5 Free (or Cheap) Things to Do in Chiang Mai This Weekend

Chiang Mai is a city where it is dangerously easy to spend money. A 120 Baht latte here, a 300 Baht grab ride there, a “quick” shopping spree at Sunday Walking Street that somehow costs 2,000 Baht.

But the true magic of this city isn’t found in the expensive cafes or the tourist traps. It is found in the quiet corners, the community spaces, and the nature that surrounds us.

At Haze Buds, we believe in balance. We believe that if you save money on attractions, you have more budget left for the things that truly elevate your experience (like high-quality cannabis and good food).

You don’t need a fat wallet to have a legendary weekend. You just need insider knowledge. We have scouted the city to find the best spots that cost less than 100 Baht (or absolutely nothing) but deliver million-baht vibes.

Here are 5 free (or cheap) things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend.

1. The Green Escape: Chiang Mai P.A.O. Park

Cost: Free Vibe: Picnic perfection, local life, wide-open skies.

Most tourists flock to Buak Haad Park in the corner of the Old City. It’s nice, but it’s crowded. If you want to see where the locals actually go to unwind, you need to head north to the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization Park (Suan Or Bor Jor).

Located behind the Government Complex on Chotana Road, this is a massive, sprawling green space that feels like a European park. It has rolling hills, a massive lake filled with lotus flowers, and—crucially—a stunning, unobstructed view of Doi Suthep.

The Plan:

Pack a Picnic: Stop by a 7-Eleven or a local market. Grab some snacks, cold drinks, and maybe a pre-roll of Purple Thai (Sativa) from Haze Buds.
- Why this strain: At 23% THC, Purple Thai is a classic Landrace sativa that provides an energetic, happy, and social high. It fits the local setting perfectly and keeps you uplifted for a sunset picnic.
Go for Golden Hour: Arrive around 4:30 PM. The heat breaks, the light turns golden, and the park fills with locals jogging, walking dogs, and flying kites.
Find Your Spot: There are plenty of large trees providing shade near the water. Lay down your mat. Unlike the city parks, you won’t be shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers. You have space to breathe.

Why it works: It’s completely free. It’s quiet. And watching the sun dip behind the mountain while lying on soft grass is the ultimate reset button for your brain.

2. The River Adventure: Kayaking at Wat Fa Ham

Cost: ~50 Baht per person Vibe: Serene, active, and surprisingly spiritual.

You might think water sports in Chiang Mai are expensive. Usually, they are. But there is a secret spot known mostly to locals and expats in the know: Wat Fa Ham.

Located on the east bank of the Ping River, this temple has a small pier where you can rent kayaks. It is not a big commercial operation; it is a community initiative. For a donation of just 50 Baht, you can take a kayak out onto the Ping River.

The Experience: Paddling on the Ping River gives you a completely different perspective of the city. You drift past old wooden houses, luxury hotels, and riverside cafes. The water is calm (especially in the dry season).

The Route: Paddle north towards the super-highway bridge for a quieter, more nature-filled view, or paddle south towards the city center to see the bridges and the bustle from a safe distance.

Haze Buds Tip: Before you paddle, apply sunscreen. The reflection off the water is strong. This activity pairs beautifully with a high-energy Sativa like Pineapple Express (35% THC). The intense, tropical energy and focus will make the paddling feel effortless and the visual exploration even more vivid.

3. The “Hi-So” Stroll: One Nimman (Evening)

Cost: Free (unless you buy something) Vibe: Romantic, bustling, and visually stunning.

“Cheap” doesn’t have to mean “grungy.” You can experience luxury without spending a dime if you know where to walk. One Nimman is the open-air lifestyle mall at the intersection of Nimman and Huay Kaew roads. It is built in a brick, European-industrial style that feels like a mix of Italy and a Harry Potter movie set.

Why go if you’re broke? Because the atmosphere is free.

Live Music: On weekends, the central courtyard almost always has live bands playing Jazz, Swing, or acoustic covers. You can sit on the benches and enjoy a free concert.
The Night Market: On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, the walkway turns into a stylish market. Even if you don’t buy the artisan crafts, it is fantastic window shopping.
People Watching: This is the fashion runway of Chiang Mai. Local university students and trendy tourists come here dressed to impress. It’s a visual feast.

The Strategy: Walk around, soak in the lights and the music. If you get hungry, skip the expensive restaurants inside the courtyard and head to the food court area at the back (or cross the street to the street food stalls) for a budget-friendly meal.

4. The University Secret: Ang Kaew Reservoir

Cost: Free Vibe: Youthful, breezy, and photogenic.

Inside Chiang Mai University (CMU) lies one of the most beautiful spots in the city: Ang Kaew Reservoir. It is a large lake situated right at the foot of the mountain. Because it is on campus, it has a distinct energy—it is filled with students, photographers, and joggers.

The Highlight: There is a walkway that goes right along the water’s edge. The view of the purple/green mountains reflecting in the still water is breathtaking. It is arguably the best “selfie spot” in town (if you are into that).

The Activity: Just walk. Do a lap around the reservoir. The air is cooler here because of the proximity to the forest. There is a “Bamboo Bridge” area that makes for a great resting spot.

Note: Since it is university property, be respectful. No alcohol, and smoking (of any kind) should be done discreetly outside the main campus gates before you enter.

5. The Jungle Temple: Monk’s Trail (Wat Pha Lat)

Cost: Free Vibe: Adventure, history, and deep peace.

We have mentioned this in our hiking guide, but it deserves a spot on the budget list because it is the single best “high value, zero cost” activity in Chiang Mai. Skip the 50 Baht Red Truck ride to Doi Suthep. Instead, hike the Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat.

Why it’s special: Wat Pha Lat is a temple built into the waterfall. It features old stone statues covered in moss, peacocks roaming freely, and a view of the city that rivals any rooftop bar. There is no entrance fee. It feels like discovering a lost city in the jungle.

The Investment: Your only cost is the Grab ride or motorbike fuel to get to the trailhead (base of Doi Suthep, near the university). The hike takes about 45 minutes. The reward is priceless.

The Budget Weekend Itinerary

Here is how you combine these for a perfect Saturday:

Morning (9:00 AM): Hike the Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat. Meditate by the waterfall. (Cost: 0 THB).
Lunch (12:00 PM): Street food near Chiang Mai University. (Cost: 50-60 THB).
Afternoon (3:00 PM): Walk around Ang Kaew Reservoir to digest. (Cost: 0 THB).
Sunset (5:30 PM): Head to Wat Fa Ham for a kayak session on the Ping River. (Cost: 50 THB).
Evening (7:30 PM): Finish at One Nimman. Listen to the jazz band in the courtyard. (Cost: 0 THB).

Total Activity Cost: 50 Baht.

That leaves you plenty of budget to stop by Haze Buds and pick up a gram of Banana Melt (Indica 34%) or Jelly Donutz (Sativa 30%) to end the night in style.

“Save money on attractions so you can spend it on… other things. Download the budget guide.”