10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai's temples are among the most popular attractions in the city, as they're packed full of history and fascinating architecture and artwork. You and your partner can see more than 300 temples in the city alone, with most dating back centuries.

The colours of the temples vary quite a bit, with vibrant contrasting hues complementing the unique architectural style. Carvings among the temples are common as well, and you may even get a chance to talk to one of the monks to learn more about the temples. They're located throughout town.

Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden is the first of its kind in the country, and a popular spot where you'll find plants from all over the world. The garden encompasses over 220 hectares of space, which allows for various climates catering to an array of different plants.

While you'll find plenty of plants native to the area, more exotic species are here as well, including what you'd find in an Asian tropical rainforest. The walking trails can also turn your visit into a more romantic experience with breathtaking scenery. It's located about 19 miles northwest of town.

A Northern Thai cooking class allows you and your partner to learn some impressive skills that you both can enjoy even after your holiday is over. Northern Thai cooking is especially unique compared with what most people from Europe are used to, so it's a nice change of pace.

Quite a few different classes are available throughout town, with some being fairly quick and others being all-day experiences.With some of the longer classes, you'll find yourself not only learning how to cook but how to source ingredients as well. You can try these classes out for yourself throughout town.

Tweechol Botanical Garden is a fascinating collection of vibrant greenery and plant life within a high-end resort that features impeccable garden architecture. A variety of trees and bushes are growing throughout the garden, but among the most impressive features are the plant art pieces.

When you visit this garden, you'll find plant sculptures depicting massive dragons that seem to be partially hidden underground only for parts to emerge away from the head like a long, winding snake. You and your partner can see it all in Inthara Chitchai Village just northeast of town.

The Mae Ping River Cruise is a romantic journey through the Ping River at a slow and scenic pace where you and your partner can enjoy the view and the food. The river's sights change quite a bit throughout the tour, revealing teak houses, rural landscapes and more.

The tour is about 2 hours long, so it's fairly easy to fit into any itinerary. Additionally, you'll find seasonal fresh fruit available during the cruise, though you can opt for a fancier dinner cruise if you prefer. It sets out from the western bank of the river just south of the Iron Bridge.

The Bai Orchid-Butterfly Farm is a fascinating attraction you and your partner can enjoy thanks to the diverse plant life and population of butterflies. As the name suggests, you'll mostly be seeing orchids when you visit, with thousands of the colourful flowers on display.

Of course, no trip here would be complete without seeing the butterflies. Enter one of the enclosures, and you and your partner may find yourselves surrounded by hundreds of majestic butterflies. It's located a few miles north of town.

Mae Sa Waterfall is a tranquil waterfall with a pool at the bottom that you and your partner can enjoy as a satisfying reprieve from the warm weather. The waterfall consists of 10 levels, with levels 5 to 7 having pools at the bottom that you can explore as long as you're careful.

The scenery is remarkably inviting, with vibrant greenery surrounding the waterfall. Additionally, you'll find convenient trails that aren't too steep, so you can easily explore each level of the waterfall. It's located about 14 miles north of town.

Hot air balloon tours are especially popular with couples, as you and your partner get to take to the skies for scenic views. All of the pilots operating balloons in Chiang Mai have to have commercial pilot licences, so even if it's your first time in the air, the staff are happy to prepare you with all the info you need for a safe and stress-free flight. When you enjoy a bird's-eye view of the area, you'll be able to take in the splendour of the city as well as the vibrant countryside. Balloons take off just a short distance northeast of the city centre.

A couples' spa is one of the most popular experiences for couples in town, where you'll find massages and high-quality treatments available. Professional massages here are conducted by experts, and you can enjoy it all with your partner.

Standard massages are only the beginning of what's on offer here, as you'll also find aromatherapy and unique treatments like herbal milk baths. Some of the couples' spa experiences even offer free hotel pickup and drop-off, so even your transport is taken care of for you. Spas are located all throughout town.

The Chalerm Phrakiat Pavilion Viewpoint is one of the most iconic sights in the entire region and one you and your partner won't want to miss out on. When you look out, you'll be able to see brilliant natural features as well as the city itself.

Because of the convenient city view, this is one of the best places to visit at night. The lights from the city illuminate the entire area, adding a peaceful ambience that's notably different from what you find during the day. You can get to this viewpoint just west of the city.