As darkness falls over Chiang Mai, the lights come on at the city’s temples and the street-food stalls really come to life. On this atmospheric evening tour, you’ll experience the old town from a whole new perspective while being introduced to Lanna cuisine, the traditional food of northern Thailand.

You’ll meet your local guide at the historic Wat Lok Moli, just outside the old city wall. The temple dates back to the ancient Lanna Kingdom and, with its dark wooden building and large brick chedi, is an atmospheric place to begin the evening as the last light of day fades over the temple grounds.

From here, you’ll continue to Chang Puak Gate Market, one of Chiang Mai’s classic evening markets. The aromas from the many small food stalls fill the air, and you’ll enjoy your first tastings of the evening, including Lanna sausage and a local speciality that will remain a surprise.

You’ll then board a red songthaew, Chiang Mai’s distinctive local mode of transport, and travel through the old town. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Three Kings Monument, which is linked to the story of Chiang Mai’s founding, before continuing to Wat Chedi Luang. The ancient temple is particularly atmospheric in the evening darkness. Your guide will tell you about the temple’s history and its connection to the famous Emerald Buddha, and you’ll also see some of the sacred trees in the temple grounds.

No culinary evening in Chiang Mai is complete without tasting khao soi, the city’s famous northern Thai noodle dish. Near Tha Phae Gate, you’ll visit a local family-run restaurant where the same family has been preparing traditional Chiang Mai dishes for more than 60 years. Here, you’ll taste both khao soi and hung lay, an aromatic northern Thai pork curry.

After dinner, you’ll once again travel by red songthaew, this time to Chiang Mai Gate Market, where the evening’s final tastes await. You’ll sample seasonal fruit, local snacks, and Thai sweets, selected by your guide from the evening’s offerings.

The tour will end at the lively Anusarn Night Market. Here, you can choose to continue the evening at your leisure, exploring the market’s shops, bars, and entertainment before making your own way back to your hotel.

Duration: Approx. 4 hours.

This excursion is also open to guests other than TourCompass’ own guests.

We recommend that you book the excursion when booking the tour.