Chiang Mai: A Guide To Thailand's Wellness Capital

While Thailand is a mainstay with holidaymakers the world over thanks to its paradise beaches, tropical weather and mouthwatering food; the northern city of Chiang Mai is attracting a new breed of traveller. One that is passing over the beaches elsewhere in the country in favour of wellness, wellbeing and spirituality.

Considered one of the world’s great wellness centres – along with Bali, Goa and Rishikesh – the ancient city of Chiang Mai is home to more than 300 working Buddhist temples, hundreds of massage centres, dozens of yoga retreats, a steady stream of farm-to-table restaurants serving organic, sustainable, locally produced food and the leading traditional Thai medical school, which forms part of the University of Chiang Mai’s Faculty of Medicine.

Throw in the bucolic countryside, with its hiking trails, elephant sanctuaries and river rafting, and it’s easy to see why Chiang Mai is known as Thailand's wellness capital.

What can I do in Chinag Mai?

There is so much to do in this sacred place, and here are some of our suggestions.

Chiang Mai Old Town

Explore the heart of the city, Chiang Mai Old Town, surrounded by ancient walls and historic architecture. Enjoy the traditional markets, where farmers bring in their seasonal fare. There are also plenty of temples to enjoy.

Visit the holy temples

Chiang Mai is full of temples, which you can discover yourself on foot or with a guide. Ones to look out for are Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Pra Sing and Wat Phantao. A must visit is the Doi Suthep which is the best-known temple complex in Chiang Mai and even one of the largest temples to visit in Thailand.

Explore the Nimman neighbourhood

The Nimman neighbourhood is really worth a visit, its home to chic boutiques, art galleries and cool eateries and coffee shops.  You will discover some very interesting one off finds from bespoke jewellery to pretty frocks and bags.

Visit a night market

Here you will find an eclectic mix of traditional Chiang Mai artefacts and modern gifts. The most famous market is “Ploen Ruedee Night Market”.

Take a trip to the sticky waterfalls (Bua Tong)

They are about one hour from the centre of Chiang Mai, you can climb to the top of the falls, and if you are feeling a bit adventurous, you can do a spot of rafting.

Monk's Trail to Wat Pra Lat

One of the greatest activities near Chiang Mai is to hike the Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat. This temple is a hidden gem nestled in the jungle, providing breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. Take a Grab to the trailhead of the Monk’s Trail and walk up to Wat Pra Lat. It’s a pretty easy walk that takes less than 1 hour. From Wat Pra Lat you can either walk back to the trailhead or continue a steeper path to Doi Suthep.

Take a day trip to Doi Inthanon

Doi Inthanon is a National Park with the highest point in Thailand, located near Chiang Mai. The park is known for multiple waterfalls and temples and can easily be reached with a day trip. However, if you want to go on your own, we would advise you to stay in the area for a night, to be able to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay?

A great option is the Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai, a charming little boutique property, located less than 15 minutes drive from Chiang Mai airport, and only 10 minutes away from the city’s many temples and attractions.

At the heart of this small resort lie three magnificent wooden buildings, all over 200 years old and wonderfully restored to now house the Garden Restaurant & 1892 Bar, reception & library, and a 4-Bedroom Villa with private pool. The 44 guest rooms are a mix of 1- and 2-Bedroom Villas, all set on the ground floor with private pools, and Deluxe Rooms. In the centre sits the salt-water swimming pool and an upstairs sala where the wellness classes happen.

The Ayurah Spa & Wellness Centre is housed in a beautiful two-story teak building, which also plays host to the fitness centre. The retreats on offer cover everything from Recovery & Rehabilitation, Mindfulness and Relaxation, to Stress Management, Detoxification and Self-Love, and there are at least two group wellness classes offered each day, covering activities such as Yoga, Qi Gong, Mediation, Sound Healing & Pranayama. Those on programmes are well catered for with special detox menus, but for the not-so-dedicated the restaurant provides an excellent a la carte & buffet breakfast and a wonderful selection of local & international dishes for lunch and dinner, with the local farm-to-fork principle adhered to wherever possible.

In summary, the Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai is perfect for all – those wanting to explore the city who just fancy dipping their toes into the world of wellness, as well as those keen on experiencing one of the retreats.

Is Chiang Mai easy to combine with other parts of Thailand?

Yes. Chiang Mai is a city on the up and is now easily accessible internationally from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur & Hong Kong, and domestically from Bangkok, Phuket, Hua Hin & Koh Samui, making it simple to combine a stay here with one at RAKxa, Aleenta Phuket, Chiva Som or Kamalaya, allowing you to enjoy a double wellness-whammy.

In conclusion

Many make the mistake of only spending a couple of nights in Chiang Mai, but to do so would mean not being able to experience everything the area has to offer. Try to spend at least 4 or 5 nights here, and really let Thailand's wellness capital get under your skin.