The bustling Chinatown in Chiang Mai is where you’ll find an overwhelming amount of sights, smells, tastes, and textures – all waiting for you to discover. The area is actually spread out across the east...
Chiang Mai Area – Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand. Nestled near some of the highest mountains in Thailand, the city was established in 1294 as Lanna’s new capital after Chiang Rai.
Its strategic location by the Ping River and many nearby major trading routes have made the city economically significant – especially in its early days!
Chiang Mai Attractions, Must See Temples & Things To Do, Thailand
For many, Chiang Mai is a laid-back city to visit; especially after experiencing the madness that Bangkok is known for. It attracts all kinds of travellers, as well as ex-pats, who enjoy a good quality of life, and an affordable one at that. The city is also known for being a foodie hotspot since many come to experience the diversity of Lanna cuisine, which is different from what you’ll find in the south.
Chiang Mai is perhaps best known for its temples; it’s home to more than 300 Buddhist temples located in and around town. The most famous of these is the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on a mountain called Doi Suthep. The temple is accessible by trekking up the mountain, but you can also hire a songthaew or rent a motorbike to get there much quicker.
Wat Chedi Luang is a haunting yet beautiful ruin. Built in 1401, the structures were destroyed during a 1545 earthquake but today it is still awe-inspiring.
Be sure to check out Wat Phra Singh; located in the Old City. It is the largest temple in the city and its construction dates back to 1345. It’s home to the Phra Viharn Lai Kam; a sacred shrine built during King San Muang Ma’s reign.
The gate night market is a must-visit for the sheer amount of delicious and inexpensive street food in Chiang Mai. Don’t forget to order pad krapow; a dish made of spicy meat with herbs. Savour the many different types of northern Thai street food, and end your meal with a serving of mango sticky rice.
There’s so much to do in Chiang Mai: from cooking classes, street food, temples, elephant camps, nightlife, and hiking – you’ll never run out of things to do in this scenic town!
The JJ Market in Chiang Mai (Jing Jai Market) is a delightful market to visit – located north of the old city in Chang Phueak. Compared to other markets, it’s much more relaxed and allows you to hang out and...
The Kad Farang Village is a boutique shopping development in Chiang Mai; offering an impressive range of services for all your needs. Located around 11km south-west of the Old City on Hang Dong Road, the lifestyle mall...
The Kad Rincome Fashion Market is the ultimate destination in Chiang Mai for shoppers. It’s considered one of the best markets to visit because of its affordable clothes and accessories. The market is located next...
The Kham Tiang Flower Market not only sells lots of beautiful plants and flowers, but it’s also a terrific local experience in Chiang Mai. Think of it as a one-stop-shop for all your gardening and plant needs. In...
The Muang Mai Market in Chiang Mai is the main market for wholesale fruit and produce shopping in the city. It’s so large and the varieties available are so impressive that many who come feel that it may just be...
The Pantip Plaza in Chiang Mai is the city’s number one IT marketplace. Whether you are looking to shop or have one of your gadgets repaired, this place will have something for you. The mall is well-known for...
The San Pa Khoi market is a foodie’s paradise. It is unassuming and perhaps one of the lesser-known markets of Chiang Mai. Don’t let that fool you though – the Thai food you will discover here are...
The Star Avenue Lifestyle Mall is a popular shopping centre in Chiang Mai. Although frequented by locals, visitors who are looking to kill time while waiting at the Arcade Bus Terminal can also relax here because it...
Suandok Park is a popular destination in Chiang Mai, especially among local students. There are several areas for visitors to relax and enjoy a decent, affordable meal within the commercial development; including some...
The Kalare Night Market is a great place to shop for bargains. It also makes a fun alternative for those who want to spend their evenings doing something else other than just drinking. This bazaar is known for selling...
The Meechok Plaza is a shopping mall located in the Fa Ham area of Chiang Mai. This mall is a one-stop-shop for the needs of both locals and tourists, as it boasts of dozens of markets and shops, as well as essential...
Wat Chom Tong is a beautiful temple nestled about 60kms to the south of Chiang Mai. The temple is also referred to as the Chom Tong Meditation Center.
Wat Ku Tao is an outstanding temple whose ancient roots and rich history make it a treasured travel destination for Thais as well as international tourists.
Wat Sri Suphan, also known as the silver temple, is located close to the Wualai Street Market. This makes it a must-visit tourist attraction in Chiang Mai.
The Ban Ho Mosque is an iconic mosque located near the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. It is revered for being one of the largest mosques in Chiang Mai, and it is also one of the only 7 mosques in the whole province. The...
The Wat Bupparam is a famous temple in Chiang Mai. Ornate dacor and evident Burmese influences are what set this temple apart from the others. It’s one of the most frequently visited temples here, found on Thapae...
Wat Chai Mongkhon is an impressive Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai. It’s one of the top temples to visit in the area and is steeped in a rich, colourful history. The temple has numerous exciting details to discover...
The Wat Chedi Liam is one of Chiang Mai’s most beautiful temples. Also known as the Chedi Ku Kham, this magnificent 13th-century Buddhist temple was built by King Mengrai of back when Chiang Mai was part of the...
The Wat Fa Ham is a beautiful temple found on the eastern banks of the Maenam Ping river in Chiang Mai. Although small, this temple is one of the most intricately adorned, and features numerous interesting little...
Wat Mahawan is a beautiful temple designed with Lanna and Burmese influences. Located just outside the old walled city of Chiang Mai, this temple features many incredible, intricate carvings of mythical creatures. Wat...
Wat Saen Fang in Chiang Mai is a magnificent temple with interesting features. It is one of the lesser-known temples of the city, but definitely worth a visit especially if you’d like to see its impressive details...
Wat Tha Ton is a magnificent Buddhist temple complex at the Bat Thaton Village in Chiang Mai. Located just a few kilometres away from the border of Myanmar, the temple is perched on top of a hill with beautiful views of...
The Wat Phra That Doi Saket is a glorious ancient Buddhist temple outside of Chiang Mai. Located in the city’s outskirts, the temple is filled with many different kinds of decorations and paintings that reflect...
Wat Loi Khro is one of Chiang Mai’s many ancient temples with a rich history. Located on Loi Khro Road, the temple isn’t as touristy as many of the others in the area despite being on a busy street. Wat Loi...
Wat Pong Noi is situated in the charming artists’ village of Pong Noi. Located in the outskirts of Chiang Mai, this temple is more of a working temple than a tourist attraction. That’s one of the many...
The 700 Year Stadium Chiang Mai is a great attraction for sports enthusiasts. It’s a complete sports arena decked out with amazing facilities and amenities that both locals and foreigners can use. Located not too...
The Muang Chiang Mai Stadium is an outdoor stadium that serves as a popular running route for locals, ex-pats, and visitors. Located off Chang Phuak Road, it is one of the best places to go for a run, especially if you...
The Lanna Architecture Center is a museum that is dedicated to showcasing and preserving Northern Thailand’s unique heritage in architecture; most of which is influenced by the ancient Lanna kingdom. The museum is...
Wat Chai Phrakiat is a historic Buddhist temple located in Chiang Mai. Located near the city centre, this temple’s name means ‘temple of the renowned victory. Although small, the temple is worth checking out...
The Wat Fon Soi is a small, quiet, and charming temple in Chiang Mai. Like many temples in the area, it is designed using the traditional Lanna style, although it has a unique personality and significance all its own...
The Wat Khuan Khama is an old, lovely temple in Chiang Mai; located in Sri Poom Road at the Sri Phum area. This temple is best known for having a theme centred around horses, and can easily be seen from miles away...
Wat Muen Nguen Kong is a small, quaint Buddhist temple located on Samlan Road in Chiang Mai. This temple may be old, but it has been well-preserved through the years, making it a top attraction in the city for visitors...
The Wat Pan Waen is a small but exquisite temple in Chiang Mai; exhibiting all the classic elements of a northern Thai temple. Located in Phra Singh in the Old City, the grounds are so peaceful and tranquil; not too...
Wat Samphao is a one-of-a-kind temple found within the city walls of Chiang Mai; located west of the Tha Phae Gate, and was built sometime between 1260-1578, which was during the reign of the Mangrai Dynasty. Its name...
The Wat Si Koet is a popular temple in Chiang Mai. Located along Ratchadamnoen Road, the quaint temple is distinct for its white colour accentuated by beautiful golden borders. It may be small, but its architecture...
The Wat Thung Yu Temple is one of Chiang Mai’s many beautiful and interesting temples. Located in the Si Phum Subdistrict in the Old City, there are many features that set this temple apart and make it so unique...
The Chiang Mai City Pillar Shrine is a crucial landmark of the old city. Also known as Wat Inthakhin, the pillar was erected by the famous King Mangrai when the city was founded on April 12, 1296 CE. Its name, which...
The Wat Jedlin is a 16th-century temple situated in the old walled city of Chiang Mai. Located on Prapokklao Road, the temple is also known by its other names such as Wat Jet Lin, Wat Nong Chalin, and Wat Chedlin. It is...
A Segway Gibbon Tour is a great way to discover Chiang Mai as you zoom around the streets of this historic city on a self-balancing personal transporter. A Segway Tour will take you to the many highlights within Chiang...
What are the top attractions to visit in Chiang Mai?
The top attractions to visit in Chiang Mai are:
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Elephant Nature Park
- Wat Chedi Luang
- Doi Inthanon National Park
- Grand Canyon Chiang Mai
What are the most popular things to do in Chiang Mai with kids?
The most popular things to do in Chiang Mai with kids are:
- Elephant Nature Park
- Chiang Mai Night Safari
- Flight of The Gibbon
- Chiang Mai Zoo
- Catmosphere Cat Cafe
What can you do in Chiang Mai for free?
The most popular things to do in Chiang Mai for free are:Check out the whole list of attractions in Chiang Mai.