Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

This mountaintop temple is one of Thailand's most sacred temples and one of the must-see attractions in Chiang Mai.  Located within Doi Pui National Park on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep's surroundings include scenic hiking trails and waterfalls.  The Wat Phra That temple sits atop the Doi Suthep mountain and offers breathtaking views of Chiang Mai.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep blends aspects of Buddhism and Hinduism in its architecture.  

The temple features a 306-step stairway that is bejeweled with ornate serpents called naga.  At the top of the steps is a statue of a white elephant that, according to legend, contains a relic believed to belong to the Buddha.  The site has a number of shrines, monuments and pagodas, as well as a museum and meditation center. The site is open daily from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm and is easily accessible by car from Chiang Mai.  It is best to visit earlier in the morning, as it can get quite busy.

Night Markets

Chiang Mai has several open air night markets throughout the city that offer excellent shopping and mouthwatering food.  The best night markets in Chiang Mai are the Sunday Market located near the Tha Pae Gate and the Sompet Market near Chiang Mai Gate.  You can find everything from unique local artisan goods to an array of seasonal fruits and vegetables and food stalls that sell authentic Thai street food.

Watch a Muay Thai Fight

Muay Thai boxing is arguably the most popular sport in Thailand and the high contact, fast pace makes it an exciting spectator sport for locals and tourists alike.  You can watch a Muay Thai fight at the popular Thapae Boxing Stadium in the historic part of Chiang Mai. Another place to take in a Muay Thai fight is the Kawila Boxing Stadium which is a very authentic venue that many of the locals go to.  

Ride in a Tuk Tuk

A Tuk tuk is a compact taxi similar to a rickshaw and they are all over Thailand.  One of the best things to do in Chiang Mai is take a guided tuk tuk tour where you drive your own tuk tuk.  Guides show you around scenic rural roads where you drive through the Thai jungle and visit remote temples.

Bathe an Elephant at a Nature Park

The tuk tuk tours bring us to the next item on the list of best things to in Chiang Mai: bathing elephants at one of the nature parks near the city.  Several of the popular tuk tuk tours include a trip to an elephant preserve where you can learn all about the elephants and even bathe an elephant. This once in a lifetime experience is something you will never forget.

Take a Dip in San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is located on a National Reserve where there are natural hot springs dotted throughout the 40-acre park.  The water of the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is rich in sulfur, which is thought to help with a number of ailments. There are shared mineral pools for bathing, or you can rent a private bathing room.  The San Kamphaeng Hot Springs also offers spa and massage services for an added fee. You can also purchase eggs that are placed in a woven bamboo basket and you can boil them in the natural hot springs.  The San Kamphaeng Hot Springs are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily and the entrance fee is approximately $5.

If it hasn't been made clear yet, if you are even thinking about traveling to Asia, taking a tour of Thailand through Chiang Mai should absolutely be an addition to your trip.