A Solo Traveler's Guide to Chiang Mai

Wat Sri Suphan (The Silver Temple)

There are so many amazing Wats scattered throughout the city, and you could easily spend a week trying to see them all, but this is a must-visit. You’ll find this one in the Haiya district, which is the neighborhood known for traditional silversmithing. Covered inside and out in hand-worked silver, nickel, and aluminum, the walls, ceiling, and floor are all made up of various hand-worked pieces of art, denoting human history, Buddhist practices, and a map of the entire world. The craftsmanship is astounding, and you can feel the history surrounding this place from the moment you step through the doorway.

Sunday Walking Street

After a long day of wandering through temples, chasing that perfect picture, or figuring out which massage parlor to visit next, take a walk down Ratchadamnoen Road in the heart of the Old City. Every Sunday afternoon, the street comes alive with local cooks, vendors, musicians, and artists ready to entertain, inspire, and fill you up with some of the best street food in all of Thailand. Spend the evening eating, dancing, and mingling with locals and other travelers!

Ran Tong Save & Rescue Elephant Center

Take a drive up into the mountains of Chiang Mai, to a local elephant sanctuary that isn’t just a tourist trap. Housing only a handful of elephants at a time, this organization has been recognized as an ethical, no-ride sanctuary that still provides the opportunity for hands-on education and interaction between the guests and the elephants. The full-day experience gives you the chance to tour the sanctuary, feed and bathe the elephants, and also enjoy a home-cooked meal provided by the owners of the property!

Zoe in Yellow

If you’ve got an itch for the nightlife, you won’t find a better place than right here! An open-air nightclub that is made up of two bars, an inside club area, and a street-side dance floor, this is the best place to be if you want to party in Chiang Mai. The drinks here are extremely cheap, but still pack a punch, and the DJs never disappoint. If you time it right and show up on a night that one of the local hostel pub crawls stops by, the party gets turned up to eleven, but don’t worry—if you aren’t exactly in shape to get yourself back to your bed, there are plenty of friendly tuk-tuk drivers ready to get you where you need to be.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

While this is similar to the Sunday Walking Street, this market is much more established, and offers a wider selection of curated shops, restaurants, and a stage with live performances. Apart from the wider selection of vendors, this market offers the upside of being covered, should you find yourself caught in one of Thailand’s famous rainstorms. If you’re looking to try some excellent local cuisine, practice your bartering, or pick up some souvenirs, this market needs to be on your list!

Refresh Thai Massage - Old City Chiang Mai

I know what you’re thinking… “What does this Thai massage shop have that the other hundred don’t?” While I was wandering through the country I had several Thai massages, but the interaction I had with the owner of the shop is what sold me on recommending this one over any of the others. Not only is it out of the way enough that it wasn’t crowded, but the quality of the massage was incredible! The staff was extremely professional attentive, but also spoke English well enough that we were able to laugh and have a conversation during my visit. Couple the hospitality with good prices, strong hands, and excellent service, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for the best Thai massage experience one could ask for.

Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures Co.

If you’re in search of something a little more adventurous and adrenaline-filled, you have to check out this local climbing shop. They have a fantastic in-house climbing gym, but they also offer an array of guided climbing and caving trips! The guys working here are all incredibly knowledgeable, and more than happy to sit and answer your questions, explain the equipment, or offer advice to help you improve your skills. This is a great way to spend some time outdoors, and gives you an opportunity to see a side of Chiang Mai that you probably wouldn’t otherwise!

• SukiShake Cafe: Situated right along the river in the Old City, this breakfast spot has some of the best fruit dishes you’ll find. Sitting in the open air, you can enjoy an Acai smoothie, coconut rice bowl, or even bolder breakfasts like Thai basil chicken. Affordable, fast, and the quality of the food and drinks is well above the asking price.

• The Corner Restaurant: An incredible find in an otherwise unassuming street corner. The menu offers a good selection of pork, vegetable, and seafood dishes, as well as breakfast fare. The pad thai here is the best of any that I tried during my travels—truly mouthwatering!

• COCO MANGO: A must-go for everyone that visits Chiang Mai, this small ice cream shop makes the most delicious mango and coconut desserts! The mango and sea salt ice cream is a surprising take on an otherwise very sweet dish.

• Khao Soi Mesai: I love good Khao Soi, and I sampled more than my fair share before finding this place. This spot is hands-down the best that I found in Chiang Mai for authentic, delicious Khao Soi. Everything was incredibly cheap, and if the prices don’t convince you to try it, the line to the counter will!

• Saiyut & Doctor Sai Kitchen: A true gem hidden just north of town, this restaurant provides traditional Thai food, but delivered in a fancier setting than some of the other places on this list. I was shocked to find that this place has been featured in the Michelin Guide for Thailand for the past several years, but once you taste the food you understand why!

• Paak Dang Riverside Restaurant: Settled alongside the Ping River, you’ll find an incredibly charming restaurant within a beautifully restored, traditional Thai home. The atmosphere matches the hospitality, as the couple managing this restaurant treats their guests as their own. A no-rush dining experience that provides ample opportunity to try an amazing selection of traditional Thai food.

• Rice Barn Bar: Hidden in the courtyard just off Prapokklao Road is a fantastic outdoor lounge bar. The location makes it a great, quiet escape for an evening drink, or afternoon meet-up with friends! Drinks are affordable, and the atmosphere makes it very easy to let your mind and body relax.