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Here are THE BEST Hidden gems in Chiang Mai in 2026. Like most of the world, Chiang Mai has changed massively in the past few years. It can be tricky to get up to date accurate travel information about Chiang Mai. What’s more, there are MANY amazing unique activities in Chiang Mai that are easy to miss. We have traveled around Chiang Mai extensively to find the best hidden gems in Chiang Mai that you can visit in 2026.
Looking for somewhere to stay? Don’t miss these Chiang Mai Old City hotels and our guide to THE BEST areas to stay in Chiang Mai
Map of the best hidden gems in Chiang Mai
Situated in the mountains of north Thailand Chiang Mai is full of adventure, culture, mystery and amazing food! There are so many hidden gems in Chiang Mai it was actually hard to narrow it down. Quirky cafes, unique once in a lifetime accommodation and a hidden jungle temple. We compiled this list to share a wide range of different types of experience and to share some of Chiang Mai’s best kept secrets. We have also included location, tips on transportation and prices where relevant.
Chiang Mai is such an epic destination we think it deserves its own itinerary. If you’re planning a trip to Chiang Mai check out our 10 day Chiang Mai itinerary AND if you only have a short blast in Chiang Mai check out our 3 day Chiang Mai itinerary.
1 Much Room cafe
This is one of our favorite Hidden Gems in Chiang Mai. Much Room cafe is a novelty mushroom themed cafe located to the south of Chiang Mai. They serve a range of decadent drinks and tempting treats. We love the quirky and yet beautiful mushroom shaped buildings and the artificial waterfall on the side of this cafe. There is plenty of seating space inside the mushrooms, up stairs in the mushroom deck and also in the lovely gardens around the mushrooms. Food and drinks at Much Room cafe are a little more expensive than average food and drinks in Chiang Mai. Most drinks range between 50 and 150 baht (this is roughly £1 – £3 or $1.30 – $4). Food ranges between 100 baht – 250 baht (roughly £2 – £5 or $2.50 – $7). You should be able to get a taxi or songthaew to Much Room cafe for around 50 – 100 baht from the old town (£1 – £2 or $1.30 – $2.50)
2 Wat Pha Lat Monks trail
If you’re looking for more adventurous hidden gems in Chiang Mai don’t miss the mysterious monks trail. The Wat Pha Lat monks trail is a beautiful jungle trail leading up into the hills to the west of Chiang Mai. The start of the monks trail is around 10 minute drive from the Chiang Mai old town. The Trail itself is around 1.2km each way and takes around 30 minutes to walk up. The trail leads to the beautiful hidden jungle temple, Wat Pha Lat. This temple has a range of monuments, pavilions and buildings. A river runs through the temple grounds with pools and waterfalls. Many of the buildings and statues are showing signs of age and deterioration giving Wat Pha Lat a mysterious and intrepid feel. It is free to trek up the monks trail and enter the temple. In the morning monks can be seen using the trail to walk into town to collect alms. The best way to get to the start of the monks trail is to use a songthaew or a taxi (Use the Grab app or Bolt app is cheaper). It should cost around 100 baht from the old town (£2 or $3).
3 Starbucks temple
Chiang Mai is home to hundreds of beautiful ornate Buddhist temples. Chiang Mai temples are such a significant part of the culture you can even find a Starbucks themed as a temple in Chiang Mai. The Starbucks temple Chiang Mai has the characteristic temple roofs and an ornate gate. The building is not particularly big, and the furnishings inside are typical of Starbucks that you will find anywhere in the world. They also serve the normal starbucks menu of Macchiatos, Frappes and cakes. The Starbuck temple Chiang Mai is located at Farang Village on route 108 around 12km south of Chiang Mai old town. Prices are typical of Starbucks; around 150 – 200 baht for drinks (roughly £3 – £4 or $4 – $5). Many songthaews (small buses) run up and down route 108 and normally charge 20-30 baht depending on the distance you travel.
4 Sticky waterfall
Want to know more? Don’t miss our FULL guide on Sticky Waterfall
Sticky waterfall is one of our favorite hidden gems in Chiang Mai. Sticky waterfall, also known as Bua Tong waterfall (อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำตกบัวตอง-น้ำพุเจ็ดสี), is one of the most unique waterfalls we have seen anywhere in the world. The unique surface texture of this waterfall has remarkably high friction. The surface of the waterfall is actually hard and rough rather than sticky. Although the surface is rough, it is actually not painful to walk on. People walk up very steep sections of the waterfall without slipping. Some sections of the waterfall have ropes to help people climb. Be aware that some sections towards the top have some moss and therefore are slippery. This may not be the most secret of the hidden gems in Chiang Mai, but it is one of the most epic! The Sticky waterfall is located approximately 60km north of Chiang Mai. The cheapest way to get to the sticky waterfall is to rent a bike (200 baht per day which is around £4 or $5). You can also rent a car in Chiang Mai (around 1,000 baht per day £20 or $25). Alternatively you can arrange a taxi for This will cost around 800-1000 baht for the return trip depending on your bartering skills (this is around £16 – £20 or $20 – $25). If you plan to go by taxi you will need to organize this in advance.
5 Khom Chocolate House
The Khom Chocolate House is a small chocolate cafe located in the north west corner of the Chiang Mai old town. It is a small and unassuming building – and all too easy to walk right past without realizing the magical wanders that lie within. The Khom Chocolate House serves a range of exquisite chocolate themed treats and drinks. One of our favorites is a chocolate ice cube served with a jug of thick hot chocolate to pour over the top. We also love the triple chocolate shots. Select three types of chocolate to be melted into these divine shot glasses. All of their drinks, cakes, truffles and brownies are made with the finest chocolate and precision recipes. The Khom Chocolate house really is one of the hidden gems in Chiang Mai that you MUST NOT miss. Most drinks and treats range in price between 50 baht and 120 baht (£1 – £2.50 or $1.30 – $4). It is relatively easy to walk to the Khom Chocolate House from anywhere in the old town.
6 Jungle coaster
This is one of THE BEST hidden gems in Chiang Mai for anyone seeking an adrenaline rush. The Pong Yang jungle coaster is a rollercoaster that winds through the steep jungle hills. You sit in a small two person cart and you can control the speed of the cart using a lever to the side. The Pong Yang adventure park also has a zip line course, canopy swing, canopy bicycles and much more. Don’t miss the Jungle De Cafe located at the Pong Yang Adventure park. You can sit on nets by a waterfall and enjoy a coffee. It costs 150 baht to ride the Pong Yang jungle coaster (this is around £3 or $4). You don’t need to book tickets in advance – just rock up and buy tickets at the office on the day. The full round trip from Chiang Mai to the Pong Yang Adventure Park is approximately 70km so if you have not rented a car or a bike you will need to arrange your transportation in advance. If you are planning to use a taxi expect to pay in the region of 600 – 1,000 baht for a private taxi or songthaew for the day (roughly £12 – £20 or $15 – $25)
7 Khunkae’s juice bar
This is one of those hidden gems in Chiang Mai that you could walk straight past and not know what you’re missing. Khunkae’s juice bar is a small juice and smoothie bar that also serves delicious Acai bowls, fruit plates and salads. They have an extensive and creative menu of smoothie options. All healthy, some rich and full of energy, others punchy tangy and packed with vitamins. We highly recommend the chocolate smoothie bowl (made of cocoa powder and banana). Something this healthy shouldn’t be this tasty! Khunkae’s juice bar is a small cafe located to the north east of the old town. If you’re looking for an affordable healthy vegan fix this is the place for you. For such an epic range of drinks, this place is also very affordable. Most smoothies and drinks range in price from 50baht – 100baht (£1 – £2 or $1.30 – $2.50)
8 The Inside House (glass pool suite)
The Inside House is a boutique 5 star hotel located in the Chiang Mai old town. The Inside House Chiang Mai is a luxurious colonial style hotel with beautiful white rooms. Stunning balconies and chandeliers give this property the feel of a regal mansion. The Inside house has one one the most unique suites that we have seen in any hotel. They have a Glass Pool suite. This room has a small private pool with glass sides next to your room. Lie in bed and watch your partner practicing their breath holds in the pool whilst you take the most unique selfies that you can take in any hotel. The glass pool suite normally costs around £250. Other rooms can be found for just over £100 per night if you get a good deal. Keep an eye out for discounts on booking.com.
9 Mork Fa waterfall
We have included the Mork Fa waterfall on our list of hidden gems in Chiang Mai because it is such an idyllic jungle waterfall. The main cascade is a large sheer drop from a cliff into a deep plunge pool. The Mork Fa waterfall is surrounded by jungle foliage. You can paddle in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall or ascend a path that leads around the cliffs to the side of the waterfall affording an impressive view of the cascading water. The Mork Fa waterfall is between Chiang Mai and Pai and is a perfect stopping point if you are traveling to Pai. The best way to get to the Mork Fa waterfall is to drive independently (rented car or motorbike). Alternatively you can arrange a taxi. Expect to pay in the region of 1,000 baht for the day trip (this is roughly £20 or $25). Entry to Mork Fa waterfall costs 100 baht (around £2 or $2.50)
10 The Carp Cafe
The Carp Cafe is one of the lesser known hidden gems in Chiang Mai. Located around 10km to the south west of Chiang Mai, this little cafe is totally unique. The carp cafe has a damp high altitude jungle theme. An artificial mist swirls around small crooked mossy trees. Walkways and bridges allow you to explore the cafe. The main area of the cafe consists of a large carp pool. Seating areas are designed to give you the feeling of being submerged in the pool. The Carp cafe serves a range of cakes, drinks and fresh sushi and sashimi. For a novelty cafe prices are very reasonable.
11 Chai Lai Orchid Elephant hotel
This is one of the BEST hidden gems in Chiang Mai if you want an absolutely unforgettable experience! The Chai Lai elephant hotel is an innovative project located in the hills around a 90 minute drive to the south west of Chiang Mai. Chai Lai elephant hotel is a set of luxurious nature lodges at an elephant home. You can receive a wake up call from the elephants and they will gladly join you for breakfast. You can also do a range of other experiences at the Chai Lai orchid. They offer elephant trekking, elephant swimming and bathing. They can also arrange longer treks into the hills including homestays. The Chai Lai orchid is an ethical project that provides employment and training to locals, supporting the community whilst providing a happy caring home for elephants. They are also entirely non-profit – all profits are donated to a charity that rescues and protects vulnerable women from trafficking. The Chai Lai Orchid is surprisingly affordable for the unique experience they offer. Rooms typically range between £50 and £100. Check prices on booking.com.
12 Natural waterslide
There is a sliding waterfall located approximately 60km to the north of Chiang Mai. The Sliding waterfall is known as Sagee waterfall. This is one of the lesser known hidden gems in Chiang Mai. Sagee waterfall is not the most impressive waterfall that you can see around Chiang Mai. What makes Sagee waterfall special is the fact that locals use this waterfall as a natural slide. It is pretty steep and very slippery and the waterfall drops straight into a deep plunge pool. Sliding down any waterfall has inherent risks – so as ever, if you do choose to slide down Sagee waterfall, risk assess carefully and remember you are responsible for your own safety. It is worth being aware of potential risks such as low water levels in dry season and logs or debris in the plunge pool. You can also arrange treks in the area with local tour guides and they may be able to advise as to whether they think the waterfall is safe to slide down at the time.
A few disclaimers about “hidden gems in Chiang Mai”
Some of these hidden gems in Chiang Mai are actually outside of the city. BUT it is possible to visit ALL of these attractions as a day trip from Chiang Mai. They are all within an hour or two drive of Chiang Mai old town.
Our “hidden gems in Chiang Mai” are not utterly secret places that are unknown to anyone else. Some of our “hidden gems in Chiang Mai” may even get busy at times. So what do we mean by “hidden gems in Chiang Mai”? Hidden Gems in Chiang Mai are places that are either under-rated, not visited or not appreciated as much as we think they should be. If you really want to discover hidden gems that aren’t visited by anyone else then you will need to be willing to get well off the beaten track and explore places that you can’t read about online or in any guide book.
Finally, some of the activities that we share on our site come with an inherent risk. We cannot accept any responsibility for any accidents or injuries that anyone sustains as a result of doing any activities that we share on our website. Travel safe and take care. Life is precious.
