Chiang Mai After Dark: Golden-lit Temples & Lanna Food Trail

Join Discova for an incredible evening of culture, food and local flavour in Chiang Mai. As the Old Town lights up, we move between historic temples, smoky food stalls, red songthaew rides and the northern Thai dishes every visitor should try. Meet our licensed local guide at Wat Lok Moli, just outside the northern old city walls. With its dark teak hall, large brick chedi and links to Chiang Mai’s Lanna royal past, this historic temple is a beautiful place to begin, especially as the soft evening light settles over the grounds.

From Wat Lok Moli, continue on foot to Chang Puak Gate Market, one of Chiang Mai’s classic evening food spots. Here, the first tastings come straight from the stalls, including Lanna sausage and a surprise dish. Then hop into a red songthaew for a short ride through the old city. Pause at the 3 Kings Monument, tied to Chiang Mai’s founding story, before walking to Wat Chedi Luang. This is where the city’s past suddenly feels much bigger: ancient brickwork, evening shadows, the story of the Emerald Buddha, and sacred trees such as bodhi, cannonball and sala trees around the temple grounds.

No visit to Chiang Mai is complete without tasting Khao Soi, the city’s famous northern curry noodle dish. We stop near Tha Phae Gate at a beloved local restaurant where the same family has been cooking traditional Chiang Mai dishes for over 60 years. Alongside the iconic Khao Soi, we also try the Hung Lay pork curry, a rich northern favourite with slow-cooked comfort, gentle spice and serious local soul!

Then ride by red songthaew to Chiang Mai Gate Market for the final sweet-and-snacky chapter of the evening. Taste seasonal fruit, local snacks and Thai sweets such as coconut pudding, with our guide choosing the best available treats of the night. The tour ends at Anusarn Night Market, one of Chiang Mai’s lively evening shopping areas. From here, you can keep the night going independently with market browsing, drinks, live entertainment or the famous Chiang Mai Cabaret before making your own way back.

Note: This tour not suitable for Children under 8 years

What to wear & bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing suitable for Chiang Mai’s warm evening weather. As this tour visits active temple grounds, please dress respectfully with shoulders and knees covered. We recommend bringing a small bottle of water, a rain jacket or umbrella during the rainy season, and a little cash for any extra drinks, shopping or optional entertainment after the tour ends. Most importantly: come hungry. This evening is designed around multiple tastings, local dishes and market snacks.

Dietary Requirement: This tour features classic Northern Street food, many of which contain pork and peanuts. If you have any dietary needs, preferences, or allergies, please book the private tour and inform us in advance – so we can tailor your experience as much as possible.