Chiang Mai Area – Chiang Mai Old City

Chiang Mai Old City is filled with a wealth of historical and ancient treasures.

Encompassing the area outside the Old City up to the trendy Nimmanhaemin and Huay Kaew roads, the Old City has something to offer everyone!

Top Best Chiang Mai Old City Attractions, Things To Do, Activities & Temples

Temple visits are a must-do while here: the Wat Phra Singh is perhaps the most popular in the area, and also one of northern Thailand’s most revered temples.

The Wat Chedi Luang has been around since 1391 and is still used today as a place of worship for Buddhists. Other popular temples here include the Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chetawan, and Wat Phan Tao.

Not to be missed is the iconic Tha Phae Gate; a famous landmark of Chiang Mai. It once served as a fortress protecting the Old City, though today serves more of a geographical boundary than anything else. Nevertheless, the Tha Phae Gate attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to appreciate its intricate and magnificent features.

The Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street Market is the best destination in the Old City for both shopping and eating. Be sure to pack an appetite, as the street is lined with dozens of food vendors selling everything from authentic northern Thai fare to western favourites. Open from 4pm to around 10pm every Sunday; shoppers will be thrilled with the many unique and beautiful handmade goods to be found here.

Another excellent market well-loved by foodies is the Chang Phuak Market; located just outside the north gate. Rub elbows with the locals as you feast on traditional northern Thai fare that will leave you coming back for more.

Shop for dried foodstuffs at the Chiang Mai South Gate Market, which though is less popular, but is abundant with many ingredients that you can take home.

Chiang Mai Old City is filled with good food, history, and shopping. No matter what you love, you’ll find it here!