Chiang Mai is the most special place in the world—at least in my completely biased opinion. I’ve lived here for over two years, and this city continues to surprise me with its charm, natural beauty, and very affordable (sometimes free!) experiences. You don’t have to drop a ton of baht to soak in the spiritual, unique magic of Chiang Mai—just a sense of adventure and maybeee a motorbike if you feel comfortable driving one.
So, if you’re ballin’ on a budget or just love exploring without feeling the need to succumb to capitalism and buy something, here are 10 totally free, totally off the beaten path things to do in Chiang Mai.
10 free things to do in Chiang Mai
1. Ride a motorbike to the Samoeng Viewpoint & Loop
Okay so technically renting a motorbike isn’t free, but the ride itself is! I’d recommend you get a motorbike from Mango Scooter Rental in Chiang Mai and take a quick lesson if you’ve never ridden one.
The Samoeng Loop is one of the most scenic routes around Chiang Mai, around 2.5 hours from the city with winding roads, lush jungle scenery, and an escape from the city’s hustle. The best part is the Samoeng Viewpoint. Take in breathtaking mountain views, journal and sit within the clouds, and just breathe. I did this solo one afternoon and it quite literally was the highlight of my month.
Pro tip: Start early to avoid traffic and bring a sweatshirt—you may not believe it but the mountain air gets crisp the higher you climb. You’ll pass hidden temples, scenic coffee shops, and maybe even see some elephants on the way up!
2. Walk through Chiang Mai’s best holistic markets
Markets in Chiang Mai aren’t just for shopping; they’re cultural experiences. Two of my absolute favorites to stroll through for their aesthetics, coffee, and unique artisan goods:
- Jing Jai Market – A dreamy, eco-friendly weekend market with artsy vibes, vintage finds, and organic farm-to-table food (and the BEST coffee carts)
- Baan Kang Wat – More of an artist village than a market, this spot is a peaceful haven with craft shops, galleries, and shady nooks to just sit and soak it all in (also amazing pastries if you want to treat yourself!)
3. Watch live music
Chiang Mai has a killer live music scene (I was pleasantly surprised when I moved here and found that out), and some of the best venues don’t charge an entrance fee! Grab a seat, order a water (or a cheap Singha aka the best Thai beer), and soak in the sounds of talented local and traveling musicians. My favorite spots are:
- North Gate Jazz Co-Op – Iconic, intimate, and often packed with a lively crowd (the most fun place for dancing with the oldies expats)
- Mahoree City of Music – A hidden gem for live Thai music and chill vibes, mostly locals here with great cover singer-songwriters
- Roots Rock Reggae – Because sometimes, you just need a Bob Marley singalong with a smashing live band
4. Chill at Buak Hard public park
A green oasis in the middle of the Old City! One of my favorite things to do in a new city is visit a public park to people-watch, stroll around, and get a general vibe of the place. When I found Buak Hard Park, I knew it was special. It is the perfect place to:
- Picnic under palm trees
- Watch locals practice yoga and play badminton
- Experience the spiritual feel of northern Thailand
Bring a book, a mat, and just exist for a while.
5. Temple hop
Chiang Mai has over 300 temples, and many are free to enter! You’ll pass many on random by just walking through the old city, but here are some must-visit gems:
- Wat Phra Singh – Iconic Lanna architecture, golden chedis, and stunning murals (the most beautiful temple in the old city)
- Wat Suan Dok – A quiet temple with monk chat programs.
- Wat Umong – A jungle temple with mystical underground tunnels (so underrated!!)
- Wat Lok Moli – Less crowded, beautiful wooden architecture, and great for photos.
6. Hike the Monks Trail to Wat Pha Lat
One of Chiang Mai’s best hidden gems is the the Monks Trail — a jungle hike leading to Wat Pha Lat, a peaceful, iconic temple perched on a mountainside. The hike takes around 2 hours and is very steep and windy through jungle. It’s pretty amazing with stops along temples on the way up (go early to avoid the heat and mass of other hikers)
Tip: Look for the orange monk robes tied to trees to guide your way!
7. Sunset at Ang Kaew Reservoir
Located near Chiang Mai University, Ang Kaew Reservoir is where locals go to watch the sunset and chill. The lake reflects the surrounding mountains. I only discovered this sunset spot 6 months after living in Chiang Mai, and now I love to go weekly to catch a sunset and people-watch locals while relaxing in a green space. Bring snacks, grab a bench, and enjoy golden hour with a mix of students, runners, and couples on cute dates.
8. Visit Huay Kaew waterfall (and swim!)
Just 10 minutes from Nimman, this little waterfall is a perfect place to cool off on a hot day. It’s a short hike up, and you can dip in the pools for free—a rare treat near the city! There are usually others here but you can explore all around and find a quiet spot to yourself. If you want to keep exploring, continue hiking toward the higher tiers or venture up to Wat Pha Lat.
Bonus: Other Freebies Worth Mentioning
- Explore the Old City’s street art and murals—some are tucked in unexpected alleys!
- People-watch at Tha Pae Gate—street performers, breakdancers, and lanterns all around.
- Visit the planetarium—not free, but so cheap and unique you’ll barely notice the 100 baht ($3) entrance fee.
Final thoughts: Free things to do in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has so much to offer without breaking the bank, whether you’re into nature, culture, or just vibing in a park. I hope you enjoy your time in the jewel of the north, and keep following along for more travel tips and guides.
xx Gracie
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