6 Recommended Relaxation Spots in Chiang Mai
チェンマイ坂田Chiang Mai has many temples and cafés, but at glittering temples or crowded cafés you might not be able to relax.
For you, this article introduces spots where you can relax in body and mind while feeling nature.
We've handpicked 6 recommendations that are easy to reach on foot or by taxi. Enjoy the relaxation spots that I, a Chiang Mai local, have actually visited.
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① Chiang Mai relaxation spots where you can feel nature
1. Wat Umong: a meditation temple amid dense forest
Wat Umong, a lush ancient temple on the west side of Chiang Mai, is known as the "temple of caves."
It was founded in 1297. Later, during the reign of King Kuena of the Lanna dynasty, caves were built and it was named "Umong" ("cave" in Thai). These caves were used for meditation practice.
An underground tunnel with multiple entrances is a signature of the temple, dug so that practicing monks could immerse themselves in meditation.
With its sacred atmosphere in harmony with nature, it's a recommended spot that lets visitors experience Chiang Mai's quiet and peace.
- Name (English): Wat Umong
- Hours: 5:00–20:00
- Admission: Free
- Access: About 15 min by car west of Chiang Mai Old Town
See our other recommended Chiang Mai temples here.
2. Ang Kaew: Chiang Mai University's chill reservoir
Ang Kaew Dam, inside Chiang Mai University, is a lush green reservoir.
Jogging and walking paths are laid out around it, and many people enjoy exercising there, looking wonderfully at ease.
It's also popular as a photo spot, with everyone from students to families taking pictures.
The loop around the lake takes about 30 minutes. Vivid Thai flowers and palm trees create a tropical feel, letting you refresh in nature.
Sitting on the lawn and relaxing is also recommended.
The best time to visit is the evening, when it cools down.
- Name (English): Angkaew Reservoir
- Hours: 5:00–22:00
- Admission: Free
- Access: About 15 min west of Chiang Mai Old Town, inside Chiang Mai University
② Easy-to-reach Chiang Mai relaxation spots in the Old Town
3. Kalm Village: enjoy northern Thai culture and tradition
Kalm Village, in Chiang Mai's Old Town, was founded as an art, craft, and culture center to pass traditional wisdom and skills to the next generation.
The name "Kalm" means "village" in the Isan dialect, and this place beautifully blends the traditional feel of a local home with modern design.
The buildings around the courtyard house a gallery, lifestyle store, restaurant, café, and multipurpose hall. At the gallery you can also learn about Chiang Mai's traditional textiles and more.
There's also a café.
On the café's second floor, some people relax and read while others work on laptops. In this informal space, you can spend time at ease.
Enjoy culture and art in a relaxed atmosphere and refresh yourself.
- Name (English): Kalm Village
- Hours: 9:30–18:30 (closed Wednesdays)
- Admission: Free
- Access: Southern Chiang Mai Old Town
4. Fern Forest Coffee: a forest café in the Old Town
Fern Forest Cafe, in the northwest of Chiang Mai's Old Town, is a hideaway café surrounded by greenery. Hidden by tall surrounding trees, it's hard to find, but step inside and an appealing space opens up.
You can choose between the air-conditioned first floor and an open terrace where you can feel nature. The terrace seats are very comfortable, with a mist shower and fans. (Wi-Fi is a bit weak.)
Hours are 8:30–20:30, and going early in the morning for breakfast is recommended given the crowds.
The drink and food menu is a little pricey, but the taste is excellent. I chose the tropical bowl — with passion fruit, mango, banana, and more, it was delicious. Recommended for those tired of Thai food, too.
The menu has photos and English text, so it's very easy to understand.
Every Saturday from 12:30 to 14:30 there's live piano, and Sunday from 14:30 to 16:30 there's live jazz. Take your time and enjoy the lovely atmosphere.
- Name (English): Fern Forest Cafe
- Hours: 8:00–19:00 (open daily)
- Access: Northwestern Chiang Mai Old Town
③ Refresh in a herbal sauna! Chiang Mai relaxation spots
5. Old Medicine Hospital: an herbal sauna
In Thailand, a land of herbs, herbs are often used in traditional medicine and cooking. "Old Medicine" is an herbal sauna you can casually enjoy in Chiang Mai.
It uses traditional medicinal herbs such as cumin, ginger, tamarind, and pandan leaf. Breathing in the herbal steam is said to promote the release of waste and benefit the organs and nerves.
The sauna costs 100 THB with no time limit. Bring a swimsuit or sarong, or rent one on site (20 THB). Bath towel rental is also available.
The spacious sauna area has benches for resting and a dedicated space for scrubs. Herbal tea is served, letting you spend a gentle, body-friendly time.
- Name (English): Old Medicine Hospital Thai Massage School Shivagakomarpaj
- Hours: 9:00–16:00
- Admission: 100 THB
- Website
- Access: About 5 min by car south of Chiang Mai Old Town
Instagram — see more of their posts
6. The Cocoon Sauna & Ice bath: a Chiang Mai paradise
A paradise that Japanese residents of Chiang Mai unanimously recommend. You can enjoy a sauna, ice bath, and pool in nature.
Yoga and meditation sessions are also offered, enriching your relaxation time. Visitors unanimously say, "I could stay here for hours" — a popular facility.
A paradise-like sauna facility in Thailand that everyone who's been so far has called "great!" without exception.
— yama | trying out living worldwide🇹🇭Chiang Mai (@yama3_local) June 14, 2024
Highlights include a steam sauna whose scent changes every few hours, an ice bath always topped with floating ice, and tons of spots to relax and recharge.(The pool is sometimes dirty.)
I hit tons of saunas in Japan too, but this place's paradise vibe might be by far the best.… pic.twitter.com/ZVhgr4JUzd
- Name (English): The Cocoon Sauna & Ice bath
- Hours:
- Monday: closed
- Tuesday: 12:00–19:00
- Wednesday: 12:00–19:00
- Thursday: 12:00–22:00 (extended hours)
- Friday: 12:00–19:00
- Saturday: 12:00–19:00
- Sunday: 12:00–19:00
- Admission: 300 THB
- Facebook page
- Access: About 30 min by car south of Chiang Mai Old Town
That's our look at Chiang Mai's relaxation spots. I hope it makes your Chiang Mai trip or life even more enjoyable!
See our other Chiang Mai travel articles too 👇
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