Ultimate Todo list & hidden gems Chiang Mai based created while living in Chiang Mai to learn Muay Thai. My friends and I created this list for you with todo’s and hidden gems in Chiang Mai. Of course opinions are always different and if you’ve your favorite spots & activities in Chiang Mai please leave them in the comments as this will make the list more valuable for other travellers <3
When I star* a place or activity in the little lists below its my favorite of that specific list or a hidden gem in Chiang Mai. Also check out my recommendation on activities and how many days to spent in Chiang Mai from 4 days up to 21 days.
I wish you an awesome time in beautiful Chiang Mai <3
Click and go!
- Action sports
- Visit Elephants in Chiang Mai
- Hostels
- Breakfast
- Budget hotels
- Vegetarian
- Best local bbq
- Favorite coffee spots
- Streetfood
- Muay Thai Training
- Digital Nomad Places
- Visa options
- Transport in Chiang Mai
- Live Music
- Thai Massage
- Best local markets in Chiang Mai
- Best ladyboy Shows
- One day Pools Chiang Mai
- Fun activities
- Best motorbike rental
- Best Tailors
- Rooftops
- Foodcourts
- Clubs and nightlife
- Facebook groups about Chiang Mai
- Nomad Meetups
- Shoppingmalls
- Motorbike trips
- Specials and don’t forget!
Action Sports in Chiang Mai
- Bungee jumping
- Ziplining* (pick what suits your budget and adventure level)
- Downhill mountain biking*
- Wakeboarding Chiang Mai Canyon
- White water Rafting Chiang Mai
Elephant friendly park Chiang Mai
If you want to visit the elephants (in Chiang Mai or somewhere else in Asia) check the list of the World Animal Protection.
In Chiang Mai I’d like to recommend ChangChill Chiang Mai as elephant friendly park.
Best hostels in Chiang Mai
- Hug Hostel* (great rooftop to connect with people)
- Bodega (party hostel)
- Alexa Hostel (Great location, relax atmosphere, sometimes live music)
Book them by booking with $15 off!
Best Breakfast in Chiang Mai
Best Budget Hotels in Chiang Mai
Best vegetarian restaurants in Chiang Mai
- Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant
- Hummus Chiang Mai* (Great falafel)
- Goodsouls Kitchen* (Special – Mushroom burger)
- Thai Orchid Vegetarian Food (Special – Khao Soi)
- Ohkajhu organic Nim Daily
Best local BBQ (chicken or fish) in Chiang Mai
- SP Chicken (Famous from Anthony Bourdain in Chiang Mai)
- Kai Yang Khao Suan Kwang * (half a chicken, sticky rice and papaya salad)
- Lert Ros (BBQ fish) *
My favourite coffee spots in Chiang Mai
My favourite street food in Chiang Mai
- Kad San Kaew Market (Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 17ish)
- Warorot market
- Saturday and Sunday night market walking street
- Chang Phueak Pork Leg Rice & mango sticky rice (Anthony bourdain Chiang Mai)
My favourite Muay Thai in Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai Muay Thai Gym (old town, perfect to get introduced and learn muay Thai)
- Santai Muay Thai Chiang Mai (beginner to advanced & fighter training, perfect for Muay Thai Camps)
- Train with (muay Thai) Boxing legends in Chiang Mai
Digital Nomand workspaces in Chiang Mai
- Punspace coworking Space (multiple locations)
- Camp @ Maya
- Hub53 coworking Space
Working in cafe’s in Chiang Mai is also a nice way, as you can find your own perfect workspace.
Visa options in Chiang Mai
- Tourist Visa extension (30 days) in Chiang Mai
- Muay Thai ED visa (6 months / one year)
- Thai language ED visa (6 months / one year)
- Combat ED visa (6 months / one year)
Transport in Chiang Mai
- Red truck (learn how to use)
- Grab (click and get a coupon here)*
- Cycling in Chiang Mai
- Orange Electric scooters in Chiang Mai (Neuron) – Learn how to use electric orange scooters in Chiang Mai
Best places LIVE music in Chiang Mai
- Ploen Ruedee* (Thursday, Friday Saturday my favourite days)
- Boy Blues Bar
- North Gate Jazz Bar
- Warm Up
Best Thai Massage places in Chiang Mai
Best local markets in Chiang Mai
- Saturday and Sunday night market walking street
- Warorot market
- Student Market Chiang Mai
Best Ladyboyshows in Chiang Mai
Best one day pools in Chiang Mai
- Greenhill Pool (80baht fee)
- Buri Siri Hotel (100baht fee)
Fun activities in Chiang Mai
- Cinema SFX Maya Mall
- Bully Bowl – Bowling Kad San Kaew
- Watch Muay Thai Fight at Thapae stadium or at Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium
- Cookingschool * (Just pick one with good reviews, they are all very good)
- Walk the monk trail Chiang Mai (See the start of the monktrail)
Best Motorbike rental in Chiang Mai
Best tailors in Chiang Mai
Best rooftops in Chiang Mai
- Maya Rooftop Bars – Myst
- Hug Hostel Rooftop (nice and easy atmoshere)
- Oasis (special / Belgium beers)
- Woods Rooftop* (Thai local, sometimes live music – with pool)
Best Foodcourts
- Ploen Ruadee * (with live music)
- Kad San Kaew Market (Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 17ish)
- One Nimman (more luxury)
- Anusarn (at the nightbazaar)
Best nightlife / clubs / bars in Chiang Mai
- Zoe in Yellow (and bars around)
- Spicy
- Sound-up
- Sangdee
- Tawandang Chiang Mai (Thai style club)
Best Facebook Groups in Chiang Mai for events etc
Best nomad meetups in Chiang Mai
Best Shoppingmalls in Chiang Mai
Best motorbike trips Chiang Mai
- Mae Hong Son motorbike loop Chiang Mai (3/4 days)
- Samoeng motorbike loop Chiang Mai (1 day)
- The Giant and hotsprings in Chiang Mai (1 day)
A Refreshing Delight at Sunflower Smoothies and Coffee
Looking for the Best Smoothie Bowls in Chiang Mai? This beautiful city in the north is known for its rich culinary scene, and amidst the plethora of dining options, there’s a hidden gem that stands out for me. Sunflower Smoothies and Coffee Chiang Mai has quickly become my go-to spot for a perfect start to the day or a rejuvenating mid-day pick-me-up. From their delightful smoothie bowls to their premium coffee, this cozy little shop has won me over with its amazing offerings and exceptional cleanliness.
Like the Todo list & hidden gems Chiang Mai? <3
Don’t forget in Chiang Mai! 🙂
- Be Happy
- Get a Smoothiebowl or breakfast at Sunflower
- Go wakeboarding in Chiang Mai (beginner and advanced)
- Give some extra tip to someone you really appreciate
- Learn to speak Thai in Chiang Mai
- Keep smiling and fall in love with Chiang Mai
More tips for the todo list & hidden gems Chiang Mai?
Please leave them in the comments below to help other travellers.
