Chiang Mai University sits at the foot of Doi Suthep, and the streets around it pack in forest temples, a campus reservoir, cheap food and a mountain road. Here is how to spend an afternoon there without rushing, for students at CMU and for anyone visiting them.
What are the best things to do near Chiang Mai University?
The best things to do near Chiang Mai University are walking the forest grounds of Wat Umong, seeing the white chedis at Wat Suan Dok, strolling round the Ang Kaew reservoir on campus and heading up Doi Suthep for the temple and the view. Finish with street food behind the university or a coffee in Nimman.
The area works because everything has shade nearby. The mountain, the campus trees and the temple grounds keep the heat off, which matters for most of the year. Pick one temple, one green space and one place to eat, and you have a full afternoon without hurrying.
If you only have a few hours and want a ready-made route, our one afternoon plan for Chiang Mai strings together a similar loop.
Which temples near CMU are worth seeing?
Wat Umong and Wat Suan Dok are the two to prioritise. Wat Umong is a forest temple with old brick tunnels and quiet woodland paths. Wat Suan Dok is known for its cluster of white chedis holding the ashes of Chiang Mai's royal family. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, up the mountain, is the big one, best saved for a clear morning or a golden hour visit.
Wat Umong rewards slow walking. The tunnels are cool inside, and monks and students tend to be the only company on a weekday. Wat Suan Dok is easier to fit around lunch and photographs beautifully as the light drops in the late afternoon.
Doi Suthep takes more planning. Red songthaews run up the mountain road, and the climb to the temple is by stairs or a small funicular. Cover shoulders and knees at all three temples. On the hottest days, our guide to what to do when it is too hot for temples has gentler alternatives.
Where can you get outdoors near the campus?
The Ang Kaew reservoir inside the Chiang Mai University campus is the easiest outdoor spot, with a walking path, mountain views and plenty of joggers at the cooler ends of the day. Huay Tung Tao lake, further out along the base of the mountain, has bamboo huts over the water for a lazy lunch. The zoo sits at the start of the Doi Suthep road.
Ang Kaew is free to walk round and is at its best at golden hour, when the mountain turns blue behind the water. Visiting parents often like it because it shows the campus at its calmest.
Huay Tung Tao feels like a day out rather than a quick stop. People rent a hut, order grilled fish and stay for hours. Bring cash for food and expect it to be busy at weekends.
Where should you eat and get coffee near CMU?
For cheap food, head to the student stalls and night market area behind the university, often called Lang Mor, where noodles, grilled skewers and fruit shakes cost little. For coffee and a sit-down meal, the Nimman lanes are close by and full of cafés, bakeries and Northern Thai restaurants. Students tend to eat behind campus, and visitors tend to drift towards Nimman.
Lang Mor comes alive in the evening, so it pairs well with a late afternoon temple visit. Nimman is better for a long coffee in the heat of the day, with air conditioning in almost every lane.
What is a good low-key afternoon for students and visiting parents?
A good low-key afternoon is one that lets different ages do the same thing together without anyone flagging. Mini golf works well for this: a round takes about 1 to 2 hours, there is shaded garden seating for anyone who would rather sit out, and cold drinks and ice cream are on site. No booking is needed, so you can decide on the day.
Parents visiting a student often run out of things to talk about over a second long dinner. A game gives the conversation something to hang on. Lawn games like cornhole, board games and frisbee are there too, so a group can split up between the course and the grass. If you have never thrown a bag at a board, our cornhole rules guide takes a minute to read.
Student societies and birthday groups are welcome. Message ahead so space is set aside. You can see the layout on the course page before you go.
Mini Golf CNX at a glance
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Course | 18-hole garden mini golf in Chiang Mai |
| Booking | None needed, walk in |
| Opening hours | Every day, 09:00 to 18:00 |
| Time for a round | About 1 to 2 hours |
| Food and drink | Cold drinks, snacks and ice cream |
| Seating | Shaded garden seating |
| Lawn games | Cornhole, board games, frisbee |
| Groups and birthdays | Welcome, message ahead so space is set aside |