I recently spent a month in Chiang Mai, one of Thailand’s 77 provinces and the largest city in the north. Along the way, many people asked why I wasn’t heading south to the coast and islands. To be candid, the mountains were calling, so I honored that.
There is something majestic, magnetic and spiritual about the northern Thai mountains. They are unlike any mountain range I have ever visited. Maybe it was the sacred temples and villages scattered throughout, the Buddhist chants and gongs reverberating, or the misty clouds settling between the mountains each day. Whatever it was that kept me captivated there, I was enamored and in heaven. Here are my 9 unforgettable Chiang Mai adventures outside of the old city not to be missed!
I have visited many old cities around the world that are literally surrounded by ancient walls. These walls, of course, were originally built for protection. In these very walkable cities, it can be easy to stay confined inside the walled area – maybe the wall subconsciously keeps us in? Well, don’t let it, get out and explore!
I have said it before, but truly, Southeast Asia is a moto region. Getting comfortable on a motorbike will take your adventures to the next level. You will want the freedom to move about without being in tour groups or calling Grabs (taxis) frequently. To me, that’s a buzz kill. Don’t fret ~ my first rec is an amazing motorbike school. So, my friends, add Chiang Mai to your travel list along with these 9 amazing sites and adventures!
We will start our unforgettable Chiang Mai adventures just east of the city and move further away from town. Next, we will do the same heading west. I navigated all these activities by motorbike. So hop on and dive in!
East of Chiang Mai
1. Honda Motorbike School
I took a 2-day clutch motorcycle lesson at the Honda Saftey School 20 minutes outside Chiang Mai city center. Learning to ride a motorcycle has been a dream of mine for years. This class exceeded my expectations and rocked my world! They offer a variety of motorbike courses, even automatic scooter lessons. This is a fantastic place to get comfortable on a bike and set the tone for all of your Southeast Asia adventures. Check out their website for prices and course dates.
2. Min & May’s Cooking School
My sister had the privilege of taking an unforgettable cooking class with Mr. Min and May in Inle Lake, Myanmar, during the winter of 2022. Unfortunately, Myanmar is still in a brutal civil war, causing Min and May to relocate their family and relaunch their cooking lessons in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Lucky for me, I was able to attend a class at their beautiful new restaurant and farm outside the city. Learning about Myanmar’s history and current political climate was fascinating. The food was unbelievably tasty, too. Don’t miss this culinary experience when you are in northern Thailand ~ it was a highlight of my trip! Email Min at my************@gm***.com or here to book your class.
3. Maiiam Contemporary Art Museum
The Maiiam Contemporary Art Museum was founded by Jean Michel Beurdeley and his late wife Patsri Bunnag, alongside their son. The collection is largely drawn from their private collection (and it’s damn impressive!). The mission is to showcase Southeast Asia’s vibrant and evolving art scene through a stunning collection of contemporary works.
This is one of the most moving and memorable museums I have visited. The art is historical, political and provocative. During my few hours here, I was brought to tears multiple times. Head to Maiiam for a deep and meaningful dose of art, and give yourself plenty of time to explore (& 🥲) while you let time slip away.
4. Skugga Estate
I stumbled upon Skugga on my way to the Tham Muang On Caves. This estate offers gourmet dining at its restaurants and cafes. They also showcase a unique bakery and a gift shop featuring handmade chocolates and artisanal provisions.
For activities, you can visit the farm and learn about their sustainable agriculture practices, attend a chocolate-making class and wander the vintage car museum. The space is warm and inviting, with many tranquil ways to spend your time. Their salad at the BBQ restaurant brought my body back to life!
*Tip ~ As mentioned above, I definitely suggest visiting the Tham Muang On Caves. Save a couple of hours for exploring and hiking to the top for exquisite views, temples and shrines!
5. Mae Kampong Village
Nestled northeast of Skugga and the caves, you will arrive at the Mae Kampong Village. The ride out here is an adventure in and of itself, with many cute cafes and vistas along the way. This community is known for its eco-friendly homestays and traditional wooden houses where locals warmly welcome visitors to experience their serene lifestyle and rich culture. The people of Mae Kampong Village have preserved their unique way of life for generations, engaging in sustainable practices such as tea + coffee cultivation and crafting intricate handicrafts.
I loved visiting such a peaceful village just outside the big city. I savored a warm bowl of Khao Soi on a balcony restaurant and soaked it all in. The sights activated my daydreaming, especially as the misty clouds settled in during lunch.
West of Chiang Mai
6. Ang Kaew Reservoir
Number 6 in our unforgettable Chiang Mai adventures is visiting the Ang Kaew Reservoir. Located on the Chiang Mai University campus, this is a refreshing place to witness college life and soak in nature. Students and locals alike enjoy the paths along the waterways. I always look for great areas to run during my travels, and this was an awesome find! Bring some cash, as there is a coffee shop on campus. Entry and parking are free.
7. Wat Pha Lat
Many of the abundant Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai blew me away for different reasons ~ Wat Phra That Doi Suthep may already be on your list as it is so famous. I wanted to mention Wat Pha Lat, which can easily be missed but shouldn’t be. The temple blends traditional Lanna architecture with intricately carved stone statues, serene shrines and waterfalls that enhance the tranquil atmosphere. I was impressed by the expansive grounds etched into the jungle, which were beautifully maintained. You could bring a picnic up here and get lost in the views overlooking Chiang Mai City.
*Pro tip ~ For my fellow hikers, check out the Monk’s Trail (among many in the area), which starts near Chiang Mai University and leads you up here!
8. Hmong Doi Piu Village
The next two suggestions are visits to Hmong villages. I have wanted to witness the Hmong people since I learned about them from Anthony Bourdain in No Reservations. They are an indigenous ethnic group from the mountainous regions of China, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. They are known for their deep cultural traditions, including intricate textile weaving and elaborate embroidery. Historically, they have been resilient and adaptive, migrating across borders due to political upheavals and conflicts. Today, they maintain their distinctive customs, language and vibrant festivals.
Visit the Doi Pui Village to embrace their warm hospitality, delicious food and unique handicrafts. As this village caters to tourism, your visit will support their small businesses and families.
9. Khun Chang Khian Hmong Village
Number nine on our unforgettable Chiang Mai adventures is a visit to the Khun Chang Khian Hmong Village. I must preface this by saying that the drive to the village is not for the faint of heart or inexperienced moto drivers. At a certain point, the roads become one-way. You’ll need to rely on your horn and the beeps from trucks, cars and other motorists traveling in the opposite direction to stay safe. It’s great practice if you’re up for it, but don’t push your limits. As the locals would say ~ slowly, slowly. Additionally, be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, shifting from sunny to misty to rainy within minutes.
The remote setting added to the charm and authenticity of this Hmong village. Besides a few simple restaurants and homestays, you won’t see much of the village catering to tourism. Cruising these simple roads helped me envision their daily lives. Don’t miss the world-class views, coffee and hot noodle soup at Suai Coffee. Visiting both villages will give you time to experience the Hmong people’s warmth, crafts, food and well preserved way of life tucked in the highlands.
These Mountains Captured My Heart and Soul
To be candid, I didn’t have many expectations for Chiang Mai – not in a good or bad way. I was just neutral about the visit. I had heard quite a bit about this region but was busy and hadn’t spent hours daydreaming or planning.
Well, these mountains captured my heart and soul. It is as simple as that. I am now so fond of Northern Thailand that I know I will return as often as possible. My wish is that this article ignites your appetite to land in these mountains and do your own exploring. Use this guide as a blueprint to create your own unforgettable Chiang Mai adventures! There is no wrong turn, and no matter which way you go, you will experience untouched beauty and the kindness of a stranger.
All my love,
Bekah
PS ~ The annual smoky season in Northern Thailand typically runs from February to April. It is driven by intentional agricultural burning as farmers clear fields for new crops. This results in hazy, smoky air that affects visibility and air quality. If you have health issues or prefer to avoid breathing in smoke 😅, consider this when scheduling your trip.
PSS ~ Keep the adventure going while planning, and add the bohemian town of Pai, 3.5 hours northwest of Chiang Mai, to your itinerary. Check out that travel guide here!
