To see in Chiang Mai

What to see in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, the northern capital and its 300 temples is also a gateway to the nature, the jungle and the hill tribes. It is the starting point for many treks but the city itself with its historic center surrounded by ramparts and moats also has a lot of charm. The most famous place in Chiang Mai is the Doi Suthep temple. Its night bazaar is also very popular with tourists.
I also listed at the end of the page some good tours, excursions and activities that you can do in Chiang Mai or from Chiang Mai. Click here to see them.

Must-visits in Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ

My opinion :

A must see. On the top of a mountain, it is the most famous temple in the area. It is very popular with the thais and of course tourists and offers a magnificent view (often more clear in late afternoon) on Chiang Mai

Wat Phra Singh

วัดพระสิงห์

My opinion :

The most visited temple in the city, it is a perfect illustration of the nothern architectural style

Sunday Walking Street

ถนนคนเดินเชียงใหม่ วันอาทิตย์

My opinion :

This big night market takes place every Sunday night in the center of Chiang Mai including food stands in two temples. A popular ambience. We really suggest you to go even if you will not be alone !

Wat Palad

วัดผาลาด

My opinion :

is a charming forest temple with superb refined statues and a quiet and pleasant atmosphere. A small haven of peace often ignored by the many tourists who pass right by each day in their ascent to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep a few kilometers higher.

Saturday Walking Street

ถนนคนเดินวัวลาย

My opinion :

Big night market a little less known than Sunday Walking Street, Chiang Mai Saturday Walking Street also attracts a lot of people and allows you to do a little shopping and have dinner by tasting the local cuisine at the very numerous stalls and street restaurants. The neighboring Silver Temple is also superbly lit and open to the public these evenings.

Silver Temple

วัดศรีสุพรรณ

My opinion :

As its name suggests this temple is known for its hall covered internally and externally with silver finely carved or engraved. It is particularly beautiful at night with its colorful illuminations. Next to Saturday Walking Street, it's worth visiting it at the same time you enjoy the traditional Saturday pedestrian street in Chiang Mai.

Ban Pa Pong Piang rice terraces

บ้านป่าบงเปียง

My opinion :

This tiny village in the mountains of Doi Inthanon has, it is said, the most beautiful rice terraces in Thailand. I do not know if it is true but yes, they are superb. Staying up there in spartan conditions is one of the most beautiful experiences you can experience in Chiang Mai province during the rainy season.

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

น้ำพุร้อนสันกำแพง

My opinion :

These naturally warm water sources are probably the most famous hots srpings among those close to Chiang Mai. You can soak your feet in the hot mineral water, cook eggs, or bathe fully and swim in the hot mineral water pool and get a massage of course. A nice relaxing outing!

Bo Sang Umbrella making village

บ่อสร้าง

My opinion :

This village a few kilometers from Chiang Mai is famous for its traditional umbrella making. Throughout the year, you can go there and visit the workshops to see all the stages of the confection and in January is held a big festival. In the village, umbrellas are ubiquitous but there are also workshops of silver work, wood carving...

Elephant Nature Park

My opinion :

It is the elephant sanctuary of reference in Thailand. There, you are sure to live a beautiful and respectful encounter with elephants. Because even if things slowly change (thanks to the work of Lek Chailert the founder of the park and the people she gathered around her), there are still many elephant camps or so-called sanctuaries where animal welfare is not a concern.

Straw King Kong statues

คิงคองฟางยักษ์

My opinion :

These giant King Kong statues built with rice straw became in a few months one of the great curiosities in Chiang Mai. They are installed near Huay Thung Tao Lake about ten kilometers from the city.

Sticky Waterfall (Bua Thong waterfall)

น้ำตกบัวตอง

My opinion :

The Bua Thong waterfall, a 1-hour drive from Chiang Mai city is nicknamed Sticky Waterfall because of its naturally gripping coating which allows you to climb it by its bed very easily. That's also why people go to visit it: to climb the waterfall!

Find a room in Chiang Mai

Other places to visit in Chiang Mai

Wat Chedi Luang

Doi Inthanon

Wat Luang Khun Win

Wat Ched Yod

Wat U-Mong

Huay Thung Tao Lake

Wat Phra That Doi Saket

Muang On Cave

Wat Ban Den

Wiang Kum Kam

Chiang Mai Zoo

Wat Pan Tao

Wat Chiang Man

Wat Lok Molee

Wat Phra That Doi Kham

Royal Park Rajapruek

Huay Kaew Waterfall

Grand Canyon

Wat Ton Kwen

Kuan Im Chokchai chinese temple

Wat Muen Ngoen Kong

Elephant Poopoo Paper Park

Khlong Mae Kha

Wat Suan Dok

Bhubing Palace

Warorot Market

Pha Chor Grand Canyon

Wat Buppharam

Tours in Chiang Mai and around

This selection includes tours, excursions and activities that I have personally tested or were tested by people I fully trust but also offers by recognized agencies or websites known for their seriousness and quality.

Banthi Tour