Chiang Mai has a lot to offer for a low price, including free access to historical sites and natural attractions. Due to the abundance of free activities, it is simple to maximise your vacation in this location without spending a lot.
Adventurers will especially enjoy themselves on low-cost trips to this city, which typically include a lot of outdoor activities. Additionally, there is a great deal of art and history to discover, making it an excellent location for travellers on a tight budget. Take a look at some of the best cheap things to do in Chiang Mai.
1.Chiang Mai Old City
There are a lot of fun things to see and do in Chiang Mai Old City that are not too expensive. There are a number of free monuments in this area of town, including the Three Kings Monument, given its historical significance.
In addition to historic buildings, you’ll find a lot of restaurants, shops, and other establishments throughout the district. Consider riding a bike to see everything if you want to. This area of town is especially bike-friendly, and it’s a cheap and easy way to get around. In the centre of the city, it is within a square waterway.
2.Chiang Mai temples
The temples in Chiang Mai are a major draw for tourists from all over the world. Even better, you can use them for free. This city has more than 300 temples, the majority of which are centuries old and exceptionally well-maintained.
You will be greeted by impressive architecture, vibrant colours, and intricate carvings when you visit these temples, which make the decor truly shine. When you immerse yourself in the atmosphere here, the ancient Lanna Kingdom appears to come to life. The temples can be found all over the town.
3.Namtok Bua Tong (Sticky Waterfalls)
One of the most fascinating natural features in the town is the climbable Namtok Bua Tong (Sticky Waterfalls). The cascading water here actually interacts with the minerals in a way that gives them a natural grip, rather than making the rocky falls slippery.
You can easily climb up the rocks, which have a consistency similar to that of a dried sponge, even without shoes if you can handle the rough surface. Access is free to everyone. About an hour north of town is where it is.
4.Tha Phae Gate
One of the oldest gates in Chiang Mai’s Old City, Tha Phae Gate is a shining example of how ancient and modern merge here. Even though the old city had a number of gates, traders, diplomats, and monks mostly used this one.
Today, there is a nighttime bazaar and a selection of cafes and restaurants near the gate. As a historical landmark tying the outer city to its historic core, the gate is open to the public for free. It is near the old moat on the east side of Old City.
5.Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
Through a fascinating collection of artefacts and exhibits, you can learn about the history of the city at the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre. On the upper floor of the museum in the centre, you’ll find a complete recreation of a Lanna village.
In addition to the impressive permanent collection, special exhibits are held throughout the year. Before you go, make sure to check the local calendar. This museum is included in a number of different tours, but you can always visit it on your own to save money. It is close to the Old Town’s centre.
6.San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
Relax in a natural bath surrounded by stunning natural features like tall trees and green hills at the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs. It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit because the mineral bath here uses natural heat to keep the water warm.
Keep in mind that the springs themselves are not the same as the bath. The actual hot spring geysers can send water up to 20 metres into the air at nearly boiling temperatures, only to lose heat when it comes into contact with the wind. It is approximately 22 miles east of town.
7.Chiang Dao Cave
Chiang Dao Cave is a huge complex of caves where you can see and easily navigate fascinating underground geological formations. There are more than 100 caves in the complex, but visitors can only visit the five main ones.
Fortunately, there are stalactites and stalagmites to be found in all five open caves. Although you can easily stay in the areas that are walkable, be aware that you will need to crawl through some of the caves. Additionally, although entry to the caves is inexpensive, it is not free. It is about 47 miles to the north of town.
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