The Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai in One Day

Chiang Mai’s appeal goes beyond the walled, moated Old City. Scenic hiking routes in a verdant valley framed by mountains, unscathed Lanna temples, and historical monuments – the largest city in northern Thailand is a fascinating place to visit.

But what if you only have a day in Chiang Mai to explore the cultural sights, golden stupas, and local cafes? Here’s TAGTHAi’s pick of the best things to do in Chiang Mai in one day, from visits to ethical elephant sanctuaries to relaxing river cruises, all included in the City Pass for an affordable flat fee.

Lanna Kingdom Elephant Sanctuary

Fuel up at your hotel for a fun-filled day in Chiang Mai. Lanna Kingdom Elephant Sanctuary is a perk of TAGTHAi’s City Pass. You can jump on a minivan at any hotel in Chiang Mai. Just show the driver the QR code you received when you made your reservation in the app (one day in advance), and you’re good to go. Situated by a bubbling river, a one-hour drive from the Old City, the Lanna  Kingdom Elephant Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Chiang Mai.  Arriving there in Thailand’s rural northeast amid rice farms and towering mountains, you can watch these gentle giants in their natural environment as they calmly munch on grass in lush green woodland.

This half-day excursion includes an elephant mud bath. We recommend wearing the clothes the staff will give you because you’re going to get wet. Bathing with these pachyderms as they purr like cats, you’ll be drenched in mud. Scrubbing them in the pool is allowed, too. While you are welcome to hang out with them, riding is strictly prohibited, and they are never confined or chained.

You can also hand-feed young elephants, who won’t hesitate to use their fleshy “fingers” to grab bananas off your palm.

Zira Spa

Zira Spa is a must-do on your Chiang Mai itinerary, particularly after your morning outdoors. Lonely Planet’s Top Choice Spa in Chiang Mai from 2018 to 2021, and Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice during the same period, Zira Spa lives up to the highest expectations of relaxation-seekers. The delight begins as you set foot on the premises. Blending well with its surroundings in the Old City, Zira Spa’s building is a tribute to the Lanna Kingdom, featuring balustraded balconies and plenty of teak wood.

Enter the structure, and hours of pure bliss await you, starting with a soothing foot bath. While you can fill out a form to declare which body parts they should focus on as you sip herbal tea, talented therapists know how to relax your muscles. Your jet lag will melt away during a two-hour foot reflexology and deep therapeutic Thai massage that targets specific pressure points. Don’t be surprised if you fall asleep.

Following the pampering treatment, you’ll have the option to take a shower before sipping another chilled or hot drink. You can buy the Thai Lanna herbal drink of the year 2014 to 2015 on the spot, and a free shuttle and drop-off service to your hotel is available.

 

I’m Your Vegan

Do you wonder what to do in Chiang Mai when your stomach rumbles? Check out I’m Your Vegan. Steps from the Princess Mother's Health Garden, I’m Your Vegan sits in Chiang Mai’s city center near the moat. As the name suggests, this is a plant-based restaurant. Open the door, and you’ll instantly sense the loft-esque feel of the interior. Cool neon lighting and exposed brick walls create warmth and character. And the food? Vegan burgers with delicious vegan cheese made from proteins like soy or macadamias taste exceptionally good.

You’ll also love the mango and dairy-free Oreo smoothies made with coconut water, cashews, and vanilla protein powder.

With sustainability in mind, I’m Your Vegan sources high-quality ingredients from local Chiang Mai suppliers. In short, I’m Your Vegan’s food is a delight for your tongue, even if you’re not a vegan.

Maeping River Cruise 

After lunch, head to the jetty next to Wat Chaimongkol, a waterfront temple built in Burmese-Mon style. Cruising down the Mae Ping River on a roofed longtail boat away from the clamor of traffic is one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai. Feeling the wind in your hair as you watch the quieter, rural scenery roll past is a calming experience you’ll want to add to your itinerary. Chiang Mai’s bridges are no longer visible when you travel north from the city. You’ll travel past verdant, tree-lined riverbanks and joyful kids waving, yelling, and smiling at you.

At a Thai farmer’s house along the way upstream, you can learn more about agriculture, a significant sector in Thailand. Discover the principles of fishing as well as the local grains, fruits, and vegetables that thrive in this environment devoid of chemicals. Alternatively, unwind and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while catching some rays along the river.

GRAPH One Nimman

Need a coffee? Hiding in a small side street near Nimmanahaeminda Road, Graph One Nimman is centrally located. The cafe’s concrete façade creates an industrial vibe, but step inside, and you’ll find heart-warming Thai coffee culture. Graph Coffee Co. is a specialty coffee roasting company.

With TAGTHAi’s City Pass, you can choose from various sets like monochrome and canelé, a rum- and vanilla-flavored pastry from France. Shaped like a cylinder, it’s soft inside and has a thick, caramelized crust. Whether you sip on a cup of monochrome espresso or order specialty Soul Smith coffee, it’s so good you’ll wish you had more time in Chiang Mai.

Masumi Spa

What to do in Chiang Mai at the end of this exciting day? What about an oil massage in a private room at Masumi Spa? Your muscles relax, your senses close to the real world, and warm coconut oil applied to your skin sends you to never-never land.

Masumi Spa is within walking distance of the moat. You can tell the therapist to use gentle, medium, or firm pressure as they rub and squeeze your body to relieve tension. 

Be sure to use the TAGTHAi app to book a one-hour Thai or foot massage, or use the herbal steam sauna for various health benefits. All these attractions would set you back $256.03 without TAGTHAi. The best things to do in Chiang Mai, however, are available for a flat fee of $89 with the City Pass.