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Chiang Mai Area – Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand. Nestled near some of the highest mountains in Thailand, the city was established in 1294 as Lanna’s new capital after Chiang Rai.

Its strategic location by the Ping River and many nearby major trading routes have made the city economically significant – especially in its early days!

Chiang Mai Attractions, Must See Temples & Things To Do, Thailand




For many, Chiang Mai is a laid-back city to visit; especially after experiencing the madness that Bangkok is known for. It attracts all kinds of travellers, as well as ex-pats, who enjoy a good quality of life, and an affordable one at that. The city is also known for being a foodie hotspot since many come to experience the diversity of Lanna cuisine, which is different from what you’ll find in the south.

Chiang Mai is perhaps best known for its temples; it’s home to more than 300 Buddhist temples located in and around town. The most famous of these is the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on a mountain called Doi Suthep. The temple is accessible by trekking up the mountain, but you can also hire a songthaew or rent a motorbike to get there much quicker.

Wat Chedi Luang is a haunting yet beautiful ruin. Built in 1401, the structures were destroyed during a 1545 earthquake but today it is still awe-inspiring.

Be sure to check out Wat Phra Singh; located in the Old City. It is the largest temple in the city and its construction dates back to 1345. It’s home to the Phra Viharn Lai Kam; a sacred shrine built during King San Muang Ma’s reign.

The gate night market is a must-visit for the sheer amount of delicious and inexpensive street food in Chiang Mai. Don’t forget to order pad krapow; a dish made of spicy meat with herbs. Savour the many different types of northern Thai street food, and end your meal with a serving of mango sticky rice.

There’s so much to do in Chiang Mai: from cooking classes, street food, temples, elephant camps, nightlife, and hiking – you’ll never run out of things to do in this scenic town!



Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is one of the holiest Buddhist Temples in Northern Thailand. Its location overlooks Chiang Mai City from the mountain slopes.

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Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang

Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai

Wat Chedi Luang is one of the many Buddhist temples that dot Chiang Mai City, and which seeks to direct devout locals and foreigners to enlightenment.

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Bhubing Palace

Bhubing Palace

Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai
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Phu Ping Palace is located in Doi Buak Ha, a beautiful location tucked away in the charming Chiang Mai Province. Some locals refer to it as Bhubing Palace.

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Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh

Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai

Wat Phra Singh ranks as one of the most revered temples in the northern parts of Thailand. Consequently, it attracts visitors from all over the world.

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Grand Canyon Chiang Mai

Grand Canyon Chiang Mai

Nam Phrae, Hang Dong
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The Grand Canyon Chiang Mai is a large quarry that has been filled with water and is a popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping. The Grand Canyon is now also home to a nearby inflatable Aqua Water Park where you can...

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Doi Suthep-pui National Park

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai
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Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is a mountainous area located right next to Chiang Mai and is popular with travellers to Chiang Mai looking to spend a day in the outdoors. The National Park is home to the famous Wat Phra...

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Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street Market

Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street Market

Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Sunday Market is the city’s only market to open every Sunday from 4PM to 12AM. Locals fondly refer to it as Walking Street, for obvious reasons.

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Royal Park Rajapruek

Royal Park Rajapruek

Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang Mai

Royal Park Rajapruek is a natural park set in Chiang Mai. A popular tourist attraction, the park was once the venue for the global horticultural festival.

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Flight Of The Gibbon

Flight of The Gibbon

Huai Kaeo, Mae On

Flight of The Gibbon Chiang Mai is a prime attraction in Chiang Mai. For thrill-seekers, there is no better way to savour nature than by taking this zip line adventure.

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Tha Phae Gate

Tha Phae Gate

Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai

Tha Phae Gate is one of those attractions you include in your must-visit list, thanks to its name. Find out just how much of an attraction this gate is.

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Chiang Mai Zoo

Chiang Mai Zoo

Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai
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Chiang Mai Zoo was set up in 1974, and is managed by the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand. This prime tourist attraction is set on Doi Suthep.

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Catmosphere Cat Cafe

Catmosphere Cat Cafe

Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai

Catmosphere Cat Cafe is the ultimate destination for cat lovers in Chiang Mai. The cafe is home to many cats, whom you can interact with, play with, or just watch them sleep, as you enjoy a delicious snack or coffee...

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San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

Ban Sahakon, Mae On

The San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is an excellent choice for a day trip not too far from Chiang Mai. Located just 23 kilometres away from the city centre, it’s a popular destination among the locals and provides a...

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Warorot Market

Warorot Market

Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai

Warorot Market is the most popular market in Chiang Mai, and for very good reason. Located in the heart of the city, it is obvious why this is a must-visit.

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Central Festival Chiang Mai

Central Festival Chiang Mai

Fa Ham, Mueang Chiang Mai

Central Festival Chiang Mai is a large shopping mall located north-east of the old city, right just off the superhighway. The shopping centre is a modern mall with a number of popular clothing brands, a supermarket and...

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One Nimman

One Nimman

Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai

One Nimman is a brand-new lifestyle mall concept in Chiang Mai; located in the hip and trendy Nimmanhaemin neighbourhood. There are numerous establishments found within the complex including shops, art and...

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Maya Mall

Maya Mall

Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai

Maya Mall is an ultra-modern shopping mall located north-west of the old city of Chiang Mai, right near the popular Nimman area. Maya Mall is a convenient shopping destination that houses a supermarket, pharmacies...

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Siam Dragon Cabaret Show 2

Siam Dragon Cabaret Show

Chang Pueak, Chiang Mai

Siam Dragon Show is a place of entertainment, with variants of fun and rejoicing. They very much expect you will be happy and satisfied with the pleasure of watching the show they have created for all of you. There are...

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Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline

Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline

Pong Yaeng, Mae Rim
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The Pongyang Zipline and Jungle Coaster in Mae Rim is a thrilling outdoor destination for the whole family. If you enjoy the rush of adrenaline and excitement, this place is not to be missed. Pongyang Jungle Coaster...

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No Gravity

No Gravity

Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai

No Gravity – Indoor Climbing is the best rock climbing gym in northern Thailand. It opened back in April 2013, and there is over 500 square meters of climbing surfaces for both beginners and seasoned climbers. If...

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Sacred Heart Cathedral

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai

Sacred Heart Cathedral is a unique attraction in its own right for the simple reason that it is a church nestled in a land where Buddhism is predominant.

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Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

Mae Wang, Mueang Chiang Mai
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The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is an ethical and sustainable sanctuary that cares for rescued and injured elephants that are located 60kms from Chiang Mai city. The Sanctuary opened in 2014 and is a joint initiative run...

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Patara Elephant Farm

Patara Elephant Farm

Ban Pong, Hang Dong

The Patara Elephant Farm is one of the best animal experiences in Chiang Mai. Compared to other sanctuaries, what makes this place unique is that it provides a more intimate encounter with these majestic animals. If...

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Chiang Mai University

Chiang Mai University

Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai

The Chiang Mai University is a public research institution founded in 1964, with its strong suit being engineering, medicine, agriculture, and science. The university is open to tourists, who can take a short tour...

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Art In Paradise

Art in Paradise

Nong Pa Khrang, Mueang Chiang Mai
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Art in Paradise Chiang Mai is home to the finest works of illusion art in the city, and a remarkable space for creative works of art in Thailand.

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Index Living Mall

Index Living Mall

Nong Pa Khrang, Mueang Chiang Mai

The Index Living Mall is a haven for homeowners, decorators, and interior designers in Chiang Mai; offering an extensive range of stunning locally-designed furniture for your living space. It was initially opened as the...

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Zipline Adventure

Zipline Adventure

Don Kaeo, Mae Rim

Zip Line Adventure is a fun tree-top adventure that will have you zipping through the trees like a monkey in the biggest rainforest in Chiang Mai. Zipline Adventures are designed by professional engineers with years of...

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Wat Chiang Man

Wat Chiang Man

Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai

Wat Chiang Man stands out as one of Chiang Mai’s most remarkable temples simply because it is the oldest Wat in the city, yet still stands strong.

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Wat Suan Dok

Wat Suan Dok

Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai

Wat Suan Dok is believed to have been constructed in the 14th century under the reign of King Keu Na who ruled over the ancient Lanna Kingdom.

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Chiang Mai Gate

Chiang Mai Gate

Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai

The Chiang Mai gate is part of one of the most iconic landmarks in Chiang Mai; once serving as a fortress for what was known as the Old City. Today, this attraction still functions as a geographical boundary but...

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Maesa Elephant Camp

Maesa Elephant Camp

Mae Raem, Mae Rim
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Mae Sa Elephant Camp is a prominent elephant park located just an hour’s drive away from Chiang Mai. The idyllic environments make this a must-visit.

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Elephant Retirement Park

Elephant Retirement Park

San Pa Yang, Mae Taeng
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The Elephant Retirement Park is a sanctuary in Chiang Mai for retired elephants. Located just one hour away from the city centre, the park’s main objective is to create a haven that is comfortable for old...

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