Your Bucket List for Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s spiritual capital, will enchant you with its calm, friendly, and pleasant air. It is a lively city full of history, plenty of activities, and nature nearby. As a result, it makes an ideal destination for all sorts of travelers. If you are building your bucket list for Chiang Mai, this guide covers everything worth adding!

Go on a Temple Visiting Spree – A Must on Any Bucket List for Chiang Mai

Wat Phra

Start your journey at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – it should be your first destination! Perched atop Doi Suthep Mountain, the temple towers tall and offers a panoramic view of the city. Seven-headed snake sculptures line a flight of 306 steps leading up to it. Next, head over to Wat Phra Singh, where a stunning gold-plated pagoda-style roof will catch your eye. Furthermore, travelers flock here to admire the beautiful Buddha figure known as Phra Singh.

Have Fun with Elephants

Have fun with elephants

Chiang Mai tours offer group trips to get up close and personal with elephants. However, choosing one can feel overwhelming because so many great options exist. Most provide half-day and full-day trips, while some even offer overnight stays or week-long getaways. For instance, you can ride elephants, feed them sugar cane, or bathe them in mud. In addition, many ethical sanctuaries allow you to simply observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Participate in a Thai Cooking Class

Thai Cooking Class

Thai cuisine ranks among the greatest in the world, offering a wide variety of tastes to suit any palate. Indeed, taking a Thai cooking class is one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai — and in Thailand overall! Dishes like Pad Thai, Red Curry, and Som Tum are all worth learning to make yourself. In particular, Thai Farm Cooking School stands out as one of the top choices, offering full-day lessons at an organic farm outside of town. Moreover, dozens of other schools across the city offer equally rewarding experiences.

Investigate the Nightlife

Chiang Mai is just as lovely at night as it is during the day. Its midnight bazaars and famous night safaris give every type of tourist something to enjoy. For example, visit the Kalare Night Market for clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Alternatively, explore Warorot – Chiang Mai’s oldest public market – for stalls selling Thai household goods. Meanwhile, the Sunday and Saturday Walking Streets are famous for their wonderful Buddha paintings. Each offers a unique and memorable night out.

Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai – A Hidden Gem on the Bucket List

Grand Canyon

One of the best places to visit near Chiang Mai sits just outside the city. This former quarry is perfect for those who want to unwind or have a little fun. Simply rent a scooter and head there for just 50 baht. From there, you can float along the river on bamboo rafts, watch brave visitors leap off the cliffs, or take the plunge yourself. Additionally, there is even a waterpark with inflatables, kayaks, and tubes available to hire.

Get a Massage from a Prisoner

The Women’s Correctional Institution in Chiang Mai trains its inmates in a range of practical skills, from massage to customer service. As a result, these skills boost their chances of finding work after release. Just across the street from the jail, a vocational training center welcomes visitors for a massage from a trainee inmate. Indeed, it is one of the most unique and meaningful experiences you can add to your Chiang Mai bucket list.