Situated on the northern rocky mountains of Thailand, there is no shortage of interesting and exciting adventures in Chiang Mai for all kinds of travelers. With its exquisite temples, colorful festivals, and beautiful natural attractions, this small yet impressive city promises a cultural experience like no other. Discover the best places to go to with this helpful guide!
Magnificently perched on a mountain more than 1,000 meters in height, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is one of the holiest sites in Thailand. Legend has it that it was built on the grounds where a sacred white elephant lay dead after carrying a piece of bone from Buddha's shoulder up the mountain. Its most recognizable part is the golden 24-meter shrine that gleams under the sun, but there's more to see on the temple grounds. Tourists can walk up the 300 steps and see ornate jeweled serpents on the rails, or take the elevator for a quick ride to the top. Located just 15 kilometers from Chiang Mai, a visit to this Buddhist temple is a quick getaway where you can even see great sights of the city below.
Located inside the walled parts of the old city are the glorious ancient ruins of Wat Chedi Luang. Dating back to the 14th century, its most prominent structure is the impressive chedi or pagoda with four staircases on each side guarded by large Nagas or mythical snakes. Although there were plans of restoring the chedi to its former grandeur, there is no clear picture of what it used to look like, making it an unfinished yet breathtaking monument. As it is an active Buddhist temple, you can encounter monks passing by or even have a chat with them at certain hours. Though there is a small entrance fee to enter the temple, it’s a sight worth seeing, especially during sunset, where its facade is surrounded by beautiful hues of the sky.
Exploring Wat Phra Singh, one of Thailand’s most revered temples, is a must-do in Chiang Mai! After paying a small entrance fee, see the impressive golden stupa as it glistens against the sunlight, and the colorful mosaics and beautifully painted murals of the Lai Kam assembly hall, which depict scenes of the local way of life. At a small temple at the back of Wat Phra Singh, you can also find incredibly life-like wax figures of monks in a meditating position. Visit the “Gold Temple” and get a glimpse of classic Lanna art and architecture within the old city center.
See the awe-inspiring beauty of nature as you visit Doi Suthep, a mountain over 1,600 meters high. The mountain is also renowned for holding one of the most sacred sites in Chiang Mai, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a glistening golden temple that is said to keep a relic of Buddha. But the mountain offers much more than that! You can have a peaceful walk through its evergreen forests and climb up its summit for spectacular views of the city. Home to many tribes, you can also get to know some of the locals and their unique culture and way of life to have a truly memorable and captivating experience. For tourists looking for a more cultural and down-to-earth trip, Doi Suthep is an ideal destination.
Home to a variety of exotic flora and fauna, Doi Suthep–Pui National Park lets you see nature at its finest. From splashing in the refreshing waterfalls, riding a bike on the rocky paths, or hiking on the seemingly endless trails, the park caters to the more laid-back travelers looking for a fun yet leisurely day under the sun. Catch stunning views of the temples and buildings of Chiang Mai during sunset to end your exciting trip to the city.
Wat Chiang Man is the oldest Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, established by the founder of the city King Mengrai. It consists of two wihans or meditation halls adorned with intricate carvings, each containing two of the most important statues of Buddha: the marble Phra Sila and the crystal Phra Sae Tang Khamani. The most prominent feature in the entire complex is the beautiful gold-topped stupa known as Chedi Chang Lom, which has 15 lifesize elephant carvings on its base. A much quieter space compared to the other temples in the city, many tourists enjoy having a moment of peace walking around the grounds and the surrounding garden.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Chiang Mai, make your way to the Chiang Mai Night Safari, where you can witness the transformation of the zoo after the sun goes down. Hop aboard the tram and see the different herbivores and predators in their habitats. Experience the magic by watching the Tiger Show that stars exotic tigers or the Creatures of the Night Show, filled with dances and mind-blowing fire performances. Get up close and personal with nocturnal animals and other creatures such as giraffes, leopards, camels, and birds.
Home to over 400 species of animals spread across 200 acres, the Chiang Mai Zoo is a must-visit destination for the entire family. Some of these adorable creatures include pandas, penguins, hippos, koalas, and orangutans. You can get around the zoo by renting a golf cart for self-driving or you can get a bus pass to hop on and off at your chosen stop. The zoo also has a freshwater aquarium that holds a variety of unique marine life and a snow dome that offers a winter wonderland of artificial snow. Just a few kilometers from downtown Chiang Mai and at the foot of Doi Suthep, you can easily reach the zoo from other nearby attractions.
One of the most famous places of interest in Chiang Mai, the Tha Phae Gate is a 2-meter tall preserved entrance to the ancient city. Located in the eastern part of the crumbling city wall, the once-mighty fortress has become a center for tourism and festivals. The square is famous as a beautiful spot for feeding pigeons, its bustling night market, and as a meeting point. This monument may be old, but the diverse community of people continues to fill the square with their vibrant energy, especially during events like New Year’s Eve and the Yi Peng Lantern Festival.
After your day of touring the city, spend your evening in Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, located in the main shopping street of Chang Khlan Road. One of the most popular markets in Thailand, this is the best place to get a great deal for souvenirs, local handicrafts, paintings, and tasty delicacies. Don’t forget to negotiate or bargain with the vendors to get more out of your money! After shopping, stay and enjoy live music, or have a filling meal at one of the authentic restaurants nearby.
Chiang Mai is Thailand's cultural hotspot filled with amazing architecture and natural wonders. Head to the living museum that is Chiang Mai Old City, and check out the ancient walls and temples that have withstood time.
The coffee lovers will be surprised to know that Chiang Mai is home to numerous coffee concepts that pop up throughout the city. For a more laid-back experience, immerse yourself in nature at the Doi Inthanon National Park and trek along Angkha Nature Walk to Wachiritharn Waterfall. For the true escape, spend a night at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and care for the gentle giants.
Chiang Mai is home to over 300 beautiful ancient temples, a multitude of breathtaking landscapes, and plenty of night markets. The city promises a rich historical and cultural experience for travelers of all ages.
As a tropical country, Chiang Mai is a destination that can be visited at any time of the year. For dry weather and cool nights, it is best to visit from December to January. Experience the lively festivals such as the Festival of Lights or Loi Krathong in November or the Flower Festival in February.
Stay at the Old City, the cultural center of Chiang Mai, and be surrounded by historical buildings and ancient temples. For a trendier and more modern atmosphere, you can also stay at Nimman and enjoy the fun nightlife and the variety of dining and shopping establishments.