When I was visiting last year, I created one of these posts, and now will add to the collection with another. As a budget traveller, I am always searching for free or inexpensive things to see in each destination I travel to. Here are 5 more free things to do in Chiang Mai should you find yourself in this neck of the woods.
Royal Mausoleums
Located inside the temple complex of Wat Suan Dok are the royal mausoleums. Suan Dok is a Buddhist temple that dates from the time of the Lanna Kingdom to the year 1370. It was placed at the centre of a walled settlement, in the king’s garden, separate and outside of Old Town Chiang Mai.
The Lawa people lived here, an ethnic group that predates the city itself. At the beginning of the 20th century, the princess had the ashes of her family brought from all around Chiang Mai to rest together here. The tombs in this graveyard are whitewashed and create a stunning contrast to the large golden chedi and bright blue sky.
Chat with a Monk
There are a few temples that offer this, but my favourite is Wat Jetlin. At this temple, there is a level of peace and tranquility that I don’t find at the others. Walk the path, under the golden flags to the back of the complex. Here you will see a small courtyard with seating under the lush canopy of trees and vines.
If the sign is posted, you can sit and have a chat with a resident Buddhist monk. On the day I visited, Roma (his nickname) was there and I had such a delightful visit. The monks use this to practice their English, and visitors can ask questions relating to Buddhism, and the life of being a monk. It’s a fascinating way to experience the real authentic and cultural side of Northern Thailand. Roma is from Myanmar and it was superbly interesting to learn about his life.
Gates & Moat
One of my favourite parts of the city is the old brick walls, gates and moat protecting the historical heart of Chiang Mai. The Old City is roughly one square mile and is completely surrounded by fortification.
The gates and corners are the most intact. Areas of the moat are lined with flowers, water lilies afloat in the centre, and there are fountains too. Little bridges cross the moat near the gates. These are decorated with petunias and the whole scene is such a lovely historical reminder of what this city was like a little more than 100 years ago.
Mengrai Kilns
I stumbled onto this experience quite by accident. Inside the Old Town, there is what looks like an old estate. Only seeing the pottery sign from the alley, I decided to take a peek. Wow, what an amazing place. At first one enters the large patio that is covered with tables full of beautiful pottery. From here, walk inside the house, and go through each room, all laden with pottery, both functional and decorative. That would be where any other store would end. But here, its merely the beginning.
Now head outside and begin your trip through the gardens. First pass outdoor displays of pots and plants, and into the trees where there is a lovely shrine. The path will then take you into vast sheds that are once again filled with pottery.
From here its down to a large pond complete with a fountain, and seating areas to enjoy the sights and sounds around you. Now at the back of the house. view the main garden space and lawns before returning to the veranda you began the tour at. I cannot tell you how gorgeous not only the setting is. but the pottery itself. It’s a wondrous place to explore and see authentic Thai handicrafts.
One Nimman
Across town, this one will take you into the neighbourhood of the very first digital nomad community. At one corner of a large intersection is One Nimman. This complex is constructed in a European style, complete with a Venetian clock tower.
The central courtyard is cobblestone, and here is where I always see some type of event, from food fair to fashion shows. Under the glass archway, find boutique shops selling the most interesting crafts. At the far end is a large food court and all along one side near the road, is a seasonal market. Once you are in this neighbourhood, walk further afield to experience a different side of Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai is one of those cities that grabs on and doesn’t let go. There is so much to see and do here. It’s the second largest city in Thailand and the cultural and historical centre of the country. Whether you are staying months or days, Chiang Mai and its chill vibes will leave you feeling refreshed and full.
