Are There Beaches In Chiang Mai? Yes…Kind Of

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There are no beaches in Chiang Mai in the traditional sense – but it’s still my favorite city in all of Thailand (and where I choice as my home for several months)! And if you have the time, I still highly recommend exploring the north of Thailand.

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I know when you picture Thailand, you picture white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.

But that just isn’t the reality in Chiang Mai. You’ll need to travel south to the islands for some of the best beaches in the world. And you should!

But hold on, here’s some very exciting news that most people haven’t heard yet: there’s a beach coming to Chiang Mai in 2023! It will open after the 2023 rainy season ends. I’ll tell you everything I know a little further down.

Until then, what you’ll find in Chiang Mai is a beautiful city full of culture, with rivers winding through it and mountains surrounding it.

What Chiang Mai lacks in traditional beaches it makes up for with a plethora of other things to do, like hiking in the mountains and kayaking down the Ping River. Don’t skip Chiang Mai!

👉 Check out this full-day Chiang Dao Kayaking, Caving, and Jungle Tour from Chiang Mai. You’ll get to kayak along the Mae Ping River, surrounded by a tranquil forest and a bamboo jungle, greeted by water buffalo and birds. After a local lunch, you’ll explore the Chiang Dao Cave System with headlamps and flashlights.

Sitting on a beautiful white sand beach in Thailand, selfie with sunglasses on.

New Chiang Mai Beach Coming Soon 2023

I was out with some friends in Chiang Mai last weekend, and we were chatting with the owner of Puravida Latin Bar in Chiang Mai (so fun, you should go) and she told us her family is opening up a Chiang Mai Beach later this year!

She has always wanted to have a beach to enjoy in her hometown of Chiang Mai, so that sparked the idea.

It’s still months away from opening at the time of this post, but I got the details for you beach-lovers out there (and for myself, because Chiang Mai is the best, and with a beach, it will be even better).

It’s the next best thing to finding a Chiang Mai beach resort!

👉 My top pick for a hotel in Chiang Mai is POR Thapae Gate because it’s in the perfect location in the Old City and has a great breakfast! The staff here is amazing, and you’ll love having a relaxing place to come home to after a full day of exploring.

Here’s what you can expect from Bamboo Tiki Spaceship by Puravida (New Beach In Chiang Mai!):

– Opening in Q4 of 2023, just 5 minutes from Nimman!

– The perfect spot for beach lovers craving a sandy oasis in landlocked Chiang Mai.

– Dip your toes into the (artificial) sandy Chiang Mai beach and let the beach vibes transport you to Tulum, Mexico!

– Grab your bikini, and enjoy a refreshing plunge in clean swimming water amidst the tropical surroundings.

– Indulge in rejuvenating ice baths, relax in a hydro pool, and unwind in an herbal steam room.

– Experience a fusion of east-meets-west cuisine in a unique bamboo dome-structured building.

– Stay productive in the co-working space with bubble capsule meeting rooms, tailored for digital nomads.

– Nurture your mind, body, and soul with meditation, yoga, dancing, and chiropractic offerings.

– Catch an outdoor movie under the stars.

– Stay cool during hot summers in the main building designed to resemble a jellyfish.

– Sip on cocktails at the bar inspired by the Banyan Tree.

⛑️ My number one safety tip for travelers, no matter where you’re going or how long your trip is, is to buy SafetyWing insurance to protect your trip.

A friend and I enjoying Art Mai? Gallery Hotel's rooftop pool in Chiang Mai at sunset with cocktails in our hands.

Other Chiang Mai Beaches To Know

I’m not endorsing this place, but there is a beach in Chiang Mai you might hear about, and it comes up in search results. Let’s talk about it!

Chiang Mai River Beach

Not to be confused with Chiangrai River Beach which is hours away from Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai River Beach is in the northern part of Chiang Mai, about a 20-minute drive from the Old Town.

It’s an outdoor restaurant on the riverbank where Thai locals like to get together with family and friends and let their kids enjoy the outdoors. The atmosphere is nice, but it is hot and buggy, and the food is just so-so.

There are better places to hang out in Chiang Mai (and I’ll tell you about them below!).

Chiang Mai Tubing and Beach Club (Permanently Closed)

You also might across this Chiang Mai Tubing and Beach Club which was actually pretty cool but isn’t open anymore. Womp womp. Sorry to get your hopes up.

🤩 My favorite way to get to know a new city is by taking a food tour. This Northern Thai Food Tour will change your life. You’ll try hidden restaurants, street stalls, and local markets that most tourists never find and be transported in an iconic red rod daeng truck with a small group of hungry travelers. Come hungry because you’ll be trying more than 15 different dishes!

There is no beach in Chiang Mai, but there are beautiful beaches in the south of Thailand! Me sitting on a rock overlooking a beautiful beach and water in Thailand.

Where is the nearest beach to Chiang Mai?

Thailand is the perfect destination for beach lovers (and the worst destination for snow bunnies). With crystal clear waters and white sand beaches dotting the coastline all along the Gulf of Thailand, it’s easy to find your slice of paradise.

So where is the closest beach to Chiang Mai?

You can find some of these beaches from Chiang Mai in as little as a couple of hours (on a plane)!

I’m headed south to the beaches from Chiang Mai for a couple of weeks very soon, and I can’t wait! I spent about a month island-hopping around Thailand in 2021, including getting my advanced scuba certification in Koh Tao and spending 5 days on a dive boat in the Similan Islands.

So I get why you are asking about the beaches!

There are so many gorgeous beaches to choose from. Many travelers start or end on Phuket and Koh Samui islands because both have airports, making them easy to get to. Both locations boast stunning white sand beaches with plenty of activities and attractions.

I’m a bigger fan of some of the smaller islands like Koh Tao and Krabi, which take a little more effort to get to, but are so worth it. The beaches there are a bit more secluded, and you can enjoy some peace and tranquility.

👉 My pick for the best Chiang Mai temple tour is this City Tour of Viewpoints, Wat Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Pha Lat with a near-perfect 5-Star Rating.

Sipping a drink at a Chiang Mai cafe with an incredible view of green mountains and lush jungle behind me.

No Beach, No Problem: What is Chiang Mai Known For?

Beaches in Chiang Mai may not exist, but it has so much more that makes it my favorite city in Thailand!

Chiang Mai has a vibrant street food scene, with delicious dishes served up for next to nothing. Plus, it’s one of the best places in Thailand to experience traditional Lanna culture.

And if you’re looking for some adventure outside of the city, it’s easy to get out into nature – there are beautiful waterfalls nearby or you can take a day trip out to incredible hiking trails.

You can also use Chiang Mai as a base for exploring other parts of Northern Thailand – like the town of Pai or the city of Chiang Rai.

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination in Thailand!

👉 I use this travel insurance, which covers my medical coverage in the event of a motorbike accident, as long as I am appropriately licensed for the area I’m driving in (in Thailand, that’s an International Driver’s Permit validated for motorcycles) and am wearing proper safety gear such as a helmet.

Selfie of me and a friend kayaking in Chiang Mai at sunset.

21 Things to Do Without Beaches in Chiang Mai

1. White Water Rafting: Get your adrenaline pumping with an exciting white water rafting adventure through the jumble on the Mae Taeng River, some of the best rapids you can find in Thailand.

2. Grand Canyon Waterpark: A fun-filled day awaits at this water park, complete with cliff jumping, wakeboarding, and a giant inflatable obstacle course.

3. Kayaking: Explore Chiang Mai’s stunning waterways by kayak for a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty. This Full-Day Chiang Dao Kayaking, Caving, and Jungle Tour is very highly rated! Or you can head to the Fah Ham temple and pay 50 baht per person to kayak down the Ping River.

4. Swimming Pools: There may not be any beach resorts in Chiang Mai, but you can cool off from the tropical heat at one of the many public or hotel swimming pools scattered around the city. These are my favorite Chiang Mai hotels that have rooftop pools, so you can watch the sunset while you cool down.

Picture of me standing in front of the famous golden pagoda of Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai, with a dark green sarong around my shoulders and my arms spread out. — When you visit Doi Suthep at sunrise, you have the whole temple complex to yourself.

5. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Visit this sacred temple perched high above the city for breathtaking views and a glimpse into Thai Buddhism. My favorite time to visit this beautiful place is at sunrise.

6. Chiang Mai Old City: Wander through the ancient city walls and explore historical temples, bustling markets, and charming cafes. You should stay in Chiang Mai’s Old City neighborhood if it’s your first time in the city.

7. Night Bazaar: Shop till you drop at this popular night market, open daily starting around 6 pm, offering everything from handicrafts to street food. Better yet, taste your way around Chiang Mai with this small-group food tour!

8. Thai Cooking Class: Learn how to recreate your favorite Thai dishes back home with a hands-on cooking class. The Tom Yom soup we made in class is the best I’ve ever eaten (and I’ve eaten A LOT!).

👩‍🍳 My pick for the best cooking class in Chiang Mai is Benny’s Home Cooking course with a small class size, robust menu, and a near-perfect 5-star rating!

Me standing in front of two elephants who are busy eating.

9. Elephant Nature Park: Spend a day with these majestic creatures at this ethical elephant sanctuary. This is the only elephant sanctuary that I can confidently recommend to travelers (I spend a week volunteering here and learned about the dark side of elephant tourism in Thailand).

10. Doi Inthanon National Park: Hike Thailand’s highest peak, visit stunning waterfalls, and admire the beautiful King and Queen pagodas.

👉 I took this 5-Star Doi Inthanon National Park, Waterfall & Royal Project day tour from Chiang Mai. See stunning views, visit the highest point in Thailand, and visit a local market. Sometimes, it’s nice to sit back in an air-conditioned vehicle and let a tour guide do all the work.

11. Sunday Walking Street Market: Experience this vibrant market – one of the most famous in Thailand – where locals sell handmade goods, clothes, and delicious street food. You can also get a super cheap foot massage here!

12. Thai Massage: Indulge in a traditional Thai massage to relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploring. Personally, the Thai style of massage is too intense for me and I prefer a more relaxing foot massage. But you should try it at least once – some people swear by it!

A pair of feat being cleaned fora massage in Chiang Mai,Thailand. — Foot massages and full body massages are extremely affordable in Chiang Mai!

13. Art in Paradise: Have fun taking creative photos at this 3 D art museum. Perfect for families and groups of friends.

14. Monk’s Trail Hike: Follow this serene trail up to hidden temples and enjoy the lush, green surroundings. This is one of my favorite hikes to do in Chiang Mai, and it’s so easy to get to from town!

15. Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls: Hop on your scooter (or call a Grab) and climb these unique ‘sticky’ waterfalls for a fun and refreshing day out. Go early during the high season because this is one of the most popular waterfalls in Chiang Mai. This tour takes care of everything for you!

16. Hot Air Balloon Ride: For a truly unforgettable experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the beautiful Chiang Mai countryside.

17. Mae Sa Waterfall: Enjoy a picnic by this picturesque waterfall, located just a short drive from the city.

Me wearing leggings and sunglasses, looking to the left, as I walk towards the camera on a dirt trail in Pai, Thailand.

18. Tubing and Trekking: With an exceptional guide, you can trek through the jungle and explore Trad Mok waterfall before taking a tube down the river.

19. Jungle Ziplining Adventure: This tour truly captures the essence of the jungles of northern Thailand from a completely new perspective. It includes 24 ziplines and four suspended bridges, taking Thrillseekers on an exciting journey through the canopy of trees.

20. Paramotor Flying Experience: Using a motor-operated paraglider, you’ll be able to experience what it’s like to soar through the sky with your skilled instructor. You’ll glide over emerald green paddy fields and mountain-top temples, offering an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever.

21. Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium: As you enter the stadium, the sound of drums and chants fills the air. The atmosphere is electric as the fighters enter the ring and perform their ancient ritualistic warm-up dance. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as each fighter unleashes explosive power from their kicks and punches.

Chiang Mai is so much more than beaches – it’s a city bursting with culture, adventure, and natural beauty just waiting to be explored!

Book a Chiang Mai rental car today!

Sunset from a beach in Thailand, with some clouds and boats in the distance.

FAQs: Are There Beaches in Chiang Mai?

Does Chiang Mai have a beach?

No, there are no ocean beaches in Chiang Mai, but it’s a short flight to the south of Thailand and the islands of Koh Samui and Phuket, where you’ll find plenty of beautiful beaches. A new man-made beach is opening Q4 2023 in Chiang Mai and is worth checking out!

Is Chiang Mai better than Phuket?

If you’re looking for the beautiful beaches that Thailand is famous for, Phuket is better than Chiang Mai. But if you’re looking for culture and adventure, Chiang Mai is a great option. There’s plenty to explore in and around Chiang Mai, from ancient temples to incredible hiking trails up into the hills.

Why is Chiang Mai so famous?

Chiang Mai is famous because of its mix of modern living and ancient culture. It has the energy of a modern city but still retains many historical attractions and beautiful nature spots for exploring. The people are friendly, the food is delicious, and there’s plenty to do in Chiang Mai. Plus it’s much cheaper than Bangkok!

Is it expensive in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is not an expensive place. The cost of living is much lower than in Bangkok, and there are plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options available. There are also a lot of great restaurants and bars that offer good value for money. If you’re looking for a holiday in Thailand without breaking the bank, Chiang Mai is worth considering!

Why can’t you swim in Maya Beach Thailand?

You can’t swim in Maya Beach in Thailand because the island’s delicate ecosystem has been damaged by over-tourism in the past, so swimming in Maya Beach isn’t allowed. However, visitors can still enjoy the stunning views of the beautiful limestone cliffs from the nearby islands. It’s a great spot for taking pictures!

Where is the prettiest beach in Thailand?

The prettiest beach in Thailand is Railay Beach in Krabi province. This stunning, secluded beach is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and offers breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea. The clear turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or lounging on the powdery white sand. It’s a great spot for an unforgettable holiday!

Are beaches better in Bali or Thailand?

The beaches are better in Thailand! From the tropical islands of Koh Samui and Phuket to the beautiful limestone cliffs of Railay Beach, Thailand offers a variety of stunning beaches. Bali also has stunning white-sand beaches surrounded by lush jungles and towering volcanoes, making it an unbeatable destination for beach lovers. Both countries are worth visiting.

Selfie in front of the white sand and turquoise water of Maya Bay, Thailand. — Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world! This is Maya Bay.

Final Thoughts: Is There a Beach in Chiang Mai?

Does Chiang Mai have a beach? Not technically.

Chiang Mai may not be the place to go for beach views and waves, but if you’re looking for a unique cultural experience and beautiful nature, don’t skip Chiang Mai!

Fortunately, there’s good news for those looking to get their beach fix while in Thailand.

A new man-made beach is on the way near Chiang Mai – opening soon! It’s set to become the closest beach to Chiang Mai, and an amazing spot to chill out with friends.

But if you’re willing to venture further south—to places like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi —you’ll find some of the best beaches in the world. Thankfully, getting from Chiang Mai down south is easier than ever with frequent flights.

Now that you know about the lack of beaches in Chiang Mai, why not book one of these awesome hotels with a rooftop pool? From here you can take in all the views of the city that you won’t get from a beach! No need to miss a Chiang Mai beach hotel.

Book with Booking.com today to get epic deals on hotels, flights, rental cars & attractions!

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9 Best Doi Suthep Tours in Chiang Mai 2023

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Ultimate Guide to Drinking Water in Chiang Mai (2023)

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