Chiang Mai Hidden Gems

Wat Pha Lat is one of the best Chiang Mai hidden gems within the dense jungles of Doi Suthep mountain. Hiking from Chiang Mai, visit the temple, a serene place full of statues and fascinating carvings. Here you will find monks, as it’s their place of meditation and relaxation. There are also a series of caves in the mountainside where you will find robes and many historical artifacts.

Location: บ้านห้วยผาลาด 101, Sriwichai Alley, Mueang Chiang Mai district, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.

Monk’s trail is an off-beat & less crowded hiking, running, and walking stop in Doi Suthep-Pui national park, Chiang Mai.Monk’s trail is a short but challenging hike to Wat Phra Tha Doi Suthep traditionally used by monks. It’s also the traditional route that previously monks used to take to reach Wat Phra Tha Doi Suthep. The trail is 5-7 kms long, and you may find a few monks on your way. The beautiful trail is perfect to witness the sunrise and reach Wat Ph Lat’s hidden temple.

Location: Unnamed Rd, Mueang Chiang Mai district, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.

Another one of Chiang Mai hidden gems is the beautiful terracotta arts garden full of ancient-looking terracotta treasures mosses. This art studio, which is behind the gate of Chiang Mai, houses hundreds of exquisite artifacts, and sculptures from Buddhism and Hinduism while also having art from Southeast Asia. All this magnificent art is for sale, and those who do not want to purchase can photograph themselves with the art or take a walk through the luscious trees in the garden.

Location: 36, Prasing, Soi 2, Mueang, Chiang Mai district, 50200, Thailand.

Take a break from hiking by visiting the incredible private Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders. Here you can view over 10,000 insect species, including 459 species of mosquito native to Thailand. It is another one of Chiang Mai hidden gems, challenging to find, but worth the visit to see numerous species of insects scattered between the art.

Location: 72 Siri Mangkalajarn Rd, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.

This 10 meters high natural waterfall is one of the hidden gems in Chiang Mai, located in Doi-Suthep-Pui. The waterfall named after the river it flows from, the Huay Kaew River, makes a massive splashing sound as it falls from a great height. Visiting the waterfall is a must to enjoy the sparkling blue water, nature, and the beautiful views as it is inside the national park.

Location: Suthep, Mueng Chaing Mai District, Chiang Mai, 50300, Thailand.

Do not miss visiting the most beautiful, picturesque, and largest botanical park in the Chiang Mai area. Here you can see both Thai and international flora, which the park has broken into smaller themed gardens. Also, it houses a children’s play area, a bug world, and a butterfly sanctuary. The highlight is the Ho Kham Royal Pavilion, standing royally as the centerpiece of the garden, built in traditional Lanna-style. It is adorned with beautiful art pieces and stunning paintings.

Location: 334, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.

Another one of Chiang Mai hidden gems is the 700-years old Buddhist temple known as Wat Umong. At Suthep’s foothills, you can witness the beauty of this temple, which was fully functional till the 15th century. Umong means tunnel in Thai, and previously it was a popular destination for meditation, but now you will find fewer people meditating here due to tourism. It also has a monastery and a modern replica of the standing pillar of Ashoka, Sarnath, India.

Location: 135 หมู่ที่ 10 Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.

Learn the art of cooking original Thai dishes using organic, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients at the Thai Farm Cooking School at a farm. You can tour the local market to pick the freshest ingredients to learn how to cook Thai food here. The chef and owner teach you how to cook authentic Thai food full of flavor with simple ingredients and spices. Also, you learn to grow a self-sufficient farm full of vegetables, herbs, and fruits.

Location: 38 Mun Mueang Rd., Si Phum Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

One of the best hidden gems in Chiang Mai is the morning market at the gate, which is the southern entrance into the old city. It is popular as it offers the largest selection of fresh produce, dry goods, fresh meat, and quick meals. The vendors arrive in the early hours of the morning and stay at the market until 7pm. Since not many people know about this market, you can taste delicious food here without the crowd.

Location: Bumrung Buri Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

North of Chiang Mai is the beautiful Bua Tong Waterfall, which takes only an hour & half to reach. Located within the boundaries of the Si Lanna National Park, it is a popular attraction with people excited to dip in its sparkling blue water. This is a must-go spot for enjoying a family picnic after visiting the Buddha statue in the cave and Bua Tong temple.

Location: Mae Ho Phra, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150, Thailand

Away from the hustle-bustle of the city is another one of Chiang Mai hidden gems, the beautiful Huay Tung Tao Lake, perfect for swimming, running, or cycling. It is a serene place surrounded by beautiful Doi Pui mountains, and you can even try fishing here. After your activities, find a beautiful spot among the many huts on the lakefront to enjoy authentic and delicious Thai food from the multiple food stalls.

Location: VW9V+MV7, Don Kaeo, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand

Baan Kang Wat Artist Village showcases the best local artists and their beautiful creations. The village has ten buildings housing independent businesses selling art, like ceramics, jewelry, pottery, woodcrafts, and more. The delicious Thai food and coffee available here makes it one of the best Chiang Mai hidden gems. Also, if you want to buy organic local produce, visit this village on weekends.

Location: 191-197 ซอย วัดอุโมงค์ Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand