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Places to visit in Chiang Mai

Home > Destinations in Thailand > To visit 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

doi-suthep-chiang-mai.jpg

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-sing-chiang-mai.jpg

Wat Phra Singh

วัดพระสิงห์
My opinion :
The most visited temple in the city, it is a perfect illustration of the nothern architectural style
chiang-mai-sunday-walking-street.jpg

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-chiang-mai-30.jpg

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-chiang-mai.jpg

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-pagoda-chiang-mai.jpg

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-rizieres-terrasses-thailande.jpg

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.jpg

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-village.jpg

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.jpg
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.
huay-thung-tao-king-kong-park-chiang-mai.jpg

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-chiang-mai.jpg

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!
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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.

live thai rural life for a day
Banthi Tour

Live Thai rural life for a day

Offered in Englishenglish guide
Spend the day in a small rural village near Chiang Mai and live a summary of the Thai local life in the countryside (rice palnting, breeding, cooking, traditions...).

two days trek at doi inthanon and ban pa pong piang (chiang mai)
Tee Watertown

Two days trek at Doi Inthanon and Ban Pa Pong Piang (Chiang Mai)

Offered in Englishenglish guide
Discover the nature and life of the Karen hill tribe at Doi Inthanon mountains near Chiang Mai. This tour will also take you to see the most beautiful rice terraces in Thailand!

sacred jungle trail trek up to doi suthep temple in chiang mai
Thailand Mountain Trail

Sacred Jungle Trail Trek up to Doi Suthep Temple in Chiang Mai

Offered in Englishenglish guide
Trek up to Doi Suthep temple, the most revered temple in Chiang Mai with a guide starting from the monk's trail and then plunging into the jungle. You will come across a forest temple and hidden waterfalls.

two days trek on doi inthanon mountain with visit of a karen village
Tee Watertown

Two days trek on Doi Inthanon mountain with visit of a Karen village

Offered in Englishenglish guide
Discover the jungle and the mountains and the life of the Karen hill tribe during a 2-day trek on the highest mountain in Thailand. Tee your Karen English-speaking guide will also amaze you with its magic tricks!

the ancient opium route trek from chiang mai
Thailand Mountain Trails (TMT)

The Ancient Opium Route trek from Chiang Mai

Offered in Englishenglish guide
Trek on an ancient path created by the Hmong hill tribes when they arrived from Laos in the last century and settled in Chiang Mai mountains to cultivate poppy.

2 days trek in chiang mai: the karen land of rice
Thailand Mountain Trails (TMT)

2 days trek in Chiang Mai: The Karen Land Of Rice

Offered in Englishenglish guide
Go on a 2-day trek from Chiang Mai to discover the Karen who live and farm in the mountains and spend the night in one of their villages next to the terraces rice fields.

2 days trek in chiang mai: climbing the pass of hmong ngo
Thailand Mountain Trails (TMT)

2 days trek in Chiang Mai: Climbing The Pass Of Hmong Ngo

Offered in Englishenglish guide
Go on a 2-day trek from Chiang Mai to the magnificent peak and Hmong village of Mong Ngo located 1450 meters above sea level. It is an ideal place to discover Chiang Mai's high mountains. You will spend the night up there.

chiang mai tour: teakwood temple, sticky waterfall & mae ngat dam
TakeMeTour

Chiang Mai Tour: Teakwood Temple, Sticky Waterfall & Mae Ngat Dam

Offered in Englishenglish guide
Know more about the local lifestyle, discover the local organic rice field and fruit garden, visit the unique and amazing teak wood temple, taste the local food, and see the sticky waterfall like you've never done before!

chiang mai : bua tong sticky waterfalls and picnic with a local
TakeMeTour

Chiang Mai : Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls and Picnic with a Local

Offered in Englishenglish guide
Sticky and pretty, the Bua Tong Waterfalls in Chiang Mai will surely give you a one-of-a-kind experience. Let's climb the Bua Tong limestone waterfalls and make a splash in the pool surrounded by greenery.

explore doi inthanon & mae ya waterfall to see sunrise at the highest spot in thailand!
TakeMeTour

Explore Doi Inthanon & Mae Ya Waterfall to See Sunrise at the Highest Spot in Thailand!

Offered in Englishenglish guide
The best area for trekking which is the highest mountain in the Thailand. Enjoy trekking 3.3 km at Kew Mae Pan nature trail. Visit two Pagodas (King Rama IX and Queen). Visit Hmong market and relax at the stunning at Mae Ya waterfall!

evening street food walking tour at chiang mai gate
TakeMeTour

Evening Street Food Walking Tour at Chiang Mai Gate

Offered in Englishenglish guide
If you’re in Chiang Mai, you might find at the Chiang Mai Gate the food stalls located on the south side of the Old City’s square moat. The Chiang Mai Gate food stalls come to life around 5-10 pm everyday, and I'll be taking you there! Let's go!

relax in the best onsen & enjoy the scenic mountain view at mon cham
TakeMeTour

Relax in the Best Onsen & Enjoy the Scenic Mountain View at Mon Cham

Offered in Englishenglish guide
Let's escape from the busy and crowded city by relax with nature. You will relax in the public onsen, Japanese-style. Don't worry! Men and women are arranged to the separated area. Then, we'll drive up to Mon Cham Hill to check out the sunset. It's impossible to watch the sunset and not feel like you're dreaming !

let's be a farmer, experience the local farming in chiang mai
TakeMeTour

Let's Be a Farmer, Experience the Local Farming in Chiang Mai

Offered in Englishenglish guide
Visit a local organic farm, learn how to do a rice planting in the field. Explore the farm, picking chicken eggs. feed the animals and get in touch with the buffalo. Enjoy a local lifestyle on the way and be a farmer for a day!

live the agricultural life in the mountains of chiang mai
TakeMeTour

Live the Agricultural Life in the Mountains of Chiang Mai

Offered in Englishenglish guide
I'll be taking you to experience Mae Tang to see the agricultural canal lifestyle where water is life! People in Mae Tang are mostly farmers and live their simple lives along the canal. Enjoy cycling along the canals and enjoy the nature!

taste the 10 must-try dishes in chiang mai
TakeMeTour

Taste the 10 Must-Try Dishes in Chiang Mai

Offered in Englishenglish guide
I'll take you to 10 local food places in Chiang Mai city selected by me, a true Local Expert through and through! I would love to show you what we eat in daily, so be ready to spend your extraordinary day tasting some extraordinary food!

private 3-hour vegetable and fruit carving class in chiang mai!
TakeMeTour

Private 3-Hour Vegetable and Fruit Carving Class in Chiang Mai!

Offered in Englishenglish guide
Come and experience Thai vegetable and fruit carving arts during this 3-hour private class in Chiang Mai! You'll learn about traditional Thai carving techniques and have fun transforming local fruits and vegetables into your own unique art pieces!

visiter le doi suthep et le temple wat palad
TakeMeTour

Visiter le Doi Suthep et le temple Wat Palad

Offered in Englishenglish guide
Visitez le temple Doi Suthep, le temple le plus célèbre de Chiang Mai avec une architecture Lanna exquise ! Vous pouvez également voir la vue panoramique de Chiang Mai depuis le sommet du temple. Ensuite, nous visiterons le parc national de Doi Pui et le temple caché appelé Wat Pha Lat Temple !

alms offering & temple hopping in chiang mai
TakeMeTour

Alms Offering & Temple Hopping in Chiang Mai

Offered in Englishenglish guide
In this trip, we will follow the guidance of a local to give your offering to the monks in the early morning. Most of common gifts are included rice, fresh fruit and traditional dessert in the alms bowl. We will then go on the the most important temple hopping in Chiang Mai and discover the ancient days of this peaceful city.

travel chiang mai: umbrella village, wood carving village & unique silver temple
TakeMeTour

Travel Chiang Mai: Umbrella Village, Wood Carving Village & Unique Silver Temple

Offered in Englishenglish guide
Visit Bo Sang umbrella making center in Sankampaeng, Silverware and Thai silk. You can do tattoo painting or buy unique T-shirt or mobile phone case for artists to paint or create in 10 minutes. Wood carving at Baan Tawai. And visit stunning Silver Temple.

Tours from Chiang Mai

2 days trek in chiang dao: to the summit of doi luang
Thailand Mountain Trails (TMT)

2 days trek in Chiang Dao: to the Summit Of Doi Luang


Go on a 2-day trek to conquer Mount Doi Luang in Chiang Dao in Chiang Mai province. It is one of the peaks in Thailand offering the most beautiful sights. The ascent is only open 4 months a year.

visit historic lamphun, eat with locals in the countryside and cook northern-style dinner
TakeMeTour (Ad)

Visit Historic Lamphun, Eat with Locals in the Countryside and Cook Northern-Style Dinner


Lamphun was the second Lanna capital and it's more than 1,300 years old. You'll learn more about the Lanna culture, including the local way of life, Buddhist customs and food. We'll lunch with Lamphun locals and cook easy dinner like northerners at my home.

chiang rai famous temples from chiang mai
TakeMeTour (Ad)

Chiang Rai famous temples from Chiang Mai


Visit the most beautiful temples in Chiang Rai : one all white and one all blue! We'll also go to the unique Black House museum, also the lotus temple unseen in Thailand and have one of the best Khao Soi in Chiang Rai for lunch.

explore the unseen temple & secret village in lampang
TakeMeTour (Ad)

Explore the Unseen Temple & Secret Village in Lampang


Join me and you'll get to explore an unforgettably beautiful temple on the cliffs and the beautiful scenery at the border between Lampang and Chiangmai! You'll also get to relax at a waterfall and a hot spring!

sightseeing and northern thai home-cooking at farmhouse in lamphun
TakeMeTour (Ad)

Sightseeing and Northern Thai Home-Cooking at Farmhouse in Lamphun


Let's cook and eat like a northerner! If you want to experience original Northern Thai food (beyond tasting), let us make your wish come true. Learn how we cook and serve these special dishes at our farmhouse in Lamphun and go sightseeing around the city.

Places to see elsewhere in Thailand

Phimai National Museum

phimai national museum

This small museum is a great introduction to the history of Phimai and the region when it was ruled by the Khmer Empire. it helps to set the context when visiting Prasat Hin Phimai, the city's...


View details about Phimai National Museum

Koh Rok island

koh rok island

This beautiful island (in fact, it is 2 islands) with preserved nature is about 30 kilometers from Koh Lanta. White sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and coral reefs and the junge that...


View details about Koh Rok island

Wat Khao Chong Krajok

wat khao chong krajok

Built on the top of a hill, it is the first thing you will see when you arrive in Prachuap. The building itself is not very impressive but the view over the city and the two bays is just amazing....


View details about Wat Khao Chong Krajok

Wat Tham Sua

wat tham sua

temple on a small hill located about twenty kilometers from Kanchanaburi, it has a gigantic Buddha and offers a 360 degrees view over the countryside


View details about Wat Tham Sua

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