Chiang Mai is a bustling city in Northern Thailand, rich in culture, history, and fun.
However, the city comes alive at night when locals and tourists head out for an evenings entertainment.
We’ve looked at hundreds of tours, attractions and activities to see what would be ideal for a fun night out.
Here are the 18 best things to do in Chiang Mai at night.
1. Chiang Mai Night Safari
Experience unusual and unique wildlife encounters at the Nocturnal Zoo.
As the worlds third nocturnal zoo, you are in for an unforgettable evening.
With over 14,000 animals to see at night, there is plenty to discover.
The zoo is enclosed into 3 separate ares which you can explore on foot or on an open-sided tram.
Firstly the Jaguar Trail Zone follows a lake from which you can see white tigers, camels, and wallabies.
Next take a team through the Predator Prowl Zone and see vultures, lions and bears.
Finally visit the Savannah safari zone where you can see cheetahs and giraffes.
- Departure time: 6pm
- Duration: 4 hours
2. Wat Umong and Doi Suthep
Visit two of Chiang Mai’s most impressive temples at night.
This evening visit gives you a different perspective of temples.
Also it’s a more interesting experience than a standard daytime trip.
Wat Unong is built in a tunnel in a forest and is completely unique.
Inside are impressive Buddha images and statues in the historical temple, built in 1297.
Continue to Doi Suthep temple and climb the 306 steps for the best approach.
Alternatively catch the funicular railway to appreciate the golden pagoda and amazing city views.
- Departure time: 5pm
- Duration: 4 hours
3. Monks’ Evening Chant
Discover Chiang Mai’s evening charm during this tour.
Begin your night at sunset at a local Buddhist temple where you can hear the monks at their evening chants.
Embrace local culture in your visits if you choose by lighting candles and incense.
Continue to 137 Pillars House for an authentic 6 course dining experience at a top restaurant.
Afterwards visit Warorot Market where you will enjoy delicious desert from a local food stall.
Finally, you can peruse the market at your leisure or ask for recommendations of other places to visit.
- Departure time: 5pm
- Duration: 4 hours
4. Chiang Mai Night Tour
Discover the highlights of Chiang Mai at night on a private tour.
Starting at Wat Phra Singh temple, you will then visit Wat Pan Tao temple to see the contrast between them.
Continue to the bustling atmosphere of Warorot Market where you will try a local dish.
Afterwards enjoy fabulous views of the Mae Ping River and cityscape from an escalated river bridge.
Finish your tour at Wat Ket Karam Museum, an unusual beer.
Your guide will leave you at the bar where you can continue your night, or ask for recommendations of nearby hotspots.
- Departure time: from 5pm
- Duration: 2 hours
5. Dinner Cruise on the Ping River
Take your time to enjoy a dinner and cruise like no other.
Relax into your seat and enjoy authentic Thai Cuisine.
During your cruise on the Mae Ping River enjoy the sights.
Absorb the magical atmosphere of city lights reflecting on the river on this enchanting cruise.
The 2 hour cruise also includes an English speaking guide.
- Departure time: 6:30pm
- Duration: 2.5 hours
6. Classic Tuk-Tuk Tour
Delve into an evening of culture and sightseeing in a private TukTuk tour of the city.
Typically your tour will start at Wat Suan Dok and Wat Phra Singh temples.
Continue to Three Kings Monument and Tha Phae Gate to learn about the history of Chiang Mai.
Then visit Warorot Market, a bustling night markets with plenty of atmosphere.
Finally, stop at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar where there is plenty of vendors selling local food, flowers, clothes and more.
Since its a private tour, there is flexibility to visit other areas if you have more time to explore Chiang Mai.
- Departure time: 6pm
- Duration: 3+ hours
7. Chiang Mai Street Food
Delight your taste buds on a street food tour of Chiang Mai.
This is a great way to find fantastic food hotspots and try authentic Thai street food.
Your small group of 8 maximum will visit at least 2 food markets and try 8 dishes.
Delicacies include coconut dumplings, stewed pork leg and Chinese noodles.
Vegetarian options are available too.
Also, you will learn what makes Thai street food so popular as your guide explains how food is prepared.
Additionally, you can practice ordering in Thai to see if locals understand you.
- Departure time: 6pm
- Duration: 2.5 hours
8. Chiang Mai Night Bike Tour
In a small group explore the streets of Chiang Mai by bike.
Travel further than you could on foot and absorb the local atmosphere as you cycle the streets.
Begin at Three Kings Monument and learn about the founding fathers of Chiang Mai.
Next visit Wat Inthakhin Sadue Mueang with its 700 year old Buddha.
Afterwards, head to the city moat and Wat Lok Molee where you are likely to hear the monks evening chants.
Your tour guide will then take you to Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara, a grand monument built to house a kings ashes.
Finally return the bikes to Grasshopper adventure, a stones throw from Chiang Mai Gate Market.
- Departure time: 6pm
- Duration: 3.5 hours
9. Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show
Dine on authentic local food customary from Northern Thailand.
A Khantoke Dinner involves food being served on large platters on low tables while you sit on mats on the floor.
During the meal you can enjoy authentic Thai cultural performances.
These include Fon Lep (Thai Finger Dance), Ram Dab (Thai Sword Dance), and Fon Thiean (Thai Candle Dance).
Afterwards enjoy a special hilltribe show.
This is a fantastic experience for anyone wishing to experience local Thai customs.
- Departure time: 7:15pm
- Duration: 3 hours
10. Thai and Akha Cooking Class
Expand your cooking skills during this Asian cookery class.
Your expert chef is a Akha native and will teach you how to make authentic local dishes.
Expect to be introduced to new ingredients and learn new cooking techniques and styles.
During the class you will create 11 tasty dishes, including appetisers, deserts, soup and stir fry.
If you choose the morning tour you will visit a local food market.
Alternatively on the evening tour you will enjoy your self made dinner before being escorted back to your hotel.
- Departure time: 4:30pm
- Duration: 6 hours
11. Luxury Spa Experience
Thailand is renowned for its world famous Thai massage, so what better way to spend an evening than at a spa.
Chiang Mai’s award winning spa offers a fantastic signature package, ‘Fah Lanna Wisdom.
The three hour treatment includes traditional Thai Lanna culture.
Begin with a relaxing herbal steam bath before your therapist performs a traditional “Wai Kru” ceremony.
Next you will enjoy a herb leaf massage and a Fah Lanna Thai Lanna Wisdom Massage which is a softer version of the Thai massage.
Finally, enjoy a Herbal Hot Compress Massage which includes a facial.
After the spa treatment, you are bound to feel relaxed and pampered.
- Evening start time: 5pm
- Duration: 3 hours
12. Traditional Thai Massage
Experience a traditional Thai massage to rejuvenate your body after a day of travel or sightseeing.
Thai massage is a deep tissue massage which uses acupressure along meridian lines to ease pressure and tension.
Your traditional massage will take place at an award winning spa in Chiang Mai.
Afterwards enjoy a herbal tea and snack.
Following your 2 hour experience you can be dropped off anywhere in the city to continue your night as you please.
- Evening start time: 6pm
- Duration: 2 hours
13. Chiang Mai 3D Art Museum
Art in Paradise is more than the traditional art musuem or gallery.
Its a fun interactive 3D experience.
The 3D effects that show in the photos make you part of each scene.
Before you take a photo, be creative with your poses to capture realistic and fun moments.
In addition, download the art in paradise app to animate photos and videos.
With over 130 works of art you could easily spend up to 3 hours exploring and taking funny photos.
Scenes include Venetian canals, Egyptian flying carpets and escaping a hungry crocodile.
- Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm
- Duration: 1-2 hours
14. Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar
Spend an evening exploring Chiang Mai’s night bazaar.
The market is busy, bustling, and extremely popular.
Search for a bargain, try street food, and peruse stalls selling everything from designer labels to traditional textiles, jewelry and antiques.
Couple a visit to the night bazaar with a range of activities to make the most of your time.
Include a traditional Khantoke Dinner, visit a temple, or take a private sightseeing tour.
- Opening time: daily from 5pm – midnight
- Duration: 1-3 hours
15. Warorot Market
Warorot market is another popular shopping venue.
Immerse yourself in Thai culture and mix with locals and tourists alike as you explore the aisles.
With plenty of merchandise on sale, there is something for everyone.
Perhaps you will leave with dried Durian paste, cheap clothing, or beautiful handcrafted goods.
Additionally, you can pair a visit to the market with a sightseeing adventure or food tasting tour amongst others.
- Opening time: daily from 6:30pm – 10pm
- Duration: 1-3 hours
16. Watch Muay Thai
Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is an experience that any sports fan will enjoy.
Also those who wish to see real Thai culture in action should see Muay Thai for the cultural experience.
Muay Thai is actually a martial art and warrior defense which uses all limbs, hands, feet, shins and shoulders.
Thai people hold Muay Thai in high esteem as it’s a centuries old technique with a lot of history.
Options include grand stand seating, ringside or VIP extra seating at Chiang Mai’s biggest and best stadium.
- Departure time: 6pm
- Duration: 3 hours
17. Siam Dragon Cabaret Show
Siam Dragon Caberet show is an evenings entertainment of delight and wonder.
The exciting show has a variety of singing and dancing acts.
Sit back and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, dazzling costumes, and fantastic music.
Step into a slice of Chiang Mai’s glitz and glam for an unforgettable evening.
Options include standard seating or upgrade to VIP seats.
- Departure time: 8pm
- Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Book Standard Seats Book VIP Seats
18. Annual Sky Lantern Festival
If you are in Chiang Mai in November make sure you include the annual sky lantern festival on your itinerary.
The event is a renowned cultural experience.
Watch the sky be illuminated with hundreds of lanterns which are released to pay homage to Buddha.
During the festival you will see live cultural performances, traditional rituals and local dances.
In addition local food and drinks will be available.
- Departure time: 4:30pm
- Duration: 2-4 hours
Chiang Mai certainly has it all at night!
It’s difficult to know where to start, but hopefully these tours will inspire you.
Perhaps an evening of culture visiting temples at night and hearing the serene chanting of monks appeals.
Or maybe you’d rather relax at the spa or enjoy a traditional Thai massage.
Alternatively enjoy modern day culture at a Muay Thai boxing event or delight your taste buds at a cookery class.
Whatever you decide, your night in Chiang Mai will be enjoyable and memorable.
Also read:
- 16 Best Luxury 5-Star Chiang Mai Hotels with Outdoor Pools
- 10 Best Romantic Chiang Mai Hotels with Private Plunge Pools
- 13 Luxury Chiang Mai Hotels in the Mountains with Best Views
- 32 Best Things to do in Chiang Mai for Families
- 15 Best Romantic Chiang Mai Hotels with Private Hot Tubs
More Things to do in Chiang Mai at Night
