Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Flower Festival

Staged every year during the first weekend in February (in 2014 it was held Friday-Sunday, 7–9 February). The city is awash with vibrant colours ranging from the electric orange and lilac colours of the bougainvillea to the velvety blossoms of petunias in all shades of pink, white, and purple. The strident red of the poinsettias, bought by many at Christmas and New Year, is echoed by beds of scarlet salvias. Homes and shop owners alike line the city streets with colourful flower boxes. The sheer profusion of colour that the flower festival and carnival brings to Chiang Mai aptly gives the city its name "Rose of the North". On all three days of the festival, prize blooms are on display at Nong Buak Had Park near the city centre. Many types of flower, miniature trees and orchida are put on display for the judges to choose the best of the species. Landscape specialists put on an elaborate display, which includes patios and waterfalls with exotic decorative plants and flowers. The best part of the flower festival is on Saturday. The parade lines up from the train station to Nawarat Bridge so the police close most of Charoen Muang Rd around 08:00. The VIP viewing stand is right next to the bridge in front of the Chiang Mai Governor's home. The parade route goes up Tha Phae Rd to the gate and turns left and follows the moat to Nong Buak Had Park. The parade moves at a slow pace and stops several times so there is plenty of time to take pictures of the colourful floats, pretty girls and hill tribe people in native costume. The paraders hand out roses to spectators lining the road. When the parade finishes everyone heads to Nong Buak Had where all the floats, award-winning flower growers and landscape projects are all on display. There are plenty of food stalls in the park, and in the late afternoon the Miss Chiang Mai Flower Festival starts. The party goes well into the evening until the new Flower Festival Queen has been chosen. This is a great time to visit Chiang Mai, as the air is cool and the evenings fresh and clear. If you want to see the festival make sure you book your hotels and flights well in advance.

Loi Krathong and Yi Peng Festivals

If you like candles placed in colourful paper lanterns, fireworks, beautiful girls in traditional dress, parade floats, lots of food and parties. Don't miss the Loi Krathong festival, which in Chiang Mai lasts for 3 full days, the last night being that of the 12th full moon of the year (which is usually in Nov). In the small town of Mae Jo, north of Chiang Mai, they start the festival on Saturday night by simultaneously launching thousands upon thousands of hot air balloons called ''khom loi''. Loi Krathong coincides with the northern Thai (Lanna) festival known as "Yi Peng" (ยี่เป็ง). Due to a difference between the old Lanna calendar and the Thai calendar, Yi Peng is held on a full moon of the 2nd month of the Lanna calendar ("Yi" meaning "2nd" and "Peng" meaning "month" in the Lanna language). A multitude of Lanna-style sky lanterns (khom loi (โคมลอย), literally: "floating lanterns") are launched into the air where they drift with the winds. The festival is meant as a time for "tam-bun" (ทำบุญ), to make merit. People decorate their houses, gardens, and temples with khom fai (โคมไฟ): intricately shaped paper lanterns which take on different forms. Khom thue (โคมถือ) are lanterns which are carried around hanging from a stick, khom khwaen (โคมแขวน) are the hanging lanterns, and khom pariwat (โคมปริวรรต) which are placed at temples and which revolve due to the heat of the candle inside. Chiang Mai has the most elaborate Yi Peng celebrations, where both Loi Krathong and Yi Peng are celebrated at the same time resulting in lights floating on the waters, lights hanging from trees/buildings or standing on walls, and lights floating by in the sky.

Mae Jo Lantern Release

A huge lantern release (It is often referred to as the 10,000 lantern release, but there are not as many as that) happens near Mae Jo University on the Saturday before Loi Krathong, in 2013: 16 Nov. The DMC Buddhist Sect puts this on and though it is billed as "for local people" this event has no connection with Chiang Mai or Lanna events, and is not promoted by local government officials nor included in their program. The lantern release takes place at the end of a ceremony that begins at 18:30, with the release at 20:00. The event is free of charge, but respectful attire is required and alcohol is forbidden. A tourist-targeted event (which costs about 3,000 baht) occurs in the same location on the following weekend.

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Tennis

There are many places to play tennis in Chiang Mai: [http://www.chiengmaigymkhana.com/index.php?md=tn ''Gymkhana Club''] (Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd); ''Chiang Mai Land Village'' (Chiang Mai Land Rd); [http://www.imperialhotels.com/chiangmai ''Imperial Chiang Mai Resort & Sports Club''] (284 Moo 3, Don Kaew, Mae Rim); ''Lanna Sports Club'' (Chotana Rd); ''Palm Springs'' (120 Moo 5, Mahidol Rd); and ''Chiang Mai Sports Complex'' (700 Year Stadium, Irrigation Canal Rd, Rte 121 to Mae Rim), which has 12 courts. All courts are bookable in advance and at most flood lighting makes it possible to play in the evening when it is cooler. There is an additional charge to cover the cost of electricity.

Songkran Festival

The Thai Water Festival is celebrated as the Thai new year from 13-15 Apr (though it may begin a day or two early). The most obvious sign that you're in the middle of the festival is when you get soaked by someone pouring a bucket of water over you, or squirting you with a water gun. This tradition evolved from people tossing water that had been poured over holy statues, since this water was expected to be good luck. Now, it takes the form of a free-for-all water fight, and you will undoubtedly be drenched. It's also a way of staying cool during the very hot and humid month of April. Put your mobile phone in a plastic bag.

Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts Festival

Takes place around the third weekend of Jan at Ban Bo Sang, Sankampang. The festival is in the form of a "street fair" in which the central road of the village is used, with shops on both sides. Shops are decorated in Lanna-style, most with the well-known umbrellas, as well as with traditional lanterns. In addition there are contests, exhibitions, cultural performances, local entertainment, and assorted shows day and night. There is a grand procession decorated with umbrellas and local products, a variety of handicrafts for sale, northern-style khantoke meals and the Miss Bo Sang pageant.

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The Playhouse Complex

Start your evening with a unique dining experience in Kinnaree Park. Set in an eco-friendly environment, surrounded by mountains and waterfalls offering a real Lanna experience with traditional dance and a delicious northern Thai buffet before entering the theatre adjacent to the restaurant. The 350-seat capacity theatre hosts two shows per day at 20:00 and 22:00. Presenting ''Sequins & Dance'', a fun and happy performance of wholesome entertainment that's full of sparkle, movement, and emotion. Performed by 30 Thai performers, it is exciting. Family, individual or group bookings welcome.

Adult, 1,000 baht; child, 500 baht. Including Thai buffet (Saturdays): adult, 1,300 baht; child, 650 baht.

Rock Climbing

Approximately 55 km east of Chiang Mai is Crazy Horse Buttress, a 60 m, orange- and black-streaked monolith jutting out of the green Mae On Valley. Crazy Horse boasts more than 130 bolted routes between (French system) grades 5 and 8a, which makes it an ideal destination for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Spend several days exploring every part of the crag, or just spend a day or an afternoon above ground as a break from exploring the magnificent caves of the region. Climbing guides and information are available from Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures.

Fah Lanna Massage

A small and very cosy massage shop close to the Iron Bridge. Clean, friendly and professional, Fah Lanna gets consistently high ratings in customer reviews. First, customers get a gentle foot-bath with scrub and comfortable clothes to change into and after the massage they are offered ginger tea and a cold towel. The decor and the background music are beautiful and add to the experience. After collecting 10 stamps (1 stamp per 1 hour treatment) they give a free massage. Massages are excellent, the prices seem to have increased due to its success.

186/3 Loi Kroh Rd

600+ baht

Yoga

The diversity of yoga studios in Chiang Mai rounds out the image of Chiang Mai as a centre for massage training, healing, and spas. Yoga studios such as [http://www.freedomyogachiangmai.org Freedom Yoga], [http://www.wildroseyoga.org Wild Rose Yoga], [http://www.yogachiangmaithailand.com Sattva Yoga], [http://tantrayogathailand.com Mahasidda Yoga], [http://www.kaomailanna.com/yoga/yoga_home.php Kaomai Lanna], and the [http://www.thesparesorts.net/chiangmai/yoga Spa Resort] for residential yoga retreats all are worthy of your patronage.

Viang Ping Massage and Spa

Very clean and well-run business, professionally run by Fern, manager-proprietor. All massages based on the Lanna, northern Thai-style, using pressure points and energy lines. Homemade coconut oil and natural facial, body scrub, and wrap products. Fern also teaches massage and spa services to individuals or occasionally to small groups. Loyalty cards for regular customers, free massage after 10 visits. Thai and oil massage courses, also spa courses.

2/4 Tha Phae Rd, Soi 2

Prices average 200 baht for Thai, foot, or head and shoulder massages. 250 baht for oil massages.

Waterfalls and Natural Pools

The pools at the bottom of the waterfalls are not really big enough for swimming, but are a great place to cool off at the height of summer. During the dry season some of the waterfalls dry up. Head for the high ground and you will still find pools full of fresh water. There are usually quite a few students hanging out there from the nearby university, who will happily practice their English conversational skills with you.

Free

Backstreet Academy

Offers many alternative experiences with locals, including things like glass blowing workshop, scrap metal welding workshop, silversmithing class, fishing with locals and many more. An award-winning social enterprise based throughout Southeast Asia connecting you with highly skilled artisans and locals who will show you something different. Great for those looking for something different and fans of community tourism.

Various locations

Cricket

Northern Thailand may seem an odd place to find an international cricket tournament. Every year since 1988 more than 200 cricketers from around the world gather at Chiang Mai for the tournament. The week-long tournament for amateur players, with a sprinkling of test stars, it is held at the historic Chiang Mai Gymkhana Club, generally at the start of April.

Seven Hundred Year Stadium

A huge sports complex built for the SE Asia Games, held in Chiang Mai in the early 1990s, and now a public sports and recreation centre. The pool is sanitised using chlorine. Membership is required but it's open to anyone. It costs 300 baht/year and you have to provide two passport-size pictures. Single entry is 30 baht after that.

Wed-Sun 10:00-12:00 and 13:30-17:45

Green Bamboo Massage

A small, charming studio in a typical wooden Thai house located inside the moat. The staff are trained in Thai massage therapy. Also offers individual daily or weekly courses in traditional Thai massage, Thai yoga massage, Tok Sen massage and Thai oil massage. Seminars are run by Ms Mesa, a certified and experienced masseuse.

1 Moon Muang Rd, Soi 1

200+ baht/hour

Major Cineplex

Ticket prices depend on the duration of the film and seat type. Honeymoon seats generally cost 40 baht more than standard seats. If you would like to avoid the crowd, avoid going on Thursday, Friday or Saturday nights. Make sure to check the language of the film prior to booking. Some children's movies are dubbed into Thai.

Airport Plaza

120-260 baht

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Golfing

Chiang Mai is one of the great golfing destinations in Thailand. The beautiful mountain backdrop, the unrivaled services and affordable green fees made golfing here quite an impressive experience. There is The Annual Chiang Mai Golf Festival during May to June, when almost every golf courses offer very cheap green fees.

Wat Ram Poeng

Facilities for retreats and meditation instruction. Ten-day minimum stay required for introduction to Vipassana meditation techniques. English-speaking monks are available to assist foreigners. For non-native English speakers, long-term students from your home country may be available to offer translation services.

Suthep Rd

Aerobics

Aerobics sessions are held in the car park of Tesco Lotus on the superhighway every weekday from 17:30. The sessions are very popular and tourists or visitors to Chiang Mai are welcomed. Regular water aerobics classes, incorporating Tai Chi and yoga exercises, are held at the Centre of the Universe Swimming Pool.

Green Dragon Tai Chi Center and Personal Training

Offers customized weekend courses for health and relaxation, especially for beginners, in Tai Chi, Qi Gong, the 18 Movements, the 8 brocates/Shaolin style, 24 Yang Form, 108 Yang Form old frame, Inner Qi Gong after grandmaster Zhi-Chang-Li and standing meditation after Grand Master Frankie Dow (Chan Kwaan Chung).

459/4 Nong Hoi

Air's Thai Culinary Kitchen

On 1.6 acres of the tranquil, landscaped grounds of a private house. The kitchen's unique design draws from professional experience and is purpose-built and surrounded by herb and spice gardens. Offers Course A and Course B. Each is 3 days in length, 08:30-15:00. Free transport to/from hotel.

9/1 Nongprateep Rd

2,700 baht

Thai Cottage Cookery School

Participants learn 5 dishes in a full day, including making curry paste from scratch, 800 baht. 3-course half-day courses are available, 600 baht. Market tour and cook book included. Modifications for vegetarians are easily made. Tu and Kat are excellent teachers and a lot of fun.

25/2 Ratchadamnoen Rd, Soi 1

600-800 baht

Inthakin or Tham Boon Khan Dok

City Pillar Festival in Chiang Mai. This is a six-day festival where the city pillar spirits are propitiated to ensure the continuity of the city. Occurs in May or Jun as part of the Northern Thailand lunar calendar. Very large event focused around Wat Chedi Luang.

Let's Relax

Does professional massage in a very clean surroundings complete with air-con, the sound of running water and gentle scents. A 45-minute foot reflexology session costs 350 baht, nearly twice the price of the competition, but is worth every satang after a long trek.

Extreme Sports Centre

Kiwi-run business, totally buttoned-down and professional. Bungy jumping; off-road buggies; dirt bikes; paintball; indoor drift carts; Xorb ball; sports bar and restaurant. Transport available from Chiang Mai at 09:30, 13:00, 15:00.

816 Moo 1, Rim Thai, Mae Rim

Daily, 09:00-18:00

Football (soccer)

Go watch the local football team, Chiang Mai FC, play at 700 Year Stadium. Fixtures and info in English or visit the Red Lion English Pub in the Night Bazaar two hours before the game to get a free ride (nearly always available).

Sompet Cookery School

Learn to cook traditional Thai food at a riverside home. Daily courses, morning and afternoon. A recipe book with colour photographs provided for each dish, suggesting many ways to prepare and serve Thai food.

56 Patan Rd,

Mountain Biking

Just west of Chiang Mai lies the beautiful Doi Suthep National Park, its summit at 1,650 m, 1,300 m above the valley floor. Chiang Mai Mountain Biking runs daily downhill trips and nature cross country rides.

8Adventures

Created by a group of adventurers that includes two-time world champion kayaker Eric Southwic, they offer world class rafting and kayaking tours, ATV, SuP and trekking. Pick-ups daily from Chiang Mai.

21/22 Moo 2 Soi 2 Thorakamanakom, Chang Puak, Muang Chiang Mai

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Centre of the Universe Swimming Pool and Resort

Open to tourists and other visitors. There are 3 swimming pools and decks. A detailed map and directions in Thai and English can be printed from their website. The pool is sanitised using salt water.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

The International Buddhist Centre offers short and long residential courses in Vipassana meditation in English. A brand new centre, including accommodation and a vitara (chanting hall), is now open.

A Lot Of Thai Cooking School

A family-run home cooking class, taught by the owner. Vegetarians and people with any kind of food restrictions welcome. Courses includes a market tour and a recipe book is provided for later use.

Hotel Pools

Some up-market hotels such as The Orchid on Huay Kaew Rd allow non-guests to use their pools for a fee. Travelling time from the city centre is around 10 min. These are sanitised using chlorine.

Mae Ping River Cruise

Two hour cruise with a refreshment stop at a Thai farmer's house. Hotel pick-up. Be aware that the Mae Ping is a grotty, slow-flowing stream the colour of greenish khaki with nondescript banks.

133 Charoen Pratet Rd

08:30-17:00

450 baht

Chiang Mai Vista Cinema

Ticket prices vary depending on the duration of the film. The place is not very popular among the locals since it is a bit old and worn. Most showings are in Thai, only a few a day in English.

80-120 baht

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Sun Massage

Very clean and pleasant modern decor. The masseuses are very friendly, and provide decent, skilled massages. There is a table in front of the shop where the masseuses often hang out when idle.

Loi Kroh Rd, opposite 7-11

Traditional Thai massage, 199 baht/hour.

Le'Lux Massage

Excellent staff and ambience. Services include Thai massage (150 baht/hr), oil massage (200 baht/hr), scrubs, manicure (150 baht), pedicure (150 baht) and more. Tea and water are included.

Siam Rice Thai Cookery School

Friendly and knowledgeable staff provide a course on local and traditional recipes. The course includes a market tour and provides you with the recipes for the dishes that you create.

Life Events Shamanic Studies

Provides spiritual consultations, shamanistic initiation workshops and meditation retreats in English and Russian. An initial one-on-one consultation is held before attending events.

SEE TEFL 4 week TEFL certification course

SEE TEFL offers a standard 4 week, 120 hour TEFL Certification course. TEFL certification is required for many English teaching positions in Thailand and throughout the world.

86/2 Kaew Nawarat Rd

USD1,295 with USD200 Early Bird discount (prices in USD, can be paid in THB)

Alliance Francaise

Screens French films, but frequently sub-titled in English. See the website for calendar of showings. The alliance also has an extensive library as well as exhibitions.

138 Charoen Prathet Rd

W nights, 19:30

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Kiyora Spa

Kiyora is a provider of Thai-Lanna massage modalities incorporated with Western massage techniques. Price of a massage includes transport service within the city.

Chang Moi Road Soi 2

10:00-22:00

800+ baht

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Classic Home Cooking

Choose any dish from more than 50 dishes on their menu. 6 dishes per day for morning class and 4 dishes for evening class. The cooking class runs every day.

Wat Suan Dok

Has a meet-and-greet for tourists and monks, every M W F afternoon between 17:00 and 19:00. Offers a 24-hr introductory meditation retreat on Tuesdays.

Suthep Rd

Hypnotherapy Chiang Mai

Personal therapy using hypnosis. Hypnotherapy sessions by appointment with Nick, a member of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis.

Wat Umong

Offers meditation courses and dharma instruction in English by Phra Charles every Sunday at 15:00. Please call only from 08:30-16:00.

Suthep Rd

08:30-16:00

Chiang Mai Land Swimming Pool

Open to the public. It has a pool deck and also has a restaurant and pool-side service. The pool is sanitised using chlorine.

Adults, 50 baht; children, 30 baht

Thai Massage Conservation Club

Massage is performed by blind masseurs, who speak (some) English. They offer traditional Thai as well as oil massage.

99 Ratchamanka Rd

Daily, 08:00 - 21:00

Oil massage 300 baht/hour

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Grandma's Thai Recipes

Traditional Thai cooking instruction. Vegetarian-friendly. Restaurant and booking office located near Tha Phae Gate.

48 Chaiyapoom Rd

Wat Chom Tong

The home temple of the meditation master, Achan Tong. Offers residential courses in Vipassana meditation..

Ban Luang, Chom Tong

Reiki Chiang Mai

Usui Reiki workshops and treatments. Small intimate groups with an 8th-generation Reiki master/teacher.

Nantana Massage

Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Air-con. Oil, foot and neck/shoulder massage available.

Thai massage, 150 baht/hour

Chiang Mai Kayaking

Offers guided kayaking tours in the surrounding area for both beginners and experienced.

1 Samlan Road

Smart Cook Thai Cookery School

Market tour, cook book. Accommodates vegetarian cooking. Small classes and fun staff.

21 Moon Muang Rd, Soi 5

Peak Adventure Tour

Offers 10 km rafting trips that can be combined with elephant riding or ATV driving.

302/4 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd

Gap's School Of Thai Culinary Art

High standards, well organised, your own stove, 1 teacher per 5 students.

3 Ratchadamnoen Rd, Soi 4

Baan Thai Cookery School

Courses include a cookbook and market tour. Day or evening classes.

11 Ratchadamnoen Rd, Soi 5

700-900 baht

Wat Sam Pao

Just inside the south gate to the compound on your left.

1 hr: Thai massage, 130 baht; foot massage, 130 baht; oil massage, 300 baht

The Lake at Huay Tung Tao

A reservoir in surrounding woodlands.

Admission, 20 baht.

Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School

Offers 1-2-3-4-5-day courses.

1-3 Moon Muang Rd

990 baht for 1 day course