Although Chiang Mai is known for iconic Thai food such as spicy tom yum and mango sticky rice, it has its own famous dishes too. Unlike its southern counterpart, Northern Thailand has its own unique flavours when it comes to food. Their unique food culture originates from the Lanna Kingdom, which was essentially Northern Thailand before they joined Siam (now Thailand) in 1909.
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Their flavours are heavily influenced by neighbouring countries such as Myanmar, Laos and China. So, the food palate is predominantly salty and bitter, and not as spicy as their southern areas like Bangkok and Phuket.
Not only that, the city is full of amazing and stunning attractions for you to explore. From beautiful temples, vibrant markets, and delicious Thai food, Chiang Mai is definitely a destination to visit! We have compiled a number of attractions for you to visit and places to eat nearby, to keep you and your tummy happy throughout your Chiang Mai trip.
To help ease your trip planning, book your activities on Klook beforehand. Between airport transfers, provided transportation for your activities and planned itineraries, you’re in good hands! Remember to purchase a 4G data sim card before your trip to stay connected, and to post up those beautiful photos of yourself in this exotic Northern Thai city.
Use these promo codes for discounts off your first purchase on Klook:
- Singapore: TRAVELHHWT (SGD5 off)
- Malaysia: TRAVELHHWTMY (MYR 15 off)
- Indonesia: TRAVELHHWTID (IDR 50,000 off)
Currently, there is a bad haze in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai which is expected to subside by May 2019. If you do visit these cities beforehand, we suggest you purchase and wear the appropriate mask while exploring the city, and keep hydrated too ?
Finding Halal food in Chiang Mai
Finding halal restaurants is fairly easy in Chiang Mai, but when you’re exploring outside the city or are on tours, it is best to prepare a snack or meal to bring with you. Some tour operators, such as those on Klook may provide halal or vegetarian options during the tour.
So, what can you do to make sure you won’t starve to death while exploring the vibrant city? Your private charter can drop by any of these places and stock up on some snacks and drinks!
- Drop by 7-Eleven and find snacks available. There are plenty of halal snacks and drinks in Chiang Mai’s 7-Eleven. Just keep a lookout for the halal logo or a crescent moon and stars logo on the packaging.
- There are plenty of halal food, snacks and drinks at Halal Street Hilal Town too since there is a large Muslim community there.
- Pack some snacks or meals for tours that are outside the city, where you won’t have access to convenience stores to buy halal food.
- There are also plenty of juice stalls in touristy places. So, you can always get a fruit snack or fruit juice!
- If you’re using a private transfer, the driver can stop by these places for you to stock up too.
Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh & Sunday Walking Street
There are multiple attractions you can visit within Chiang Mai city itself. From visiting temples to learn about Northern Thailand culture, to shopping your way through their street markets. Our suggestion is to visit Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and Sunday Walking Street together since they only a few minutes walking distance away from each other. After that, you can feast at nearby halal restaurants that are about 10 minutes drive away from the attractions that you can use a private transfer to visit.
WAT CHEDI LUANG
Hop on to a private charter and start your day at Wat Chedi Luang. Built sometime between 1385 and 1402, the historical temple Wat Chedi Luang is located right inside the remarkable city of Chiang Mai.
Credit: @sifirbesuc on Instagram
Explore the vibrant temple where the main attraction is its large chedi (stupa) that enshrines the ashes of the father of one of the previous kings, King Saen Muang Ma. The chedi stands at 85 meters tall, and at one point was the highest structure in Chiang Mai.
And amaze yourself with the other architectures within the temple ? Find wiharns (assembly hall) with images of Buddha, and a giant gum tree at the temple entrance. According to local folklore, a catastrophe for epic proportions will occur if the tree ever falls ?
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Since it’s an active temple, it’s common to see monks walking around too, just going on with their daily activities.
Don’t forget to notice other details too. As with other Thai Buddhist temples, you can find intricately designed beautiful nagas (serpents) flanked around the staircase and statues of elephants. It’s amazing how much elephants are revered in Thailand ☺️
#HHWT tip: If you have mobile phone data, it’s easy to navigate using your phone GPS (Waze, Google Maps, Apple Maps) to these locations within the city since they’re just a few minutes walking distances from each other.
Address: 103 Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Opening hours: 6am – 6pm
Entrance fee: Free. Donations appreciated.
Book your tour to Wat Chedi Luang on Klook
WAT PHRA SINGH
Built in 1345, this is probably Chiang Mai’s second most revered temple after Wat Phra Doi Suthep. This breath taking lavish Lanna architecture is one not to be missed if you’re in town, it is one of the best well-preserved architecture of Lanna architecture that has stood through time!
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There are three beautiful structures for you to explore in this temple, mainly an awe-inspiring assembly hall painted with gorgeous murals of Chiang Mai’s local life during its time, hundreds of years ago – history buffs, you will love to explore this!
Find more gold chedis here too. The temple also has a giant chedi decorated with elegant elephant figurines – a prime example of how Buddhism was adopted into the Lanna culture.
Credit: @bruno_freire on Instagram
You’ll also see many worshippers coming to give respect to the famous Buddha statue (known as Phra Singh which means Lion Buddha) located inside the main viharn. The stunning statue is said to have been brought into Thailand from Sri Lanka. Not to forget, inside the viharn itself are exquisite naga and gold patterned stencilling designs.
Address: 2 Samlarn Rd, Phra Sing, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 502800, Thailand
Opening hours: 6am – 5pm
Entrance fee: Free. Donations appreciated.
Book your tour to Wat Phra Singh on Klook
SUNDAY WALKING STREET
Credit: robo_remy on Instagram
A large market that takes place every Sunday in Chiang Mai. This place is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. Explore the market as you can find a large variety of items sold – clothing, gadgets, souvenirs, or enjoy a massage chair while you wait for your friends or family to shop!
Credit: @wingsta on Instagram
#HHWT tip: It is best to show up before 6pm as it tends to get extremely crowded later in the night.
Address: Rachadamnoen Road
Opening hours: 4pm – 12am
Halal Food Nearby Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and Sunday Walking Street
RUAMMIT 1 HALAL RESTAURANT
Just a 10 minute drive away from Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang are a number of halal restaurants to replenish your hungry stomachs! Your private transfer can easily drop you at the restaurant’s doorstep.
Ruammit 1 Halal Restaurant is one of the most popular halal food joint in town, and with the extent of its food selection, you’ll definitely understand why. The cosy restaurant was established by the current owner’s wife’s grandfather more than 40 years ago so you can be assured that the recipes are as authentic as it can be ?
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With a price range between 10 to 300 baht, a feast here is definitely worth it. Savour beautifully cooked baked duck, have a spicy bowl of seafood tom yum soup, fried beef with ginger, fried fish with Thai herbs, and try Thailand’s delicious sticky rice! You and your friends will be satisfied for hours to come after a meal here.
Food aside, enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant too! This spacious restaurant is located within lush greenery, with a peek into the busy streets of Chiang Mai.
P.S. If you’re travelling in a group, they even have three private rooms available. But you may need to book it beforehand.
#HHWT tip: If you’re using a tuk-tuk, songthaew or a taxi, try and have the address translated into Thai. If you have mobile phone data, download a language translation app for convenience. Many of the locals are not fluent in English but are more than happy to help you out.
Address: 170/7 Chang Klan Rd., Tambon Chang Klan, Amphoe Mueng, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm
Contact: +66 53 819 085
Halal status: Muslim-owned
TAKAWA HALAL CUISINE
A stunning restaurant just a 10-minute drive from the inner-city walls of Chiang Mai, this beautiful air-conditioned restaurant serves everything you need from scrumptious Thai cuisine, western dishes, and yummy desserts! With this variety at 10 to 400 baht per dish, there’s something for everyone.
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Indulge in mouth-watering Thai soups, or creamy green curry with a tinge of spice! And definitely order their drool-worthy seafood menu like steamed sea bass cooked in lemongrass and herbs, or a plate of crispy and crunchy deep-fried juicy prawns! Why not order a plate of Thai salad too to complement the food? There’s plenty to choose from too.
Don’t forget, they have a selection of western dishes too. So, if you’ve been eating too much Thai food and are craving something else instead (we doubt it), there’s always a satisfying plate of T-bone steak, salmon fillets, pasta and more.
Take your time and enjoy the place too, have a good cup of coffee or tea before heading to your next destination ☺️
Address: Chiang Mai Land 10 Alley, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Opening hours: 10am – 9pm daily
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Use these promo codes for discounts off your first purchase on Klook:
- Singapore: TRAVELHHWT (SGD5 off)
- Malaysia: TRAVELHHWTMY (MYR 15 off)
- Indonesia: TRAVELHHWTID (IDR 50,000 off)
Halal Street Hilal Town & Chiang Mai Night Market
Two other must-visit places in Chiang Mai are Halal Street Hilal Town and Chiang Mai Night Market. Explore Chiang Mai’s Muslim community and shop till you drop at the largest night market in town! You can easily find halal food within these attractions too. Take a short scenic 10-minute drive from the old city to the Halal Street Hilal Town or the Chiang Mai Night Market.
#HHWT tip: You can also leave your non-essential belongings in the private charter while exploring.
HALAL STREET HILAL TOWN
Explore Chiang Mai’s Muslim community at Halal Street Hilal Town (also known as Hilal Street or Halal Street). Unlike Southern Thailand where most of the Muslim population are ethnically of Malay origin, Northern Thailand has an interesting Muslim population mainly with Chinese and Burmese origins! From a big mosque, halal eateries and some shopping outlets, it is definitely a place to explore. Not to mention it’s right next to the Chiang Mai Night Market too.
Shopping aside, tea lovers should drop by Wang Put Tan Tea shop ? This cosy tea shop just at the start of Hilal street has a variety of local tea too! From the usual green tea and white tea to more exotic flavours such as ginseng green tea and four seasons tea ?. The owner, Mr. Wang, is super friendly and will also let you sample any of the tea you want before purchasing.
MASJID HIDAYATUL ISLAM BANHAW MOSQUE
Credit: @sofia_rehan on Instagram
The mosque is located just a few steps from the main entrance into Hilal street too, perfect for a quick prayer before or after a meal.
Address: 31 Charoenprathet Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
CHIANG MAI NIGHT MARKET
You can’t drop by Thailand and not drop by one of its vibrant night markets! And there’s none more vibrant with clothes and souvenirs in Chiang Mai than the Chiang Mai Night Market.
Shop till you drop at the market! Explore the inner and outer parts of the large market and bargain your way through endless goods! Get some Thai silk materials for yourself, stunning traditional outfits for friends, quirky souvenirs for colleagues, and possibly even touristy t-shirts for that one relative that collects them. There’s something to find for everyone!
Address: Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Opening Hours: 5am-12am
Halal Food At Halal Street Hilal Town & Chiang Mai Night Market
STREET FOOD AT CHIANG MAI NIGHT MARKET
There’s plenty to eat at the Chiang Mai Night Market food court! Keep a lookout for stalls with the crescent moon and star logo for halal eateries. However, we recommend that you double check with the stall owner and dine at your own discretion.
Indulge in a sweet delicious banana roti dessert with chocolate, honey, egg, peanut butter or Nutella starting at 60 baht or a super filling freshly made Turkish kebab made as you order at 129 baht. Savour every bit of tender and juicy lamb meat ?
There’s plenty of seafood-only stalls too! Feast on scrumptious seafood grilled on the spot for about 60 to 300 baht.
Credit: @leozhinio on Instagram
And what’s a trip to Thailand without having some fresh coconut? ? You’ll find plenty of these in the market too. Or have a delicious cup of fresh juice! There are plenty of juice stalls around Chiang Mai too if you ever need a refreshing drinks
Credit: @messyeatin on Instagram
And end on a sweet note with delicious mango sticky rice! For those of you who have not tried this, you’ll be surprised how well the blend of sweet mangoes, creamy coconut milk and sticky rice to give you a unique taste that you will truly enjoy.
PRIKTHAI
Just at the entrance of Hilal Street is Prikthai, a halal authentic Thai restaurant for a scrumptious feast!
Dine on iconic Thai dishes like super delicious spicy seafood tom yum, stir-fried beef, and delicious papaya salad! Authentic Thai food in Thailand is definitely a culinary experience for all! Not to mention that it is so conveniently located within Hilal street and next to the Chiang Mai night market.
Address: Changklan road, Halal street, Muang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50100
Opening Hours: 10am-11pm
Halal Status: Muslim-owned
SOFIA HALAL RESTAURANT
Indulge in yummy beef noodles at Sofia Halal Restaurant, also located at Hilal Street.
And if you’re not satisfied with that, there’s plenty more! Fried rice, stir-fried meat and vegetables, spicy tom yum… you’ll be salivating for your next meal!
Eat in comfort in the medium-sized eatery, just along Hilal Street with plenty of other halal eateries in the areas to choose from! You definitely won’t starve there.
Address: Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Opening hours:
KHAO SOY FEUNG FAH
And just across Sofia Halal Restaurant is another famous halal establishment, with a similar humble atmosphere – Khao Soy Feung Fah.
Or slurp down Northern Thailand’s iconic Khao Soi at Khao Soy Feung Fah! It’s a coconut curry based spicy soup served with crunchy noodles. It’s usually served with pork but the halal version uses chicken meat instead! The place even serves chicken and mutton biryani, oxtail soup, fried rice and more.
If you’re looking for more food, don’t worry, each of these restaurants has a large variety of irresistible local Thai food. You’ll surely come back from round two or three!
Address: 6, Soi Charoen Prathet 1 | Chang Moi, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Opening hours: +66 81 595 7030
Halal status: Muslim-owned
BONUS: KHANTOKE DINNER & CULTURAL SHOW
What better way to learn about Northern Thai (Lanna) culture than to experience a cultural show about the different cultures in Thailand? Book this captivating activity on Klook – transportation to the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre is included in the package too or your private transfer could drop you off at the Old Chiang Mai Cultural centre and pick you up after.
Sit back and relax on Lai Tai cushions in a concert hall while enjoying a halal traditional Khantoke dinner.
A Khantoke dinner comprises of multiple dishes served on a large circular tray which halal menu includes a vegetable soup, sticky rice, Burmese chicken, green chilli paste, minced chicken in tomatoes chilli paste, crispy fried textured vegetable, fresh vegetables, stir-fried mixed vegetable, sweet crispy noodle, fried pumpkin (or banana), fried chicken, fresh fruit and a choice of coffee and tea.
And there’s nothing better than to enjoy a show while feasting on a scrumptious meal. Enjoy a traditional performance by multiple groups of performers as they showcase a variety of performances, some even dating back to 150 years ago! Watch in awe as groups of performers perform the Swords Dance, the Tai Dance, the Silk-reeling Dance and many more. All performed gracefully in a variety of traditional outfits.
Book your Khantoke Dinner and Cultural show on Klook.
Chiang Mai is a city filled with vibrant culture and delicious food. Experiencing Northern Thai culture can make a trip extremely memorable. Learning about their beautiful culture by visiting stunning temples, eating delicious food, and shopping is only a fraction of what you can do there.
We also highly suggest that you use a private transfer while touring Chiang Mai. Between being able to explore the town (and more) on your own time, being able to comfortable and having your own privacy while travelling can make your trip even better. Having a private transfer also means that you wouldn’t have to waste time on the streets waiting and hailing for public transportation.
There is so much more to do from visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries, ziplining through scenic rainforests, exploring beautiful flower gardens, or even taking a private charter to Chiang Rai. You can conveniently book all these activities on Klook too. The possibilities are endless!
Use these promo codes for discounts off your first purchase on Klook:
- Singapore: TRAVELHHWT (SGD5 off)
- Malaysia: TRAVELHHWTMY (MYR 15 off)
- Indonesia: TRAVELHHWTID (IDR 50,000 off)
This post is brought to you by Klook.