Things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend
A locals-first shortlist of what's worth your time in Chiang Mai this weekend — from outdoor escapes to standout food and live music.
Top spots in Chiang Mai
Doi Inthanon Day Trip
OutdoorsChom Thong
Thailand's highest peak — twin royal pagodas, cloud forest, hill-tribe coffee farms.
Elephant Nature Park
OutdoorsMae Taeng
Ethical sanctuary for rescued elephants — feed, walk and observe, no riding.
Nimmanhaemin
NightlifeNimman
University quarter of co-working cafés by day, craft-cocktail bars and live music by night.
Old City Temple Walk
CultureOld City
Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Chiang Man in a single moat-bounded square.
Sunday Walking Street
Food & DrinkOld City
1km of food stalls, indie crafts and street musicians every Sunday afternoon onwards.
Doi Suthep
CultureDoi Suthep
Golden hilltop temple 1,000+ steps up — sunset prayers with views over the city.
Where to eat
Blackitch Artisan Kitchen
$$$Modern Thai · Nimman
Chef Black's hyper-seasonal tasting menu — fermented Northern Thai ingredients.
Huen Phen
$$Northern Thai · Old City
Antique-stuffed dining room — gaeng hung lay pork curry and crispy pork laab.
Khao Soi Khun Yai
$Khao soi · Old City
Lunch-only stall famous for the city's defining curry-noodle dish — get there before 1pm.
Ristr8to
$Coffee · Nimman
Award-winning espresso bar — Northern Thai single-origins, latte art world champions.
SP Chicken
$Northern Thai · Old City
Wood-roasted chicken and sticky rice with three chilli dips — locals' weekend takeaway.
Live & on stage
Chiang Mai Jazz Festival
Three Kings Monument · Nov 21–22 · Jazz / Free
Flower Festival
Suan Buak Hat · Feb 6–8 · Cultural / Free
Songkran
City-wide · Apr 13–15 · New Year Water Festival
Yi Peng Lantern Festival
Ping River · Nov 5–6 · Lantern / Cultural
Frequently asked
- Locals' favourites right now: Old City Temple Walk, Doi Suthep, Elephant Nature Park. The full list is curated weekly and balances outdoor, food, culture and live music picks.