Free Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is home to more than 100 monasteries on the street which can be viewed free of cost. Visiting these monasteries is one of the best free things to do in Chiang Mai right now. For example, you can visit Wat Phan Tao, an ancient temple which is located next to Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai. You’ll be surprised to explore the interiors of this temple which is made of teakwood and served as a throne hall during the reign of King Mahotara Prateth. Also, visit Wat Phra Singh which has lavishing interiors and exteriors, and give treats to your eyes.

Many temples in Chiang Mai conduct chat programs where tourists can interact with monks and learn about their culture, daily lives, and ins and outs of Buddhism. You can visit Wat Suan Dok between 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. During these hours, you can have a great conversation with the monks in a group setting for free. You can also visit Wat Chedi Luang to interact with the monks but you’ll have to pay the entry fees to join the session. A conversation can last anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour and you can ask questions related to any topic.

Walking Street is one of the most popular night markets in Chiang Mai which is loaded with a lot of delicious food, beautiful handmade crafts, street performers, and much more. This is one of the free things to do in Chiang Mai and this market opens up in the old city on Saturday afternoon and continues until around 10:00 pm. You can witness the local vendors popping up at night and they sell almost everything one needs. For instance, you can shop for keychains, Singha T-shirts, purses, and much more. While it is smaller in size, it makes it easier for you to wander around and explore the surroundings.

Wiang Kum Kam, the ruined city is located just next to the south of Chiang Mai. It was built by King Mangrai in Chiang Mai in 1286 or 1287. Planning a visit to this place is one of the best free things to do in Chiang Mai. This place has a huge collection of stupas and monasteries which served as the Lanna Capital for 10 years from 1286. Some of the best temples in Wiang Kum Kam include Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chang Kham, Wat Pu Pia, and more. While there is a fee for a tour, you can wander around these temples on foot for free.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most famous temples in Chiang Mai, located 15 kilometers away from the city. While there’s an entry fee to enter the temple, you can get a free enjoyable experience when you hike up to the temple. Hiking up through increasingly lush tropical forests through the grounds of Wat Pha Lat is an experience that you’ll never forget. This is one of the free activities to do in Chiang Mai which will give you memories that will last forever. You’ll arrive hot and sticky on the doorstep of this famous temple in Chiang Mai.

If you want to add more fun and thrill to your vacation, consider hiking to one of the best waterfalls in the city - Huay Kaew Waterfall. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls you’ll come across in the city and it is located at the base of Doi Suthep mountain, on the same road to the famous Wat Phratat Doi Suthep. If you’re seeking a thrill, this is one of the best free things to do in Chiang Mai. The bottom tier of the waterfall is overcrowded, but as you hike to the waterfall, you’ll be surprised by how secluded it can get.

Huay Tung Tao Lake is a man-made reservoir that is a perfect place to spend a day with your loved ones. It is one of the free activities to do in Chiang Mai where you can capture the scenic views of the Doi Suthep Mountains, calming waters, and grass huts peppered along the landscape. Huay Tung Tao Lake also has several restaurants where you can order a drink, grab a bite, sit back, relax, and enjoy. The lake is the main attraction at this place. This is the perfect place to enjoy water-based activities like swimming, boating, rafting, and much more.

Chiang Mai is crammed with a lot of markets where local vendors pop up when the sun goes down. Some of the popular markets in Chiang Mai are Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, The Pae Sunday Walking Street, Wua Lai Walking Street, Warorot Market, and more. These markets are loaded with a variety of shopping options, such as handmade crafts, keychains, Singha T-shirts, shoes, handbags, etc. This is one of the free things to do in Chiang Mai at night where you’ll also get inexpensive options for snacks and dinner at the markets. Plan your visit to these markets and explore the surroundings with your loved ones.

One of the best ways to explore the city is to take a walk or ride a bicycle around the streets to marvel at the winding alleys of this beautiful city. There’s so much to explore in this city and it’s free. For example, visiting Suan Buak Hat is one of the best free activities to do in Chiang Mai. It is a small park located in the southwest of the old city. While it’s a small park, it is one of the best places to relax, read books, and enjoy. Also, cycling will help you explore the hidden gems of this beautiful city.