Places to Visit in Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, also popular as simply Doi Suthep, is an ideal place to visit if you wish to seek spirituality during your trip to Chiang Mai. Located 25 km away from the main city and situated atop the Doi Suthep mountain amidst the dense forests of the Doi Suthep National Park, the holy shrine occupies a pious corner in the hearts of Thai people due to the history associated with it. Further, the stunning view of the Chaing Mai downtown region from the Doi Suthep temple makes it an ideal sightseeing destination to plan a visit to.

Often regarded as the most beautiful Chiang Mai temple, Wat Phra Singh is a Buddhist temple in the western part of the old Chiang Mai City. It is perhaps the second most important Chiang Mai temple after Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. During each Songkran; the Thai New Year, the figure is taken out and paraded through the Chiang Mai streets. This religious procession witnesses spectators sprinkling water in honour over the statue.

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.

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.

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.

Wat Chedi Luang or ‘the temple of the Great Stupa’ is a Buddhist temple inside the old city in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The current temple grounds originally consisted of three temples — Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Ho Tham and Wat Sukmi. The construction of the temple started in the 14th century under King Saen Muang Ma who planned to bury the ashes of his father there, due to prolonged issues the Wat was finally completed in the 15th century under the reign of King Tilokaraj.

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.

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.

A medium-sized village perched on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, Bo Sang Umbrella Village is a handicrafts village. Beautiful little paper umbrellas of different vibrant colours are made and sold here. These pretty canopies are a part of their heritage handicraft and are known for their quality, not just locally but internationally. The uniquely interesting village is a picturesque beauty, unlike any regular traditional market. Tourists can engage in an interaction with the villagers here to understand their lifestyles and their work. There are also workshops where one can learn the art of making these colourful little canopies.

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.

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.

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 about 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.

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.

The Canopy Walkway is one of the prime attractions that was newly inaugurated in 2015 within the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden. It is a walking trail made of a glass floor and suspended in the air, giving visitors a thrilling opportunity to get a gorgeous roundabout view of the forest, waterfalls, natural life and mountain ranges stretching far into the horizon.

Planning a day's outing with your loved ones? Head over to Hang Dong Canyon, a striking canyon located just an hour away from Central Chiang Mai. It is also fondly known as the Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai – the name adapted from its American counterpart which looks uncannily similar. Away from the hustle-bustle of the city life, a visit to the Grand Canyon can be the much-needed change that you are looking for.

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 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.

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.

Built-in 1296 CE 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 most 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.

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.

Spread across 200 acres, The Chiang Mai Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in northern Thailand. Housing animal species from all over the world, the Chiang Mai Zoo also has an Aviary, called Nakornping Bird Park, housing over 1500 species of local and international bird species.

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.

Lying on the outskirts of Chiang Mai is the lost city of Wiang Kum Kam. An archaeological site, the city of Wiang Kum Kam, was located on the banks of the Ping River and was once the capital city of the Lanna kingdom. Abandoned in the 16th century due to the flooding of the river, the remains of the city were only discovered in the 1980s.

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.

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.

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.