often topping the list for culture seekers, nature lovers, and adventure travelers. In 2024 alone, the city welcomed more than 11 million visitors — a clear sign of its global appeal. If you haven’t been yet, or if you’re planning your first trip, Chiang Mai offers a perfect blend of tradition and modern living. From sacred temples and lush mountains to vibrant street food and world-class Muay Thai training, here are 6 things you simply can’t miss when exploring this enchanting northern city. Get ready to experience a lifestyle that leaves lasting impressions and unforgettable memories.

1. Visit Chiang Mai’s Famous Temples

The Lai Kham Viharn (left), golden chedi (center), and ubosot (right) at Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan, a major temple in Chiang Mai’s Old City. It enshrines Phra Singh (Phra Phuttha Sihing), the revered Buddha image of Chiang Mai and the Lanna Kingdom.

Thailand’s Buddhist roots are deeply felt in Chiang Mai, where temples (or wats) have been spiritual landmarks for centuries. The iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep sits on the mountain overlooking the city, while hidden gems like Wat Pha Lat (the “jungle temple”) and Wat Umong (with its mysterious tunnels) create unforgettable atmospheres. You’ll also find historic sites like Wat Suan Dok and Wat Phan Tao, right in the Old City.

Don’t miss more must-see temples: Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple), Wat Lok Moli, Wat Jed Yod, and Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan. Each one reflects unique Lanna architecture and deep cultural heritage, making temple-hopping a true journey through time.

2. Experience Chiang Mai’s Elephants Up Close

Visiting an elephant camp in Chiang Mai offers many experiences. In this scene, a male traveler interacts closely with elephants by feeding, bathing, playing in the mud, and learning about their care in a conservation-focused setting.

Elephants are Thailand’s national symbol, and Chiang Mai is one of the best places in the country to connect with them ethically. Elephant sanctuaries and villages like Mae Sa Elephant Camp, Mae Rim Elephant Sanctuary, and Mae Taeng Elephant Park allow visitors to feed, bathe, and walk alongside these gentle giants. Many places also teach about elephant care, herbal medicine, and conservation.

Looking for more unique elephant experiences? Check out Elephant Nature Park, Baanchang Elephant Park, Into the Wild Elephant Camp, Happy Elephant Home, and Chang Chill Sanctuary — all emphasizing ethical, hands-on encounters that create lifelong memories.

3. Taste Northern Thai & Michelin-Approved Flavors

Nam Prik Ong, a signature northern Thai chili dip made with tomatoes and dried chilies, cooked into a rich orange paste. Its flavor is tangy, salty, mildly spicy, and slightly sweet, often enjoyed with fresh vegetables.

Food is an essential part of travel, and Chiang Mai is a true paradise for food lovers. Must-try northern dishes include khao soi (creamy curry noodles),** kanom jeen nam ngiao** (spicy tomato broth noodles), nam prik noom & nam prik ong (regional chili dips), sai ua (herbal sausage), gaeng hung lay (slow-braised curry), laap kua, and crispy pork cracklings.

Famous restaurants like Khao Soi Mae Sai, Khao Soi Nimman, Suki Khao Kaeng Chang Phueak, Rotee Pa Daeng, and Huen Muan Jai keep foodies coming back. Michelin-starred picks like Krua Phech Doi Ngam and café gems around Nimmanhaemin add to the experience.

Other food stops you can’t miss: Tong Tem Toh, Dash! Restaurant, SP Chicken, Chang Phueak Night Market, and Sunday Walking Street Market. Each one proves why Chiang Mai is a culinary capital.

4. Fuel Your Spirit with Adventure Activities

Four tourists enjoy the thrill of white-water rafting on the Mae Taeng River in Chiang Mai, one of the best rafting spots in northern Thailand. With rapids ranging from mild to challenging, Mae Taeng offers an exciting adventure for those seeking adrenaline and fun.

Chiang Mai is not just temples and food — it’s an adventure playground. Thrill-seekers can soar on ziplines at Flight of the Gibbon, test their courage on the X-Centre bungee jump, or ride mountain coasters at Pong Yang Adventure Park. Tree-top challenges await at Phoenix Adventure Park, while river rafting and trekking add even more adrenaline.

More adventures to add: Sticky Waterfall (Bua Thong) for climbing natural limestone, Doi Inthanon trekking routes, Mae Taeng white-water rafting, Chiang Dao cave exploration, and Hot air balloon rides over the valley. Perfect for those craving heart-pumping experiences with stunning natural backdrops.

5. Explore Markets & Local Lifestyles

At Mae Kampong, a traditional village in Chiang Mai surrounded by lush nature, three female travelers relax and enjoy beers while sitting in a cool, gentle stream that flows through the village’s serene setting.

Chiang Mai’s charm also lies in its everyday life. Strolling through markets lets you feel the pulse of the city. The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and Wua Lai Saturday Walking Street are packed with food, crafts, and souvenirs. Meanwhile, visiting mountain villages like Mae Kampong offers a glimpse of traditional living.

More must-visit lifestyle stops: Sunday Walking Street (Tha Pae Gate), Ton Lamyai Flower Market, Warorot Market (Kad Luang), One Nimman lifestyle hub, and Nimmanhaemin cafés. Together, they give you a perfect balance of authenticity and modern creativity.

6. Train in Authentic Muay Thai Gyms

Training at Banchamek Gym in Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai, offers authentic Muay Thai with punches, kicks, elbows, knees, clinch work, defense, pad and bag drills, and sparring. Students of all levels can join, with training packages available from short to long term, some including accommodation and meals within the camp’s beautiful natural setting.

No Chiang Mai checklist is complete without Muay Thai — Thailand’s national sport and cultural treasure. Whether you’re a beginner curious about learning the basics or an aspiring fighter aiming for advanced skills, Chiang Mai’s gyms offer everything from fitness-friendly classes to professional fight camps. Training gives you a new appreciation for discipline, strength, and Thai culture.

Must-visit gyms in Chiang Mai: Banchamek Gym by the legendary Muay Thai fighter Buakaw Banchamek, Hongthong Muaythai Gym by Kru Jo, Boon Lanna Muay Thai by Master Boon, The Bear Fight Club Chiang Mai by Kru Bank, Dang Muay Thai Chiang by Arjan Dang, Krudam Gym Chiang Mai by Kru Dam, and Chiangmai Jr Muaythai by Kru JR. Many of these gyms also offer accommodation, meal plans, and opportunities to step into local fight stadiums — everything you need to train hard and fight smarter.

If you’re still curious and want to explore all the top-rated Muay Thai gyms in Chiang Mai, check out this link Muay Thai Gyms in Chiang Mai.

At Nowmuaythai.com, we don’t just share inspiring content — we’ve carefully selected more than 60 quality gyms across Thailand’s most famous destinations, so you can find the perfect place to train wherever your journey takes you.