Chiang Mai tours

Things to do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai offers a quiet refuge, a place where history and spirituality gently intertwine. Imagine strolling through streets where the scent of jasmine lingers, and temple bells punctuate the silence. Your local guide invites you to delve deeper with Chiang Mai tours designed to uncover its subtleties: private tours that guide you through bustling night markets or a walking tour that reveals the thoughtful architecture of Wat Phra Singh. Here, artisans share their crafts, and a food and wine tour introduces you to the distinct flavours of the north. Your guide ensures that you bypass the busy queues, offering insights into this cultural haven that only a local can provide. Chiang Mai is not just a destination; it's a narrative of serenity and tradition. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Chiang Mai. Explore Chiang Mai your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Chiang Mai tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Chiang Mai for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Head into Doi Inthanon with a private guide for early-morning birding on the Ang Ka boardwalk and a stop at Wachirathan Falls, or spend an ethical day at a Mae Wang elephant sanctuary where you help prepare food and walk beside the herd, no riding. Religious Sites tours: Catch sunrise at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to hear monks chant before exploring Wat Chedi Luang’s towering chedi and nearby Wat Phra Singh, with your guide covering temple etiquette and meaning behind the rituals. History tours: Walk the Old City walls from Tha Phae Gate to the moat’s corners, then continue to the Lanna Folklife Museum, or ride a small local tram through the 13th‑century ruins of Wiang Kum Kam a few kilometres south of town. Getting around: The Old City is walkable, but many temples, markets, and mountain sites sit farther out; you’ll use songthaews, tuk‑tuks, or ride‑hail, and you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to arrange private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Chiang Mai inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Chiang Mai on a private walking tour to dive into its unique neighborhoods with the help of a local guide, ensuring an enriched experience. - Old City: Surrounded by ancient walls and moats, this area is perfect for cultural tourists. Discover temples, bustling markets, and a blend of traditional and modern life. It’s a fascinating place for those wanting to delve into history and culture. - Nimmanhaemin: Known for its trendy vibe, this neighborhood is ideal for younger visitors and families. With chic cafes, art galleries, and boutiques, it's a vibrant area that offers a contemporary taste of Chiang Mai. - Riverside: Along the Ping River, this area offers a more laid-back scene with charming riverside restaurants and bars. It's wonderful for multi-generational groups looking to relax and enjoy the local cuisine and music in a scenic setting. Day trip ideas from Chiang Mai If you’re in Chiang Mai and have a free day, branch out to nearby cities, mountains, and craft towns that sit an easy drive away, using day trips or private tours so you shape the route and the time you spend at each stop. Chiang Rai: Head about 200 kilometres north for bold temple design and calm streets, pairing the White Temple, the vivid Blue Temple, and the Black House with a coffee farm stop and a walk by the Kok River; if you like art, colour, and modern spins on sacred spaces, this city fits, and your tour can lean more to photography, markets, or cafes. Doi Inthanon National Park: Chase cooler air at Thailand’s highest peak, with short forest boardwalks near the summit, the twin pagodas, and easy stops at Wachirathan and Sirithan waterfalls; hikers and bird lovers get plenty of trail time in season, while food fans can add a roadside market visit for hill produce and simple noodle bowls. Chiang Dao and Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall: Explore Chiang Dao’s cave temple and limestone cliffs, then continue to the “sticky” limestone at Bua Tong where you can climb the rock without slipping, a fun geology lesson in real life; go this way if caves, viewpoints, and light adventure are your thing, and set your tour to keep the cave short or add a longer forest walk. Lampang: A quieter Lanna city about 1.5 hours away, known for teak houses, riverside lanes, and the standout Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, plus ceramic workshops that show why this area fills so many Thai kitchens; choose this if you enjoy history, woodwork, and old-town streets that still feel local. Bo Sang and San Kamphaeng Crafts: Stay close to Chiang Mai with a loop through umbrella painters in Bo Sang and silver, silk, and celadon studios along San Kamphaeng Road, then ease into a foot soak at the hot springs; hands-on types can try simple workshops, shoppers can focus on quality pieces, and food fans can fold in street snacks and a bowl of khao soi. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Chiang Mai most travellers miss.