Christmas in Chiang Mai

While Christmas is not a celebrated holiday in Thailand, it is still a festive time of year. Chiang Mai is a beautiful ancient city with plenty to see, as you stroll along the shops, you will feel the spirit of Christmas everywhere. Festive decorations such as garland, snowmen, and Christmas trees line the streets. Santa peeks out from shop windows in their own unique Thai style. Restaurants even boast some traditional Christmas fare.

Christmas in Chiang Mai - akyra Manor Chiang Mai Hotel

Whether you are visiting friends, family, or simply enjoying holiday on your own, be sure to check out these top 10 landmarks in Chiang Mai.

Experience Christmas in Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

One of the most famous Buddhist shrines in Thailand, it is named after the mountain it rests upon. It shines like a bright golden star from atop Doi Suthep. It is believed that this place was chosen for the shrine when one of Buddha’s bones split in two. One piece of the bone was placed upon a sacred white elephant who climbed the mountain, trumpeted, and died. This was seen as a sign from the heavens and construction was started soon after.

Meet Some Elephants

Originating in 1976 as a conservation centre, this camp is home to over 70 elephants. These are quite talented elephants having been trained to play football, paint, dance, and perform talent shows to delight their guests. You have the opportunity to learn more about these elephants from their mahouts during your visit.

Wat Chedi Luang

The temple was built between 1385 and 1402. It’s chedi was once the home of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred relic. An earthquake in 1545 reduced the chedis height to nearly half its size. At 50 metres high, it’s still an impressive temple.

Take a Thai Cooking Class

Try your hand at authentic Thai cuisine. Cooking classes kick off at the market where you learn about local ingredients. After the market tour you return to class and begin cooking. The best part of the day is getting to taste the delicious creations you have prepared.

Sail Through the Treetops

A short trip out of town brings you to a picturesque countryside filled with lush tropical surroundings. It’s not enough to view this landscape from the ground. It must be experienced from within and above. Zip line your way through and above the most exquisite setting you will ever experience.

Or see our range of Memorable Experiences that we offer when you stay at our Chiang Mai Hotel.

Shop in Bor Sang Village

This village is famous for its handcrafted paper umbrellas. There is no shortage of styles and sizes from the small drink umbrellas to large parasols. While visiting, be sure to check out the umbrella factory. Watch in awe as the skilled craftsmen and women put these masterpieces together from scratch.

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Take in the beauty of the waterfalls that are easily accessed from the main road as you travel up Doi Pui, the highest peak in the park. Sitting at 1,685 metres above sea level, the peak is shrouded in mist and the temperature stays relatively cool. On your way back down, be sure to visit the Hmong tribal village. Experience their simple way of living and learn about their culture through costumes, crafts, and musical instruments.

Colours of Chiang Mai

Visit the Museum District

Formerly the administrative centre for the city, the old buildings have been re-purposed into museums and exhibition centres. The buildings are all within a short walk of one another. There is even a small intricate temple to visit as well. After getting your fill of culture, fill your bellies with the scrumptious food offerings just up the street.

Wat Pra Prabat Si Roy

Also called the Temple of the Four Buddha Footprints, it is a forest temple located in Mae Rim’s Salouang district. Access to the site can be limited discouraging many tourists and groups. This makes it an ideal, quiet spot to add to your itinerary. Rent a motorbike and you are on your way to this picturesque attraction.

Shop at the Night Bazaar.

For something a little different, make your way to the night bazaar. Vendors line the streets which can be walked in some areas or traveled by tuk tuks in other areas. Pick up your wares then hit a rooftop bar to celebrate your Christmas trip.

Chiang Mai Hotel

Our Chiang Mai Hotel offers 30 sanctuaries for our guests, comprising 23 akyra Deluxe suites at a generous 610 sq ft and seven expansive Manor suites of 1050 sq ft for guests who want to really have room to spread their wings.

These luxury suites will change the way you think about hotel rooms. An outdoor hot tub, lavish bathroom and courtyard are the focal point of each suite – a great leap forward in stylishly different and smart design.

Christmas Celebration | 24 - 25 December

24 DEC 2022 From 6pm

25 DEC 2022 From 11.30am

Italics Restaurant

Christmas Eve: 5 Course Dinner

Christmas Day: 5 Course Lunch

Festive Season’s Celebrations & mark the season of giving with classic tastes of the Holidays at Italics Restaurant with Degustation menu by Chef Gem.