CHIANG MAI
& THE NORTH
In the lush hills of northern Thailand, time stretches and softens. Chiang Mai, with its centuries-old temples, night bazaars, and slow food sanctuaries, anchors a region where culture and nature still move in tandem. This is where we go to reset, to reconnect, to linger.
Where We Eat
Where jungle flavors meet Lanna heritage—this is northern Thai cuisine at its most soulful, thoughtful, and delicious.
Our Dinner Go-Tos
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Tucked behind a temple wall, this beloved lunch-only spot serves one of the most legendary bowls of khao soi in the city—rich curry broth, tender beef or chicken, and perfectly fried noodles.
QXWM+47J, Sri Poom 8 Alley, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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A local institution for decades, the stalls here come alive in the evenings with grilled meats, sticky rice, spicy papaya salad, and Thai tea to go—casual, authentic, and student-priced.
ซอย สุเทพ, Tambon Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
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Northern Thai dishes with serious local flavor in a bustling, no-reservations courtyard. Try the crispy pork belly and the nam prik num chili dip—everything is flavorful and under 150 baht.
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Famous in Chiang Rai for ultra-crispy, spice-dusted fried chicken legs and thigh meat served with sticky rice and fresh herbs—no frills, just incredibly satisfying.
WR4M+5M2, Tambon Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
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This legendary street stall, made famous by Anthony Bourdain’s visit, serves slow-stewed pork leg over rice in a fragrant soy-based broth that’s both soulful and deeply regional. The woman behind the counter is instantly recognizable by her cowboy hat, and the dish is a Chiang Mai ritual for locals and travelers alike.
Manee Nop Parat Sri Poom Subdistrict, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand
Street Food
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A local institution for northern Thai cuisine, set in a teakwood house filled with vintage charm and generations of flavor. Come for the khao soi, stay for the antique-filled atmosphere and nostalgic pace.
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Colorful, eclectic, and reliably delicious—this longtime favorite offers playful takes on Thai classics in a chic, laid-back setting. The interiors are just as bold as the menu, with mismatched patterns and quirky elegance throughout.
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Charcoal-grilled perfection and sticky rice served streetside; iconic, unpretentious, and wildly good. It’s a quick, smoky stop with a cult following—and a masterclass in simplicity done right.
9/1 ถนน สามล้าน ซอย 1 พระสิงห์ Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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Housed in a restored Sino-Lanna mansion, this historic spot brings refined northern flavors and colonial-era charm to a warm, candlelit setting. It’s elevated yet casual, blending heritage and hospitality beautifully.
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Famous for its crispy pork, chili dips, and Chiang Mai sausage—this buzzy hotspot is loud, fast, and always packed. Expect a wait and embrace the chaos—it’s part of the charm.
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Classic riverfront dining with live music, sunset views, and a menu that covers both Thai staples and crowd-pleasing comfort food. It’s relaxed, a little retro, and perfect for large groups or an easygoing evening.
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A cozy neighborhood staple in Mae Hong Son serving hearty northern dishes like gaeng hang lay and bamboo shoot salad. The garden patio, slow pace, and friendly staff make it feel like someone’s family table.
7XX8+986, Khunlumprapas Rd, Chong Kham, Mueang Mae Hong Son District, Mae Hong Son 58000, Thailand
Go All Out
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Set in a stunning glasshouse surrounded by jungle foliage, this Michelin-starred experience fuses French precision with Thai ingredients. Expect foie gras with tamarind glaze, coral trout in curry broth, and impeccable presentation in a dreamlike riverside setting.
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This intimate chef’s table offers hyper-seasonal tasting menus with fermentation and foraging at the core. Chef Phanuphol’s technique is inventive yet deeply rooted in northern Thai foodways—expect something personal, cerebral, and delicious.
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Modernist fine dining meets forest fantasy in this imaginative tasting menu experience just outside the city. Dishes arrive as sculptural, conceptual works of art, often referencing nature—think “river stones” made of sesame and squid ink.
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Northern Thai cuisine gets the full resort treatment at this open-air pavilion overlooking rice paddies. Expect elevated khao soi, chili relishes with artistic plating, and the kind of sunset views that linger in your memory.
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Perched in the lush hills where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge, Samsarn offers refined riverfront Thai-Lao cuisine served with both cultural context and contemporary elegance.
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An experimental restaurant-meets-laboratory where native ingredients meet fine technique—think wildflower honey lattes, rice-crust tarts, and foraged herbs. The flavors are unexpected but rooted in place, and the setting is pared-back and intentional.
Best Desserts
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This local dessert darling is known for its fluffy bingsu (shaved milk ice) topped with inventive Thai flavors like salted egg, Thai tea, and mango sticky rice. Their modern minimalist space and creative menus make it a go-to for trendy locals and dessert snobs alike.
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A leafy, colonial-style garden café where cake is serious business—try the coconut crepe cake or passionfruit cheesecake while sipping iced coffee under a canopy of trees. An ideal midday retreat from temple hopping.
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While known for its single-origin espresso, this tiny café also serves one of Chiang Mai’s best affogatos, made with rich vanilla bean ice cream and carefully pulled shots. Quiet, serious, and deeply satisfying.
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Famous for their warm lava cookies topped with house-made scoops like Thai milk tea, wasabi, or salted egg, this laid-back shop hits that comforting sweet spot between local flavor and Western indulgence.
U Center Chula Soi 42, Pathumwan, Silom, Bangkok 10500 Thailand
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Beyond the jungle-like interiors and koi ponds, this high-drama spot serves theatrical desserts like dry ice–fogged chocolate domes and coconut panna cotta in real coconut shells. Popular on Instagram, but not without substance.
Where We Wake Up
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With clean lines, poured concrete, and leafy corners, this design-forward brunch spot serves excellent coffee, French toast, and quiet ambiance in equal measure. It’s a local favorite for slow mornings, digital nomads, and creative types seeking calm.
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A minimalist Japanese-style bakery tucked along the Ping River, known for its handmade pastries, pour-over coffee, and a calming, no-WiFi, no-fuss atmosphere. Come early to snag a cinnamon bun or matcha scone before they sell out.
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A hidden local gem with airy architecture and a standout pastry case—think salted egg croissants, caramel milk tea, and seriously good espresso. There’s also a tucked-away garden out back for quiet, sunny mornings.
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A crisp white space on the river with a sleek concrete aesthetic and standout specialty coffee, from cold brew to charcoal lattes. Locals and travelers alike come for the photogenic setting, house-made pastries, and peaceful riverside terrace.
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A cool, industrial café inside One Nimman offering creative signature drinks like their famed orange espresso tonic and house-made cold brews. The crowd skews young and stylish, and the branding is sharp across every detail.
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A local brunch staple where the buttermilk pancakes come golden, soft, and stacked high—often topped with roasted strawberries, honeycomb butter, or Thai mango. It’s unpretentious but well-executed, with a cozy indoor-outdoor space and some of the best all-day breakfast in the city.
Cocktail Culture
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Tucked behind an unmarked wooden door, this intimate speakeasy serves inventive cocktails using Thai herbs, tamarind, and house infusions. Candlelight, curated playlists, and impeccable glassware make it a top-tier pre- or post-dinner stop.
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Stylish, discreet, and focused on flavor-forward mixology and jazz, this place is a rising favorite among in-the-know locals. Think smoked negronis, tamarind spritzes, and a quiet vibe that feels more Tokyo than touristy Thailand.
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A laid-back, bamboo-framed bar tucked in a quiet corner of the Old City, drawing a loyal crowd of artists, musicians, and in-the-know expats who come for the mojitos and reggae tunes.
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A moody, industrial-luxe spot known for inventive drinks (think coconut-washed Negronis and jackfruit sours), slick vinyl playlists, and a design-savvy crowd just off the tourist trail. Live music often, drinks always.
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Tucked behind a nondescript facade, Noir delivers a cinematic speakeasy experience with artful cocktails, a moody black-and-gold palette, and occasional live vinyl or curated DJ sets.
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A moody, modern cocktail bar with an edge, Surr pairs polished technique with Chiang Mai soul — think slow jazz, seasonal ingredients, and inventive drinks that nod to northern Thailand’s flavors.
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Set in a beautifully restored wooden Thai house, Nophaburi is an homage to Lanna heritage through mixology — expect cocktails infused with pandan, coconut smoke, Thai herbs, and bold local storytelling.
Where We Sleep
Inside House
A photogenic glasshouse-style hotel hidden inside the walled Old City, with pool suites and impeccable service.
Thoughtful, elegant, and quietly luxurious, The Inside House is one of the most beloved boutique stays in Chiang Mai. The white-on-white Lanna architecture, leafy courtyards, and glass-bottom pool give the hotel a distinct personality—elevated yet peaceful. Calming Lanna-meets-contemporary architecture in the heart of the Old City.
Image courtesy of The Inside House
From ~$110/night
Entry-level rooms are serene and stylish, with deep tubs and vintage details.
Lush courtyard and glass-bottom pool add to the hotel’s signature aesthetic.
31 rooms total, with thoughtful local design and strong sense of place.
Afternoon tea served daily with Thai and Western bites.
Walking distance to Chiang Mai’s key temples, cafés, and Sunday market.
Service is polished, gracious, and multilingual.
No gym or spa, but in-room massage and local wellness add-ons available.
Their private pool suites (well above this price point) are among the most photographed in Chiang Mai.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
Details To Know
The Mora
A polished, peaceful boutique hotel blending modern elegance with soft Thai detail.
Why We Like It
The Mora offers the rare combination of quiet luxury, central location, and strong design. Rooms are bright and refined, with white marble bathrooms and soft wood accents, and the spa and restaurant go beyond what you’d expect at this price point. It’s upscale without being flashy—perfect for low-key luxury travelers.
Image courtesy of Tablet
From ~$75/night
25 rooms and suites, all with marble bathrooms and balconies
Located just 500 meters from Chiang Rai’s Night Bazaar
On-site spa with Thai and Western treatments
Large central pool framed by tropical greenery
Restaurant serves a Thai-fusion menu with great reviews
Quiet, walkable location close to cafés and local landmarks
Elegant, restrained interiors—think neutral palettes and natural light
Guests often describe it as a “calm bubble” in the heart of town, with luxury that feels easy and unpretentious.
Meliá
A sleek high-rise with Spanish-Mediterranean polish and Northern Thai warmth in the heart of the Night Bazaar district.
Meliá Chiang Mai delivers resort-style comforts with urban convenience—think infinity pool, rooftop bar, and polished service, all within walking distance of the Old City. Its understated interiors and wellness-focused amenities make it one of the best larger hotels in Chiang Mai for travelers who want full-service ease without sacrificing design. It’s clean, contemporary, and quietly luxurious, with thoughtful nods to Thai culture throughout.
Image courtesy of Tablet
From ~$150/night
260 rooms and suites, many with sweeping city or mountain views
Wellness programs including spa treatments, herbal rituals, and healthy cuisine
Signature Mai Restaurant & Bar and Laan Na Kitchen serve Thai and global fare
Outdoor saltwater pool, 24-hour gym, and rooftop bar with panoramic views
Daily cultural experiences include Thai tea tastings and monk offering
Decor blends wood, rattan, and soft natural tones with subtle Spanish accents
Located minutes from the Night Bazaar and Ping River walking paths
Meliá partners with ORI9IN Farm, an organic farm just outside the city, for a fully traceable farm-to-table dining experience.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
Details To Know
Tamarind
Village
A courtyard hideaway in the heart of Chiang Mai’s Old City, steeped in Lanna heritage.
Why We Like It
Tamarind Village strikes a rare balance between authenticity and boutique polish. The property’s whitewashed walls, bamboo walkways, and traditional Lanna architecture create a calming atmosphere that feels worlds away from the tourist crowds—yet you’re steps from temples, cafés, and Sunday market buzz. It’s discreet, beautifully maintained, and ideal for travelers who prioritize cultural immersion and charm.
Image courtesy of Tablet
From ~$180/night
41 rooms and suites arranged around serene garden courtyards
Traditional Lanna decor with handwoven textiles and wood accents
The Village Spa offers herbal therapies and Thai massage
Ruen Tamarind Restaurant serves regional cuisine with a light touch
Complimentary walking tours and monk chat sessions available
No gym, but there’s a shaded lap pool in the central courtyard
Located inside the Old City walls, walkable to major temples and cafes
The on-site boutique stocks locally made crafts and textiles you won’t find in the night market—worth a browse.
Na Nirand
A Lanna-style riverside hideaway with antique teakwood villas, leafy courtyards, and timeless northern charm.
Why We Like It
Na Nirand blends old-world architecture with understated luxury in a quiet riverside enclave that still feels central. The 100-year-old Rain Tree anchors the property, while intimate villa-style rooms and a refined but relaxed service ethos give it serious romantic appeal. It’s one of the few hotels that feels both boutique and rooted in local heritage—without veering into kitsch.
Image courtesy of Na Nirand
From ~$220/night
39 rooms and suites across a garden compound
Outdoor saltwater pool framed by century-old trees
Onsite Time Riverfront Cuisine & Bar for Thai fusion
Afternoon tea, mixology sessions, and spa treatments available
Walking distance to the Iron Bridge and night bazaar
Great for couples and quiet travelers
Lanna-style decor with lots of polished teak and local textiles
The hotel offers complimentary traditional khantoke dining experiences on select evenings—ask ahead to book.
Details To Know
Details To Know
Rachamankha
A design-forward escape tucked behind temple walls, channeling Lanna and Chinese architectural traditions.
Why We Like It
Rachamankha is quiet luxury at its finest: no fanfare, just perfect proportions, museum-caliber antiques, and peaceful courtyards lined with frangipani. It was co-designed by a Thai architect and his interior designer son, and it shows—every angle is considered, every piece intentional. For those craving minimalist calm, architectural beauty, and discretion, this is the gold standard in Chiang Mai.
Image courtesy of Tablet
From ~$300/night
25 rooms and suites, all unique and filled with antiques
Central cloistered courtyard with shaded reading nooks
Library with over 2,000 books and curated art collection
Refined restaurant serving European and Lanna cuisine
Tranquil saltwater pool and massage pavilion tucked in the garden
Strictly no children under 12—expect hushed, grown-up serenity
Located near Wat Phra Singh, but completely insulated from the bustle
The hotel houses an exclusive collection of antique ceramics and Asian artwork—be sure to explore the library and hallways slowly.
Four Seasons
Chiang Mai
A tranquil sanctuary set among rice paddies—where wellness, luxury, and ancient Thai grace converge.
Why We Like It
This resort is the gold standard of Northern Thai luxury: intimate pavilions and villas tucked into verdant paddy fields, a lotus-filled infinity pool, and wellness rituals that feel deeply rooted in ceremony. The pace here is slow, every detail feels artful, and it’s editorially elegant without once feeling overt.
Image courtesy of Tablet
Details To Know
From ~$450/night
98 villas and pavilions surrounded by tropical gardens and rice paddies
Spa with Thai rituals, energy healing, and hot herbal compresses
Daily yoga, meditation, and rice-planting experiences
Onsite farm with organic ingredients used in spa and kitchen
Three restaurants, including a Northern Thai fine dining option
Infinity pool with lotus pond views
Excellent concierge and cultural immersion opportunities
This was the inspiration for The White Lotus’ Thailand setting—but here, luxury feels lived-in, not performed.
137 Pillars
Chiang Mai
An antique teakwood mansion turned high-design retreat.
Why We Like It
Built in the 1800s, lovingly restored, and now a design star, 137 Pillars feels like a living history lesson wrapped in luxury. The antiques, gardens, and teak architecture feel curated, not staged—quiet sophistication with soul. It’s a design lover’s dream, and it’s been revered for good reason.
Image courtesy of Tablet
Details To Know
From ~$500/night
30 spacious suites with walk-in closets and clawfoot tubs
Saltwater pool surrounded by lush gardens
Spa offering traditional Thai treatments and organic facials
Onsite library and bar with vintage atmosphere
Curated art, antiques, and restored teak detailing throughout
Exceptional service, often with private butler-style attention
Walking distance to the old city walls and temples
Strong focus on Thai cultural programming and local partnerships
You don’t just stay here—you inhabit a piece of living history.
Anantara
Golden Triangle
A dramatic, luxe elephant set amidst jungle hills and ancient rice paddies.
Why We Like It
Here, design meets theater: dramatic architecture of teak, water, and ruins-inspired rotundas set beside the Mekong, while your suite feels both cocoon and gallery. Wellness offerings are immersive—think jungle meditation, farm-to-table cuisine, and elephant sanctuary experiences that are mindful, authentic, and deeply Hala. The location is iconic; the atmosphere inscrutable in the best way.
Image courtesy of Tablet
From ~$400/night
157 rooms, pavilions, and villas fanned across hillside views, many with Mekong panoramas
On-site Anantara Elephant Sanctuary for no-ride ethical elephant interactions
Signature spa tucked in the hillside with herbal Valley pans and outdoor pavilions
Three restaurants including a Mekong River-facing pavilion and Thai-fine dining
Daily cultural experiences: long-tail boat tours, cooking classes, map art walks
Fitness center, two pools (one lap, one infinity), and designated kid’s sanctuary
High service standards with local storytelling threaded through every touch
A setting that defies standard hotel comparisons. Here, your travel memory begins before you unpack.
Details To Know
Four Seasons
Tented Camp
An ultra-remote tented hideaway where elephants, jungle mist, and high-design glamping converge.
Why We Like It
This isn’t a hotel—it’s an experience. The Four Seasons Tented Camp is one of the most unforgettable stays in the country: only accessible by boat, completely immersed in nature, and yet impossibly comfortable. You get your own luxury tent, elephant encounters, jungle treks, and sundowners with views that stretch across the Mekong. It’s immersive, intentional, and unforgettable.
Image courtesy of Four Seasons
Details To Know
From ~$1,000/night
15 luxury tents and one Explorer’s Lodge
All meals, house wines, and experiences included
Elephant sanctuary, jungle trekking, and golden hour boat rides
Spa treatments in open-air salas facing the river
Daily sundowners and curated adventure excursions
Transfers by private boat through the bamboo jungle
No kids under 10 allowed
Stays of 2+ nights highly recommended to make the most of it
The private wine cellar hidden inside the jungle bar houses vintages curated for altitude sipping—ask for the off-menu pairings.
What We Do
Northern Thailand moves at its own pace—ancient, soulful, and quietly magnetic. Whether you’re stepping into a hill tribe kitchen, learning the stories behind handmade indigo, or hiking through forest paths few tourists find, everything here feels intentional. This is where culture is lived, not displayed.
Culture & Shopping
Culture & Shopping
Lanna Folklife Museum – Chiang Mai Old City
Inside a former royal colonial courthouse, this intimate museum showcases the rich traditions, crafts, and spiritual life of the Lanna Kingdom in a crisp, well-curated format.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Chiang Mai Old City
Price: ฿90 (~$2.50 USD)
Vibe: Quiet, air-conditioned, and full of soul
Need to Know: The recreated temple procession and spiritual altar displays are worth lingering over—come early to avoid tour groups.
Warorot Market (Kad Luang) – Riverside Chiang Mai
A labyrinthine local market that predates the modern tourism boom—ideal for picking up hill tribe textiles, ceremonial offerings, and deeply Thai souvenirs.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Chiang Mai Riverside
Price: Free to enter; ฿20–฿500 per item
Vibe: No-frills, real-deal Thai commerce
Need to Know: Skip the touristy night bazaar—this is the market where locals actually shop. Go mid-morning and start upstairs for vintage finds.
Sop Moei Arts – Chiang Mai Old City
A 45-meter white marble statue seated atop Nakkerd Hill, offering sweeping views and tranquil energy in Phuket’s spiritual heart.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location:Chiang Mai Old City
Price: ฿400–฿5,000+
Vibe: Elevated, mission-driven design
Need to Know: Every item is handmade using traditional backstrap weaving techniques. The sales support educational and medical programs in the hill tribes.
Wat Pa Dara Phirom – Mae Rim, Chiang Mai
An elegant royal temple tucked into a quiet forested corner of Mae Rim, known for its gilded Lanna architecture and deep spiritual presence.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Mae Rim, Chiang Mai
Price: Free (donations encouraged)
Vibe: Lush, peaceful, reverent
Need to Know: This temple is a functioning monastic site with active ceremonies—early mornings offer the most serene and photogenic experience.
Wua Lai Silver District – Chiang Mai Old City (south side)
This historic neighborhood of silversmiths—home to the famed Wat Sri Suphan—still houses family-run ateliers producing intricate repoussé work by hand.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Wua Lai Road, Chiang Mai
Price: Free to browse; custom pieces available for purchase
Vibe: Traditional craftsmanship meets living history
Need to Know: If you’re lucky, you can watch silversmiths working behind the temple during the day—bring cash and be respectful if photographing.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – Doi Suthep Mountain
Chiang Mai’s most iconic temple, perched in the mist 1,000 meters above the city, is both a spiritual landmark and an architectural wonder.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Doi Suthep Mountain, just outside Chiang Mai
Price: ฿50 (~$1.35 USD)
Vibe: Pilgrimage-worthy and photogenic
Need to Know: The best time to go is early morning for monk chanting and mountain air. Don’t miss the white elephant legend plaque near the top.
Adventure & Nature
Adventure & Nature
Sticky Waterfalls (Bua Thong) – Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai
A rare limestone cascade you can literally climb—thanks to the mineral-rich grip of the rocks underfoot.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Mae Taeng, about 90 minutes from Chiang Mai
Price: Free entry
Vibe: Adventurous, family-friendly, local gem
Need to Know: Wear water shoes or grippy sandals—you’ll be climbing directly up the flowing waterfall.
Mae Ping River Kayaking – Chiang Mai
Paddle past teak homes, jungle stretches, and quiet countryside for a totally different angle on Northern Thai life.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Launch points vary, starting near Chiang Mai Old Town
Price: Approx. $40–60 per person for guided half-day tours
Vibe: Tranquil, offbeat, immersive
Need to Know: Opt for early morning or sunset paddles for the best light and fewest boats on the water.
Tham Lot Cave – Pang Mapha, Mae Hong Son
One of Thailand’s largest and most mysterious cave systems, navigated partly by bamboo raft through underground rivers.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Near Soppong, Mae Hong Son province
Price: About 200–400 THB per person with guide
Vibe: Wild, cinematic, otherworldly
Need to Know: You must enter with a local guide—lamps are provided, but bring your own torch for extra light.
Elephant Nature Park – Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai
A leading ethical elephant sanctuary focused on rescue and rehabilitation—not rides or performances.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: About 1.5 hours from Chiang Mai
Price: Approx. 2,500 THB ($75) per person for a full-day visit
Vibe: Conscious, interactive, moving
Need to Know: Book well in advance—this is one of the most respected sanctuaries in Thailand, and spots fill up quickly.
Doi Inthanon National Park – Chiang Mai Province
Home to Thailand’s tallest mountain, this national park delivers cloud forests, royal pagodas, and cool misty air.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: 2 hours from Chiang Mai
Price: Approx. 300 THB per person
Vibe: Elevated, scenic, refreshing
Need to Know: Visit early to avoid fog and tour buses—hike the Kew Mae Pan trail for cinematic valley views.
Tea Terraces at Choui Fong – Mae Chan, Chiang Rai
Rolling emerald tea fields with pathways you can wander—and taste—as you overlook endless mountain layers.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Mae Chan, 1 hour from Chiang Rai
Price: Free to visit; tastings and café purchases extra
Vibe: Breezy, verdant, photogenic
Need to Know: Their hilltop café serves matcha ice cream and tea lattes with panoramic views over the estate.
Classes & Workshops
Classes & Workshops
Pantawan Thai Cooking Class – Chiang Mai
An elegant teakwood home sets the scene for one of Chiang Mai’s most immersive and beautifully curated cooking experiences.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: South of Chiang Mai Old Town
Price: Approx. 1,800–2,200 THB per person
Vibe: Elevated, hands-on, garden-to-table
Need to Know: Includes a market tour, welcome drinks, and a multi-course Thai menu cooked in an open-air kitchen with private stations.
Chiang Mai Street Food Tour by Night – Old City, Chiang Mai
A guided deep-dive into Chiang Mai’s street food scene, this night tour introduces you to the local dishes, carts, and markets that define Northern Thai flavor.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Old City & South Gate Night Market
Price: $59 USD per person
Vibe: Lively, flavorful, local
Need to Know: Run by A Chef’s Tour, this small-group experience includes 15+ tastings—everything from sai oua sausage and khao soi to sweet coconut pancakes—plus cultural context and insider access to stalls you’d never find solo.
Chiang Mai Photo Workshops – One-Day Street & Temple Tour
This full-day photography workshop takes you through Chiang Mai’s most visually rich pockets—from quiet alleyways and lively markets to gilded temples—guided by a pro photographer with deep local insight.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Old City & surrounding neighborhoods
Price: $145 USD per person (full-day workshop)
Vibe: Candid, cultural, educational
Need to Know: Led by award-winning photographer Kevin Landwer-Johan, the workshop includes personalized coaching, photo critiques, and visits to hidden temples and local life scenes beyond the usual tourist path.
Nightlife
Nightlife
Nophaburi Bar | Thai Cocktail – Old City, Chiang Mai
A cocktail bar rooted in Thai herbs, spices, and storytelling, where each drink feels like a love letter to the north.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Old City, Chiang Mai
Price: $$
Vibe: Low-lit, local, mixology-focused
Need to Know: Everything here—from the glassware to the garnish—reflects Thai craft and culture, with rotating menus inspired by seasonal produce and traditional remedies.
Noir CMI – Nimmanhaemin, Chiang Mai
A broody, design-forward bar that feels part speakeasy, part gallery—equal parts aesthetic and strong drinks.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Nimmanhaemin, Chiang Mai
Price: $$
Vibe: Moody, curated, insider
Need to Know: Expect sharp playlists, quiet corners, and a rotating art wall that attracts Chiang Mai’s creative scene and late-night aesthetes.
Surr Bar – Haiya, Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai’s favorite hidden rooftop bar, known for sultry city views, smoked cocktails, and a crowd that knows how to dress.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Haiya neighborhood, Chiang Mai
Price: $$
Vibe: Elevated, creative, intimate
Need to Know: Come at golden hour for the panoramic mountain-cosmos views; stay for the mixologist’s whisky-based specials and Thai-spiced bar bites.
Fitness & Wellness
Fitness & Wellness
Meditation & Monk Chat – Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai
Step inside a working temple and gain rare insight into Buddhist practice through a guided meditation and open conversation with a resident monk.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai
Price: From $65 USD with EXO Travel
Vibe: Mindful, immersive, culturally enriching
Need to Know: Includes a guided tour of the temple grounds, a hands-on intro to meditation techniques, and a monk-led Q&A focused on daily life, Buddhist teachings, and personal reflection.
Day Pass at Fah Lanna Spa – Old City, Chiang Mai
A serene spa sanctuary in the heart of the city offering traditional Thai treatments, herbal therapies, and restorative rituals in a garden setting.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Old City, Chiang Mai
Price: From $40 USD for 1-hour Thai massage
Vibe: Lush, sensory, healing
Need to Know: Award-winning and beautifully designed, this is a great stop between temple visits—especially their signature four-hands massage or Northern Thai herbal compress treatments.
Muay Thai Training – Chang Phueak, Chiang Mai
Train like a local with expert fighters in a real Muay Thai gym—whether you’re a total beginner or looking for an elite-level sweat.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Chang Phueak, Chiang Mai
Price: From $10 USD for a group class
Vibe: Gritty, empowering, energizing
Need to Know: Expect a serious workout, tons of core drills, and real-time instruction from Thai fighters. Private sessions available for deeper technique and conditioning.
Sample Itinerary
If You Have 96 Hours
PART ONE: Start In The Old City
Land in Chiang Mai and check into Rachamankha—a refined, peaceful hideaway tucked behind ancient walls and draped in Lanna charm. After settling in, wander to Wat Phra Singh for golden spires and quiet cloisters, then stop for a curated browse at Ginger & The Moon.
As the sun dips, make your way to Tamarind Village Spa for a signature treatment, followed by dinner at Kiti Panit—Northern Thai cuisine in a 100-year-old mansion.
PART TWO: Head To The Hills
Begin your day with a sunrise drive out to Doi Suthep—one of Thailand’s most sacred temples, wrapped in mist and mythology. From there, detour to the Royal Project at Doi Inthanon for coffee with a view and insight into sustainable agriculture.
Return to the city just in time for a monk-led Meditation & Chat at Wat Suan Dok—a serene, spiritual reset. End the evening at Nophaburi Bar with Thai-inspired cocktails and quiet cool.
PART THREE: Get Local, Get Hands-On
Kick off with a one-on-one camera session through Chiang Mai Photo Workshops—you’ll capture hidden alleys, golden monks, and markets in motion. Refuel with a street eats crawl via Chiang Mai Street Food Tours, then browse ceramics and home goods at Wit Ceramics and Sabu-Sabu.
If you’re craving views, hike to Mon Cham for crisp air and flower fields, then wind down at Surr Bar with smoked cocktails and city lights.
PART FOUR: Go North For A Final Reset
End your 96 hours with a countryside escape—check out and transfer north to Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort for a day of forest bathing, spa sessions, and sunrises over bamboo peaks.
Visit nearby Wat Rong Khun (the famed White Temple), then tuck into a slow lunch at Locus Native Food Lab—one of Thailand’s most boundary-pushing culinary experiences. Return in time for one last drink at Noir CMI or, if you’re staying the night, simply disappear into the mountain quiet.
