Exploring Chiang Mai: Must-Visit Spots

From the temples of Chaing Rai to the famed hikes of Monk’s trail, Chiang Mai boasts the best of traditional Thailand with a modern twist.

Otherwise known as the ‘Rose of the North’, this is the ideal Thailand location for travellers who don’t like the idea of bustling Bangkok.

This tourist-friendly city, which is located in the north of Thailand, is home to scenic mountains, indigenous communities, and over 300 of the most stunning sacred temples that Thailand has to offer. 

Chiang Mai's city center, known as the Old City, is a square area. Walking from one side of the Old City to the other typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes, making it convenient to explore its attractions on foot.

However, the greater urban area of Chiang Mai extends well beyond the Old City. To explore further you could also hop on one of the city’s many songthaews, as these little pickup trucks are always on the prowl for business.

Bear in mind that, while it is famously quieter than Bangkok, Chiang Mai is still an incredibly popular city. Secure your spot at these destinations by booking ahead of your trip to avoid long queues or disappointment.

Top Chiang Mai attractions that are worth including in your itinerary include – 
 

• Chiang Mai Zoo: Chiang Mai Zoo is set over 200 acres in Chiang Mai’s Huay Kaew Road, and is home to over 400 species of animals, including giant pandas, koalas, and an Asiatic black bear. The presence of a kid’s zone makes this a great family day out. 
  
  
• Grand Canyon Water Park: Chiang Mai’s Grand Canyon is a former limestone quarry that’s carved out of striking red clay and hosts the largest waterpark in Chiang Mai. Guests can enjoy 35 acres of water activities including inflatable obstacle courses, zip lines, and giant slides. 
  
  
• The Monk’s Trail: The Monk’s Trail offers a more scenic side of Chiang Mai, and is walkable in less than an hour each way. Stretching through 1.5km of stunning Thai countryside, the easily-marked trail takes you past Wat Pha Lat temple and then up a steep track to Chiang Mai’s most famous temple – Doi Suthep.

Chiang Mai is a city steeped in rich history that dates as far back as the 13th century, and there are over 300 temples and other historical landmarks to enjoy, many of which can be found in Chiang Mai’s Old City.

The old town is over 700 years old and sits at the heart of Chiang Mai, surrounded by the remains of ancient walls and a series of gates, including Chang Puak Gate in the north, which was once reserved for royal visits.

Many of Chiang Mai’s 300 temples are also located within the walls of the old city, including Wat Chiang Man, which was constructed in 1296 and is the region's oldest temple.

If you’re keen to get out of the old city, why not hike to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, which sits atop a steep staircase at the end of the Monk’s Trail? Located at an elevation of 1,073 metres, this sacred temple offers impressive views of the city that can be reached only by climbing a 306-step staircase. Inside the temple, you’ll find Doi Suthep Meditation Centre, which offers religious outreach programs to interested visitors. 

It’s impossible to mention cultural experiences in Chiang Mai without mentioning the city’s many iconic temples, including Wat Phan Tao, Wat Chedi Luang and, as mentioned, Wat Chiang, all of which you’ll find inside the old city’s walls.

Impressively, the 300 temples aren’t the only cultural fix you can get during your Chiang Mai trip. If you really want to experience Chiang Mai’s rich culture, you should also plan a visit to Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, the city’s largest night market which is located east of the city moat and covers several blocks. Here, you can buy everything from artwork to local furniture.

During your daytime explorations, see a slice of modern Chiang Mai with a trip to trendy Nimmanhaemin Road. Open from 10am to 11pm, Nimman Promenade offers fashion stores, coffee shops, and even two of its very own art galleries. 

If you’re wondering what to visit in Chiang Mai Thailand, then why not delve into the city’s fantastic natural scenery? Top parks and eco-attractions to find time for during your stay include: 
 

• Elephant Nature Park: Elephant Nature Park offers visitors an ethical opportunity to enjoy Thailand’s impressive elephants. Observe the elephants as they relax in the morning, or book an afternoon trip to see an impressive bedtime elephant procession. 
  
  
• Royal Park Rajapruek: Enjoy a selection of nearly 30 gardens across more than 800,000 square acres at Royal Park Rajapruek in the Mueang Chiang Mai District.
  
  
• Doi Inthanon National Park: Doi Inthanon National Park, also known as ‘The Roof of Thailand’ is one of the most popular national parks in Thailand, and is part of the Himalayan Mountain range with heights of up to 2,565 metres. The park is located about 70 km southwest of Chiang Mai’s city centre and is best reached via rental car. 

Chian Mai is famed for its affordable Thai cuisines, many of which are available from street food markets including Chiang Mai Gate Market and the food court at WuaLai Walking Street. Traditional local dishes worth trying include Khao Soi curry noodle soup, roti pancakes, and mango sticky rice.

Tourists can also fully immerse themselves in Thai cuisine by attending one of Chiang Mai’s many acclaimed Thai cooking classes, which are easily bookable from companies including Zab E Lee Thai Cooking School, and Grandma’s Home Cooking School in Saraphi Chiang Mai. 

Chaing Mai is well-known for its vibrant culture and nightlife, which is punctuated by yearly festivals and events like the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. Held in November each year, this festival sees the combination of both the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals when thousands of sky lanterns are released to carry away bad luck and pay respects to ancestors.

If you prefer daytime fun, then it’s also worth mentioning the Songkran Festival, which occurs annually on April 14th. This three-day water festival serves to mark the traditional Thai New Year and includes iconic water fights, as well as Buddhist water pouring ceremonies and blessings with a limestone powder paste known as din sor pong.

A trip to Chiang Mai can see you enjoying an entirely new side of Thailand, steeped in rich history, more temples than you could possibly visit in one trip, and stree cuisine that’s unlike anything you will have tasted before. Enjoy your trip in style by booking the best Chiang Mai hotels according to your itinerary.