Wat Chiang Yuen is a unique 16th-century temple in an area of Chiang Mai, which served as the residential area of the Shan people in the past. Also known as the ‘Temple of Long Life’, it is widely believed...
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 Chiang Yuen
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai
Wat Chomphu
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Chomphu is a lovely Buddhist temple found just outside the Old City of Chiang Mai. This temple is famous for its intricate golden chedi (which can be seen in many other wats), although this one is worth visiting for...
Wat Ou Sai Kham
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Ou Sai Kham is a small Buddhist temple located just outside the historic walled town centre in Chiang Mai. Also known as The Temple of Golden Sand, the temple features a viharn, a Ho Trai scripture library, an...
Wat Sai Moon Myanmar
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Sai Moon Myanmar is a colourful historic Burmese temple located in the old city of Chiang Mai. It was built by the Burmese king Bayinnaung after he successfully conquered Chiang Mai back in 1558, so don’t mind...
Wat Puak Hong
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Wat Puak Hong is an ancient temple located on Samlan Soi 7 in Chiang Mai. The temple’s origins are unknown, but it is assumed that it was erected sometime during the 16th or 17th century, with its name meaning...
Wat Prasat
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Prasat is a stunning, unique temple complex in Chiang Mai. Located within the old walled city, the temple is right across the equally famous Wat Phra Singh. The ancient temple was erected sometime during the end of...
Wat Duang Dee
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Duang Dee is an early 16th-century temple in Chiang Mai; located on Phra Pok Klao Road in the heart of the old walled city. The temple’s name translates to ‘Good Luck Temple’, and features an...
Wat Dab Pai
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Wat Dab Pai is a small temple located in the north-western corner of Chiang Mai’s old walled city. It is known as the temple that can end suffering, although in the past it was called Wat A-Pai, after a monk...
Siam Insect Zoo
Mae Raem, Mae RimThe Siam Insect Zoo is a discovery museum and live insect breeding farm located in Mae Rim, just 20 minutes north of Chiang Mai. The Siam Insect Zoo is the work of entomologist Pisuth Ek-Amnuay who has been collecting...
Tita Gallery
San Pong, Mae RimThe Tita Gallery is an exceptional art gallery and coffee shop just outside of Chiang Mai. Founded in 1999, it has evolved from its humble beginnings and is now a core feature of the local art scene. If you appreciate...
Baan Tong Luang
Mae Raem, Mae RimBaan Tong Luang is a quaint village in Chiang Mai, and one of the city’s stellar tourist attractions due to the presence of the Hill Tribes who still live here. Located just 30 minutes north-west from Chiang Mai...
Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park
Mae Raem, Mae RimThe Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park is a fantastic place to visit whilst in Chiang Mai, as it is a sustainable and eco-friendly tourist attraction. The park does what the name suggests, it makes recycled paper and paper...
Bai Orchid And Butterfly Farm
Mae Raem, Mae RimBai Orchid and Butterfly Farm is a must-visit when in Chiang Mai as you get to experience the beauty of nature as the butterflies flutter over the orchids. The exotic setup, nestled in a natural setting, gives visitors...
Canopy Walkway Chiang Mai
Pong Yaeng, Mae RimThe Canopy Walkway in Chiang Mai is one of the city’s newest, most thrilling activities. Located within the beautiful Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens in Mae Rim, the impressive facilities at the walkway are...
Mae Sa Valley
Pong Yaeng, Mae RimThe Mae Sa Valley is a breathtaking lush, green area within Chiang Mai. Crisp, clean air and lots of verdant forests make this destination unique, especially if you’d like to get away from the busy city centre. It...
Mon Cham
Mae Raem, Mae RimMon Cham is an alluring mountaintop destination – just 40 minutes away from the city centre of Chiang Mai. Its proximity to the old city and abundant natural attractions make it a popular choice for day trips;...
Eddy Elephant Care Chiang Mai
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiEddy Elephant Care Chiang Mai is an elephant park where they allow visitors to ride elephants. Those wanting to visit a park that does not allow riding should visit the Elephant Nature Park instead. Daily tours are...
Doi Inthanon Elephant Park
Hai Ya, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Doi Inthanon Elephant Park offers unforgettable and ethical elephant encounters in Chiang Mai. The park was established by a man named Taksin, who wanted to share him and his family’s love for the elephants...
Elephant Discovery Chiang Mai
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiElephant Discovery Chiang Mai is an excellent place for travellers who want to meet and connect with elephants. Interact with these respected and honoured creatures as they roam through the rainforest situated deep in...
Elephant Dream Valley
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Elephant Dream Valley is a highly recommended family-friendly activity in Chiang Mai. They provide responsible and ethical encounters with elephants who have been rescued from trekking and entertainment camps...
Elephant Green Park
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiElephant Green Park is a beautiful sanctuary in Chiang Mai. The park takes care of these precious animals by providing them with a safe home where they can live free from the abuse that comes with working in the tourism...
Elephant Jungle Paradise Park
Mae Win, Mae WangElephant Jungle Paradise Park specialises in offering ethical elephant encounters in Chiang Mai. All the elephants they work with have been rescued from logging and riding camps, and now you can get to spend time with...
Elephant Rescue National Park
Mae Win, Mae WangElephant Rescue National Park is an excellent eco-tourism adventure in Chiang Mai. Here, you’ll get to learn all about why elephants play such an important role to the people in Thailand. They have been used in...
Elephants at Home
Bo Kaeo, SamoengElephants at Home provides a magical but responsible animal encounter in Chiang Mai. It is located in the village of Maetoh, a Karen hill tribe village where around 200 people live alongside the elephants. Elephants at...
Happy Elephant Care
Mae Win, Mae WangHappy Elephant Care is an animal lover’s dream come true. They offer responsible human-elephant experiences that are ethical and ensure that when the activity is over, both elephant and human are fulfilled and...
Maetang Elephant Park
Kuet Chang, Mae TaengThe Maetang Elephant Park is an elephant sanctuary nestled along the banks of the beautiful Maetang River – just 50 kilometres away from Chiang Mai. The story of the park’s history goes back to 1989 when the...
Ran-Tong Save & Rescue Elephant Centre
Ban Chang, Mae TaengThe Ran-Tong Save & Rescue Elephant Centre is an elephant sanctuary which is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the endangered Asian elephants. Located just north of Chiang Mai, the elephants you meet...
Blue Daily Elephant Care
Hai Ya, Mueang Chiang MaiBlue Daily Elephant Care is a heart-warming elephant sanctuary ideal for visitors of all ages who are looking for an authentic elephant encounters near Chiang Mai. The majestic elephants that we all love, and which are...
Tube Trek Water Park
Ton Pao, San KamphaengThe Tube Trek Water Park is the first of its kind in Chiang Mai. Loved by families, kids, and adults alike, this is the perfect place to spend the day if you’re looking to cool down – especially during the...
Monks Trail
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Monks Trail (Wat Pha Lat Hike) is an exciting activity in Chiang Mai that involves trekking to the famous temple set in a picturesque, serene forest. The best part about it is that it’s off the tourist trail...
Lucky Bunny Cafe
Hai Ya, Mueang Chiang MaiChiang Mai is an animal-lovers’ paradise. There are so many unforgettable animal encounters to experience here, and the Lucky Bunny cafe is among the best. There is no other cafe like it in the city, where you get...
Mae Jo Golf Club
Nong Han, San SaiThe Mae Jo Golf Club is the ultimate destination for golfers in Chiang Mai. It is one of the more scenic golf clubs in Asia and is surrounded by verdant greens, beautiful vineyards, and small lakes. There are also...
Miracle Cabaret Chiang Mai
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiMiracle Cabaret Chiang Mai is the first show of its kind in the area. Established in 2015, the cabaret is composed of over 200 exceptionally talented performers who will blow you away with their fantastic dances and...
Skyline Adventure Chiang Mai
Thep Sadet, Doi SaketSkyline Adventure Chiang Mai is an exciting, thrilling adventure you shouldn’t miss – providing an excellent day of fun that the whole family will enjoy. It is the longest, highest zip line found high above...
Tweechol Botanic Garden
Choeng Doi, Doi SaketThe Tweechol Botanic Garden is a must-visit for any nature and gardening enthusiast in Chiang Mai. It was founded by Mr Taweesak Sesawech; a man who spent his years collecting some of Thailand’s most beautiful...
Go Bee Fishing Park
Nong Kwai, Hang DongThe Go Bee Fishing Park is a great place that allows visitors alike to discover the thrill of freshwater fishing just outside of Chiang Mai. Learn what it’s like to catch local fish, as well as other imported...
Fang Hot Springs
Mon Pin, FangFang Hot Springs is a relaxing attraction 3 hours north of Chiang Mai. Come and visit to warm your body in a natural body of soothing hot water that will melt the stress away. Located within the Doi Pha Hom Pok National...
Chiang Mai National Museum
Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang MaiChiang Mai National Museum is a centre of excellence for works of art, both in Chiang Mai and across Thailand. It is managed by the Fine Arts Department. Thailand and especially northern Thailand has a rich heritage...
Museum Of World Insects and Natural Wonders
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Museum Of World Insects and Natural Wonders is the brainchild of a Thai couple whose love for the outdoors led to its establishment. The museum showcases a diverse array of insects, ranging from tiny bugs to...
Old Chiangmai Cultural Center
Hai Ya, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Old Chiangmai Cultural Center is a great place to come to learn more about Thailand’s rich culture. With musical performances, cultural dance and authentic Thai Cuisine, the Old Chiangmai Cultural Center is...
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.