Top 5 Most Relaxing Things to Do in Chiang Mai
You most likely already know that I am in love with the mountainous city of Chiang Mai. A city full of history, temples and modern funky cafes. I have written a lot of times about this city already, from full itineraries to day trips around town.
Here are my top 5 things for spending a relaxing time in the Rose of the North.
1. Go Cafe Hopping
Exploring Chiang Mai's vibrant café scene is a must for anyone looking to unwind and soak in the local culture. The city is brimming with charming cafés, from the Old Town to the popular expat and nomad spot of Nimman.
You'll find plenty of hidden gems in quiet alleyways to popular spots with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, there's a perfect café for everyone. Indulge in Thai pastries, sip on expertly brewed coffee, and read a book.
Café hopping in Chiang Mai is a chance to meet friendly locals as well as other travelers and nomads, making it one of the most relaxing activities to enjoy in this beautiful city. Here are a few of my favorite cafes:
- Ristr8to: Known for its world-class coffee and unique latte art, this café is a real favorite!
- Akha Ama Coffee: A socially responsible café that sources its beans directly from local Akha farmers, offering a great cup of coffee with a positive impact.
- Graph Cafe: A small, minimalist café known for its innovative coffee drinks and cozy atmosphere.
- Goodvibes Cafe: Serving up delicious drinks along with very fast Wi-Fi.
2. Get a Real Thai Massage
Of course, getting a real Thai massage in Chiang Mai is an essential experience! Thai massages are renowned for their therapeutic benefits, combining acupressure, Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures.
In Chiang Mai, you'll find plenty of great massage parlors and upscale spas offering authentic Thai massages. These sessions typically last from one to two hours and are designed to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being. I really like Giving Tree Massage in the Old Town, it does get busy so better book ahead
3. Visit the Royal Park Rajapruek
The namesake of this park comes with an admission fee, for which you’ll gain access to beautiful flower gardens.
But I prefer to hang out in the free area where every afternoon hundreds of locals come together to walk, run, cycle and relax in the gorgeously manicured garden area.
4. Do a Cooking Class
Participating in a cooking class in Chiang Mai is the best way to immerse yourself in Thai culture while learning to prepare delicious traditional dishes – that you can then make again at home.
These classes typically begin with a visit to a local market, where you'll select fresh ingredients and learn about the unique herbs and spices essential to Thai cuisine. Under the guidance of experienced chefs, you'll discover the techniques and secrets behind classic recipes such as Pad Thai, Thai Green Curry, and Mango Sticky Rice (my personal favorite!).
The hands-on experience allows you to practice each step, from chopping vegetables to balancing flavors. Cooking to me is super relaxing and these classes are suitable for beginners and seasoned cooks. And after cooking, you'll be sharing a communal meal along with other participants. Of course, you can also book a private cooking class if you're a family or small group. A cooking class in Chiang Mai is not only a fun and educational activity but also a great way to take a piece of Thai culinary tradition home with you.
5. Siri-Wattana Market/Thanin Market
A trip to an authentic day market is a must-do in Thailand. The Thanin Market is the best one I know of in Chiang Mai.
You’ll have your pick of fresh fruit and produce and prepared foods, as well as a la carte dining. The adventurous traveller can venture to the butcher’s section where they will encounter bizarre sights and strong smells. Not for the faint-hearted!
Book Your Trip To Thailand
✈️ Flights – Find the best deals on Skyscanner
🛏️ Hotels – My top pick is Booking.com for their best price guarantee and free cancellation
📸 Tours & Activities – Pre-book tours with Get Your Guide and Viator with instant confirmation
💳 Hassle Free Overseas Payments – I highly recommend getting a Wise account for real exchange rates without hidden fees
📱 Stay Connected Anywhere – Get an eSIM card from Holafly to stay connected in over 200 countries with unlimited data and no roaming fees (+ get 5% OFF with code: BREATHINGTRAVEL)
🤕 Don't Go Without Travel Insurance – SafetyWing is my preferred travel insurance, covering unexpected medical issues and emergencies abroad
🐶 Housesitting for Free Accommodation – Experience free homestays worldwide with Trusted Housesitters by caring for adorable pets (+ get 25% OFF with code: BREATHING25)
Please note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means that – at absolutely no cost to you – we earn a small commission on sales generated through this website. We only recommend sites we actually use and thank you for your support!