Chiang Mai

Essential Chiang Mai: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

temple,landmark,history,place of worship,tourist attraction,monument,holy places,historic site,travel,leisure,vacation,ancient history,finial,wat,pilgrimage,stone carving

temple,human body,luggage & bags,leisure,bag,vacation,pedestrian,spring,travel,wat,tourist attraction,handbag,holiday

temple,pedestrian,leisure,travel,vacation

furniture,table,sitting,restaurant,chair,conversation,leisure

landmark,history,tourist attraction,place of worship,temple,historic site,hindu temple,holy places,ancient history,monument,wat,world heritage site

chinese architecture,place of worship,temple,tourist attraction,pagoda,wat,holy places,shrine,japanese architecture

Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 6 hours 5

(91)

Essential Chiang Mai: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Explore Chiang Mai’s landmarks through a local lens, then step into hidden spaces and slow moments most visitors wouldn’t know to look for.

What makes this experience special

Your host connects Chiang Mai’s iconic temples with hidden gems, peaceful shrines, quiet alleys, and corners chosen to match your interests.

Key highlights

Begin your day at a towering temple central to Chiang Mai’s story
Follow your host into peaceful lanes and local-only workshops
Take a quiet moment in shaded gardens or under fluttering flags
Encounter living rituals in places most visitors walk past
Explore at your pace, slow down or skip ahead when it feels right
Your host adapts each moment to your energy and interests
Walk away feeling you’ve seen both the surface and soul of the city

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

3 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Tha Phae Gate, Tha Phae Road, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Tha Phae Gate, Tha Phae Road, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Crumbling Glory at Wat Chedi Luang

A grand ruin alive with reverence

Essential Chiang Mai: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Begin where Chiang Mai’s spiritual roots run deep. Amid crumbling bricks and golden shrines, your host might invite you to join a casual monk chat or simply sit beneath fluttering prayer flags.

Chiang Mai’s Craft Backstreets

Quiet alleys where tradition lives on

From the bustle of central temples, your host may guide you into narrow sois lined with everyday scenes, weathered homes, small shrines, and corners where local secrets unfold slowly. It’s a shift in pace and perspective, inviting you to see the city through its quieter layers.

Stillness at Wat Phan Tao

Teak wood, golden light, and unexpected calm

Often missed but deeply felt, this serene temple invites you to slow down. You might trace the smooth grain of ancient wood or breathe in the soft scent of jasmine. It’s a moment to pause, whether for reflection or simply to be present.

A Courtyard Shrine Off the Main Road

Spirit offerings in an everyday setting

Down an unmarked lane lies a working shrine, still tended by locals. With your host translating the custom and story, you might join a blessing ritual or offer a flower garland if it feels right. There’s no script here, just an invitation.

A Courtyard of Local Creativity

Calm corners shaped by Chiang Mai’s creative energy

Your host might lead you to a tucked-away courtyard where local makers, thinkers, or artists gather, spaces that shift in purpose but always reflect the city’s quieter pulse. Some guests choose to pause with a tea, others drift through at their own pace.

Golden Hour on the City Wall

Rooftops, trees, and a quiet farewell

If time and mood allow, end with a simple climb to the Old City wall. No agenda, just a view, a breeze, and the city exhaling around you.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

Unwinding by the water on a peaceful Thai boat ride

Sharing laughs in the heart of a vibrant Thai market street

Temple views and sunshine moments in Thailand

Evening lights and easy smiles on a Thai night out

Street eats and good company at a local Thai food stop

Cultural icons and warm welcomes at a historic Thai site

Tropical blooms and market treasures on a Thai stroll

Tuk-Tuk Adventures and Smiles in Thailand

Smiles and skyline on a scenic ferry ride through Bangkok

Bright skies and happy snapshots during a Thai escape

Hugging it out on a colourful Thai street adventure

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google

recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor

We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.

What travelers think of our Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems experiences in Asia

Pamela Apr 2025

Kat brought us to all the places we wanted to see while being mindful of the heat and a person in our party with mobility issues. We absolutely loved Bangkok and we credit her with that. She spoke English well too.

Emily Apr 2025

My friend and I had one full day in Bangkok and Kat planned the perfect itinerary. She asked us our preferences and was very communicative leading up to our tour. We got to see all the major temples, try some delicious food that was off the beaten path and gave us tips for how to navigate around Bangkok and for our trip around Thailand more broadly. Would highly recommend booking this tour for a customized and delightful experience with a local!

Estuardo Sep 2024

I really had a great experience with Kat. When I bought the tour, Kat contacted me to see how we can make my experience more memorable. She sent me quite a few ideas and I did the same. Once my trip day approaches, she sent me actual plan… and it was really great. I completely agreed with all her suggestions, ideas and timings. She met me at my hotel on time and there we went. We had great conversations, and she also made sure I enjoyed my time and visited the most places during the 8 hours. She was really keen on how this tour was going to be and also coordinated all the timings and made sure we went to all locations. Thanks so much again Kat for taking the time to tour me around. Kat is a wonderful person and very caring. If you are planning to visit Bangkok in the near future, please make sure you ask for Kat… you will not be disappointed at all.

Paul May 2024

We spent two days with Kat - one day seeing the Bangkok highlights and the other doing the River Market and other markets. She is a great guide: very knowledgeable; professional; and kind. We would strongly recommend her for any tours in the area.

Randal Jan 2024

Tom was very knowledgeable about Buddhism.

Jennifer Jul 2023

She was able to show me everything on my short layover Tour and get me to the airport on time at 100% recommend.

SEE ALL REVIEWS

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Can I request specific places to visit?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.