15 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Chiang Mai (From a Local)
Discover the best non-touristy things to do in Chiang Mai, from hidden gems to authentic local experiences that go beyond the typical tourist path.
If you’re looking to explore a different side of Chiang Mai, away from the typical tourist attractions, this guide is for you. My Thai aunt, who lives in Chiang Mai, showed us the hidden gems that locals love—places that tourists often overlook. Instead of the usual spots, she took us to places where Thai people would bring their own guests, offering a true taste of local life and hospitality.
In this guide, we’ll take you beyond the crowds to uncover 15 non-touristy things to do in Chiang Mai. These lesser-known attractions provide a more authentic experience for those seeking something beyond the major hot spots.
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Quick List: The Best Non Touristy Places in Chiang Mai
- Ginger Farm
- Wiang Kum Kam
- Baan Tawai Woodcarving Village
- Royal Rose Garden
- Loha Prasat Sri Mueang Pong
- Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
- The Canopy Walks
- Tweechol Botanical Garden
- Siam Insect Zoo
- Big C
- Huay Tueng Thao Reservoir
- Liberate Coffee Roastery
- The Market at the Faculty of Agriculture
- Kadmanee Night Market
- Kad Farang Village
The Essentials for Chiang Mai off the Tourist Path
🚐 Public transportation in Chiang Mai is less accessible compared to Bangkok. Most tourists get around by tuk-tuks, “Thai-style” buses, or taxis.
👋🏻 For convenient travel, download the Grab or Bolt app—these are the most popular and reliable ride-sharing apps in Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai.
🛕 While there are a few notable temples to visit, don’t feel compelled to see too many unless you’re an enthusiast. Temples, particularly those in the Old City, can become overcrowded with tourists.
🐅 Chiang Mai offers several “tourist-oriented” attractions, such as the Tiger Kingdom, various Elephant Sanctuaries, and the Coconut Market. If you’re seeking authentic experiences, be cautious of these, as they can be unethical, overpriced, and lack uniqueness.
💸 Cash is essential for non-touristy places in Chiang Mai. Consider using a travel money card like Wise, which doesn’t charge ATM fees worldwide, to make withdrawals more convenient and cost-effective.
⛑ Get Quotes for Travel Insurance
Protect your trip to Chiang Mai with travel insurance.
Top 15 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Chiang Mai
1. Ginger Farm
The Ginger Farm offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city, perfect for both children and adults. This charming farm specializes in growing ginger and other organic herbs, and visitors can enjoy a guided tour to learn about the cultivation process. There’s even a classroom-like experience for kids, complete with a playground, birds, and farm animals.
Don’t miss the chance to indulge in delicious homemade meals (and fun cocktails!) made with ingredients grown right on the farm—it’s a truly wholesome experience set in the countryside of the city.
2. Wiang Kum Kam
The ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam dates back to the 13th century. Often overlooked by tourists due to its location just south of the city, it turned out to be one of the most fascinating religious sites we visited.
The historical site offers a quiet exploration of ancient ruins, temples, remnants of a walled city, and intricately carved structures. It’s a serene spot where you can stroll through lush greenery and learn about the region’s history without the usual crowds.
Additionally, it’s easily explored with a motorized guided tour due to its vastness, so you don’t have to wander in the heat. You can simply hop on and off as you please throughout the tour of the complex.
3. Baan Tawai Woodcarving Village
At first, Baan Tawai Woodcarving Village seemed like just another tourist trap designed to attract souvenir hunters. However, upon visiting, we found it had a surprisingly different and peaceful atmosphere. We went on a Sunday, and we were among the few people there, which added to the charm.
Just outside of Chiang Mai, Baan Tawai is a hidden gem known for its intricate woodcarvings and talented artisans. The village is home to numerous workshops where you can watch craftsmen create stunning sculptures, furniture, and decorative pieces from wood.
It’s an excellent place to shop for unique souvenirs, support local artisans, and gain insight into traditional Thai craftsmanship. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that many locals, including people who own homes in Chiang Mai, visit the village for decor and furniture.
4. Royal Rose Garden
The Royal Rose Garden is a tranquil, beautifully landscaped retreat nestled in the jungle of Doi Suthep National Park. It’s perfect for garden lovers, anyone seeking a peaceful escape, or those in search of a surprisingly underrated meal.
The restaurant offers “farm-to-table” dishes made with their own homemade products, allowing guests to dine at outdoor tables surrounded by the lush beauty of the garden.
The park features a stunning collection of roses in full bloom, alongside other vibrant flowers and lush greenery. It’s a serene place to take a leisurely walk, relax by the ponds, or simply enjoy the fragrant surroundings.
Visitors can also explore the traditional Thai architecture that enhances the charm of the garden, making it a fantastic spot for both relaxation and photography.
5. Loha Prasat Sri Mueang Pong
Loha Prasat Sri Mueang Pong is a unique and lesser-known temple in Chiang Mai. This modern, bright white temple stands out with its striking metal spires and a blend of Thai and Burmese architectural styles.
While the road leading up to the temple is incredibly steep, making for a sweaty hike, you can opt for a shared taxi ride to the top for just a couple of dollars—though be prepared for a rollercoaster-like drive with some nerve-wracking twists and turns.
The temple’s modern design sets it apart from others in Chiang Mai, offering a fresh and different experience. Despite its newness, it remains a peaceful and less-crowded spot, perfect for reflection and stunning photographs.
6. Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
Another often-overlooked gem along the Doi Suthep Mountain route is the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden. This beautiful, expansive space is dedicated to the conservation of Thailand’s native flora.
The garden offers a peaceful haven, featuring lush landscapes, serene walking trails, and vibrant plant species from across the country. Visitors can explore various themed areas, including tropical and temperate zones, as well as stunning orchid gardens.
Admission is unsurprisingly well priced, typically less than 100 THB for adults and free for children, making it an affordable and rewarding destination for nature lovers.
7. The Canopy Walks
Located next to the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, the Canopy Walk offers a thrilling and scenic experience high above the forest floor. This suspended walkway stretches through the treetops, providing stunning views of the surrounding jungle and offering a unique perspective on the local ecosystem.
It feels as though you’re walking directly among the trees, and as you stroll above the lush greenery, you may spot various wildlife, including birds and butterflies. While it’s a delightful adventure for nature lovers, be prepared for the occasional mishap—like our experience, when my daughter got stung by a bee! Womp womp.
The Canopy Walk is an easy and accessible way to immerse yourself in the area’s beauty without a strenuous hike, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the botanic garden.
8. Tweechol Botanical Garden
Tweechol Botanical Garden is a low-key gem, perfect for those looking to enjoy a peaceful day immersed in nature. The expansive garden features beautifully manicured landscapes, tranquil ponds, diverse plant species, and even some animals, making it a great spot for a leisurely walk, bicycle ride, or golf cart tour.
We opted for a bicycle rental with a child’s seat, allowing us to cover as much ground as possible without walking for hours.
Visitors can explore various themed areas, including flower gardens, cactus collections, and tropical plant zones. There’s even a section where they cultivate houseplants for sale, offering a fascinating “behind the scenes” glimpse into the process.
The garden is well-maintained, less crowded than other botanical gardens, and features unique landscape-style art, with various characters created from carefully trimmed bushes.
9. Siam Insect Zoo
Siam Insect Zoo is a fascinating and educational stop for visitors curious about the world of insects (spoiler alert: Thailand has a lot of them!). This interactive zoo showcases a wide variety of bugs, from exotic butterflies to giant beetles and tarantulas.
Visitors can learn about the life cycles, behaviors, and ecological importance of these creatures through informative displays and hands-on experiences. The zoo also features live insect exhibits and allows you to safely handle some of the critters—including iguanas—making it an engaging and unique experience for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
10. Big C
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found grocery stores to be one of the most interesting places to visit while traveling. They provide the most direct insight into what it’s like to live in a place, since this is where locals shop for their everyday needs.
If you’re looking to experience a destination like a local, a trip to Big C is a non-touristy must. This popular supermarket chain is a true staple in Thailand, and some of their stores are absolutely massive, filled with unique products you won’t find anywhere else.
Walking through the aisles feels almost like a museum visit, with every section offering a glimpse into local culture, food trends, and everyday life. Whether you’re browsing for exotic snacks, fresh produce, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Big C quickly gives you a local experience.
11. Huay Tueng Thao Reservoir
Huay Tueng Thao Reservoir is a picturesque spot, perfect for a relaxing day by the water. We dined at one of the unique restaurants located right on the water, housed in wooden huts built directly over the reservoir with fish swimming beneath you.
The experience is unlike any other in Chiang Mai—there are no chairs; instead, you take off your shoes and sit comfortably on the floor to enjoy your meal. The huts often don’t have a menu, so you can ask for recommendations or simply order what the table next to you is enjoying.
It’s common to see people lounging and even napping at the table after a big meal, making it a truly laid-back and local experience.
12. Liberate Coffee Roastery
Liberate Coffee Roastery is a charming little coffee shop nestled in the suburbs of Chiang Mai. Like other local roasteries, this one takes pride in overseeing the entire coffee process, from growing the beans on their own plantation to roasting them in-house. Think of it as a boutique hotel, but in coffee shop form!
What sets this place apart is not only the fantastic classic coffee and unique flavors such as “Vietnamese egg” (condensed milk and egg yolks). The café offers a peaceful atmosphere with views of a nearby rice field, and it’s made even more inviting by the friendly presence of pet cats and birds.
It’s a perfect spot for coffee lovers looking to experience something truly local and special—especially compared to the overpriced, mediocre coffee often found in Chiang Mai’s Old City.
13. The Market at the Faculty of Agriculture
The Market at the Faculty of Agriculture of Chiang Mai University is a hidden gem, especially for those looking to explore fresh, high-quality produce.
On one visit, we were in the mood for some mangoes, even though it wasn’t exactly mango season. My aunt, knowing the best local spots to search through, took us to this unexpected market.
It seemed like an obvious yet non-obvious place to find great produce—after all, who knows better about fresh, local fruits than the experts at the Faculty of Agriculture?
The market is filled with an impressive selection of fruits and vegetables, all grown and sold with a focus on quality and sustainability. It’s a wonderful place to shop for fresh, seasonal goods while supporting local agriculture.
14. Kadmanee Night Market
Kadmanee Night Market offers a refreshing alternative to the more crowded tourist hotspots like Anusarn Market or Chang Phuak Gate Night Market. With fewer tourists, it provides a more relaxed and authentic experience for those wanting to explore Chiang Mai’s local market scene.
The market boasts a variety of stalls, but it’s especially worth visiting for its delicious street food specialties. You can leisurely stroll through without waiting in ridiculously long lines, sampling tasty local dishes and discovering unique items without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. If you’re looking for a quieter, more local night market experience, Kadmanee is definitely worth a visit.
15. Kad Farang Village
It might seem counterintuitive to visit an expat village as part of a non-touristy experience in Chiang Mai, but that’s exactly the point—many tourists have no idea this odd little place even exists, and only expats know about it!
As we walked through the strip mall area, we were thrown into what felt like an alternative universe. It’s home to familiar brands like Starbucks, Auntie Anne’s, a burrito joint, and even a bagel shop, making it feel more like a slice of the West than a part of Chiang Mai.
The term “farang” is commonly used in Thailand to refer to foreigners, and Kad Farang Village is packed with them. The big grocery store here was almost like stepping into a store back in the U.S., with typical brands and products—and, yes, you could even pre-order a Thanksgiving Butterball turkey.
It’s a quirky and unexpected stop for those looking to see a different side of Chiang Mai.
Map of Non-Touristy Places in Chiang Mai
Tips for Finding More Non-Touristy Things to Do in Chiang Mai
- Investigate local reviews on Google Maps: One of the easiest yet most overlooked ways to discover what locals eat and do is by reading Google Maps reviews. You may notice users with a “Local Guide” badge—click on their profiles to explore the places they’ve visited and enjoyed. I’ve uncovered some amazing spots simply by using this approach!
- Strike up a conversation: Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from someone in Chiang Mai. If your waiter speaks English, ask where they like to go on their days off or what they think is a must-see in the city. While this isn’t foolproof, when it works, it can lead you to experiences that will become your most memorable moments of the trip!
- Don’t stay in the town center: Book accommodations outside the typical tourist areas and away from the city center. This will encourage you to explore more authentic corners of Chiang Mai—places where locals go to dine, shop for groceries, or buy crafts for their homes.
Where to Stay In Chiang Mai Other Than Old City
🛌 Rice Barn And Rooms: Pool, garden and on-site coffee bar.
Fabulous 8.9 · 200+ reviews
🛌 Chandra Residence: 5-star property, beautiful design and perfect for couples.
Exceptional 9.7 · 70+ reviews
🛌 Golden Teak Home Resort: Teak-made house operated by a family with outstanding hospitality.
Superb 9.1 · 50+ reviews
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- Authentic Experiences in Luang Prabang, Laos
- Easy Ways to Be a Traveller and Not a Tourist
- The Best Places to Eat in Chiang Mai (By a Local Guide)
- Packing List: Southeast Asia With Kids
Travel Resources for Chiang Mai
☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage
✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com
🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com
🚊 TRAINS, BUSES, FERRIES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio
🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago
📞 ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
