7 Days in Chiang Mai: Things to Do, See, and Eat

7 Days in Chiang Mai

I can’t believe I’ve been staying in Chiang Mai for six months by the time I’m writing this – time flies. This beautiful city in Northern Thailand has grown on me in the best way. Every time I post about the cafes I visit, the places I explore, or the delicious food I discover on Instagram, my DMs are filled with friends asking for Chiang Mai recommendations. A few have even come to visit me here – including my parents, and a few are coming in the next month.

So, since I already have this website, I thought I might as well put everything together in one place for anyone planning a trip here. If you’ve been to Bangkok and are wondering how different Chiang Mai is, it feels like a different side of Thailand. It’s quieter, slower-paced, and much more affordable I’d say, with plenty of amazing food, cute cafes, nature escapes that are very close to the city, and fun local experiences. So here’s my guide to what you can expect from a week-long holiday in Chiang Mai – though in my opinion, a week is not enough. Also, this is not a day-by-day itinerary, so you have the freedom to pick and choose what you’d like to do.

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Exploring the Old City

The Old City sits right within the “square” area you’ll see on the city map, making it super easy to navigate. It’s packed with restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, and hotels, so there’s always something around every corner. You can even walk around the entire square and visit all four gates. I did it for fun and measured it – the full loop is about 6.7km. It’s a great way to slowly explore the city, especially on your first day, while getting a feel for Chiang Mai’s charm.

Here are a few restaurants in Old City that I like:

Kat’s Kitchen: A popular Thai restaurant (super busy in high season)
Sanjan: The only Indonesian restaurant in Chiang Mai
Kai Wan: Tom Yum restaurant
Kati: A western breakfast and brunch spot (super busy in high season)
SP Chicken: Grilled chicken and Thai food

Chang Phueak, one of the four gates in the Old City

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

There are many beautiful temples here, but this Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the city’s unofficial “you have been to Chiang Mai” landmark. Sitting on top of Doi Suthep mountain, this iconic temple famous for its golden pagoda, beautiful details, and incredible views overlooking the city. I have written a complete article on how to get there, including the different transport options, so check that out if you’re planning your visit. Definitely worth adding to your Chiang Mai itinerary.

Read here: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai: 4 Things to Know

The beautiful Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Local Markets, obviously

I mean, you can’t really go to Thailand without visiting the markets, right? There are so many different ones to explore, and they’re great places to find interesting local handmade products too. But whenever I go to a market, I’m there for the food! I’ve put together a list of markets you can visit, along with their opening days and times, so you can plan your itinerary and figure out which market to visit on which day (aren’t I nice? Hehehe).

Read here: Chiang Mai Food Markets – 8 Popular Spots to Eat

The relaxing ambiance at Coconut Market

Cooking Class

I don’t cook, and I don’t like cooking – I’m really not that person, lol. But did I enjoy making Thai curries, Pad Thai, and Tom Yum? I surprisingly did! I probably wouldn’t have joined if it wasn’t for my parents convincing me, but it turned out to be such a fun experience. You can usually find cooking school options in brochures at travel agencies, but the one we chose was called Smile Organic Farm.

It was 900 baht per person for four dishes plus one curry paste that we learned how to make from scratch. They picked us up from our accommodation, took us to the farm, and prepared all the ingredients for us, so all we had to do was cook (and try not to mess it up – which I kinda did). The portions were huge for me and my parents, and we ended up with so much food that we had to take some home. Coming from someone who rarely steps into the kitchen, I can confidently recommend this experience.

My parents making Phat Kaphrao in the cooking class

Baan Kang Wat

I really love this place! Baan Kang Wat is a charming little art village where you can browse handmade crafts and join workshops like ceramics, jewellery making, painting, and other creative activities. You can meet local artists, shop for unique art pieces, and have lunch. If you haven’t tried Northern Thailand’s signature dish, Khao Soi, there’s a popular spot here serving a really delicious bowl (although there are plenty of other restaurants and coffee shops to explore too).

You can easily spend a few hours here just wandering around without a plan – eat, shop, discover little creative corners, or simply relax in the lovely garden area in the middle of the village. It’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy Chiang Mai’s creative side.

⏰ Opening Hour: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm

📍Google Map: Baan Kang Wat

One of the workshops you can do at Baan Kang Wat

Nature and Adventure

You can easily escape to nearby hills and waterfalls like Mae Sa Waterfall or Huay Kaew Waterfall, perfect for a quick nature break without going too far. For something more scenic, drive up to Doi Inthanon National Park, the highest point in Thailand, where you can enjoy cooler weather, viewpoints, and beautiful nature walks through forests and waterfalls. If you’re staying closer to the city, the famous Monk’s Trail near Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a great little hike that takes you through the jungle up to a peaceful temple stop. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and calm, all within reach of Chiang Mai.

Beautiful Maeya waterfall

Massage…as many times as possible

After all the sightseeing, adventures, and 10K steps a day, every single day, you definitely deserve a good Thai massage. Actually, you don’t even need to wait until the end of your trip. You can have as many as you want because they’re affordable and pretty great almost anywhere, even the random little spots. From just 350 baht an hour, you can basically be transported to heaven on earth. So make the most of your time in Chiang Mai and book that massage!

Image credit: Pure Knead Massage

A day trip to Chiang Rai

If you have extra time on your holiday and still have the energy for a long drive, a day trip to Chiang Rai is worth considering. It’s a province in Northern Thailand, about 3 hours away from Chiang Mai, known for its beautiful temples and scenic landscapes. You can either rent a car and drive yourself, but I prefer just sitting back and letting a driver take you around – it’s way easier, especially when you just want to enjoy the views and not worry about navigation. I’ve also written a full article on the most beautiful places to see in Chiang Rai, so check that out if you’re planning your trip!

Read here: A Day Trip to Chiang Rai: 5 Beautiful Destinations to See

The White Temple, one of the must-sees in Chiang Rai

Ok like I said, a week is not enough to explore this beautiful city. So this is just a starting point for your Chiang Mai journey. The city is best experienced at your own pace, with space to wander and discover beyond any list. However you choose to explore it, I hope Chiang Mai treats you as kindly as it has treated me. Hope you find this article useful and thank you for reading!

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05 Apr 2026 by Bella in Asia

A Day Trip to Chiang Rai: 5 Beautiful Destinations to See

Chiang Rai is a city in northern Thailand, near the borders of Laos and Myanmar, about a few hours’ drive from Chiang Mai. It’s home to several beautiful temples and tourist spots you’ve probably seen advertised by tour agencies. While my parents were visiting Chiang Mai, I decided to take them on a little road trip to Chiang Rai. We wanted something chill, so instead of joining a tour, we booked a private car with a driver and set off early in the morning to spend the day without feeling rushed. These were the places we managed to visit. Long Neck VillageWhite TempleBlue TempleBig BuddhaSingha Park You may also like this article: How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days Long Neck Village We left Chiang Mai around 7am, and about an hour later we had already arrived at the Long Neck Village. By the way, this isn’t their original indigenous village - it’s a tourist site created to introduce visitors to the Kayan tribe. If you’re interested in learning more deeply about the tribe and their way of life, it’s also possible to visit their actual village with a local guide. The Kayan Long Neck tribe is an ethnic group originally from Myanmar - so they’re not native to Thailand, if I understand correctly. Many migrated across the border seeking safety as refugees, and unfortunately, many still don’t have full legal status in Thailand, which can mean limited access to education and healthcare. I can see why some people might view this tourist village as controversial. Personally, I felt that visiting, paying the entrance fee and supporting them by buying the handmade crafts and souvenirs they sell - was a small way to contribute directly to their community. I genuinely hope their culture continues to exist and be preserved. White Temple This temple is just as beautiful as it looks on the internet - maybe even more. The entire complex is pure white, covered in incredibly detailed mirror ornaments that sparkle under the sun. I read that it was designed and built by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. The white colour represents the purity of Buddha, while the mirror fragments reflecting the sunlight symbolise Buddha’s wisdom. To enter the temple, you walk across a bridge with a lake of tormented hand statues reaching up from below, along with eerie figures symbolising human desire, greed, and suffering. A voice announcement asks visitors to keep moving and not stop on the bridge, representing the idea of leaving darkness behind. At the centre is the main hall, where photography isn’t allowed. Inside, a large Buddha sits surrounded by murals featuring pop-culture characters like Superman, Spider-Man, and Pokémon - not random at all, it is a portrayal of the modern world and the things people become obsessed with today; technology, consumerism, power, and fame. You could easily spend hours exploring this temple - it’s huge! But I’d recommend going in the morning. Not only does it get very hot by midday, it also becomes extremely busy with visitors. P.S. They have one of the most beautiful toilets I’ve ever seen. You may also like this article: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai - 4 Things to Know Blue Temple Located only about 10 minutes from the White Temple, is the Blue Temple. It was designed by Phutta Kabkaew, a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat - the artist behind the White Temple. Dominated by vibrant blue with a touch of gold, the temple carries a similar artistic style, but here the colour blue represents Buddha’s infinite wisdom. The temple is also known as the “Temple of the Dancing Tiger.” Legend says that villagers once saw tigers roaming and leaping around the temple grounds many years ago. Visitors are allowed to enter and take photos inside the prayer hall, where a giant white porcelain Buddha sits beautifully at the centre, making it a striking space to admire. Big Buddha One last stop before heading back to Chiang Mai was the Big Buddha. Sitting atop a hill surrounded by greenery is a giant statue of Guan Yin - or Indonesians may know her better as Dewi Kuam Im, the Goddess of mercy and compassion. You can spot the statue from far away, but the closer you get, the more impressive (and of course, the bigger) it becomes. Unlike the White and Blue Temples, the Big Buddha feels much calmer and less crowded. It’s believed that praying here brings good health and fortune. Personally, I’ve always seen Dewi Kuam Im as a powerful symbol of compassion and I do believe in kindness and positive energy. Singha Park We originally planned to stop by Singha Park because there was a hot air balloon festival happening that very day. Since the park is on the way back to Chiang Mai anyway, we thought - why not? We arrived around 6pm, which I assumed would be the perfect time to catch the show, but unfortunately it turned out the balloons were scheduled to launch much later. We also had to take a shared songthaew ride to reach the lake where the festival was taking place. Because we hadn’t planned to stay overnight in Chiang Rai and didn’t have any accommodation booked, we eventually decided to head back home instead. The park itself was lovely, though and definitely worth adding to your list. It would’ve been nice to see the hot air balloon festival, which is apparently a big annual event with participants from all over the world. Oh well - next time 🙂 Image credit: Chiang Rai Balloon Fiesta Even though it was just a day trip, Chiang Rai felt quite different from Chiang Mai - quieter and full of little surprises (literally, like when we stopped for lunch and the restaurant owner realised we were Indonesian and told us he had visited Medan 20 years ago, haha!). We managed to see a lot in one day, but there are still plenty of places left on the list, like the Black House Museum (Baan Dam) and other lesser-known temples and viewpoints scattered around the region. Maybe that’s a good reason to come back. Chiang Rai feels like a place best explored slowly, and next time, I’d probably stay a night or two to really experience it properly (and hopefully watch the hot air balloon festival!).

06 Aug 2026 by Bella in Asia

Where to Eat in Chiang Mai: From Thai to Western Cuisine

Where to Eat in Chiang Mai I love food, and while I usually enjoy cooking and eating at home, living in Chiang Mai has made it very hard to resist eating out. Surrounded by incredible food spots and affordable prices, I find myself wanting to explore a new place almost every day. Oh, and one thing I love about Chiang Mai is that authentic, homemade-style meals are often cheaper than junk food - it’s so easy to eat well here. This isn’t a list of the “best restaurants in Chiang Mai” - because I’m sure there are just soooo many amazing places to discover. Instead, I’m simply sharing my regular go-to spots that I genuinely enjoy and hope they’ll help you plan your Chiang Mai trip, especially if it’s your first time visiting. Most of these places are located in or around the city centre, simply because that’s where I live. And if you’re looking for market snacks and street food finds, I’ve also written a separate guide for that, which you can find here: Chiang Mai Food Markets - 8 Popular Spots to Eat. THAI FOODKat's KitchenCherng Doi Roast ChickenKaPaoKhao-Sō-iHello SolaoTong Tem TohASIAN COMFORTSanjanSushi UmaiWESTERN COMFORTWhy Not Italian Restaurant & Wine BarBeast BurgerLittle Pasta Box THAI FOOD Kat's Kitchen It seems like this restaurant is on every tourist's Chiang Mai checklist, and I can see why. The prices are incredibly affordable, the portions are generous enough to share with friends, and the food is delicious. Nothing fancy, it's a simple local eatery serving all the Thai classics we know and love. My personal favourite is the chicken Pad See Ew. Just keep in mind that it gets incredibly busy during the high season, with queues forming around lunch and dinner, so it's worth coming a little before or after the rush if you want to avoid the wait. 📍Google Map: Kat's Kitchen⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9am-9.30pm💰 Price Range: 100-200 baht/ person Image credit: Kat's Kitchen Google page Cherng Doi Roast Chicken They’re known for their boneless grilled chicken, which is very nice. But don’t overlook the grilled pork - it's as delicious, if not even better. Alongside the grilled meats, you’ll find classic Thai favourites like papaya salad and corn salad. Pair everything with a side of sticky rice, and you’ve got a simple meal that never disappoints. 📍Google Map: Cherng Doi Roast Chicken⏰ Opening Hour: Tue-Sun, 11am-8pm💰 Price Range: 100-200 baht/ person KaPao They specialise in elevated Thai classic pad krapao, with a choice of proteins including Angus beef, chicken, pork, and seafood. You can order it on its own with a duck egg on top, or as a set that comes with refillable salad and soup for a more satisfying meal. My favourite combination is the sea bass pad krapao paired with the sour pork rib soup. If you're dining with friends, don't miss the stir-fried cabbage to share, and wash it all down with one of their refreshing iced sparkling teas. 📍Google Map: KaPao - Thai Kaprao Stir Fried⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 11am - 9.30pm💰 Price Range: 200-400 baht/ person You may also like this article: Chiang Mai Cafes: 6 Cute Places with Great Coffee and Bites Khao-Sō-i The same owner we met at KaPao told us he also runs this khao soi pot. If you’ve never tried it before, khao soi is a rich, creamy curry noodle soup from Northern Thailand that, to me, tastes a little like Singaporean laksa. Here, the menu is dedicated entirely to khao soi, with a variety of protein options to choose from. The space is bigger than KaPao, and has a Japanese-inspired vibe. And whatever you do, save room for their matcha soft serve! 📍Google Map: Khao-Sō-i⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9am-9pm💰 Price Range: 200-400 baht/ person Hello Solao 📍Google Map: Hello Solao⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Thu 10.30am-9pm, Fri-Sun 10.30am-10pm💰 Price Range: 200-400 baht/ person Image credit: Hello Solao Google page Tong Tem Toh A Thai friend recommended this place to me when I wanted to try authentic Northern Thai cuisine. The menu is unlike anything I'd tried before, like steamed fish wrapped in banana leaves, crispy pork belly, and a spicy mushroom soup. I brought my parents here, and the adventurous foodies in them were excited to order some of the more unique dishes on the menu. 📍Google Map: Tong Tem Toh⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 8am-11pm 💰 Price Range: 60-150 baht/ person You may also like this article: 7 Days in Chiang Mai - Interesting Things to Do, See, and Eat ASIAN COMFORT Sanjan Of course this had to make the list, because I'm Indonesia, hehe. And as far as I know, it's the only Indonesian restaurant in Chiang Mai. The soto ayam (Indonesian chicken soup) and bakso kuah (meatball soup) both taste authentic. The sambal goreng tempe (chilli tempe) is another favourite - and it's vegan! No Indonesian meal feels complete without a side of kerupuk (crackers), which the have there. Aaaand they also stock Indomie instant noodles and will happily cook them for you just like they do at a classic Indo warung - aaah best! 📍Google Map: Sanjan Indonesian Cafe ⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 11am-9pm💰 Price Range: 100-400 baht/ person Image credit: Sanjan Google page Sushi Umai 📍Google Map: Sushi Umai ⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Fri 11am-2pm & 5pm-9.30pm, Sat-Sun 11am-9.30pm💰 Price Range: 400-600 baht/ person Image credit: Sushi Umai Google page You may also like this article: A Day Trip to Chiang Rai - 5 Beautiful Destinations to See WESTERN COMFORT Why Not Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar As much as I love Asian food, I’ll never say no to a good bowl of bolognese pasta. This is my go-to whenever I’m craving Italian comfort food - the pasta always tastes fresh and homemade, while the bolognese sauce is rich and full of flavour. Their pizzas are just as good, with a thin crust and a good amount of cheese. Add to that the warm, welcoming atmosphere and cosy family-dining vibe. 📍Google Map: Why Not? Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar⏰ Opening Hour: Tue-Sun 12pm-11pm, Mon 4pm-11pm 💰 Price Range: 400-600 baht/ person Beast Burger This is another one of my go-to spots when I’m after an easy, satisfying bite, especially as a little weekend indulgence. It’s just a few metres from my favourite massage place, Giving Tree, making it the perfect combo for a relaxing weekend treat. The service is always quick, and the burger is always good, but I have to give the chips a special shoutout because they’re consistently cooked to perfection. Yum! 📍Google Map: Beast Burger⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 11am-10pm💰 Price Range: 200-400 baht/ person Little Pasta Box I first discovered this place when it was literally just...a little pasta box. So it’s been lovely to see how much it has grown and moved into a bigger space! This is the place to go when you’re craving a rich, creamy bowl of pasta that feels a little naughty, hehe. You can also upgrade to their homemade pasta, freshly made by the lady owner herself, which I highly recommend! 📍Google Map: Little Pasta Box ⏰ Opening Hour: Every day, except Wed and Sat, 12pm-8pm💰 Price Range: 100-200 baht/ person Image credit: Little Pasta Box Google page Ok, these are my current go-to spots where to Eat in Chiang Mai, but I'm always on the lookout for new places to try. As I keep exploring the city, I'll continue adding more restaurants that I think are worth sharing. Thanks so much for reading, and I hope this little guide helps you find somewhere delicious to eat on your trip. Happy holidays, and enjoy the food!

09 Mar 2025 by Bella in Europe

A Playful Stay in Copenhagen: My 25hours Hotel Experience

Those who know me know I’m not the luxury type - whether it’s what I wear, where I go, or how I travel. I always choose charming boutique hotels with characters over lavish ones (nothing against them, they’re just not me).Last year, I was lucky enough to be able to travel to Europe, with Copenhagen as one of my destinations. While scrolling through all the beautifully designed, Scandi-chic hotels, one instantly caught my eye: 25hours Hotel Indre By, Copenhagen.“It’s very electic!” - that’s probably the first thought that comes to mind when you see the bold, colourful, and unconventional design. As soon as you step through the front door, you’re greeted by a pastel-coloured bar right in the middle, leading the way to the lobby. Past the bar, there’s a music room on the right and a lounge on the left. I did spend some time in the music room - not to listen to music though, just to chill - and it was nice. The interesting design of the lobby, and the lounge The lobby itself is full of character, with a striking display of stacked books in the centre and a cosy corner with typewriters for guests to write poems. There’s also a little shop that I only glanced at quickly, but it seemed to have all sorts of quirky, novelty items (I would expect nothing less!). The staff were friendly, check-in was smooth, and then came the most exciting part… the room! My husband and I booked the Superior King Room because we wanted extra space for our big suitcases and coats. The interior was, again, bold and colourful - like stepping into a Wes Anderson film. There was a vintage phone that actually worked (this millennial had to figure out how to use it, haha!), and the bathroom had underfloor heating, which was a dream. Everything about the room made me want to scream, Aaaaaa! I love, love, love this hotel! If I had to be really picky, I wasn’t sure about the pillow selection, it was a little too soft to my liking - but honestly, that was such a minor thing compared to the overall experience! Oh, and as you head to the rooms, the corridor has this fun wallpaper that gives off Toy Story vibes. Spacious room, and unique design of the public toilet But that’s not the only thing I loved about this place. The breakfast was great - they had all the usual Western favourites, plus plenty of bread and cereal. But since I was in Denmark, I made it my mission to eat as much fresh salmon as possible, and eating it with rye bread was the highlight of my mornings! They also have a gym. It’s not huge, but it does the job. There’s a sauna as well, though if I’m not mistaken, it only operates at certain times. Overall, I had such a fun stay in 25hours Hotel Copenhagen. Not only did they wow me with their playful design and cool features, but the location was also super convenient - within walking distance of shops and restaurants. In fact, we averaged 20,000 steps a day just exploring the city! If you love contemporary, quirky hotels with personality, I highly recommend this one for your stay in Copenhagen.

7 Days in Chiang Mai: Interesting Things to Do, See, and Eat