Chiang Mai is one of those cities that never gets old—beautiful temples, vibrant markets, and some of the best food in Thailand. I spent the day exploring, and honestly, it was one of the best experiences I’ve had. So, if you’re planning a trip here, let me take you through some must-visit spots!
Morning at Chiang Mai University
First stop: Chiang Mai University. If you’ve heard about this place, it’s probably because of its huge, peaceful park. This place is perfect if you just want to take a long walk, relax, or even do some work at the cute lakeside café nearby.
I had breakfast there, grabbed some coffee, and got a little bit of work done before heading out to explore. What I love about this park is that, during the daytime, it’s surprisingly quiet. I’ve been here during sunset, and while the view is breathtaking, it does get more crowded. Oh, and the best part? No entrance fee!
Festival Vibes at the Night Market
Since New Year’s Eve was coming up, there was a special festival happening in Chiang Mai, with over 30 food stalls and live performances. There were even rumors of a fireworks festival on December 31st, so I made a mental note to come back for that.
Even before the main event, there was a light show at the Clock Tower and live music performances, which made the whole place feel super lively. If you’re in Chiang Mai during the holiday season, definitely check out the local events—they always have something going on!
Shopping & Street Food
I stumbled upon this shopping area that looked small from the outside, but once I stepped in, it was like a hidden maze of shops. The first floor was packed with food stalls, while the upper floors had tons of local brands, clothes, and souvenirs. It’s a great place if you’re looking for unique Thai gifts.
And obviously, when in Thailand, you gotta get a massage—there were massage spots everywhere! After a bit of shopping, I treated myself to a giant mango smoothie before heading to my next stop.
Exploring Wat Lok Moli
Next up: Wat Lok Moli, one of Chiang Mai’s oldest and most peaceful temples. It’s located in the Old City area, so if you’re staying nearby, it’s an easy spot to visit.
This temple has a lot of beautiful decorations, including lanterns, and you can even purchase and hang up good luck charms based on your Chinese zodiac sign. One of the most unique things here is the holy water ritual—you pour water into a cup, pull a string, and the water moves up towards the Buddha’s feet. It was such a cool experience!
There’s another smaller temple right in front, but I didn’t film inside since people were praying, and I wanted to be respectful. Still, the architecture and atmosphere were stunning.
A Japanese-Style Tea House in Thailand
I felt like I had stepped into Japan when I walked into Magoro Tea House. It’s a mix of Lanna (Northern Thai) and Japanese tea house styles, and three of my friends had recommended it to me—so of course, I had to check it out.
I tried their Usucha ceremonial tea set, and wow, it was strong but incredibly smooth. I’m not usually a big fan of matcha, but this one was high quality—I even asked where they got it from, and they told me they import it from Japan.
The tea house has both indoor and outdoor seating, and even though it’s a popular spot, it still felt quiet and relaxing. Since their dessert menu looked amazing, I ended up ordering a few extra treats. No regrets!
Michelin-Recognized Roti Stand
For my final food stop of the day, I went to a famous roti stand that’s part of the Michelin Guide (not sure if it has a Michelin star, but it’s definitely well-known).
As expected, the line was long—I waited 30 minutes just to get my order. I got two versions:
- Cheese roti
- Banana, egg, and Nutella roti
The verdict? It was good, but honestly, not mind-blowing. The portion was also smaller than usual, and while the coconut oil gave it a nice fragrance, I probably wouldn’t wait in that long of a line again. But hey, at least I got to try it!
Chiang Mai is a city that has it all—beautiful parks, historic temples, lively festivals, and incredible food. Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or eat your way through the city, there’s always something new to discover. Would I come back? 100% yes.