THAILAND · WHERE TO GO
The ones worth your time.
The 15 most popular things to do in Chiang Mai. Ethical elephant camps, mountain temples, jungle waterfalls and the old town after dark.
Spend 9 hours with rescued elephants near Chiang Mai, cool off at Mae Wang Waterfalls, and end with bamboo rafting on the Mae Wang River.
“We had the best day - everything was perfect from pick up to drop off. Our guide Nop was amazing - so knowledgeable and friendly. The bamboo rafting was brilliant fun and the elephant sanctuary was amazing 🤩”
A 9-hour Chiang Mai day trip to Doi Inthanon’s highest peak, twin pagodas, a hill-tribe coffee stop, and Wachirathan Waterfall.
“Our trip was incredible, knowledgeable and patient guide - thanks James. I’ve done a few of these and have always felt a bit weird being in a group gawping at native tribespeople in their homes but the money these excursions bring in helps them survive in the government assignment rainforest villages. Plus they sold us…”
Ethical elephant care in Chiang Mai plus a jungle hike to Mae Wang Waterfall, with river bathing, great lunch, and a smooth group day.
“This was the experience of a lifetime! From the easy pickup from our hotel, to the engagement and clear directions at each elephant stopping point along the excursion, we felt knowledgeable and excited! 1000/10 would recommend! And watch out for the baby elephant, she’s super happy, playful and so cute!”
Chiang Rai temples plus hot springs, a Karen long-neck village, and Huay Pla Kang pagoda—an 11-hour day trip with major photo stops.
“The Trip is excellent with visits to different places of Chiang Rai province, and scenic view of nature. I love the guide Mr. Benz who gave so much full details of the Land's history, tribes, architecture and Buddhism stories... in an attractive way. Thank you for all your service.”
Chiang Mai market and herb garden tour with a hands-on cooking class. Grind curry paste, cook Thai dishes, and eat in an organic garden.
“Everything was well organised, the market tour was great and Balloon, our guide and cook is great and fun”
Chiang Mai market and organic farm with a hands-on Thai cooking class. Make curry paste and Khao Soi; full day adds coconut milk.
“I would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Chiang Mai. It was absolutely a memory we won’t soon forget. Transportation was easy and on time. Our guide, Patty, was amazing. She was not only knowledgeable, but personable and funny. She made the experience really enjoyable. The grounds were breathtakingly beautiful. Photo opportunities everywhere. The…”
A half-day elephant sanctuary feeding visit near Chiang Mai: safe, non-forced interactions, guided nature walks, and river bathing in an ethical setting.
“It was an amazing day! So special to see, interact with, feed, and learn about the elephants. Very well organised, and I made so many beautiful memories! 💛 Thank you!”
Cook Thai classics at Chiang Mai’s organic farm, pick fresh ingredients and eggs, then make curry paste and more in small groups with hotel pickup.
“Amazing morning/afternoon. We were picked up straight from our hostel, then to see local market and look at some ingredients used for traditional Thai dishes. Then to the main farm! Garnet was super friendly and infectious smile! Made everyone feel happy and safe with their cooking skills and showed us how whilst also letting us…”
Chiang Rai’s White Temple, Blue Temple and Temple of Light from Chiang Mai. Guided small-group A/C tour with entrance fees.
“10/10 day trip! Popcorn was a lovely guide, who made sure we were always having fun and well informed at each site. Ray (the driver) was sweet too, he always made sure to drive carefully but still ensured we arrived at each location on time. The temples were amazing and we were given plenty of…”
Chiang Mai market-to-kitchen cooking class with Thai herbs, curry paste by hand, and a garden meal plus PDF recipes, with easy hotel pickup.
“Flook was an excellent guide and chef and the food was delicious, would definitely recommend.”
Chiang Mai in one day: a private elephant sanctuary with caretaker tasks, Long Neck Village, Thai lunch, and Buatong Sticky Waterfall.
“Amazing day, little bit hot but well spent, tour guide is speaking english fluently and he is very kind, his name is Pong. Loved this trip so much!”
Chiang Rai day tour from Chiang Mai with the White and Blue Temples, Mae Kajan hot springs, lunch, and Baan Dam or Red Temple options.
“The White and Blue Temples are absolutely stunning and a must visit. The Black House was interesting. I really didn't like the long neck tribe visit, it felt incredibly exploitive.”
Join a Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary day with feeding, mud-bath play, and Thai lunch, plus ethical care and baby-elephant time.
“Epic. Must do if you’re in Chiang Mai and want to swim and bath an elephant.”
Full-day Chiang Rai tour from Chiang Mai for $39: White Temple, Black House, Blue Temple, hot springs, lunch, and round-trip transport included.
“The tour was amazing, and that experience was unique, the tour guide (Yoyo) was very friendly and kind he made our tour enjoyable.”
Sunset-to-night Chiang Mai views plus Wat Umong tunnels and a Doi Suthep monks ceremony on a 5-hour small-group tour.
“Banana was a great guide! Full of humour and took the time to get to know us all. loved learning more about Thai culture, Buddhism, monks, and the temples. Thanks for providing glass water bottles vs plastic.”
