Chiang Mai Checklist: 12 Steps to the Perfect Escape
Updated: Apr 10
Nestled in the lush landscapes of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a destination that beckons travelers with its rich heritage, vibrant energy, and culinary scene that dances on the taste buds in the moment, and in your memory forever after. If you are wondering what should you not miss in Chiang Mai, and what Chiang Mai is best known for, you have come to the right place. In this travel guide, we invite you to join us on an immersive journey, where every street corner, market stall, and scenic trail unveils the city's unique charm. Lace up your adventurous spirit, prepare your taste buds for a culinary symphony, and let Chiang Mai weave its magic around you.
1. Khao Soi:
Kick off your Chiang Mai adventure with the ultimate culinary masterpiece from the North, and possibly the most delicious thing you have ever tasted – Khao Soi. It is a perfect concoction made with thick egg noodles in a coconut curry broth, topped with either stewed chicken or beef, and garnished with fried onions and pickled vegetables. For the best bowl in town, head to Khao Soi Lung Prakit, centrally located and celebrated as a local gem. Dive deeper into our Khao Soi exploration around Chiang Mai here.
2. Kard Ba Paow Weekend Market:
Indulge your senses at the most unique weekend market, Kard Ba Paow, nestled inside a coconut grove. Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 am to 4 pm, this magical market offers craft and food stalls placed around the towering trees. Once you collect your delicious finds, you can walk along wooden planks directly into the coconut grove and enjoy them on a bamboo bench in this enchanting setting, just 15-20 minutes outside the city.
3. Chiang Mai Old City Exploration:
Stroll through the very walkable 1.5 sq km Old City. Here you will discover many clothing boutiques (Aliotte was a personal favorite), Instagrammable coffee shops, and funky bars. We chose to stop at Mind Cafe to sample some of their vast selection of craft beers.
4. Rejuvenating Massages:
Treat your tired feet to a well-deserved massage after exploring the city. There are numerous parlors scattered all around town where you can choose between foot, back, or full-body massages at extremely affordable prices. For a luxurious experience try Fah Lanna Spa, or the local we frequented, Zira Spa, with its beautifully decorated entrance and large soaking tubs in the massage rooms.
5. HOUSE by Ginger:
Cap off your night at HOUSE by Ginger, a Michelin-recommended blend of boutique, restaurant, and craft cocktail bar, offering an indulgent trifecta of delights.
6. Sticky Waterfall Adventure:
Venture outside the city on a day trip to the Sticky Waterfalls, 60 km north of Chiang Mai. The journey takes around 1.5 hours, and you can either rent a taxi with a driver, ride a scooter, or join a guided tour for convenience. While these falls may not boast the grandeur of traditional cascading waterfalls, they hold a unique allure that sets them apart.
The magic of these falls lies in their unique composition – the limestone rocks here are porous and remarkably grippy. This peculiar quality allows you to climb up the waterfalls effortlessly, even as water flows over the top of your feet. While ropes are available in certain areas to assist climbers, most of the time, your bare feet are all you need to ascend these natural wonders. The experience of climbing up a waterfall, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature, is a simple yet exhilarating thrill that should not be missed.
7. Air Diamond Cafe & Hotel:
After reveling in the natural wonders of the Sticky Waterfalls, on your way back to Chiang Mai, consider stopping for a coffee break at the Air Diamond Cafe & Hotel, where the cafe is located inside an airplane. Unfortunately, this unique spot was closed by the time we headed home, so we cannot personally attest to the quality of their brew. However, we would argue that any latte would taste delicious when being sipped inside a hollowed-out A330. Add a touch of whimsy to your journey, and make it a fitting end to a day filled with extraordinary experiences.
8. Elephant POOPAPER Park:
Take a smaller day trip 25 minutes north to visit the Elephant POOPAPER Park. Learn the fascinating process of collecting elephant poo, sanitizing it, and turning it into paper, try it yourself, and pick up some truly unique souvenirs. If you can snag a reservation, combine this with a visit to KHAO restaurant at the nearby Four Seasons hotel for a delightful experience, and a chance to explore their breathtaking property.
9. Dan Chicken Rice:
For a Bib Gourmand-recommended and extraordinary Hainanese chicken rice, check out Dan Chicken Rice. They advertise a closing time of 2 pm but don't wait until then. We, unfortunately, struck out twice trying to dine here before our lucky third try, as their delicious chickens often sell out early.
10. Huan Soontaree:
For dinner, head to Huan Soontaree, another Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, and a great place to try the delicious northern Thai specialties unique to this region. We especially enjoyed their traditional Chiang Mai sausage, deep-fried frog legs with garlic, and Chiang Mai-braised beef curry while soaking in the music and atmosphere by the Ping River(don’t forget your bug spray).
11. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar:
Explore the bustling Chiang Mai Night Bazaar which begins at 5 pm every evening. Here the delectable food options are conveniently grouped all together, and you will smell the delicacies long before you see them. The streets surrounding the food area are lined with stalls perfect for indulging in souvenir shopping. We managed to snag hand-carved chopsticks with holders, several items of clothing, and three unique hand paintings of Thai landscapes that we later framed and gifted to our families, all at reasonable prices.
12. Chiang Rai Temples:
If your itinerary will next take you to Chiang Rai, read no further. But if not, before concluding your Chiang Mai escapade, consider embarking on a day trip to Chiang Rai, a captivating city worth the 2.5-3 hour drive each way. Here, you will be mesmerized by two of the most spectacular temples in Thailand – the White and Blue Temples. The Blue Temple, Wat Rong Suea Ten, is a visual masterpiece adorned with intricate blue and gold decorations. As you step inside, the vibrant colors and elaborate artwork create an ethereal atmosphere, making it a must-see on your Chiang Rai itinerary.
The White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, is an expansive marvel that was purchased and renovated by the renowned Thai artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat. This iconic landmark is a striking vision of white, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. Its sprawling grounds boast intricate sculptures, a far cry away from ones found at your typical temple, reflecting the artist's unique vision. It is an unbelievable sight to walk up the bridge leading to the temple and gaze out at the sea of sculpted hands reaching towards you from the ground. The interiors are equally breathtaking, with contemporary art blending seamlessly with traditional Buddhist elements.
Chiang Mai, a city steeped in tradition and pulsating with modern energy, unveils a tapestry of experiences that linger long after the journey ends. From the first euphoric taste of Khao Soi to your enchanting walk through the coconut grove at Kard Ba Paow market, every moment you spend here will be a sensory delight. So if you are still asking yourself if it is worth going to Chiang Mai, our answer is YES!
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