Unique Things to Do in Chiang Mai

One of the most unusual things to do in Chiang Mai is to have a conversation with a monk in a temple. You can visit Wat Suan Dok which conducts “Monk Chats” where anybody (Buddhist or not) can ask questions to monks on any topic. The best time to visit Wat Suan Dok is between 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You can visit this Buddhist temple within these hours and chat with a couple of monks in a group setting. Chatting with monks will help you explore the Thai culture, daily lives, and ins and outs of Buddhism.

Chiang Mai is crammed with over 300 temples which will help you explore unique religious structures. One of the most unique things to do in Chiang Mai is to get a massage in these temples. You can explore a wide variety of religious structures inside the temple while getting those knots rubbed out by a skilled masseuse on temple grounds. You can either visit Wat Pan Phaen or Wat Sum Pao to get a massage and relax your mind, body, and soul. This is one of the best experiences to get in the city and makes your visit to these temples more interesting.

If you’re planning to visit Chiang Mai, make sure you don’t miss out on visiting the Grand Canyon. Visiting the Grand Canyon is one of the most unusual things to do in Chiang Mai where you can spend a good time with your loved ones. It is an artificial lake which you can visit by either taking a songthaew or renting a motorbike. You can also enjoy water-based activities like cliff jumping and swimming. There are three different levels of cliff jumping, the highest one is approx 20 meters. You can also purchase food from the cafe as well as water, beer, smoothies, and juice.

Escape the crowded city and visit Huay Tung Tao Lake - one of the most relaxing places in Chiang Mai. Huay Tung Tao Lake is a man-made reservoir that is 20 minutes drive away from the northwest of the old city. If you’re looking to relax in a calm place, then grab your mates and visit this beautiful lake. There are tons of unique things to do in Chiang Mai Lake, such as bike around the lake, rent a paddleboard, take a dip, and taste delicious food in a floating hut. You can also visit restaurants right on the water and get served some mouth-watering beverages.

A visit to the Elephant Parade Land museum is one of the most unusual things to do in Chiang Mai. It is a social enterprise that educates people and raises money for elephant conservation efforts. On your visit to this museum, you’ll learn how elephants can benefit the ecosystem and how other animals are dependent on them for survival. The primary aim of this museum is to protect elephants through arts and awareness. You can expect to witness smaller statues that are to be sold. Artists from around the world are chosen to paint the elephants which are then displayed in parades and exhibitions.

If you’re looking for fun and entertainment, watching Ladyboy Cabaret shows can be a perfect choice. It is one of the most unique things to do in Chiang Mai where you’ll be surprised to see the amazing performance of talented artists. This show features modern and traditional dance performances, combining different musical elements from all around the world. If you’re visiting Chiang Mai with your family, there’s no better way to spend a night than watching a Ladyboy Cabaret show. A Ladyboy Cabaret show will give you a deep insight into the culture and help you explore the beauty of Northern Thailand.

Located at the center of Chiang Mai, visiting the Silver Temple is one of the most unique things to do in Chiang Mai. It is also known as Wat Sri Suphan and it will give a treat to your eyes. On your visit to this place, you’ll fall in love with its rich silver ornamentation and overall appearance. Alloy and zinc have been used to design the outer look and silver are reserved for the Buddha images inside. If you visit this temple, take a walk around to the other buildings and check out the workshop at the entrance where you can see artisans at work.

For tourists seeking a thrill, plan out a visit to the Bua Tong Waterfalls AKA Sticky Waterfalls. Mineral deposits on these rocks make it easier for tourists to climb up and down. This is one of the adventurous and unique things to do in Chiang Mai. You can start from the bottom and make your way to the top and take some help from the ropes which will help your ascent. Once you’re at the top, you can enjoy natural pools among the chirping birds. Bua Tong Waterfalls is an hour's drive from the old city and it deserves to be on your Chiang Mai bucket list.

Book your Samlor Ride and view this beautiful city from a different perspective. The bicycle you get in the Samlor Ride is a throwback to the past which will help you explore the culture of Chiang Mai. Getting on a Samlor Ride is one of the best ways to get a major throwback to the past and explore some markets and sights away from the main tourist hall. This is one of the unique things to do in Chiang Mai which will help you witness the real beauty of this city. You can hire a bicycle rickshaw from the locations like Waworot Market and Chiang Mai gate.