The Perfect Sunday in Chiang Mai - a walking tour

Are you ready? I’m about to share with you the most perfect art-filled itinerary for a Sunday in Chiang Mai, Thailand! It has everything: art galleries, a market, charming neighborhoods, delicious vegan food, a Wat (Temple), cafes, and a crystal sound bath. Best of all, you’ll get your steps in because you can walk the whole way! I know I can’t be the only one obsessed with my Fitbit. Right?

As usual, you can find a map at the end of this article.

I was so lucky because a friend from Bangkok was also in Chiang Mai this weekend. It was really nice to explore with her.

Our perfect day starts at Rumpueng Community Art Space, a contemporary creative hub owned by Prof. Supachai Satsara (artist and Professor at Chiang Mai University). I recommend arriving at this cutting-edge art space around 9am because you don’t want to miss what’s next!

A few minutes’ walk down the street is the highlight of our morning. The Sunday Morning Market at Baan Kang Wat is not to be missed when you visit Chiang Mai. This delightful artist village comprises studios, shops, cafes, galleries, workshops, an amphitheater, a boutique cottage, and an organic garden. It’s quintessential Thai, set in a tropical oasis, abundant with jungle plants and the traditional teak houses I’ve come to love all over Thailand.

On Sunday morning, the farmers’ market brings organic produce, locally made delicacies, and more artists who set up tables throughout the village. If you’re lucky, you’ll find Aimeeeemia.prints. Her energy and art will draw you in, and her inspiring story of following her passion will keep you there. I bought a fantastic papaya print to add to my growing art collection! Do tell her ‘hello’ from me if you see her!

The Sunday Market is open from 8-1pm. The art village is open from 10-6pm daily, closed on Monday.

It’s lunchtime! Just down the street is Pure Vegan Heaven, a tiny but delicious 100% plant-based restaurant. I ordered sweet potato gnocchi with cashew cream and pesto. Omg yum!

It’s open every day from 8:30-6pm, closed on Wednesdays.

Save room for coffee because the next stop is Pause CNX. This futuristic mirrored forest mirage is a hidden gem! It’s easy to see why it won the 2020 Architizer A+ Award for architecture and landscape. After some selfies, walk through the mirror into a sexy black cafe that overlooks a refreshing pool backdropped by a forest of lush trees. I highly recommend the passion fruit americano, enjoyed on the back patio.

It’s open every day from 10-6pm, closed on Tuesday.

We will keep walking towards Wat Umong (Tunnel Temple), and along the way, you’ll find cute shops like Book Re:public, Paper Spoon, and Sensitive Space. Wat Umong was built in the 13th century and is Chiang Mai’s only forest temple. You can explore the meditation tunnels and listen to monks chanting while immersed in a tranquil and harmonious atmosphere. All temples are beautiful, but this is one of the most unique temples I’ve visited in Thailand.

Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham (Temple of the Tunnels and Buddha Dhamma Garden) is open every day from 5am-8pm.

Now that you’re feeling peaceful, let’s see some more art!

Wattana Art Gallery houses the collection of Thai artist Wattana Wattanapun’s art. I fell in love with the paintings resembling woven fabric. You must get quite close to truly believe it’s a painting. He paints on a variety of materials, including bamboo blinds, handmade paper, and stainless steel. As we were leaving, the gallery girl spoke to us in Thai and motioned for us to sit, so we did. Next thing we knew, the artist joined us for a little chat! What a delightful surprise!

The gallery is open daily from 8:30-4:30pm, and admission is 100baht.

Keep walking through this charming neighborhood until you reach the remnants of the 31st Century Museum. Unlike a typical museum with tangible objects, this museum exhibits Spiritual Aesthetics. The museum has relocated, but left behind are dark and contemplative sculptures by Thai artist Kamin Lertchaiprasert.

We accidentally broke into his house, thinking it was the museum, and walked all over it… with our shoes on. Embarrassed, once caught by the artist, he kindly invited us into his studio. I believe artists’ studios are creative sanctuaries, and each time I am invited into these sacred spaces I feel so much gratitude. Walls adorned with painted poetry, blank canvasses ready when inspiration strikes, and paint-splattered floors - pure magic.

Always open.

Our next stop is the Chiang Mai University Art Center. The space is quite large and mostly showcases student work, with the occasional international artist. It also hosts performances, meetings, and art seminars.

It’s open daily from 9-5pm, closed on Mondays.

Now you’re entering the fashionable Nimmanhaemin neighborhood. Pop into printmaking C.A.P. Studio for a minute on the way to Gallery Seescape, a quirky cafe with round windows and a gallery that has been exhibiting contemporary art since 2008. This gallery cafe captures the vibrant creative essence of Chiang Mai, and it’s one of my favorite spaces in the city. If you have time hang out for a refreshing drink before dinner.

Gallery Seascape is open from 11-8pm every day, closed on Mondays.

I imagine you’re quite hungry after all that walking and exploring. Lucky for you, Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant is down the street. Their motto is Vegetarian food so delicious you won’t miss the meat! I loved my massaman curry and crispy banana flower salad. I never had banana flowers (blossoms from the banana tree) before moving to Thailand, and I love them! On their own, they taste quite bitter, but it’s a lovely texture and paired with noodles or vegetables, the whole flavor transforms into yumminess. And for dessert, delicious vegan ice cream!

Open from 11:30-8pm Friday - Tuesday; closed on Wednesday and Thursday.

Trust me when I say you do not want to miss the last part of our day. Every Sunday evening from 7:30-8:30pm, Chiang Mai Holistic hosts a group crystal singing bowls sound bath. “Crystal singing bowls are made of pure crystal quartz. When played, they produce the most amazing tones. The tones create an altered state of consciousness that move throughout your body. When we are immersed in these tones our awareness expands and we enter a deep meditative state. This helps to release blocked emotions in a positive way.”

If you’re super brave and get there extra early, lay down on the mats in front of the bowls. This involves hovering by the stairs and quicking claiming a mat as soon as the doors open. We did. I’ll never be able to describe the feeling. I felt so high, like I was floating in another dimension, and felt that way for the next 24 hours.

If you've not experienced a sound bath before, it’s truly unforgettable, and if you have, then you know. It’s a dreamy and relaxing way to end your day, and quite special to be immersed in live sound art.

I recommend arriving by 7:15. The price is 90baht.

Things to consider to stay on track:

1pm - Sunday Market at Baan Kang Wat ends

5pm - Chiang Mai University Art Center closes, aim to arrive between 4/4:30.

7:15pm - Arrive at Chiang Mai Holistic for Sound Bath

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Thanks so much! Enjoy!