Chiang Mai, or the “City of Elephants” as it is often affectionately referred to, is considered as being the capital city of northern Thailand. In fact, this majestic mountain city serves as the spiritual, economic, cultural, educational, and transportation hub of northern Thailand and parts of the neighbouring nation of Myanmar.
One of the most striking things about Chiang Mai is the fact that despite it being the third largest city in all of Thailand, it takes on the charming appearance of a large village. It is clean, orderly, gilded with traditional Thai architecture, and is home to some of the most spectacular temples imaginable. Chiang Mai is so special in fact, that Phu Ping Palace (the Thai Royal Family’s summer home) can be found located nearby.
If you are looking to live in a truly remarkable city that feels quite unique and different from the rest of Thailand, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more authentic environment than in Chiang Mai.
But, what else is there to do in Chiang Mai besides marvel at its irrefutable beauty and lose yourself in its evident historic prominence? In this article, we’re going to share some of the top things that local residents can do to pass the time in Chiang Mai.
Volunteer at an Elephant Sanctuary
One of the most arguably rewarding things that you can do with your spare time when living in Chiang Mai is volunteering your time at one of the many elephant sanctuaries.
Can you imagine how wonderful and fulfilling it must be to feed, bathe, interact with and care for elephants in a safe and nurturing environment? It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about elephants and the great lengths that Chiang Mai goes to in order to protect and conserve their cherished mammalian companions.
Unfortunately, there have been many reports over the years of poor working conditions for elephants in certain sanctuaries throughout Thailand, but in Chiang Mai, the level of care and attention is immediately apparent.
The good news is that there are so many different elephant sanctuaries to choose from, so you’ll be certain to find a quality place to volunteer your time, close to home.
Some of the best elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai include:
- Elephant Nature Park
- Elephant Freedom Project
- Into The Wild Elephant Camp
- Happy Elephant Home
- Elephant Retirement Park.
Reconnect with nature and explore the waterfalls in the Doi Inthanon National Park
Chiang Mai is smothered in natural beauty and there are many wonderful sights to see in the surrounding area. If you like to get outside in thrive amongst nature as often as you can, then you will absolutely love the Doi Inthanon National Park.
Here you’ll find plenty of opportunity to escape from your typical day to day and lose yourself in Thailand’s beautiful natural aesthetic.
From climbing to breath-taking viewpoints and strolling down idyllic nature trails, to rambling through dense rainforests and finding yourself in awe of the many refreshing waterfalls, you’ll have plenty of beauty to distract you!
Shop locally and take a Thai cooking class
Whether you are only living in Chiang Mai for a year or two or you plan to remain permanently, you must learn how to cook Thai food! Thai cuisine is world-renowned as being some of the healthiest, varied, and most delicious of all and with good reason!
In Chiang Mai, there’s plenty of opportunity to learn how to cook Thai cuisine, including guided tours to the many fresh fruit and vegetable markets where you can source local produce to later use in your culinary exploits!
Not only will you be gaining a new skill, but you’ll also be able to sustain and enrich your life with a higher quality diet. It’s the perfect way to distract yourself!
Here are some of the best cooking schools in Chiang Mai:
- Smile Organic Farm Cooking School
- Thai Akha Cooking School
- Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
- Aromdii Cooking School
- Tom Yum Thai Cooking School
- Galangal Cooking Studio
- Travelling Spoon
- Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School.
Ride around Chiang Mai’s Old Town on a bicycle tour
When living in Chiang Mai, you simply must explore Old Town and immerse yourself in its wonderful heritage and rich, cultural tapestry. One of the best ways to do this is by taking part in a guide bicycle tour. That way, you can get a little exercise in while feeding your brain with some fascinating knowledge about your new home.
Once you are familiar with the routes, you can then take a leisurely bike ride around the Old Town by yourself and enjoy is as and when you fancy a little exploration.
Tour the many temples
One thing is for certain, you’ll never run out of gorgeous temples to see when you are in Chiang Mai! In particular, make sure that you check out Chiang Mai’s very first and oldest temple of all: The Wat Chiang Man Temple.
Other Chiang Mai temples that are considered “must-see” include:
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Wat Chedi Luang
- Wat Phra Singh
- Wat Suan Dok
- Wat Umong
- Wat Phra That Doi Kham
- Wat Sri Suphan
- Wat Lok Moli
- Wat Phan Tao.
Visit the Golden Triangle Park
Not many people get to say that they have stood at the point in which 3-countries meet, but you can do exactly that at the Golden Triangle Park in Chiang Mai.
Here you can experience peaceful waterways and a gorgeous backdrop where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar come together as one. It’s definitely worth a visit while you are nearby!
You’ll find no shortage of things to do in Chiang Mai
The above activities are what we believe are some of the most rewarding and uplifting experiences to be had in Chiang Mai. That said, there is so much more for you to see and do while you are there.
Whether you want to while the day away in a quaint café in the Old Town or head to a local bar to shoot some pool with other expats, you’ll find no shortage of ways to distract yourself when living in Chiang Mai.
