Diana's Chiang Mai Guide

Rachamankha Boutique Hotel

A Chinese-courtyard-style boutique hotel in the old town: white walls, dark timber beams, a Chinese courtyard with a Lanna soul.

SELA (@selachiangmai)

A vintage-styled retreat in Hang Dong: colonial architecture, antique-filled rooms, four-poster beds. A haven for the vintage soul.

Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan (วัดพระสิงห์วรมหาวิหาร)

One of the old town's most important temples: gold, teak, and quiet courtyards.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพราชวรวิหาร)

The golden chedi on Doi Suthep mountain, overlooking the whole city, clad in gold and ringed with golden Buddhas. Lotus vendors line the entrance steps.

Also on the list: Wat Lok Moli · Wat Rajamontean

Wua Lai Rd (Silver Street)

Chiang Mai's silver street, the standout is the traditional shop run by a grandma, next to Sora Home Kimchi restaurant (no Google Maps pin, navigate to the restaurant instead).

Karma.local

A small local shop of cotton and linen clothing and handwoven textiles. Quiet, tactile, very northern Thai.

Baan Kang Wat

A craft village of independent handmade shops, studios, and cafes. Chiang Mai's slow living in concentrated form.

KUMBO MATCHA

A matcha spot known for its coconut matcha, poured over fresh coconut and served iced.

ENOUGH FOR LIFE

A cafe near Baan Kang Wat, with a beautiful gift shop and a vintage shop inside, tucked in the corner of the yard.

GRAPH contemporary

One of Chiang Mai's most famous coffee spots, known for numbered signature drinks that fuse espresso with the unexpected: avocado, pineapple, lime, charcoal. The black Monochrome is a fav.

The Moon Eatery

Western-style brunch, done really well. Made for slow mornings.

Also on the list: Dreamtime Cafe

FFparking (durian stall)

Listed as a parking lot on the map, but actually a durian stall. The elderly vendor picks each durian at peak ripeness and cuts it to order.

Ekachan · Michelin Guide Thai restaurant

I've been here several times, I really love it. Book ahead, walk-ins are basically impossible.

Nara Thai Cuisine Chiang Mai

The Chiang Mai branch of the Bangkok-born Thai chain, doing classic Thai dishes well. It's at One Nimman, if you're there, stop by for a bite.

Also on the list: ดงลาบ DongLarb (northern Thai) · Maadae Slow Fish Kitchen (seafood) · Artisan sourdough by apple fahey (bakery)

Oasis Spa

A well-known Chiang Mai spa brand with several branches around the city. Polished courtyards and calm treatment rooms make it the reliable pick.

Zira Spa

A very traditional Lanna spa for old-style northern Thai massage, the one for the full traditional experience. Try the two-hour Royal Thai Lanna Massage (Fon Leb): nothing like a regular foot massage, the therapist taps your joints with a wooden hammer, pulls each finger with a bamboo tool, and moves like a traditional Thai dancer.

Makkha Health & Spa (Rachadamnoen)

A modern spa on Ratchadamnoen Road, comfortable.

PAÑPURI

A famous aromatherapy shop I discovered in Chiang Mai. I love the scent of their body lotion and these two oils.

Elephant Nature Park

An elephant sanctuary focused on rescue and rehabilitation: no riding, no performances, just elephants living freely.