Things to Do in Chiang Mai

in July 2026

🗓 Wednesday, 29 July 2026 | Public Holiday | No Alcohol Sales

📍 Wat Phra Singh · Wat Chedi Luang · All temples citywide

Asalha Bucha (also called Dhamma Day) is one of the most important dates in the Buddhist calendar, commemorating the Buddha’s very first sermon to his five disciples at Sarnath. After sunset, temples across Chiang Mai hold candlelit Wien Thian processions — devotees walk three times clockwise around the main stupa carrying a lit candle, three incense sticks, and flowers. Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh in the Old City are the easiest and most atmospheric places to take part or simply observe respectfully.

⚠️ Important: Asalha Bucha is a national public holiday and the sale of alcohol is banned for the full 24 hours at all shops, restaurants, and convenience stores. It falls right before Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent), so the two days are observed back-to-back.

🚗 Getting There: Both temples are in the heart of the Old City and walkable from most Old City hotels. From Nimman, a Grab ride is roughly ฿60–80 (about 10 minutes). Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered — to enter temple grounds.

🗓 Thursday, 30 July 2026 | Public Holiday | No Alcohol Sales

📍 Wat Suan Dok · Wat Chedi Luang · Temples citywide

The day after Asalha Bucha marks Khao Phansa — the first day of Vassa, the three-month Buddhist Lent or “Rains Retreat.” Traditionally monks stay within their home temple for the rainy season to study and meditate. Locals make merit, offer candles and daily necessities to monks, and many Thai people choose this period to give up alcohol. The morning alms-giving and candle processions are especially moving at Wat Suan Dok and Wat Chedi Luang.

⚠️ Important: Khao Phansa is a national public holiday and alcohol sales are banned for the full 24 hours — the second dry day in a row after Asalha Bucha. Plan your evenings accordingly.

🚗 Getting There: Wat Suan Dok sits on Suthep Road just west of the Old City — about ฿50–70 by Grab from the moat, or a short ride from Nimman. Wat Chedi Luang is central in the Old City and easily walkable. Modest dress is required to enter.

🗓 Sunday, 5 July 2026 | From 05:00 | 🏃 RUN | ✅ ENDED

📍 7th Infantry Division, Mae Rim (กองพลทหารราบที่ 7)

One of Chiang Mai’s most popular road races, the Chiang Mai International Half Marathon sends runners through the cool, green countryside of Mae Rim just north of the city. The early-morning start beats the heat, and the rainy-season scenery — misty hills and rice fields — is at its lushest. Distances on offer are the half marathon (21 km), 10 km, and a 5.5 km fun run, so there’s a category for most fitness levels.

💡 Tip: Register online in advance; on-the-day entry is not guaranteed. Arrive well before the 05:00 flag-off for parking and baggage drop, and bring a light layer for the cool pre-dawn start.

🚗 Getting There: The 7th Infantry Division is about 20–30 minutes north of the Old City by car. A Grab from central Chiang Mai runs roughly ฿200–300; consider arranging a return pickup as taxis can be scarce out there early in the morning.

🗓 Until Sunday, 5 July 2026 | Final Days | 📚 BOOK FAIR | ✅ ENDED

📍 Chiang Mai Hall, 1st Floor — Central Chiang Mai Airport

The 11th Chiang Mai Book Fair brings together publishers, independent bookshops, and stationery sellers under one roof, with heavy discounts on Thai and some English-language titles. Beyond the bargains there are author talks, kids’ reading corners, and second-hand finds — an easy, air-conditioned way to spend a rainy afternoon. The fair runs 26 June through 5 July 2026, so early July is your last chance to catch it.

💡 Tip: Weekends get busy in the afternoons; go on a weekday or right at opening for a calmer browse. Bring cash for the smaller stalls.

🚗 Getting There: Central Chiang Mai Airport is just south of the Old City, about ฿60–90 by Grab. The mall has free parking and is a 5-minute drive from the airport itself.

🗓 Until Wednesday, 1 July 2026 | Final Day | 🍵 FESTIVAL | ✅ ENDED

📍 CentralFestival Chiang Mai

A Japanese-themed pop-up celebrating matcha and tea culture, “Taste of Tea” gathers specialty matcha drinks, Japanese sweets, and tea-ceremony demonstrations into one photogenic event space inside the mall. It’s a fun stop for matcha lovers and a comfortable, air-conditioned escape from an afternoon downpour. The event wraps up on 1 July 2026, so this is its final day.

💡 Tip: Pop-ups like this can sell out of popular drinks by late afternoon — go earlier in the day on the final date for the fullest selection.

🚗 Getting There: CentralFestival Chiang Mai is on the east side of the city by the superhighway, roughly ฿80–120 by Grab from the Old City. Free mall parking is available.

🗓 21 June – 23 August 2026 | Ongoing Courses | 🪕 CULTURAL

📍 The Lanna Wisdom Heritage School, Chiang Mai

For visitors staying a while, the Lanna Wisdom Heritage School runs a season of hands-on courses in traditional northern Thai arts and crafts — think Lanna-style painting, handicrafts, music, and other local wisdom passed down by Chiang Mai masters. Classes run from 21 June through 23 August 2026, making this an ideal way to dig deeper into Lanna culture rather than just passing through.

💡 Tip: Course schedules and class sizes vary — check the listing for the current timetable and to reserve a spot before you go, as some sessions fill up.

🚗 Getting There: Check the official listing for the exact venue and the day’s class location, then grab a metered Grab from the Old City.

🗓 Saturday, 11 July 2026 | From 20:00 | 🎸 LIVE MUSIC | ✅ ENDED

📍 Yoda’s CNX Gallery, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai’s live-music scene keeps rolling through the green season with the Chiang Mai Live Series. This date features Common People Like You alongside VELS for an intimate indie gig at Yoda’s CNX Gallery — a relaxed, gallery-style venue popular with the city’s creative crowd. Doors and set times run into the evening, so it pairs nicely with dinner beforehand.

💡 Tip: Tickets for indie shows like this are often limited and sell via the event page — check ahead rather than relying on door entry. Arrive early for a good spot near the stage.

🚗 Getting There: Grab is the easiest option to and from the venue in the evening; confirm the exact address on the event listing as start times approach.

🗓 Thursday 16 – Friday 17 July 2026 | 13:00–20:00 | 🍰 MARKET & CRAFT

📍 Jing Jai Market, Chiang Mai

A two-day gathering of bakeries, desserts, handmade goods and creative activities. Family-friendly workshops include cookie decorating, painting, textile crafts and baking activities. It is a useful rainy-afternoon option, with restaurants and covered areas inside the Jing Jai complex.

💡 Tip: Some workshops have limited seats. Arrive before the evening rush and check the latest session schedule with the organiser.

🚗 Getting There: Around 10–15 minutes by Grab from the Old City. Parking is available but can fill up in the evening.

📅 16–26 JULY 2026 | 🍱 FOOD FESTIVAL

📍 CentralFestival Chiang Mai (G Floor)

A Japanese food festival serving signature dishes from popular restaurants alongside relaxed drinks, all in a Japanese-style atmosphere. It is an easy, air-conditioned stop for anyone craving authentic Japanese flavours during an afternoon downpour.

💡 Tip: Weekends and evenings get busy — go earlier in the day for the fullest choice of stalls.

🚗 Getting There: CentralFestival is on the east side of the city, roughly ฿80–120 by Grab from the Old City, with free mall parking.

📅 17–23 JULY 2026 | 🍜 FOOD FAIR

📍 Central Chiang Mai Airport

Popular food vendors from Bangkok bring their savoury dishes, desserts and trending menus north to Chiang Mai for a week-long tasting fair. A good chance to try capital-city favourites without leaving town, and a reliable indoor option on a rainy afternoon.

💡 Tip: Pair it with mall browsing to wait out the afternoon rain.

🚗 Getting There: Central Chiang Mai Airport is just south of the Old City, about ฿60–90 by Grab, with on-site parking.

📅 24–30 JULY 2026 | 🍰 FOOD FESTIVAL

📍 CentralFestival Chiang Mai (1st Floor)

Now in its 10th year, this grand sweets and bakery festival gathers over 30 premium dessert, bakery and drink vendors with event-exclusive menus, creative workshops, and a showstopping giant celebration cake. A must for anyone with a sweet tooth.

💡 Tip: This is separate from the Sweet & Craft Days at Jing Jai Market — a different venue and dates, so you can catch both.

🚗 Getting There: CentralFestival is on the east side of the city, roughly ฿80–120 by Grab from the Old City, with free mall parking.

🗓 16–19 July 2026 | 15:00–22:00 | 🔮 FESTIVAL

📍 One Nimman

A spiritual and astrology festival bringing together blessings, fortune-telling, sacred objects, ritual activities and stalls. Four Hindu deities are featured — Ganesha, Lakshmi, Uma and Kali — with a fire aarti ceremony held daily.

💡 Tip: Allow time for queues if you want a reading or to join a ceremony, and check One Nimman’s daily programme before visiting.

🚗 Getting There: One Nimman is at Rin Kham Junction at the end of Nimman Road. Grab is convenient; on-site parking is subject to the venue’s conditions.

🗓 18–26 July 2026 | 🌾 FAIR

📍 Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation Park

A large fair for agriculture, northern food and community products. Expect modern farming technology, exhibitions, local-food contests, regional producers, cultural performances and free concerts. It suits families, travellers and anyone interested in Chiang Mai’s rural economy.

💡 Tip: The stage programme changes daily, so check the organiser’s schedule before choosing your date.

🚗 Getting There: The park is north of the Old City in Chang Phueak. Grab is convenient; allow extra time for evening traffic.

🗓 Wednesday 22 July 2026 | 🛕 CULTURAL

📍 Wat Tha Ton Kwao, Chomphu, Saraphi

This annual community merit-making event invites visitors to bathe the temple relic, make offerings and experience a local tradition before Buddhist Lent. Its intimate community scale offers a different perspective from large events in central Chiang Mai.

💡 Tip: Dress modestly, carry small cash for donations and reconfirm the main ceremony time with the temple.

🚗 Getting There: The temple is south of the city in Saraphi, around 30–40 minutes from the Old City by car or Grab.

🗓 24–26 July 2026 | From 11:00 | 🧵 ART & CRAFT

📍 Grand Hall 03, Central Chiang Mai Airport

A Thai textile and creative-design event organised by Chiang Mai Rajabhat University and northern Rajabhat partners. It features regional fabrics, fashion products, demonstrations and talks on textile innovation and making Thai cloth relevant to modern daily life.

💡 Tip: Ideal for Lanna textiles, design and cultural souvenirs — and a reliable indoor option during afternoon rain.

🚗 Getting There: On the first floor of Central Chiang Mai Airport, about 10–15 minutes by Grab from the Old City, with on-site parking.

🗓 Saturday 25 July 2026 | 08:30–15:00 | 🥾 NATURE

📍 Hermit Cave–Giant Banyan Nature Trail, Doi Suthep–Pui National Park

A guided 3-km return nature walk led by Chiang Mai University’s Doi Suthep Nature Study Center. The rainy-season route explores mushrooms and forest ecology, with stops at the Hermit Wasuthep Cave and a giant banyan tree.

⚠️ Advance registration required: Places may be limited. Confirm availability, fees, equipment and age conditions with the organiser.

🎒 Bring: Grippy shoes, a light rain jacket, water and insect repellent. Avoid sandals because the trail may be slippery.

🗓 Saturday 25 July 2026 | 07:30–14:30 | 🌿 COMMUNITY TRIP

📍 Starts at Jing Jai Market, Chiang Mai

A small-group trip beginning at Jing Jai Market before visiting Ruen Kham In Organic Farm in Doi Saket. The programme covers organic farming, a farm-sourced meal, ceramic-pendant painting and a craft-studio visit.

⚠️ Check availability first: The original notice listed only six places at THB 2,000 per person and its initial booking deadline has passed. Contact Jing Jai Market directly before planning.

🚗 Getting There: Confirm transport included in the programme when booking; the meeting point is Jing Jai Market.

🗓 28 July – 2 August 2026 | 15:00–22:00 | 🎋 FESTIVAL

📍 One Nimman and Think Park, Rin Kham Junction

A Japanese cultural festival filling both sides of Rin Kham Junction with food, performances, music and Tanabata-themed activities. Write a wish on a tanzaku strip, enjoy Japanese-style decorations and join events continuing into early August.

💡 Highlight: A family Japanese-costume contest is scheduled for 1 August. Check the latest stage programme for exact times.

🚗 Getting There: One Nimman and Think Park face each other across the junction. Grab is easiest in the evening.

🗓 Tuesday 28 July 2026 | Public Holiday | 🇹🇭 NATIONAL DAY

📍 Chiang Mai Provincial Hall and government venues

28 July is an annual public holiday. Government organisations may hold merit-making, well-wishing and commemorative ceremonies. Banks and most government offices close, while attractions, restaurants and shopping centres generally follow normal hours.

💡 What to Know: Recheck museum and government-site hours and allow extra travel time near official ceremonies or temporary road closures.

📍 Official ceremonies: Times and venues may change; check Chiang Mai provincial announcements before attending.

🗓 Every Sunday | 16:00–22:00

📍 Tha Phae Gate → Ratchadamnoen Road, Old City Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai’s biggest weekly market closes Ratchadamnoen Road to traffic every Sunday evening. Over 500 vendors line the 1 km stretch from Tha Phae Gate to Wat Phra Singh, selling hand-crafted jewellery, silverwork, silk scarves, wood carvings, ceramics, and an enormous variety of street food. It’s the single best night for strolling the Old City.

What to buy: Silver jewellery, lacquerware, hand-woven fabrics, Thai herbal products, local art prints. Bargaining is expected — prices are already quite fair.

🚗 Getting There: Walkable from most Old City guesthouses. From Nimman: 10-minute Grab (฿60–80). The road is pedestrianised from ~15:30 — arrive early for the best street food before crowds peak.

🗓 Every Saturday | 16:00–22:30

📍 Wualai Road, south of the Old City moat, Chiang Mai

Wualai Road is Chiang Mai’s historic silversmithing district, and every Saturday evening it transforms into a more local, less touristy alternative to the Sunday Walking Street. You’ll find high-quality silverwork and brass crafts at better prices, alongside excellent northern Thai street food. The atmosphere is relaxed and neighbourhood-focused.

What makes it special: Many silver and brass vendors here are the actual artisans — you can often watch them work in workshop doorways. Northern Thai snacks like Khao Soi, Nam Prik Noom, and Miang Kham are staples at the food stalls.

🚗 Getting There: Walk south from the Old City moat via Wualai Road (~5 min from the south gate, Chiang Mai Gate). Grab from Nimman: approx. ฿80–100, 10 minutes.

🗓 Every Saturday | 17:00–22:00

📍 Sankamphaeng Road, Sankamphaeng District (~13 km east of Chiang Mai)

Sankamphaeng is famous as the “handicraft corridor” — a long road lined with umbrella-painting workshops, celadon pottery factories, silk weaving studios, and lacquerware showrooms. Every Saturday evening, the main street transforms into a lively walking street market with local food vendors, live music, and craft stalls. It draws a strongly local crowd and feels distinctly different from the Old City markets — more community festival, less tourist shopping strip.

What to expect: Northern Thai street food (khanom jeen, sai oua, mango sticky rice) · Locally made crafts at workshop prices · Live folk and mor lam music · Traditional dance shows · The umbrella-painting village (Bo Sang) is nearby and open late on market nights.

🚗 Getting There: Blue songthaews run the Chiang Mai–Sankamphaeng route from the Chang Puak bus station area, fare ~฿20–30 per person. By Grab/taxi: ~฿150–200 from the Old City (20–25 min). By motorbike: East on Highway 1006 from Tha Phae Gate.

🗓 Every Saturday & Sunday | 06:30–14:00

📍 Intrawarorot Road (near the Old City north moat), Chiang Mai

Jing Jai is the best morning market in Chiang Mai for fresh produce, organic goods, and a genuinely local weekend breakfast experience. The name means “sincere heart” — and it lives up to it. Direct-from-farm organic vegetables, artisan cheeses, fresh juices, excellent coffee, handmade Thai ceramics, vintage clothing, and some of the best breakfast food in the city (khao tom, fresh fruit smoothies, pancakes, and more).

💡 Best strategy: Arrive by 07:00 for the freshest produce and best seats. By 10:00 it’s busy; by 13:00 many vendors start packing up.

🚗 Getting There: Located just outside the north moat of the Old City — 5-minute walk from the northwest corner. From Nimman: 10-min Grab (฿60–70) or a pleasant 20-min bicycle ride.

🗓 Sunday, 5 July 2026 | 08:00–13:00 | 🛒 MARKET | ✅ ENDED

📍 LOCATION
Walkway in front of Anusarn Building, Charoen Mueang Road (Sanpakoi)

A friendly neighborhood street market held on the first Sunday of each month—great for a laid-back morning walk and a very local “breakfast browsing” vibe. Expect food, drinks, snacks, and coffee stalls (a mix of community vendors and Chiang Mai regulars), with plenty of easy grab-and-go options.

💡 TIPS
Arrive early for the best selection · Bring cash for small stalls · Pair it with a riverside walk around the Sanpakoi / Charoen Mueang area.

🚗 GETTING THERE
~10–15 min by Grab from the Old City. If you’re nearby, it’s an easy morning scooter ride.

🗓 Friday 3 July 2026 | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM | 🛒 Market | ✅ ENDED

Jing Jai Vintage Market — Special Edition

The Jing Jai Vintage Market is a special monthly edition of the beloved Jing Jai Farmers Market, where the focus shifts from produce to vintage clothing, accessories, vinyl records, antiques, and retro collectibles. It draws serious vintage shoppers and casual browsers alike in the relaxed, tree-shaded space of the regular Jing Jai market.

📍 Location

Jing Jai Market

🚗 Getting There

Red songthaew north from Chang Phueak Gate (฿20–30). Grab recommended in the evening (฿50–70 from Old City). Free parking on-site.