Chiang Mai, Thailand Bucket List: Temples, Elephants, & Nature
Welcome to Chiang Mai, Thailand! This vibrant city in northern Thailand is known for its cultural heritage as well as surrounding natural beauty. During your time in Chiang Mai, it will be hard to not notice the ancient temples, stunning gardens, and night bazaars. But amongst the historic old towns, outdoor adventures, and most importantly, a whopping 117 Buddhist temples, where do you start? Look no further for a Chiang Mai, Thailand bucket list.
(1) Wat Chedi Luang
It’s not a trip to Chiang Mai without a visit to Wat Chedi Luang, a historic Buddhist temple in the heart of the old city. The stupa dates all the way back to the 14th century. Originally, the temple grounds were made up of Wat Chedi Luang as well as Wat Ho Tham and Wat Sukmin.
(2) Wat Chiang Man
Wat Chiang Man is a beautiful temple known for its Crystal Buddha, said to have protective powers. The temple grounds have traditional Lanna architecture and gardens that visitors can relax in to escape the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city.
(3) Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most visited temples in Chiang Mai for a reason. Located on a mountain overlooking the city, it has stunning panoramic views and a lovely golden chedi. It even houses a sacred relic said to a piece of Buddha’s shoulder bone.
(4) Bhubing Palace
Bhubing Palace is a royal residence near Chiang Mai and was built in 1961 to serve as a winter residence for the Thai royal family. It has beautiful gardens and stunning architecture, making it a great resting stop after visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
(5) Tuk Tuk Ride
Taking a Tuk Tuk ride in Thailand is a must-have experience for any visitor to the area. This auto rickshaw is a widely used form of urban transportation, made even more fun by the open concept and bumpy nature of the ride. Hold on tight, and go! Don’t forget to discuss pricing with your driver before hopping on.
(6) Night Bazaar
The Night Bazaar is a bustling night market with tons of stalls selling street food, clothing, antiques, and more. Here, prices are not fixed, so feel free to polish your haggling skills. The food ranges from common classics like mango sticky rice and pad thai to adventurous eats such as fried crickets.
(7) Take a cooking class
Even if taking a cooking class isn’t your normal pace of travel, learning the secrets of Thai cuisine should be on everyone’s Chiang Mai bucket list! These opportunities often include the option to see Chiang Mai’s countryside and discover how to make a variety of dishes from locally grown ingredients. Viator has a couple of great options for a good price, such as this half day tour at a farm, this tour with hotel pickup and drop-off, and this evening cooking session.
(8) See elephants the ecological way
Alright, everyone who visits Thailand wants to spend time with Asian elephants. Of course, choosing a sanctuary can be a daunting task, as its often difficult to know which locations offer the best conservation efforts and take care of their elephants the best. I actually did not visit an elephant sanctuary on my trip to Thailand (it was service-based), but I have heard fantastic reviews about Elephant Nature Park and Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary, both of which practice good care, limit tourist interaction to protect the animals, and Kindred Sanctuary even have elephants that are not fenced in. It is important to note, however, that regardless of conservation efforts, these will be very busy experiences.
(9) Float on a bamboo raft
The tranquil Mae Ping River is a fantastic location to take a bamboo rafting adventure. Glide down the river with your guide and take in your lush greenery and surrounding landscapes.
(10) Doi Inthanon National Park
Named after the highest peak in Thailand, Doi Inthanon National Park is a beautiful nature gem with must-see waterfalls, lush forests, and more. It’s a great day trip from the city to explore their hiking trials, swim in the waterfalls, and enjoy a picnic.
That’s all for the Chiang Mai, Thailand bucket list! We hope you enjoy your time in wonderous Southeast Asia. For more buckets lists and travel guides in the region, check out my Asia destination section. Happy sampling!