Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai
Beyond the temples and markets already covered in our Chiang Mai travel guide, the city has a handful of distinctive activities worth building a day around: a waterfall you can climb barefoot without slipping, free conversations with Buddhist monks, and a more low-key alternative to Bangkok’s big Muay Thai stadiums.
What Can You Do in Chiang Mai Beyond the Main Temples?
The list below covers activities distinct from the Old City temple circuit and Doi Suthep — most take a half day or less and several are free.
| Activity | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls | Nature, half-day trip | Free (transport not included) |
| Monk Chat (Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Suan Dok) | Cultural conversation | Free |
| Wat Umong (tunnel temple) | Temple, meditation grounds | Free, donations welcome |
| Muay Thai match | Spectator sport | ~500-800 THB |
| Huay Tung Tao Lake | Lakeside relaxation | ~20 THB entry |
| Art in Paradise 3D museum | Indoor attraction | Ticketed, check current pricing |
| Nimman cafe-hopping | Shopping & cafes | Free to browse |
What Is Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls?
Bua Tong, often called the “sticky waterfall,” is a mineral spring-fed waterfall about 80 to 90 minutes from Chiang Mai where the limestone deposits coat the rock in a texture grippy enough to climb barefoot, even on steep sections. Entry is free, though you will need to arrange your own transport — by rented scooter, a shared songthaew, or a day tour that often pairs it with an elephant sanctuary or jungle trek.
Sticky Waterfalls: Wikimedia Commons / CC0 · Wat Umong: Panupong Roopyai / CC BY-SA 3.0
Can You Talk to Monks in Chiang Mai?
Yes — Wat Chedi Luang in the Old City and Wat Suan Dok on Suthep Road both run free “Monk Chat” programs, where monks practice their English and visitors can ask questions about Buddhism, meditation, or monastic life. It is an unusually direct, low-key way to learn about Thai Buddhist culture that does not require booking ahead. Wat Umong, a 13th-century tunnel temple with meditation grounds set in a forest, is also worth visiting in its own right even without joining a program.
Is Watching Muay Thai in Chiang Mai Worth It?
Chiang Mai’s Muay Thai matches are smaller and more tourist-oriented than Bangkok’s major stadiums, but they are a reasonable, lower-cost way to see the sport live if you are not planning to make it to Bangkok’s bigger venues. Tickets typically run 500 to 800 THB at the city’s regular fight nights. [affiliate link: Klook or GetYourGuide — Chiang Mai Muay Thai match tickets]
Muay Thai: Dmitri Markine / CC BY 3.0
TTC Verdict: Build a half day around Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls if you want one activity outside the city that is genuinely different from anywhere else in Thailand — it is free, it is not crowded if you go early, and the barefoot climbing is the kind of thing you will actually remember.
Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls is a mineral spring-fed waterfall about 80-90 minutes from Chiang Mai. Its limestone deposits coat the rocks in a texture grippy enough to climb barefoot, and entry is free.
Yes, through free “Monk Chat” programs at Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Suan Dok, where monks practice English with visitors and answer questions about Buddhism and monastic life. No booking is required.
Chiang Mai’s matches are smaller and more tourist-oriented than Bangkok’s major stadiums, but they are a legitimate, lower-cost way to see the sport live if a Bangkok stadium is not on your itinerary.
