We’ll explore some non-touristy things to see and do and explore the lesser-known special areas in and around Chiang Mai that the typical tourist rarely sees. These sights can offer a unique glimpse into the beauty and color of the area. Chiang Mai is so much more than the Old Town area and the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar would lead you to believe. Join us as we discover some of the secret spots and hidden temples of the city and region of Chiang Mai. Let’s start in the beautiful and enchanting paradise of the Mae Sa Valley.
The lush and breathtaking Mae Sa Valley is about a 40-minute drive from Chiang Mai. Active adventurers love to visit the valley for the wide variety of outdoor activities it offers, including ATV riding, paintballing, zip-lining, bungee jumping, and zorbing.
The valley is also known for its natural beauty, with the gorgeous Mae Sa Waterfall being the highlight. The waterfall is actually a series of ten waterfalls separated by scenic pools. A trail connects the pools and waterfalls, which you can hike within half an hour. Nearby is also the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, which offers flower-lined paths, panoramic viewpoints, and one of the largest collections of plants and flowers in Northern Thailand.
The lush and breathtaking Mae Sa Valley is about a 40-minute drive from Chiang Mai. Active adventurers love to visit the valley for the wide variety of outdoor activities it offers, including ATV riding, paintballing, zip-lining, bungee jumping, and zorbing.
The valley is also known for its natural beauty, with the gorgeous Mae Sa Waterfall being the highlight. The waterfall is actually a series of ten waterfalls separated by scenic pools. A trail connects the pools and waterfalls, which you can hike within half an hour. Nearby is also the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, which offers flower-lined paths, panoramic viewpoints, and one of the largest collections of plants and flowers in Northern Thailand.
One of the secret spots of the Chiang Mai creative community is Baan Kang Wat. It's about a 20-minute drive from central Chiang Mai, at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain near the Wat Ram Poeng Temple. The village is home to many local artists and craftsmen and consists of ten buildings surrounding a community amphitheater. It was developed to showcase the talents of local artists.
Each building houses a business producing handmade, sustainable products. You can tour the businesses and find stunning jewelry, ceramics, pottery, art, and woodcrafts. Some of the artists living in the village offer workshops from their studios. There are also several quaint cafés offering local cuisine, and on Sundays, the village hosts a farmer's market featuring local produce from the area.
Wiang Kum Kam is a hidden temple and archeological site along the Ping River just south of Chiang Mai. The site once served as the Lanna capital until it was abandoned in the 16th century due to persistent flooding. Today, the ruins have been excavated, and it provides a glimpse into the ancient Lanna way of life.
A lovely, verdant and peaceful park surrounds the ruins of the ancient chedi and structures, and the site offers a great place to explore either on foot or by the trams or horse carts operating in the park.
Discover the beauty of sustainable tourism with a visit to the traditional hill tribe village of Mae Kampong. This village in the foothills above Chiang Mai offers immersive homestays for adventurous tourists who want to experience the local way of life. The village also offers quaint cafés serving local coffee drinks, enchanting hikes through lush greenery, and breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs has two hot springs that shoot bursts of heated water 20 meters into the air and provide a soothing and healthy mineral bath for visitors. Certain areas of the hot springs are hotter than others, and the hot springs offer a traditional mineral bath area, a mineral swimming pool, and a foot-soaking area. Colorful flower gardens surround the springs, and shops near the entrance provide creative souvenirs, including Bo Sang traditional umbrellas and hand-woven textiles.
Wat Pha Lat was originally a resting place for monks making the difficult climb from Chiang Mai up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at the top of the mountain. Today, it’s been transformed into a stunning and secluded jungle temple offering a panoramic view of the valley below, an antique shrine hall, dozens of small Buddha statues, and even a small waterfall and stream flowing through the temple grounds.
Wat Pha Lat means "monastery of the sloping rocks", and adventurous visitors can follow the trail from the hidden temple to the main temple at the top of the mountain.
Visitors to Chiang Mai who appreciate tropical beauty should also plan on visiting Tweechol Botanic Garden. Our garden is located a short drive east of Chaing Mai and offers a stunning variety of meticulously groomed, exotic tropical plants and flowers over 114 acres. There are also tranquil lakes, wide pathways and a children’s playground amid the beauty of our garden.
A hotel near Tweechol Botanic Garden means you can even spend the night or a few days surrounded by tropical beauty while you explore the other secret spots of Chiang Mai. Horizon Village & Resort offers eight types of Lanna-style rooms and suites amid the peaceful beauty of our garden. Book a room at Horizon Village & Resort and explore the unique and beautiful hidden attractions of Chiang Mai.
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