How do you plan a trip to Chiang Mai?

1. Engaging things to do in Chiang Mai.

   
   Chiang Mai offers many places to visit, from temples to hot springs, indigenous culture to urban ways, and a few activities to entertain our senses.

2. A half-day tour of Wiang Kum Kam – The underground Empire.

   
   A famous archaeological site along the Mae Ping River, the historic Wiang Kum Kam received its final touches from King Mangrai the Great and dates back to the 8^th century Haripunchai Kingdom. Board a horse-drawn carriage to ride around the ancient ruins to catch the remnants of the past in the remains of stone tablets with Mon inscriptions, Buddhist sculptures, and architecture, earthenware, and pottery, as well as Wat Chedi Liam or Temple with an angular-based Chedi, Wat Chang Kham or the spirit house of King Mengrai and a learning center exhibiting Lanna objects and traditional Lanna-style houses.
   

3. A guided temple tour.

   
   Chiang Mai is a land of ancient temples as it houses nearly 300 such ancient places, each distinct and beautiful in its own right. Most temples here are built in the style of ‘Lanna’ dating back to the 13^th and 18^th centuries, easily characterized by curved wooden roofs pointing up at the top.
   
   Some of the most noteworthy temples of Chiang Mai include Wat Phra Thai Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Phra That Doi Kham and Wat Sri Suphan will truly bewitch your senses.

4. A day at Lampang or Phrao Village and the Lamphun Community.

   
   The ancient Lanna kingdom, which traces back to its origin in the quaint town of Lampang, is worth visiting. Here, you will experience the native culture of the people who still prefer horse-drawn carts to modern vehicles for traveling down the narrow streets. The pagoda-studded mountains of Wat Chalermprakiat, located about an hour outside the town, is another tourist hot spot. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, national parks, and the Wang River Basin, doted by old temples and other famous architecture can make Lampang a miniature dream vacation for many.
   
   Moving forward, we have Phrao village or the Lamphun District, which are equally beautiful and stunningly mesmerizing. Lamphun is known as ‘the city of arts and culture’ and boasts several interesting sites for tourists to enjoy.
   
   With our recommended tour packages, enjoy a few days amidst the calm serenity of the simple village life practiced among the Lamphun community or in the Phrao village.

5. A few hours at the local markets.

   
   The local night markets are the epicenters of shopping and merrymaking. The Sunday Walking Street is one of the highlights to watch. Even though a heavy influx of tourists swarms these markets, you can still find something interesting to do here. Lined-up stalls sell everything, from locally made handicrafts to apparel and a range of mouthwatering indigenous delicacies unavailable elsewhere.
   
   Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Sunday Walking Street, Wualai Walking Street, Warorot, and Ton Lamyai Markets are some of the best Chiang Mai local markets to visit if you wish to lay your hands on affordable bric-a-brac or taste some delightful Thai dishes.

6. Dip into the best hot springs of Chiang Mai

   
   Hot Springs are rumored to be excellent sources of minerals that help to rejuvenate your body, reduce stress, and promote sleep. Chiang Mai is home to some of Thailand’s most incredible hot springs. And some of these springs are quite picturesque and camera-worthy. Sankampaeng, Pong Kwao, Theppanom, Pong Dueat, and Doi Saket hot springs are worth your time and money.

7. Time for some entertainment.

   
   If temples and hot springs are not your thing or shopping in the local markets is beyond your league, then a guided tour in the Mae Tang area can fill your cup. Or a visit to Chae Son National Park will make your day. Our private guided full-day Eco Soft Adventure Tour in Mae Tang will quench your thirst for a wild getaway amidst the wild Nature of Chiang Mai.
   
   The Eco Soft Adventure Tour in Mae Tang guarantees a complete day of bliss as you meander through the thick foliage atop an elephant. You can discard the elephant ride for a rickety ticket oxcart ride along the broken, dirty track. Or you can try white-water rafting down the Mae Tang River while admiring the lush green rice paddies from a distance.
   
   On the other hand, Chae Son National Park is equally spellbinding, to say the least. Stretched for over 592 sq. km in the Mueang Pan, Chae Hom, and Wang Nuea districts of Lampang Province, the Chae Son National Park is popular for its picturesque beauty. Covered in mist, the National Park is home to many hot springs and waterfalls dotted by mysterious caves, eye-catching viewpoints along the roads, and seasonal blossoms. Surrounded by mountains belonging to the Khun Tan Range, Chae Son is the favored nesting ground for myriad flora such as deciduous trees and exotic fauna that includes 140 different species of birds, including the sapphire flycatcher and Himalayan bluetail, rare mammal species such as Indochinese serow, barking deer and boar, as well as scary reptiles like Yunnan water snake and Pope’s pit viper.
   
   It is advisable to get the help of an expert guide if you wish to take a complete swipe at this forest. 

8. Let’s eat!!!

   
   Your trip to Chiang Mai will remain incomplete if you fail to include authentic Thai flavors in your platter.
   
   Even though Thai dishes are spicy to the general taste bud, the delicacies indigenous to Chiang Mai reflect a perfect blend of Burma and Chinese flavors. Chiang Mai is also known for its rich and flavorful dishes. However, authentic taste can only be found in local markets and along the city streets.
   
   Sai Oua or grilled spicy herb sausage; Khao Soi or egg noodle curry; Stick City Streets Rice or Pad Thai are some of the delectable dishes you must try before you leave Thailand. Thailand tourism has a lot to offer tourists in its places, and it can be rewarding for travelers coming to scout this corner of the world with friends and families.