9 Ways to Explore a Different Side of Chiang Mai

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Chiang Mai receives thousands of tourists every year. It is one of the most unique, and popular, destinations that Thailand has to offer. There are a lot of tourists that visit the city more than once because they loved it so much the first time. Chiang Mai is also a great place to relax and recharge yourself after the chaos trip of Bangkok. Listed below are some of the most unique, and cultural, experiences that Chiang Mai has to offer.

 

1. Be A Fashionable Tourist At Nimmanhaemin Road

There are many elements featured on this lively Nimmanhaemin Road. It thrives with restaurants, galleries, speciality shops and cafés. It has been known for its chic and modern atmosphere. It is marked one of the best area to shop in Chiang Mai as it features two big shopping malls, Maya and One Nimman. At nighttime, some hip clubs and bars can also be found among the alleys of Nimmanhaemin Road.

2. Get a Thai Massage

There was no way anyone could possibly leave this country without getting a Thai massage. There is a variety of different treatments available at the luxury spas in Chiang Mai. It’ll take your relaxation to the next level and leave you refreshed, and recharged.

3. Have Your Sunday Brunch at Dhara Dhevi

Dhara Dhevi is Chiang Mai’s only luxury hotel and resort. It opens its doors only once a month to one of the most splendid Sunday Brunches in Thailand. On every last Sunday of the month, you can enter this exclusive resort, sit in an opulent dining room and enjoy an array of food prepared by some of the best culinary chefs in town.

4. Hunting for Graffiti

Chiang Mai is home to some of the best graffiti in Thailand. It is hard not to see this graffiti as your travel throughout the city. Many tourists love to take pictures and research the different artists of the artwork they see. The graffiti has been described as “out of this world” and will keep you intrigued for hours. Viewing the graffiti is one of the most popular things to do and see in Chiang Mai.

5. Visit the Cat Cafe

Cat lovers flock to this cafe when they visit the city. The Cat Cafe has some of the best coffee and food in the area, but also offers guests to chance to make a furry friend. The whole environment of the cafe is cat themed, and it is catered to those who are wanting to get their cat fix while drinking their morning coffee.

 

6. Buy Souvenirs at the Sunday Walking Street

The Sunday Walking Street is the most popular walking street in all of Chiang Mai. Open every Sunday, it’s located near Thapae Gate and runs along Ratchadamnoen road. Here you can buy handmade goods and traditional crafts from talented local artisans. If you’re a parent, there’s plenty of hand-crafted puzzles and games that make great gifts for the kids. The best quality of wood carving items can be found in Chiang Mai as it ranks among the world’s best for wood crafts.

7. Visit Doi Suthep

If you’re going to visit just one temple in Chiang Mai, it has to be Wat Phra That Doi Suthep or “Doi Suthep”. This place is one of the most sacred temples in Thailand. If you stay in any hotel on Nimmanhaemin Road, you can see from the windows that there’s this shining golden glimmer on the green mountainside. Bonus! You can even take a nature hike up there. This is like killing two birds with one stone as you can get both a great workout and a sightseeing tour in nature along your way up.

8. Take a Trip to the Museum

The Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders is known for a specialty in showcasing some of the world’s coolest insects and nature. It is highly unusual and unique, especially compared to the other museums in the area. The museum is in a convenient location within walking distance to other cultural landmarks such as the Nimmanhaemin. The museum is two floors and contains plenty for you and your family to explore.

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9. Explore Wat Umong

The Wat Umong was built in 1297 by the Lanna King Manglai. It is a fifteen-acre temple that is located in a beautiful park. The castle has a handful of tunnels that have a special story and meaning to them. Visitors can explore the tunnels and learn more about the rich history of the temples.

Tourists can also practice meditation at the temples if they want to take a nice rest from all of their travelings. There is a pond filled with catfish and ducks which love being fed by those that are visiting. Visitors of the temple love the “talking trees”. The talking trees have proverbs engrained on them that are all written in English.