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Must-Visits in Chiang Mai, Thailand (Recs from a Thai Local)
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items Find cultural attractions, restaurants, cafes, and more on this list. It's a re-curated version of the Chiang Mai travel guides I have on my blog. Browse directly on here, or you can always learn more about anything at https://polyglotpetra.com/best-...
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Attractions
Restaurants
Cafes
Attractions
This waterfall may not be the biggest one out there, but it definitely is the most fun! We locals call it the sticky waterfall because the limestone residue coating the rocks make them so sticky, you can literally walk up it! The most convenient way ...polyglotpetra.com/bua-tong-sticky-waterfalls-guide
Buatong Sticky Waterfall
No, I'm not asking you to go see the Three Kings Monument and be done with it. Go inside the building and visit the museum. It is your fastest way to get an overall knowledge of Chiang Mai. There are a handful of other ones worth visiting around town...polyglotpetra.com/best-museums-in-chiang-mai
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
More interested in culture than history? The Lanna Folklife Centre gives you the perfect rundown of local life in Chiang Mai in under an hour. It's right across the street from the Three Kings Monument!
Lanna Folklife Centre
This place is a bit underrated compared to Wat Chedi Luang, but it's the oldest standing temple in the city, and served as the royal palace for a short time when Chiang Mai was first established as the capital of Lanna.
Wat Chiang Man
I'll tell you one thing. It's bigger than it looks. There, I warned you, but your jaws will still drop when you see it in person lol This temple's stupa used to stand much taller, until it was struck by lightning in the 16th century.
Watchediluang Varaviharn
This temple is known for its unusual stupa with seven spires, but what I loved most about it is its peaceful vibe, with moss on the ground and massive trees providing shade throughout the visit.
Wat Jed Yod
You haven't been to Chiang Mai until you've seen Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It is quite touristy, yes, but also a beautiful sight.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
This canal-side night market used to be a dirty, dilapidated area no one wanted to visit. A city project then turned it into a commercial district where visitors can give back to the local community. You'll find many local restaurants and souvenir sh...
Khlong Mae Kha Canal Village
Are you really in Chiang Mai if you haven't taken a cooking class yet?! I highly recommend this one at the Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School, where you'll visit the local market AND try harvesting some crops as well!
Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School
Interested in a pottery class or making souvenirs with your own hands? Join the locals at Baan Kang Wat artist village and give back to the local community in this eco-friendly art complex. It's my favorite market in town. Yes, I like it way more tha...
Baan Kang Wat
Restaurants
This is my absolute favorite breakfast spot in Chiang Mai! ABSOLUTE FAVORITE! You won't find Eggs Benedict here, though. See, they sell local breakfasts like pan-fried eggs, congee, and custard bread. But the coolest thing is the vibe. It's literally...
Tai Toon Baan
This tiny place in old town is one of the oldest breakfast spots long-beloved by the locals. They only sell one thing: Kai Kata, or pan-fried egg, with a few topping options, and traditional Thai coffee to go with it.
KAI KATA LERTROT, Chiang Mai - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone ...
Nothing but chicken rice, but an insanely good one! One plate of these is light enough that you can enjoy for breakfast (local style!), or order more for lunch!
KIAT OCHA, Chiang Mai - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
Hello Michelin! If you want a big variety of Khao Soi (including vegetarian and vegan ones), this place has got you covered. Their Khao Soi is insanely delicious, regardless of what you put on there (I've tried mushrooms, chicken, crab, northern saus...
Kao Soy Nimman
Not Thai food, but equally delicious. This Burmese tea house serves both tea and a few signature Burmese dishes, the best one being their Tea Leaf Salad, which I kept going back for more!
Zinmè Tea House(ဇင်းမယ်တီးဟောက်စ်)
Where do the locals go when they have something to celebrate? This restaurant! It's one of the liveliest spots in the evening around Nimman area. They also make the most delcious Northern Thai dishes in town. Oh, have I mentioned? This is also Michel...
Tong Tem Toh
Cafes
Hands-down my favorite cafe in town when it comes to specialty menus. Surprisingly, the flashy unicorn latte didn't impress me as much as one of their cold, shaken coffee. No matter what you order here, though, be prepared to come back for more!
Roast8ry Coffee Lab
Get the Jelly Black. You're welcome! I love this cafe for its more local vibe. In the couple times I went, there were only locals quietly working. The white interior decor is also very soothing.
Maled Coffee Roasters | Chiang Mai
While the coffee doesn't taste extraordinary (it's GOOD, don't get me wrong), it's the vibe that you'll love here. Hidden in a local village further south of the old city, you won't run into many tourists here, either. Maybe you'll be the only one wh...
Asama Coffee & Roastery | Chiang Mai
It was unfortunate to see how many people just walked right past this place when I was here. It's hidden inside the Lanna Architecture Centre, right in the middle of the old town. The barista is super friendly, and I highly recommend a mug of iced la...
Khum Cafe
Strange was my first impression. Because this cafe consists of a few beautiful seating zones and buildings, they charge you 80 THB for entry, which becomes your discount if you do order some drinks instead of just popping in for photos. I especially ...
The Baristro Asian Style
Looking for real, pure, blissfully bitter matcha? This is your spot! Of course, they have matcha latte, hojicha latte, and other normal drinks as well. The place gets a bit crowded during busy hours, but they come and go.
Bar Cha - Matcha and Bakery バーチャ | Chiang Mai
Tried all the specialty drinks at Roastr8ry and still not satisfied? GRAPH is my second-favorite cafe for those! You'll find a few branches of it across Chiang Mai.
GRAPH Coffee
If, like me, you drool at the sight of pretty cakes in the shape of fruits, you'll love this pastry shop across from Roastr8ry Lab. They have a branch inside One Nimman, but it sells normal pastries, so if you want high-end, fruit-shaped cake, go to ...
Saruda Finest Pastry | Chiang Mai