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.
Chiang Mai Attractions
Chiang Mai is one of northern Thailand’s most rewarding destinations for culture, nature and outdoor experiences, with attractions ranging from centuries-old temples and lively markets to national parks, waterfalls and mountain adventures. The current Chiang Mai Travel Hub inventory is organised across major themes including temples, nature, national parks, waterfalls, museums, shopping, hot springs, elephants, adventure and general activities.
The city itself is strongest for temples, markets and cultural attractions, while the surrounding province opens up into mountains, forests and rural areas. That means visitors can easily combine Old City sightseeing with day trips to Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon, Mae Rim, waterfalls, hot springs and adventure attractions.
Explore Chiang Mai Attractions
- Temples and heritage – Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and other important Lanna temples across the city and surrounding hills.
- Nature and national parks – Explore Doi Inthanon, mountain viewpoints, forest trails and protected areas throughout northern Thailand.
- Markets and shopping – Browse Sunday Walking Street, night markets, local produce markets and modern shopping areas for food, crafts and souvenirs.
- Waterfalls and hot springs – Add Sticky Waterfalls, mountain cascades and geothermal attractions to a wider Chiang Mai itinerary.
- Adventure and family activities – Choose from ziplining, trekking, rafting, wildlife experiences, water parks and other outdoor attractions beyond the city centre.
Browse the listings below to discover Chiang Mai temples, nature attractions, markets, adventure experiences and the best places to visit across northern Thailand.
Wat Suan Dok
Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Gate
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiChiang Mai Gate marks the southern edge of the Old City, where a surviving gateway, brickwork and moat meet a busy food-market neighbourhood. It is a useful landmark for a short heritage stop, a street-food meal or the...
Maesa Elephant Camp
Mae Raem, Mae RimMaesa Elephant Camp is a long-established elephant attraction in the Mae Sa Valley, west of Mae Rim. A visit now centres on seeing the elephants and following the camp’s feeding arrangements, with a basket of...
Elephant Retirement Park offers booked elephant visits in San Pa Yang, Mae Taeng, north of Chiang Mai. The experience centres on learning about the animals and spending time around their daily care, with feeding, a...
Doi Ang Khang
Mae Ngon, FangDoi Ang Khang is a highland area in northern Chiang Mai province where cool-weather gardens, agricultural research and mountain viewpoints form the main visitor experience. The Angkhang Royal Agricultural Station...
Chiang Rai Hot Springs
Mae Chedi Mai, Wiang Pa PaoChiang Rai Hot Springs, commonly known as Mae Kachan Hot Springs, is a roadside geothermal stop on Route 118 between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Steam and very hot pools provide a short break from the mountain-road...
Doi Mae Salong
Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa LuangDoi Mae Salong is a mountain attraction in Chiang Rai Province, known for tea-covered hills and the village of Santikhiri. A visit brings together ridge views, tea tasting and a strong Yunnanese Chinese cultural...
Sai Ngam Hot Spring
Mae Na Toeng, PaiSai Ngam Hot Spring is a natural warm-water bathing spot in the forest north of Pai, in Mae Hong Son Province. Often called the Secret Hot Spring, it centres on a gently flowing stream and pools where visitors can sit...
Pai Walking Street
Wiang Tai, PaiPai Walking Street is the centre of Pai’s evening activity, bringing food stalls, handicrafts, clothing, drinks and live music to the streets of this small mountain town. The market operates in central Pai in Mae...
Wat Phan Tao
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Pan Tao is a small but very interesting temple, especially for visitors who are thrilled by Thailand’s unique heritage and religious framework.
Huay Tung Tao Lake
Don Kaeo, Mae RimHuay Tung Tao Lake is a reservoir and recreation area in Don Kaeo, north of Chiang Mai. Its mountain backdrop, lakeside food huts and surrounding rural scenery make it a pleasant place to slow down over lunch or spend...
Wat Umong
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Umong, in full, Wat Umong Suan Puthatham, is an old temple nestled in Chiang Mai in the northern parts of Thailand. Locals also refer to it as Oomong.
Wat Pha Lat
Su Thep, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Pha Lat is a forest temple on the slopes of Doi Suthep, below Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Shrines, a chedi, shaded paths and a small cascade sit among trees and rocks, giving the temple a close connection with the...
Mae Ya Waterfall
Ban Luang, Chom ThongMae Ya Waterfall is a broad, tiered cascade in the southern part of Doi Inthanon National Park, near Chom Thong. Water spreads over a stepped rock face surrounded by forest, creating a different spectacle from a narrow...
Doi Pha Tang
Po, Wiang KaenDoi Pha Tang is a mountain viewpoint in Chiang Rai’s Wiang Kaen district, overlooking the border landscape between Thailand and Laos. Its rocky ridge, open hillsides and views towards the Mekong make the walk...
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiChiang Rai Night Bazaar brings together souvenir stalls, food areas and evening performances beside the city’s central bus terminal. It is a manageable place to spend an evening browsing textiles and handicrafts...
Wat Huay Pla Kang
Rimkok, Mueang Chiang RaiWat Huay Pla Kang is a large Buddhist temple complex north-west of Chiang Rai, combining Lanna and Chinese design with three very different landmarks. Its nine-storey pagoda, white ordination hall and enormous white...
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
Lampang Luang, Ko KhaWat Phra That Lampang Luang is one of northern Thailand’s most rewarding places to look closely at Lanna temple architecture. Its walled compound sits on a raised mound in Ko Kha district, outside Lampang, with...
Pai Hot Springs
Mae Hi, PaiPai Hot Springs, also known as Tha Pai Hot Spring, is a natural hot-spring area within Huai Nam Dang National Park southeast of Pai town. Warm bathing pools sit below a much hotter source, giving visitors a place to...
Samoeng Loop
Samoeng, Chiang MaiThe Samoeng Loop is a scenic road circuit through the hills west of Chiang Mai, linking Mae Rim, the Mae Sa Valley and the Hang Dong side of the city. Forested slopes, viewpoints, gardens and small roadside cafés make...
Loi Kroh Road
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiLoi Kroh Road links the eastern side of Chiang Mai’s Old City with the Chang Khlan Night Bazaar area. It is one of the city’s established nightlife streets, with restaurants, small bars, massage businesses...
Elephant Rescue Park
Ban Chang, Mae TaengElephant Rescue Park offers guided elephant visits in the Mae Taeng countryside, about an hour north of Chiang Mai after hotel collection. Feeding, walking and learning from the guides are central to the experience...
Malin Plaza
Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang MaiMalin Plaza is an evening shopping and food market on Huay Kaew Road, opposite the Chiang Mai University main-gate area. Its student neighbourhood gives it a different feel from the souvenir markets around the Old City...
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Phra That Doi Kham is a spectacular temple located on the lush mountain slopes just close to Chiang Mai town. It is a popular tourist attraction too.
Wat Ram Poeng
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Ram Poeng, also known as Tapotaram, is a meditation retreat for visitors who would like to tap into the power of meditation during their travels.
Wiang Kum Kam
Tha Wang Tan, SaraphiWiang Kum Kam is an ancient settlement of historical importance in Thailand as it is not just a rich archaeological site, but also a popular attraction.
Choui Fong Tea Plantation
Sri Kham, Mae ChanChoui Fong Tea Plantation is a working tea estate and visitor destination in Mae Chan, north of Chiang Rai. Rows of tea follow the contours of the hills, while the plantation’s cafes provide places to enjoy the...
CAMP Chiang Mai
Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang MaiCAMP Chiang Mai is a cafe and shared study or work space on the fifth floor of MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center. Its name stands for Creative and Meeting Place, and its convenient position near Nimmanhaemin makes it...
Nawarat Bridge
Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang MaiNawarat Bridge crosses the Ping River east of Chiang Mai’s Old City, linking Tha Phae Road with Charoen Muang Road. It is a working road bridge with pedestrian access, offering a useful crossing and a short view...
Wat Chetawan
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Mahawan is a must-visit prime tourist attraction located close to the old walled city of Chiang Mai, right next to the popular Tha Phae Gate.
Wat Lok Molee
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Lok Molee, also known as Wat Lok Moli, is a temple located in the old Chiang Mai city, just about half a kilometre from the famous Chang Phuak gate.
Baanchang Elephant Park
Ki Lek, Mae TaengBaanchang Elephant Park offers a full-day elephant-care visit in the Mae Taeng countryside north of Chiang Mai. Feeding, preparing food, walking and advertised bathing activities bring visitors into close contact with...
Hug Elephant Sanctuary
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiHug Elephant Sanctuary offers guided visits in the Mae Wang countryside south of Chiang Mai, with feeding, forest walking and advertised mud and water activities. Its programmes do not include riding, but they do...
Chiang Mai Elephant Legend
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiChiang Mai Elephant Legend offers organised countryside outings centred on elephants, with programmes that have included feeding, walking, food preparation and a waterfall stop. The experience involves close animal...
Into The Wild Elephant Camp
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiInto The Wild Elephant Camp offers guided elephant visits in the forested Mae Wang area south of Chiang Mai. Feeding, walking through the countryside and watching elephants move between forest and water make this a...
Karen Tribe Native Elephants
Samoeng Tai, SamoengKaren Tribe Native Elephants offers a village-based elephant visit in the Samoeng countryside west of Chiang Mai. The experience centres on time with elephants and their caretakers, with opportunities to learn about...
Ban Hmong Mae Sa Mai
Pong Yaeng, Mae RimBan Hmong Mae Sa Mai is a Hmong community in the upper Mae Sa Valley, in the Pong Yaeng area of Mae Rim district. Its mountain setting, agricultural landscape and community forest-restoration work offer a different...
Ping River
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Ping River offers a quieter way to experience Chiang Mai, with boats passing city bridges and riverside buildings before reaching greener stretches beyond the busy centre. On land, the river area suits a slow meal...
Huay Kaew Waterfall
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiHuay Kaew Waterfall is a short forest escape at the foot of Doi Suthep, beside the Chiang Mai Zoo area. The main cascade is reached on foot from the Huay Kaew Road approach, making it a practical choice when you want...
Wachirathan Waterfall
Ban Luang, Chom ThongWachirathan Waterfall is one of the most dramatic roadside stops in Doi Inthanon National Park, southwest of Chiang Mai. A broad torrent drops over a forested rock face, filling the viewing area with noise and drifting...
What are the top attractions in Chiang Mai?
Popular attractions include Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai Old City, Doi Inthanon National Park and the city's famous walking streets and night markets.
What is Chiang Mai best known for?
Chiang Mai is best known for its historic temples, Lanna culture, mountain scenery, markets, northern Thai food and easy access to nature and adventure experiences.
What can you do for free in Chiang Mai?
Popular free options include Tha Phae Gate, One Nimman, Sunday Walking Street and several temples and natural attractions, although donation or parking charges may apply at some locations.
How many days do you need in Chiang Mai?
Three to five days gives most visitors enough time to explore the Old City, major temples, markets and at least one or two day trips into the surrounding mountains or countryside.