Places To Visit In Chiang Mai

1 kms
from city center 1 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Known as the 'Monastery of the Lion Buddha', Wat Phra Singh is one of the most popular temples in the city. Constructed in 14th century, it houses the Phra Singh Buddha, giving the temple its name. The viharns are intricately designed, with gold details of mythological beings. The walls depict mural paintings of local scenes and Buddha's past lives.

58 kms
from city center 2 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Located in the Chiang Mai province of Northern Thailand, the Doi Inthanon National Park is situated at the top of Doi Inthanon, the tallest mountain of the country. The spectacular views of the surroundings, as well as the interesting hiking trails and the beautiful waterfalls found at frequent intervals, is definitely worth a visit. Called imaginatively as the “Roof of Thailand,” this park enjoys a huge number of visitors who are amazed to find the montane farms and quaint villages inside the rain forest. The cool climate of Doi Inthanon National Park is yet another factor that finds a lot of takers.

24 kms
from city center 3 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Also known as ‘Doi Mon Jam’ and 'Mon Chaem', located just about 45 minutes from the Province of Chiang Mai, Mon Jam is a mountaintop community and national park in the Mae Rim County. This is also a part of the Royal Project, which empowers the residents to use sustainable farming methods to cultivate a variety of crops around the year.

1 kms
from city center 4 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Although its construction began in the 14th century, Wat Chedi Luang stands today as an incomplete temple structure. It is home to several beautiful Buddha statues, including one made of black jade, venerated locally as the Phra Yok. Sao Inthakin, the city pillar, is also situated within the complex. The temple hosts sessions everyday wherein tourists can converse with monks about Buddhist cultures and traditions.

1 kms
from city center 5 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

One of the most famous shopping experiences in Chiang Mai, the Sunday Walking Street is a busy night market that runs from Tha Pae Gate along Ratchadamnoen Road every Sunday. It is nothing short of a festival, complete with blazing lights, music, entertainment spaces, artists, massage parlours, local street foods, shops selling local handicrafts items, and of course, seas of people.

0 kms
from city center 6 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

When you hear the sound of over 30 elephants trumpeting in the distance, you can be sure you are close to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Chiang Mai. Serving as a home to all those elephants who were once labourers to the logging and tourism industry of Thailand, the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is not less than heaven on Earth for these animals. During your trip to the place, you will experience the divine atmosphere in which these elephants live. Your experience will definitely become a memorable one when you reach out to the elephants and spend some time playing with them. And the best part of all is the friendliness with which the elephants accept you, responding equally to your tickling and splashing.

5 kms
from city center 7 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Serving as the capital of the Lanna kingdom in the 13th century, Wiang Kum Kam now lies as a site of rich historical documentation. The area contains the central temple Wat Chedi Liam, ancient scriptures, earthenware, Mon stone tablets and Lanna architecture, which are all important artefacts of Thai culture and precursors to the cosmopolitan nature of Thailand today.

4 kms
from city center 8 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Nestled near the Doi Suthep mountain, Wat U Mong Thera Jan is a peaceful temple far from the city bustle. It is also called the Tunnel Temple due to its labyrinth network of tunnels set within the forest. It offers a wholesome experience of Buddhism, complete with ancient stone structures, Dhamma teachings, meditation sessions and prayer chants reverberating in the air.

1 kms
from city center 9 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Warorot Market can be thought of as an authentic Thai supermarket that sells everything under the sun. Aisles are flanked by stalls which display fresh spices, farm produce, local delicacies, condiments, bags, footwear, clothes, accessories and domestic appliances. The market is always buzzing with locals, making it the perfect place to completely immerse oneself in Thai culture.

1 kms
from city center 10 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

The Saturday Walking Street is a night market that locates itself on the Wualai Road every Saturday. The road is lined with shops selling local goods, handicrafts, mementos and authentic Thai street food. The evening comes alive with colourful displays and chattering crowds. Inexpensive foot massage booths are also available for customers tired after an evening of gala.

10 kms
from city center 11 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

World’s largest and ranked second as a nocturnal zoo, Chiang Mai Night safari park is an unparalleled African-Savannah-Cross Zoological park cum night safari located 11 kilometers south-west from the city center of Chiang Mai. It functions as a zoo by the day and as the world’s unmatched night safari after dawn. Modeled after Singapore Night Safari, the Chiang Mai Night Safari provides visitors with a mind-blowing experience similar to being out in the wilderness at night.

1 kms
from city center 12 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

One of the biggest 3D museums in the world, Art in Paradise is a very fun and exciting place in Chiang Mai. The museum is an ideal stoppage point for those who love to capture the wonders of the world through their camera lens. A giant cat pawing at you, a waterfall flowing beneath your feet, a huge wave following you and many more wonderful frescoes awaits you at the Art in Paradise Chiang Mai. These are just a pinch of 130 artistic illusion images spread throughout the museum.

1 kms
from city center 13 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Located opposite the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, Lanna Folklife Museum is an exhibition celebrating traditions of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. It has 18 exhibits depicting everyday activities from local life, with realistic life-sized wax statues of people. They are accompanied by information boards which describe the scenes in Thai, Mandarin and English.

8 kms
from city center 14 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Originally built to commemorate the anniversaries of the Royal King's birth and his accession to the throne, Royal Park Rajapruek is now a public park popular among locals and tourists alike. Due to the many varieties of plant species growing here, it is the hub of agricultural research today. Its several exhibits showcase everything from international flora to Thai historical culture.

3 kms
from city center 15 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

The Kat Rin Kham Night Bazaar, located next to Maya Mall, is a small night market in Chiang Mai. It is popular as the University Market, due to its close proximity to Chiang Mai University, and is a local favourite among the youth. Shops sell everything from street food, clothes, accessories, bags, manicures and crafts, at cheap prices beginning from as low as THB 40.

1 kms
from city center 16 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Built in 1296 during the inception of Chiang Mai, Wat Chiang Mai is the oldest temple in the city. It has two decorated viharns, which contain the oldest and highly venerated Buddha images. The temple is decorated with elaborate golden structures and intricate engravings. The compound also has a scripture library called the Ho Trai, and a lovely lotus pond.

3 kms
from city center 17 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Wat Chet Yot is a temple in Chiang Mai where many cultures collide. The architecture of the temple and the spires have clear Indian, Thai and Lanna influences, with symbolic depictions of Buddha's life. The stuccoed temple is especially venerated as a place of worship for those born in the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese calendar.

68 kms
from city center 18 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

At the foothills of the Chiang Dao mountain lies the Chiang Dao Cave, full of natural wonders and mysteries. The interiors of the cave are patterned with the naturally occurring stalagmites and stalactites. The cave running for more than 12 kilometres also contains several Buddhist relics, ancient statues, a lovely fish pond, and exciting dark passageways.

9 kms
from city center 19 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

The Chiang Mai countryside sprawled across scenic mountains and lush greenery, is inhabited by a number of traditional hill tribes. Tribes like the Akha, Palong, Karen and the famous Padaungs have settled in villages which are funded and developed by royal charities and relief organisations. They can be found in and around the Doi Suthep mountains, Huey Naam Rin, Nor Lae, and Nong Tong Villages where they often engage in producing handcrafted tribal arts for livelihood.

120 kms
from city center 20 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Doi Ang Khang is the perfect mountain getaway for those looking for adventure and relaxation rolled into one. Since it is known for its natural beauty, there are opportunities for hiking, nature trails, birdwatching and mountain biking. Many tourist attractions such as the Bonsai Garden, Kiu Lom Viewpoint, and the Royal Agricultural Station are situated here, for visitors to enjoy a tryst with nature.

5 kms
from city center 21 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai offers several hiking opportunities to those in search for adventure on a holiday. The presence of hills and natural beauty in the region have allowed hiking trails like the Wat Pha Lat, Doi Suthep, Huay Tung Tao and Doi Inthanon to become popular among tourists and trekkers. Every hike promises breathtaking views, cultural history and a refreshing experience.

38 kms
from city center 22 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Established in 2005, Flight of the Gibbon is a world-renowned company offering zip lining experiences to those seeking adventure. Surrounded by lush rainforests of the Mae Kampong village, the zip line streaks through nature and its constituents, including gibbons which give the company its name. This is an experience of a lifetime, promised by a day of limitless thrill.

1 kms
from city center 23 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Talat Pratu, commonly known as the Chiang Mai Gate Market, is a large local market in Chiang Mai, which locals access to fulfil their daily domestic needs. Located along the Bumrung Buri Road, vendors begin setting up shop during the wee hours of morning, selling everything from fruits, vegetables, Thai condiments, traditional preparations of meat, and souvenirs.

1 kms
from city center 24 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Rich with history of its origin, Wat Lokmoli is a temple that dates back to the era of the Mengrai Dynasty during the 14th century. It is known most significantly for its chedi, which is among the largest of all the temples in Chiang Mai. The alluring temple is decorated with structures of traditional serpents, wooden carvings, ornamental gateways and even a statue of a Lanna queen.

1 kms
from city center 25 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Located in the background of the Three Kings Monument, Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre is the one-stop destination for those looking to learn Chiang Mai's comprehensive history. Through masterful mosaics, paintings, maps, relics and life-sized sculptures, this place takes one on a captivating tour of Chiang Mai, right from its early settlements to its modern culture.

1 kms
from city center 26 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

The Mae Ping flowing through Chiang Mai gives ample opportunity for exciting river cruises to be organised along it. The Mae Ping River Cruise allows visitors to journey across the smooth waters and experience the local riverside sights and sounds of the city, or arrange a luxe dinner cruise, making for a grand yet cultural evening under the light of the stars.

1 kms
from city center 27 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Wat Phan Tao, literally translating to 'temple of a thousand kilnsäó, was originally used as a king's palace in the 19th century before being fully converted to a temple. The viharn is one of a kind, being made only of wood, carved perfectly with stunning details. The interiors contain a Buddha statue, sacred Buddhist scriptures and a Buddha throne. The temple grounds also have a kuti where monks reside.

10 kms
from city center 28 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Huay Tung Tao Lake, a man-made reservoir, is a stunning waterside location just outside Chiang Mai to spend the day. It features a gorgeous view of the Doi Suthep mountains, calming waters, and grass huts peppered along the landscape. It has dozens of restaurants with seating floating atop the lake where you can grab a bite, order a drink, lay back, and relax. Chiang Mai may be a land-locked area in the typically beach-famous country of Thailand, but its hidden wonders like Huay Tung Tao Lake provide respite on even the hottest of days.

18 kms
from city center 29 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Patara Elephant Farm is a interactive park aimed at the care and conservation of elephants. Visitors can feed them, ride on their backs, play with them in their natural habitat and even assist in their healthcare activities. The farm also allows people to become elephant owners for a day, which is a great opportunity to establish a loving bond with the species.

0 kms
from city center 30 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Wat Phakhao is a small, quiet Buddhist temple located along Ratchapakhinai Road. Since it isn't very popular, it offers a respite from noise and crowds. The temple structures are simply built, with interiors decorated with red and gold designs, and the exteriors flanked by lovely gardens. The place holds also holds monk chats, where visitors can converse with learned monks about Buddhism.

4 kms
from city center 31 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Loi Krathong is a festival of lights celebrated in Thailand to worship the water goddess. People gather around lakes and rivers to set afloat candles, tealights, flowers and incense atop special holders called krathongs. In Chiang Mai, this event coincides with the Yi Peng festival, where thousands of lanterns are released into the sky, turning the night magical.

1 kms
from city center 32 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

One of the quieter markets in the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, the Kalare Night Bazaar is an arcade which hosts a string of shops that cater to all of a visitor's needs, right from clothes and jewellery to gifting options and tour operators. The market is known for its dining options which offer a plethora of cuisines, and its entertainment spaces which organise fascinating performances.

10 kms
from city center 33 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

San Kamphaeng & Bo Sang are two villages near Chiang Mai, that thrive on authentic handicraft and textile production. San Kamphaeng is famous for its various beautiful silk and cotton products, while Bo Sang, also known as the Umbrella Village, is invested in creating bright floral umbrellas symbolic of Chiang Mai. In both these places, visitors can observe the skill with which the manufacturers practice their craft.

18 kms
from city center 34 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

One of the largest elephant relief camps in the city, Maesa Elephant Camp is a conservative which houses elderly, baby and rescued elephants. They strive towards providing full comfort to them, tending to their dietary and healthcare needs. Visitors can enjoy several talent shows and skills performed by the elephants, among which painting and football are the most popular.

18 kms
from city center 35 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Founded in 1992, Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden prides on being Thailand's largest botanical garden. Encompassing within it the panoramic vistas of the Doi Suthep mountains, the garden has several walking trails and a massive glasshouse where visitors can familiarise themselves with exotic specimens of forests and plant-life from all over the world.

25 kms
from city center 36 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Hot springs are a popular feature of Thailand, and the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs are a well-known attraction dabbling in this industry. This place, located in Ban Sahakorn, has two mineral baths set against picturesque natural beauty, where visitors can relax and blow off steam. One can also indulge in the quirky activity of boiling eggs in the hot water and relishing them as part of this extraordinary experience.

5 kms
from city center 37 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

The Chiang Mai Zoo, spread across 200 acres, is one of the oldest zoos in northern Thailand. It houses animal species from all over the world, including ostriches, camels, flamingos, penguins, seals, sharks and even giant pandas. Exhibits are made to resemble the animals' natural habitats for their comfort. The zoo also has tunnel aquariums, some of which hold world records.

1 kms
from city center 38 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Situated near the end of the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, the Anusarn Night Bazaar is known for being the largest and most exciting night market in Chiang Mai. Shops lined along the street sell everything from jewellery, clothes, bags, local Thai food, and souvenirs at reasonable prices. Busy restaurants, pubs and massage parlours in the area serve to satiate the weary shopper.

33 kms
from city center 39 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Bua Tong Waterfalls in Chiang Mai is one of those places where you will encounter nature at its purest and rawest form. It is Thailand’s most peerless location, one: a traveller must never miss out on. Also known as the Sticky Waterfalls, this location is just about an hour and a half away towards the north from the old city of Chiang Mai. This place located far from the city makes an ideal location for locals to spend a relaxing and calming weekend at. Bua Tong is a scenic waterfall made from deposits of limestone and various other minerals. The waterfall also derives its nickname ‘sticky waterfall’ as the limestone generate plenty of friction to prevent you from slipping over the watery rocks. This makes it an easy task to climb to the top of the waterfall with the support of ropes.

1 kms
from city center 40 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Also known as the North Gate Market, Talat Phlu Chang Phueak, translating to the Chang Puak Gate Night Market, is a food market located in northern Chiang Mai. Shops lining the street sizzle the air with sounds and smells of flaming woks cooking traditional Thai delicacies, especially seafood. The market is visited by a lot of tourists who seek to experience authentic Thai cuisine at cheap prices.

17 kms
from city center 41 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Founded in 1976, the Thai Elephant Care Centre serves as the last home for elderly elephants before they pass away. Staff and visitors devote their time to caring and bonding with old elephants, helping them in their daily routines of bathing, feeding and healthcare. Spending a day at this facility can be a deeply emotional and life-changing experience.

1 kms
from city center 42 out of 125
places to visit in Chiang Mai

Songkran is an annual Thai festival that rings in the Buddhist New Year, marked by a national holiday in Thailand. Locals devote their time in prayer and veneration of the Buddha image, and then engage in water games, bursting firecrackers and preparing Thai delicacies. Due to the presence of numerous temples in Chiang Mai, many Thais prefer celebrating Songkran here.