8 Unique Wellness Experiences in Chiang Mai

There are so many reasons to plan a trip to Chiang Mai. While the bustling markets, historic temples, and delicious northern Thai foods are all huge draws, the many unique wellness experiences on offer in Chiang Mai are reason enough to spend a week or more getting to know this northern Thai city.

Known as "The Rose of the North", the naturally beautiful city of Chiang Mai is a unique blend of modernity and tradition. As the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is steeped in tradition, which permeates everything from its architecture to its spirituality and wider wellness scene.

When it comes to traditional wellness experiences, you can get Lanna-inspired massages and body treatments at modern-day spas, have monks teach you the ways of Vipassanā meditation at an ancient wat (Buddhist temple), and soak in natural hot springs as locals have done for thousands of years.

But you'll find plenty of modern and trendy wellness experiences in Chiang Mai, too. From contrast therapy sessions to chair yoga, sound therapy, and forest bathing, it's easy to plan an entire trip around all the wellness activities on offer in this magical city in northern Thailand.

Looking for wellness-focused things to do in Chiang Mai? Follow these suggestions, and you're bound to end your trip feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and completely refreshed.

As the name implies, this popular Chiang Mai spa is located within the walls of the Old City. Set outdoors, in a large yard and plant-filled garden, this place is all about contrast therapy and creating a casual, community-oriented atmosphere.

At The Old City Spa, you can sweat it out in the Finnish or infrared sauna, take a plunge in the ice bath, go for a steam in the ginger, lime, and lemongrass-infused Thai herbal steam room, join a breathwork session, and much more.

Zira Spa is another gem in the heart of the Old City. From body wraps to hydrotherapy, there are so many tempting treatments and packages on Zira's spa menu. However, for a truly unique Chiang Mai wellness experience, you simply must try the Royal Thai Lanna Massage.

This massage incorporates ancient Lanna techniques, including Fon Leb, which is bamboo finger-pulling inspired by Thai dance, as well as Tok Sen, an age-old Thai massage technique involving rhythmic tapping along your energy lines. After that, you'll be treated to a hot Thai herbal compress massage to further relax your muscles, improve circulation, and leave you feeling utterly pampered.

The Wat Umong Meditation Centre is located just a few kilometres outside of the Old City, but once you set foot on the grounds of this ancient forest monastery, you'll feel like you're in a different time and place.

Those planning a meditation-focused wellness retreat in Chiang Mai, may want to book a short stay at Wat Umong. There are English-speaking monks at the monastery who will guide you through the basics of Vipassanā meditation and the Buddhist way of life. Expect no-frills accommodations, early wake-up calls, fasting, and loads of silence, but that's all part of this unique meditative experience.

Be sure to email or call ahead of time to make your arrangements.

Set in the trendy Nimman neighbourhood, Fah Lanna Spa Nimman is one of the coolest Chiang Mai spas. With its bamboo gardens and boho-chic sensibilities, this place is just picture-perfect.

Looks aside, this award-winning spa offers all sorts of massages, scrubs, and herbal treatments that incorporate traditional Lanna and Thai techniques. To sample a few of these unique Lanna treatments, it's best to book their signature Fah Lanna Wisdom package.

During this three-hour session, you'll experience a traditional Wai Kru ceremony, a "body balance" treatment with a Taleo (a Lanna symbol of protection), a betel leaf skin detox, a Thai Lanna massage, an herbal ball body and facial massage, and a deep-tissue Dachanee Nang massage. You'll walk away feeling completely blissed out.

Pro tip: Nimman is one of the coolest areas to stay in Chiang Mai. If you're on the look out for a resort-style hotel, Novotel Chiangmai Nimman Journeyhub is a very cool option. Stay here and you can take in gorgeous mountain views from the rooftop pool, work up a sweat in the fitness centre, enjoy healthy Thai and Western meals at Food Exchange, socialise over cocktails at the atrium bar, and rest up each night in the ultra-stylish guestrooms. This place has all your needs and wants covered.

Looking for drop-in yoga classes in Chiang Mai? Wild Rose Yoga Studio is a very popular option amongst locals and expats alike. Set in the Old City, Wild Rose offers a variety of yoga, yoga sound bath, and chair yoga classes.

All classes are held in English, and a detailed monthly schedule is available on their website, making it easy to sign up for whatever piques your interest. Whether you're a novice or an expert, there are classes for all levels. To make things even easier, each class is clearly marked with the appropriate experience level.

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is located roughly 60 minutes from Chiang Mai. This is a fun day trip and wellness experience if you want to soak in a natural hot spring while also getting a family-friendly glimpse of local culture.

Relaxing in thermal waters comes with all sorts of health benefits, from reducing stress and improving sleep to relieving muscle tension and aiding circulation. There are quite a few soaking options at San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, including a mineral foot soak, a private mineral bath soak, and large mineral swimming pools for both adults and kids.

Chiang Mai Holistic is another community-oriented Chiang Mai wellness centre. Their trained practitioners lead a wide range of healing sessions that are open to all levels of experience.

To give you an idea of what's on offer, the public or private Sound Healing Journey employs Tibetan and crystal bowls, gongs, and drums to help you feel grounded and rejuvenated, while the Guided Inner Journey combines breathwork, meditation, and neuroplasticity movement to help you tap into your true self.

From yoga and dance classes to therapy and counselling sessions, Chiang Mai Holistic aims to be a safe space for anyone and everyone to heal, grow, and connect.

For a truly innovative wellness experience in Chiang Mai, see what's on the agenda at 360Art Center. This 360-degree domed art space combines "spiritual" digital art with trippy visuals, sound healing, meditation, and yoga to fully immerse you in a new, thought-provoking world. There's really nothing else quite like it in Chiang Mai.

In addition to their regular Sound Journeys and Art Yoga sessions, they are constantly hosting cool community events, workshops, and more. So be sure to check the website to see what's coming up.