Here is the thing about Chiang Mai that took me a few weeks to figure out: the city itself is just the base camp. The real magic happens when you close your laptop on Friday afternoon, rent a scooter, and disappear into the mountains for the weekend. I have lived in a lot of nomad hubs, and none of them offer this combination of culture and affordability within such easy reach of real nature.
This is not a “top 10 tourist attractions” list. This is what I and other long-term nomads in the Chiang Mai community actually do on our days off — the stuff that keeps people coming back year after year.
Temples and culture (without the temple fatigue)
Chiang Mai has over 300 temples. You do not need to see all of them. Here are the ones actually worth your time, according to the expat community on Reddit:
Wat Pha Lat (The Jungle Temple): This is the one. Repeatedly voted as the favorite temple in Chiang Mai by Reddit expats, Wat Pha Lat is hidden in the jungle halfway up Doi Suthep mountain. Users describe it as “Indiana Jones-esque” — moss-covered stone, jungle canopy overhead, almost no tourists. You reach it via the Monk’s Trail, a shaded hike that starts near Chiang Mai University. The temple is free, and the hike takes about 30 minutes.
Doi Suthep: Yes, it is touristy. But the views over the entire city from the top are worth the trip, especially at sunset. The smart move, according to multiple Reddit threads, is to combine it with Wat Pha Lat: hike the Monk’s Trail to the jungle temple first, then take a songthaew (red truck) the rest of the way up to Doi Suthep. Two temples, one trip, zero tour groups.
Wat Chedi Luang: The massive ruined chedi in the Old City is a different vibe from the shiny gold temples. It is imposing and historical rather than ornate. Worth a quick visit, especially at night when it is lit up.
Wat Umong: Unique for its underground tunnels and forest setting. It is a working monastery, so the atmosphere is quiet and contemplative rather than “tourist attraction.” A great afternoon escape.
Wat Sri Suphan (The Silver Temple): Built almost entirely from silver, this one stands out from every other temple you have seen. It is on Wualai Road, the same street as the Saturday Night Market.
Pro tip: If you want a genuinely memorable cultural experience, try Monk Chat at Wat Suan Dok or Wat Chedi Luang. Novice monks sit at designated tables and want to practice their English with foreigners. You get to ask them anything about their lives, and it is one of the most honest cross-cultural exchanges you will have in Thailand.
Nature and hiking
This is where Chiang Mai destroys most other nomad cities. You are surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and jungle — and most of it is a short scooter ride away.
The Monk’s Trail (Wat Pha Lat): Already mentioned, but it deserves a section of its own. It is the best “quick nature hit” in the city — safe, well-marked, free, and you end up at one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. Reddit consensus calls it the best bang-for-your-buck unguided activity in Chiang Mai.
Doi Inthanon: Thailand’s highest peak, about 90 minutes from the city. The temperature drops noticeably (bring a jacket), and the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail offers cloud-forest hiking with sweeping views. Note: you must hire a Hmong guide at the trailhead (around 200 THB) — it is both a park rule and a way to support the local community. This is a full-day trip and one of the best adventure travel experiences in northern Thailand.
Bua Tong (Sticky Waterfalls): This is the one everyone talks about on Reddit, and for good reason. The limestone rocks are naturally “sticky,” so you can literally walk up the waterfall without slipping. It is fun, free, and unlike anything else. About an hour north of the city by scooter. If you are the type who loves unique adventure destinations, put this at the top of your list.
Doi Chiang Dao: For a bigger nature experience than Doi Suthep, head to Chiang Dao. The cave system is worth exploring, and the mountain views are some of the best in the north. It is about 90 minutes from the city and makes an excellent overnight trip.
Huay Tung Tao Lake: A reservoir just outside the city where you rent a bamboo hut over the water, order food from the shore restaurants, and spend the afternoon doing absolutely nothing. Very few Western tourists. This is where locals go on weekends.
Food experiences
Eating in Chiang Mai is not just sustenance — it is a legitimate hobby. Here is how nomads turn meals into experiences, and some essential reading in our food travel guide.
The Khao Soi Quest: Chiang Mai’s signature dish is a coconut curry noodle soup, and finding your favorite version becomes a personal mission. The Reddit community is split between Khao Soi Khun Yai (near North Gate — thick, creamy broth, only open 10 AM to 2 PM, sells out fast), Khao Soi Maesai (punchy local flavor, popular with Thais), and Khao Soi Lung Prakit (made famous by Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil, the beef version is the move). The consensus: try at least three different spots because they all taste different.
Cooking classes: These are worth doing even if you already know your way around a kitchen. Grandma’s Home Cooking School and Smile Organic Farm both include a visit to an organic farm where you pick your own ingredients. Zabb E Lee is the pick if you want a more social, high-energy atmosphere. Reddit advice: a half-day class (4-5 hours) is sufficient — full-day classes get exhausting because you end up eating too much food. These are also a great way to use food to connect with locals.
Night markets: More on these in the markets section below, but the food alone is worth the trip. Grilled meats, papaya salad, mango sticky rice, and dishes you will not find in any restaurant.
Day trips
Weekends in Chiang Mai are made for getting out of the city. Here are the best trips, roughly ordered by distance:
The Samoeng Loop (half day): The number one motorbike day trip according to Reddit. Windy mountain roads, coffee stops at DiBosco and Elefin Farm and Cafe, and views that make you forget you were staring at a screen all week. It takes 2-4 hours depending on how many times you stop. You do not have to do the full loop — some riders just go as far as a favorite cafe and turn back.
Mae Kampong (half day): A mountain village about an hour east of the city. Cooler temperatures, a temple by the river, and a village atmosphere that feels a world away from Nimman. It can get crowded on weekends, so consider a weekday visit if your schedule allows.
Mon Jam (half day): Tiered farming terraces with mountain views, glamping spots, and the Pongyang Jungle Coaster adventure park on the way up. The ride up is steep, so make sure your scooter has decent power (125cc minimum recommended).
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs (half day): Natural hot springs about 45 minutes from the city. The windy road there is part of the fun. Great for a morning outing.
Pai (weekend): The hippie mountain town about 3 hours north. The ride there has 762 curves (yes, people count), so it is either the best or worst road trip of your life depending on your stomach. Pai itself is relaxed, beautiful, and full of backpackers. Worth an overnight stay.
Chiang Rai and the White Temple (weekend): About 3 hours northeast. The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is unlike anything else in Thailand, and the Blue Temple and Black House are worth seeing too. This is a solid weekend trip.
Elephant sanctuaries: Reddit is very particular about this one. The most recommended is Elephant Nature Park (ENP), which focuses on conservation and observation only. BEES (Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary) is recommended for a more intimate experience. The community is near-unanimous: if a place lets you ride, bathe, or excessively touch the elephants, it is not truly ethical. Look for “observation only” sanctuaries. For more on finding meaningful travel experiences, these visits are some of the most memorable.
Fitness and wellness
Chiang Mai is one of the easiest cities to combine remote work with a serious fitness routine.
Muay Thai: Training at a real Thai boxing gym costs a fraction of what you would pay in the West. Monthly unlimited packages run 2,000-4,000 THB ($57-$115). There are gyms for every level, from complete beginners to fighters preparing for bouts. One Redditor described the lifestyle simply: “Eat, sleep, train, repeat — you can do it no sweat” on a modest budget.
Yoga: Studios like Yoga Tree and Wild Rose Yoga offer drop-in classes for 200-350 THB. Many nomads build a regular practice here because the prices make it accessible daily rather than a weekly treat.
Thai massage: At 200-300 THB ($6-$9) for an hour, this stops being an occasional indulgence and becomes part of your routine. Your body will thank you, especially if you are hunched over a laptop all week. Check our cost of living breakdown for more on these lifestyle perks.
Nightlife and social scene
Chiang Mai’s nightlife is not Bangkok or Bali, and that is kind of the point. It is more chill, more communal, and easier to actually meet people.
North Gate Jazz Co-op: The legendary spot where jazz musicians play while the crowd spills out onto the street with beers. This comes up in literally every Reddit thread about Chiang Mai nightlife. Go on a weekend evening.
Boy Blues Bar: Another live music staple, smaller and more intimate than North Gate.
Ram Bar: Known for its drag shows and welcoming atmosphere. A fun night out that is different from the typical bar scene.
Nimman bars: The Nimman area has a growing cocktail bar scene if that is your thing, though prices are higher than the rest of the city.
Pro tip: The best way to meet other nomads is not at bars — it is at coworking spaces, at Muay Thai gyms, and at community events. The Chiang Mai digital nomad community runs regular meetups and social events that are much better for making real connections. Finding adventure partners while traveling is one of the best ways to build lasting friendships on the road.
Weekend markets
Markets are a Chiang Mai institution, but they are not all created equal.
Sunday Walking Street (Thapae Gate): The main event. The entire Old City center transforms into a massive night market. Food, crafts, live performances, temple courtyards with more stalls. Reddit advice: go early (around 5:00 PM) to browse before the shoulder-to-shoulder crush arrives around 7:00 PM.
Saturday Night Market (Wualai Road): Slightly smaller and focused on the silver district. Similar energy to Sunday but a bit less chaotic. Good alternative if you prefer fewer crowds.
Jing Jai Market (Saturday/Sunday mornings): This is the current favorite among the nomad crowd. Organic food, artisan crafts, great coffee — it is a more “curated” market experience. Very popular for weekend brunch.
Warorot Market: The local market for a daytime, non-touristy experience. This is where Thais shop. Less polished, more authentic, and a good place to pick up dried fruits, spices, and local snacks.
Ban Kang Wat: An artisan village near Wat Umong. Small studios, galleries, and cafes. Worth a visit for the aesthetic alone.
Pro tip: Skip the Night Bazaar near Chang Khlan Road. The Reddit consensus is clear: it is “touristy tat” compared to the Walking Streets and Jing Jai. If you only have one market night, make it Sunday.
A word on burning season
If you are planning to be in Chiang Mai between February and April, be aware that the air quality drops dramatically due to agricultural burning. Most nomads leave during this period. If you are looking for things to do during burning season, the honest answer is: go somewhere else. Head to Da Nang, the Thai islands, or anywhere with clean air. The outdoor activities that make Chiang Mai special are off the table when the AQI is hazardous.
Continue your journey
This guide is part of our complete Chiang Mai series for digital nomads. For the practical side of living here, read our ultimate Chiang Mai digital nomad guide, figure out what it actually costs, and find the best places to work. If you are still deciding between destinations, our best cities for digital nomads guide has you covered.
Make the most of your days off
The activities are better with company. HitchHive connects you with other nomads and travelers in Chiang Mai who are looking for the same things — someone to ride the Samoeng Loop with, a cooking class partner, or just a crew for Sunday market and jazz night. The city is full of people on the same wavelength; you just need a way to find them.
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