5 Unique Things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is a city nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand. Often referred to as the “Rose of the North”, the city is famous for its vibrant arts scene, night markets, temples, and elephant sanctuaries. As the biggest city of the North, it has an abundance of tourist attractions like Wat Chedi Luang, the Night Bazaar and Sunday Walking Street, which are all worth a visit. But what if you’re seeking something more off the beaten path? While I was living in Chiang Mai, I tried to do as many things as possible, and let me tell you: There is an abundance of unique and fun things to do in Chiang Mai. With this post, I would like to share with you might top 5 unique things to do in Chiang Mai.

Are you planning a trip to Chiang Mai and unsure about where to stay? Click here for the ultimate guide discussing neighbourhoods and accommodation in Chiang Mai!

Meditation Retreat at Wat Suan Dok

Wat Suan Dok is a temple just outside of Chiang Mai’s historical centre. Founded in the late 14th century by King Kue Na of the Lanna Kingdom, originally under the name Wat Bupparam Dok Mai, its grounds once flourished as a Royal flower garden. This is why the name Wat Suan Dok roughly translates to “temple of the flower garden.”

However, Wat Suan Dok is more than just a picturesque relic of the past. Within its compound resides the Maha Chulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya University, the nation’s oldest Buddhist institution of higher learning. Through the university, several different meditation retreats are regularly hosted at Wat Suan Dok.

Back in 2019, I was able to join a one-day meditation retreat with a monk at Wat Suan Dok. We were a group of roughly 20 people from all over the world. A monk guided us through the day and showed us different types of meditation. At the end of the day, he answered all our lingering questions about meditation, mindfulness and his life as a Buddhist monk. While I’m not an avid meditator myself I found this experience very enriching and too this day I remember it very fondly. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Chiang Mai. The meditation retreat can be booked here. On their website, I could not find any information on how much it costs but I remember that it was donation-based back in 2019.

Have a Chat with a Monk

This activity is similar to the one mentioned before and also takes place at Wat Suan Dok. Every week, Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm, you can join the “Monk Chat Program”. This program allows you to have an informal chat with a Buddhist monk and learn about the Monk’s life, Thai culture, meditation and Buddhism. This activity is ideal if you don’t have enough time to join a meditation retreat but would still like to learn more about Buddhism. It is truly an amazing opportunity you don’t come across too often. You can find more information here.

Visit Wat Umong – “The Tunnel Temple”

While Chiang Mai is full of stunning and colourful temples, Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham offers a more serene experience. I’ve probably visited over 100 temples in Thailand, but this one remains my favourite (along with Wat Tham Pha Plong in Chiang Dao). Located outside the historical centre of Chiang Mai, it is far away from the bustling city. The temple gets its tranquil atmosphere from its location inside a forest. Due to the temple’s many underground tunnels, it is also often referred to as “The Tunnel Temple”. In these tunnels, you can find many ancient Buddhist murals that provide a space for quiet meditation. There is also a little gallery of religious paintings you can marvel at.

Volunteer with FORRU and Restore the Forest

Back in 2018, I spent one day volunteering with the Forest Restoration Research Unit (FORRU) to plant trees on Doi Suthep Mountain. We were a small group consisting of locals, expats and tourists. We met at Chiang Mai University early in the morning to drive up to Doi Suthep together. We spent about 4-5 hours planting trees and learning about the reforestation efforts of FORRU. The entire activity was completely free, and FORRU even provided lunch.

Overall, it was a productive, interesting, and totally unique experience that I can only recommend to anyone who comes across this opportunity. I learnt a lot about the importance of reforestation in northern Thailand and FORRU’s meaningful conservation efforts by joining them. It’s an enriching experience that allows you to connect with nature, locals and other travellers while making a positive impact on the environment. Check their Facebook page to find out when they host their next volunteer activity.

Learn Tango and Salsa for Free at One Nimman

When you hear Tango or Salsa, you’re probably thinking of Latin America. But Thailand? While this Southeast Asian nation might not be famous for its dance,s that doesn’t mean that Thai people don’t love to dance. Once a week, One Nimman, a modern artisan shopping centre, hosts free Tango and Salsa lessons. Anyone can join – it doesn’t matter if you’ve never danced before or you’re already a professional. This is a relaxed event open to everyone. It is not only a great opportunity to learn the basics of both dances but also to connect with fellow travellers and locals.

Summary

As you can see, Chiang Mai offers many unique experiences beyond the tourist hotspots. From immersive meditation retreats to volunteering for forest restoration, there’s something for everyone. So, the next time you find yourself in the “Rose of the North,” be sure to explore these hidden gems, connect with locals and create unforgettable memories!

For more hidden gems in Chiang Mai, click here!