From timeless temples and soulful jazz to vibrant markets full of creativity, discover how embracing the laid-back vibe of Chiang Mai rewards visitors with unforgettable moments.
Overview
Nestled in northern Thailand between mountains and the Ping River, Chiang Mai offers a serene alternative to the hustle of Bangkok. Once a key caravan hub on historic trade routes, its compact Old City is filled with ancient Buddhist temples, attracting travellers drawn to meditation, singing bowls, and spiritual renewal. While the city modernizes with malls and new developments, its charm lies in the relaxed and welcoming spirit of its people. The city also boasts an expanding scene of affordable and Michelin-recognised eateries featuring spicy, fresh northern Thai cuisine, bustling artisan markets, and a lively live jazz culture.
Friday
4pm | Explore Historic Temples
Inside the Old City moat lies a treasure trove of intricately designed Buddhist temples dating from the 13th to 16th centuries. As evening falls, saffron-clad monks chant, locals offer prayers, and ancient stupas with stone elephants stand sentinel. Wat Chedi Luang is a must-visit — its massive 15th-century brick stupa, once towering over 25 stories, partially collapsed in a 1545 earthquake but remains a majestic site perfect for a peaceful walk or meditation. Entry is around 50 baht (about US$1.50).
7pm | Dive into Jazz at North Gate
North Gate Jazz Co-op is a hotspot for energetic jazz, free to enter, where crowds gather outside a four-story wooden building. Head to the Arkive upstairs by 7:30pm for improvisational sets and a cozy bar. Founder Pharadon Phonamnuai (aka Por) often jams alongside fellow musicians in tribute to the legendary Sun Ra. Don’t miss sipping the North Gate Shochu (distilled rice spirit) on ice for 150 baht.
9pm | Savor Burmese Flavors with Natural Wines
At And Then, a restaurant led by a French-trained chef who fled Myanmar’s turmoil, you’ll find modern twists on Burmese classics paired with a curated list of natural wines. Try the pork belly slow-cooked to crispy perfection with fermented black bean mole and pickled daikon (169 baht), or the innovative take on mohinga — a salad of noodles and shredded catfish rather than the traditional soup (180 baht).
Accommodation Highlights
- 137 Pillars House: A luxurious retreat built around a 19th-century teak office, offering colonial-style suites with garden showers and verandas, starting at 22,500 baht (~US$685), including breakfast and spa discounts.
- Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts Hotel: Showcasing intricate terra-cotta carvings and murals, this 2015-built boutique hotel offers rooms with handcrafted details and market views from 3,800 baht.
- Eastin Tan Hotel: Modern comfort near Nimman with mountain-facing rooms to escape street noise, rooms from 2,400 baht.
- Short-term Rentals: Old City and Nimman neighborhoods feature numerous apartments and condos under 1,600 baht per night.
Saturday
9am | Wander Through Jing Jai Market
Explore Chiang Mai’s vibrant creative spirit at this spacious, shaded market circuit. Sample fried quail eggs with spicy mushrooms or edible flower salad (30-40 baht). Discover Japanese kimonos and Thai fabrics at Boro-Wanderers (up to 12,000 baht) and colorful hand-painted silk dresses at AKARA (around 5,500 baht). Finish with a traditional Toksen massage using wooden tools for deep muscle relief (250 baht for 30 minutes).
11:45am | Enjoy a Royal Lunch
The Royal Project Restaurant serves organic produce from a royal initiative supporting hill tribes to replace opium farming. Located near the zoo, the bright venue offers dishes like turmeric rice with rainbow trout (270 baht) and smoked duck salad (200 baht), popular with locals.
1:30pm | Coffee at Akha Ama
Try specialty coffee at Akha Ama, a pioneering brand supporting northern highland farmers. Their industrial-chic café near Wat Phra Singh offers fresh brews like Americano for 65 baht.
3pm | Shop at Kalm Village
An arts and crafts hub in the Old City, Kalm Village resembles a traditional northern Thai home with teak and brick buildings around gardens. Browse galleries, textiles, and boutiques selling handmade brooms (320 baht) and intricate silver jewelry by the Miao ethnic group (earrings at 5,500 baht).
5:30pm | Sunset Drinks in Nimman
Catch spectacular views of Doi Suthep mountain at Hotel YaYee’s rooftop bar, enjoying cocktails priced around 260 baht. Then explore One Nimman — a European-inspired complex with live music, a food court, and a trendy night market selling artisanal clothing and art (items from 650 baht).
7:30pm | Dine on Sustainable Seafood
Maadae Slow Fish offers a daily-changing menu of sustainably sourced catches like grilled grouper and king mackerel curry (360 baht). Try their unique sweet fish jerky made with sardines and brown sugar (85 baht).
10pm | Folk Music at Sudsanan
In a rustic wooden shack, Sudsanan hosts Thai folk music nights popular with artists. Enjoy local dishes like laab pork or spicy chicken salad (120 baht) alongside a signature cocktail of lime, strawberry, and sticky-rice alcohol (180 baht).
Sunday
8:30am | Hike to Wat Pha Lat
Take the Monk’s Trail up Doi Suthep mountain to the serene forest temple of Wat Pha Lat. Along shaded paths and peaceful streams, discover pagodas and a meditation chapel with a seated Buddha, perfect for a quiet moment surrounded by nature.
11am | Get Creative at BooKoo Studio
Located in Baan Kang Wat arts village, this studio invites visitors to paint wooden keychains (100–800 baht) or commission watercolor portraits. Nearby, traditional Hmong women serve northern Thai specialties like khao soi coconut curry noodle soup (150–180 baht).