11 Reasons I Know You’ll Fall in Love with Chiang Mai, Thailand

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Chiang Mai is a city that captures hearts with its unique blend of culture, community, and charm. It’s no surprise that so many Westerners call this vibrant city home, more than in any other part of Thailand or even Asia. They mingle in cozy coffee shops, explore bustling street markets, and savor the flavors at countless restaurants and bars. Every corner of Chiang Mai offers something delicious and delightful. I’ve only just begun to uncover the city’s treasures, but here are eleven reasons to love Chiang Mai, Thailand, again and again.

Table of Contents

• 11 Reasons to Love Chiang Mai Thailand
• 1. Visit the Long Neck Hill Tribe
• 2. Temple Tours
• 3. Day Trip to Chiang Rai’s Wat Rung Khun
• 4. Eat Khao Soi & Drink Lemon Iced Tea
• 5. Hail a Red Truck (songthaew) or Tuk Tuk
• 6. Street Food Tour
• 7. Thai Massage
• 8. Doi Inthanon National Park & Wat Ban Den Temple
• 9. Monk Chat
• 10. Night Bazaar
• Bonus—Cafe Culture
• Bonus ETA System

Check out one of my favorite cafes in Chiang Mai: A Cover Charge Cafe: Baristro Asian Style in Chiang Mai.

11 Reasons to Love Chiang Mai Thailand

Perfect for Expats

Chiang Mai is the second city in Thailand. It’s the smaller, more relaxed answer to the madness of Bangkok. The city is relaxing, like Phuket, but without the beaches. It was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom but now is a significant draw for backpackers and digital nomads. Older ex-pats, humanitarians, and foodies flock here. Many people return again and again. Some people stayed for years when they had meant to stay only a few weeks. It’s definitely a place I am considering too.

There’s an energy in the city that captivates those who visit. Whether you seek a trekking adventure or a spiritual awakening, you can travel from temple to temple. Trust me, there are many to choose from. The city offers plenty of things to do, including cooking classes, temple visits, street food, and culture. But beyond its boundaries, you’ll find natural perfection, awe-inspiring animals, and unique communities deep into the mountains. It’s a remarkable city with much to offer. The following are some of the best attractions to explore. And many attractions you’ll want to experience are specific to Thailand. But be careful; the city should have built decent sidewalks to get to many of them.

1. Visit the Long Neck Hill Tribe

You’ve seen the pictures of the Karen Long Neck Tribe. This group of refugees from Burma settled in the hills of Chiang Mai, Thailand. They are highly regarded for their needlework skills. However, they are most known for the rings they wear around their necks. The rings appear to stretch their necks to unnatural lengths. In reality, their necks are not stretched. The weight of the brass rings pushes down on their clavicles, squashing their shoulders. The rings are not separate, as you’d expect, but one piece that is changed every two years or so.

The reason they wear them is debated. However, according to village literature, they were:

• A method used to subdue them
• Considered a beauty accessory
• A deterrent against tiger attacks

Regardless, the origin of the rings is unclear. The tradition lives on, as they are proudly worn by the 40,000 women of the long-neck tribes to this day.

2. Temple Tours

Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple) & Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Exploring the rich history and stunning architecture of temple tours in Chiang Mai is one of my favorite things to do. Chiang Mai has many breathtaking temples, each offering a unique glimpse into Thai culture and spirituality. I’ve visited the ancient pagoda at Wat Chedi Luang in the city center, marveled at the intricate silverwork at Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple), and enjoyed the mountain-top views from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. These temple tours have been a highlight of my visits, giving me a deeper understanding of the spiritual and cultural heart of the city.

3. Day Trip to Chiang Rai’s White, Blue, and Black Temples

A day trip to Chiang Rai offers a unique chance to explore three of Thailand’s most visually striking temples: the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), and the Black House (Baan Dam Museum). Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is renowned for its all-white design and intricate details, making it a must-see for anyone interested in unique architecture. The Blue Temple dazzles with its deep indigo hues and golden accents, creating a serene and captivating atmosphere. The Black House, in stark contrast, features dark, mysterious structures filled with eclectic art pieces.

Our day trip included visits to all three temples, a scenic Mekong River cruise, a delicious lunch, and some shopping with views of the Golden Triangle—a perfect way to experience the rich cultural diversity of Northern Thailand.

Entrance Fees and Hours

White Temple (Wat Rong Khun):

• Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 5:30 p.m. on weekends.
• Entrance Fee: 50 baht for foreign visitors; free for Thai nationals.
• Address: Wat Rong Khun Location

Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten):

• Hours: Open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Entrance Fee: No entrance fee.
• Address: Wat Rong Suea Ten Location

Black House (Baan Dam Museum):

• Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a closure for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Entrance Fee: 80 baht for adults, free for children under 12 and people with disabilities.
• Address: Baan Dam Museum Location

4. Eat Khao Soi & Drink Lemon Iced Tea

Eating Khao Soi is one of the top activities in Chiang Mai you can’t miss. It was the first thing we ate after arriving in Chiang Mai, and it was freaking good. It was also the very last thing we did before leaving Chiang Mai. Khao Soi, a northern Thai coconut curry soup, is an iconic part of the region’s cuisine. It is made with red curry, a splash of coconut milk, a chicken drumstick, and crunchy noodles. The flavors are layered, sweet, sour, and spicy. It’s served with red onions, herbs, and a lime wedge. Make sure to order a glass of lemon iced tea, which is dark in color and spicy-sweet—another reason to love Chiang Mai, Thailand.

5. Hail a Red Truck (songthaew) or Tuk Tuk

This is our third trip to Thailand but our first encounter with the songthaew or red trucks. These shared taxi trucks are a very cheap mode of transportation found only in Chiang Mai (as far as I know). You will see dozens of them throughout the city. They don’t have scheduled routes. If you stand on the side of the road long enough, you’ll get their attention. They will slow down or beep at you. Just tell them where you are going, and they will nod yes or no, depending on where they are going.

How Much Does a Songthaew Cost?

The standard charge is 20 baht unless you ask how much they charge, a sure sign of a tourist, then they will immediately quote you double. So Don’t ask.

Tip #1

Grab a hotel card or map at the front desk and give that to your taxi, tuk-tuk or songthaew driver to make sure you get to your destination. I suggest you check out a local cafe or coffee shop.

6. Street Food Tour

The street food in Thailand is delicious. We normally eat more street food than in restaurants except when we were in Chiang Mai. It was a pretty even distribution because there were so many delicious restaurants we wanted to try. We noticed off the bat that many street vendors had signs that were only in Thai. Some things were pretty easy to distinguish, but some of it wasn’t. Not eating pork complicated the street food experience because so much of it was pork. The street tour hooks you identify local specialties, where to get the best of them. We also learned how to order in Thai and ask for no pork.

7. Thai Massage

One of the things to do in Chiang Mai Thailand is to experience the unique Thai massage. I love the peaceful feeling of a massage. I have fallen asleep on numerous occasions. However, none of those times involved a Thai Massage. A Thai Massage is the antithesis of peace and relaxation—one of the unique reasons to love Chiang Mai. You are kneaded with knuckles, elbows, and forearms, bent like a pretzel, sat on, pulled, stretched, and folded into unnatural, therapeutic positions.

Steven hates them and always opts for aromatherapy massages, but I love them for their ability to clear the mind and remove tension, aches, and pains. This contrast of experiences highlights why you should visit Chiang Mai, it offers something for everyone.

Chiang Mai stands out for its unique massage salons. Some of these salons support female ex-cons through a government rehabilitation program, providing new opportunities for women who were previously involved in the opium drug trade, still flourishing to the north in Myanmar. Other salons employ blind masseuses who excel at pinpointing pressure areas, offering an unmatched and deeply therapeutic experience.

How Much Does a Massage Cost?

Massages are cheap in Thailand but even cheaper in Chiang Mai. Full body massages can cost between 200 and 400 Baht (USD) for 60 minutes, which is one of the reasons to love Chiang Mai Thailand. I highly recommend you splurge for at least 90 minutes. You can also opt for a foot or neck and shoulder massage, which is a fraction of the price and usually lasts 15-30 minutes.

8. The Most Iconic Temples

Doi Inthanon National Park

This area is one of the best places to visit in Chiang Mai for nature lovers. This is the highest peak in Thailand, and the national park that surrounds it is filled with many natural wonders that draw people to this region. Located only 2 hours from the city, you can trek, hike the mountain, or take a more leisurely route around the park. Several waterfalls and a hill tribe village are other draws, along with two pagodas built to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit.

You’ll want to hire a driver for the day or rent a motorbike and see the sights on your own, as you won’t be able to walk through the entire park on foot. But it’s only about a two-hour drive from the city, so if you leave early, you can enjoy a full and satisfying day on the mountain. This is one of the top activities in Chiang Mai you shouldn’t miss, and make sure to stick around for the monks chanting around 6 pm.

Address: 119 Ban Luang, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai 50160, Thailand

Wat Ban Den Temple

On your way to or from Doi Inthanon, make sure to stop by Wat Ban Den, a hidden treasure just outside Chiang Mai. This colorful and whimsical temple complex is often described as a blend of Buddha and Dr. Seuss. With its intricate architecture, 12 zodiac stupas, and vibrant designs, Wat Ban Den is an unforgettable addition to your trip.

Whether you’re trekking or enjoying the serene beauty of the temples, this combination offers a full day of culture and nature that’s hard to beat. But if you only have time for one of these stunning temples, go with Wat Ban Den– you won’t regret it.

Address: Wat Ban Den, Inthakhin, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150, Thailand

Entrance Fee:

300 Baht. 10 Baht per motorcycle.

9. Monk Chat

This is a great example of one of the unique things in Chiang Mai that makes the city so special. A few of the temples in the city have a “Monk Chat” program where curious visitors can speak to the monks about almost any aspect of life. This is an unusual activity where you can go and ask Buddhist Monks questions about anything. You get to help them practice their English and to find out more about their daily lives, Buddhism, and Thai culture. This is the perfect opportunity to learn something you can’t find online or in a textbook.

10. Night Bazaar

This is a great spot for shopping if you are prepared to do some haggling and you don’t mind the crowds. There are some great finds there, from clothes and scarves to carvings and paper lanterns. Because the Night Bazaar attracts many tourists, you may want to visit earlier rather than later. You may even be lucky enough to be the “first sale” which entitles you to a “discount”. I love bargaining with vendors. Once a sale is made, the money you hand them is then waved over their remaining goods in the hopes that that money will multiply and more sales will follow.

Changklan Rd, Chang Moi Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

11. Chiang Mai Facebook Groups

For those living in or thinking about going to Chiang Mai, these Facebook groups offer a wealth of information and connections. Whether you’re interested in yoga, hiking, language exchange, or simply discovering what’s happening in the area, these communities can help you get involved and make the most of your time in Chiang Mai. From expat support to nature lovers and health enthusiasts, each group provides valuable resources and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. Explore these groups for additional details and event updates and to engage with the local community.

Chiang Mai Conscious Community

• Group Link: Chiang Mai Conscious Community
• Focus: Yoga, meditation, bodywork, and consciousness.

Nature In Chiang Mai

• Group Link: Nature In Chiang Mai
• Focus: A community-based group for those who enjoy the local nature.

Chiang Mai Animal Lovers

• Group Link: Chiang Mai Animal Lovers
• Focus: Connect with other animal owners and lovers in Chiang Mai.

Language Exchange Chiang Mai

• Group Link: Language Exchange Chiang Mai
• Focus: A place for language learners to help each other.

Hiking Chiang Mai

• Group Link: Hiking Chiang Mai
• Focus: Ongoing hikes in and around Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Family Guide

• Group Link: Chiang Mai Family Guide
• Focus: Find family-friendly activities in Chiang Mai.

What, Where, When Chiang Mai

• Group Link: What, Where, When Chiang Mai
• Focus: A page for events, promotions, and happenings in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Expat Moms

• Group Link: Chiang Mai Expat Moms
• Focus: A group for moms in Chiang Mai to connect, share tips, and exchange items.

Chiang Mai – Expats & Locals Living in Chiang Mai

• Group Link: Chiang Mai – Expats & Locals Living in Chiang Mai
• Focus: A community for expatriates living in Chiang Mai.

Cycling Chiang Mai Group Rides

• Group Link: Cycling Chiang Mai Group Rides
• Focus: Information on group rides and road cycling events.

Chiang Mai Expats

• Group Link: Chiang Mai Expats
• Focus: A community for expatriates living in Chiang Mai.

Eat In Chiang Mai

• Group Link: Eat In Chiang Mai
• Focus: A guide to restaurants, bars, and food shops in Chiang Mai.

Health And Fitness Chiang Mai

• Group Link: Chiang Mai Health And Fitness
• Focus: A group for health and fitness discussions and recommendations.

Chiang Mai Hangouts

• Group Link: Chiang Mai Hangouts
• Focus: A place to share and set up social activities in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Expats Club Group

• Group Link: Chiang Mai Expats Club
• Focus: A community for expatriates living in Chiang Mai.

Bonus Cafe Culture

Thailand’s cafes are known for their expansive and creative themes that go beyond the ordinary. The cafes are one of my favorite reasons you’ll love Chiang Mai Thailand. You’ll find cafes that transport you to different worlds, each with a distinct and imaginative theme. Some cafes recreate the feeling of being in a mystical forest, with cascading waterfalls and winding pathways through lush greenery. Others take you high up into the treetops, offering a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding nature, making you feel like a treehouse retreat.

Some cafes embrace a lakeside charm, where you can enjoy coffee with the calming sight of water gently lapping against the shore. For those who love vibrant colors and whimsy, there are garden cafes where every corner bursts with blooming flowers, art installations, and cozy nooks to relax in. Each of these cafes offers more than just a place to sit; they provide an escape into a themed environment where every detail is thoughtfully designed to enhance your experience. Whether you’re looking for serenity, adventure, or just a break from the ordinary, Thailand’s cafe scene offers something extraordinary.

Bonus ETA System

For American tourists, the postponement of Thailand’s ETA system means that the current visa-free travel arrangements remain in place for the time being. U.S. citizens can still enter Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days if arriving by air, and up to 15 days if arriving by land from neighboring countries. Once the ETA system is eventually implemented, American tourists will need to register online before their trip and obtain an ETA to enter Thailand. The process will be digital and free of charge, allowing for stays of up to 60 days, with a possible extension of an additional 30 days.

For now, travelers should continue to monitor official updates from Thailand’s Foreign Ministry and Immigration Bureau for any changes regarding the ETA launch date.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Thailand? Let me know in the comments below.

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