Wat Saen Fang in Chiang Mai is a magnificent temple with interesting features. It is one of the lesser-known temples of the city, but definitely worth a visit especially if you’d like to see its impressive details...
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 Saen Fang
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai
Wat Tha Ton
Tha Ton, Mae AiWat Tha Ton is a magnificent Buddhist temple complex at the Bat Thaton Village in Chiang Mai. Located just a few kilometres away from the border of Myanmar, the temple is perched on top of a hill with beautiful views of...
Wat Phra That Doi Saket
Choeng Doi, Doi SaketThe Wat Phra That Doi Saket is a glorious ancient Buddhist temple outside of Chiang Mai. Located in the city’s outskirts, the temple is filled with many different kinds of decorations and paintings that reflect...
Wat Loi Khro
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Loi Khro is one of Chiang Mai’s many ancient temples with a rich history. Located on Loi Khro Road, the temple isn’t as touristy as many of the others in the area despite being on a busy street. Wat Loi...
Wat Pong Noi
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Pong Noi is situated in the charming artists’ village of Pong Noi. Located in the outskirts of Chiang Mai, this temple is more of a working temple than a tourist attraction. That’s one of the many...
700 Year Stadium Chiang Mai
Don Kaeo, Mae RimThe 700 Year Stadium Chiang Mai is a great attraction for sports enthusiasts. It’s a complete sports arena decked out with amazing facilities and amenities that both locals and foreigners can use. Located not too...
Chiang Mai Municipal Stadium
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiChiang Mai Municipal Stadium is a public sports complex just north of the Old City, best known to visitors as a convenient place to run or exercise rather than as a major spectator attraction. The main stadium contains...
Art Bridge Chiang Rai
Ban Du, Mueang Chiang RaiArt Bridge Chiang Rai is a private gallery where visitors can walk through and enjoy the various works which have been created by Thai and international artists. There is also a modern restaurant located on site where...
Chiang Rai Clock Tower
Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiThe Chiang Rai Clock Tower is one of the provinces most unique attractions. This elaborate clock stands out thanks to its golden structure and unique artistry. The clock is the brainchild of renowned Thai artist...
King Mengrai Monument
Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiThe King Mengrai Monument is located at the junction of Maesai and Maechan District in Chiang Rai, close to the Super Highway. Historical records show that King Mengrai was the 25th King of Thailand. Mengrai is credited...
Rai Mae Fah Luang
Rop Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiRai Mae Fah Luang is one of the must-visit art galleries and gardens in Chiang Rai. This blended park is also home to Buddhist temples and collected antiques. The most notable attraction at the arts and cultural park is...
Cat ‘n’ A Cup
Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiCat ‘n’ A Cup is a cat cafe located right in the centre of town and is a great place where you can enjoy a hot drink or a tasty snack as you pat some gorgeous little cats! CAT ‘n’ A CUP Cat Cafe...
Cherntawan International Meditation Center
Huai Sak, Mueang Chiang RaiThe Cherntawan International Meditation Center is one of Chiang Rai’s top spiritual destinations. Tucked within a relaxing, lush environment, the centre is named after a famous Buddhist monk in Thailand. It is...
The Navel City Pillar of Chiang Rai
Rop Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiThe Navel City Pillar of Chiang Rai is a well-known landmark. Just like any other Thai cities which have a city pillar, it is typically made using stone and placed in an area that signifies the heart of the city. Also...
Pha Soet Hot Spring
Doi Hang, Mueang Chiang RaiThe Pha Soet Hot Spring is a relaxing natural pool bath within Baan Pha Soet in Chiang Rai. There are communal pools, as well as private pools, with rooms also available. These thermal, hot pools provide comforting...
Lahu Village
Mae Chedi Mai, Wiang Pa PaoLahu Village is a small hill tribe community that allows visitors entry so that they can learn about the traditional Thai way of life. While visiting Lahu Village, you will head out into the lush green mountains and see...
Oub Kham Museum
Rop Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiOub Kham Museum is an attraction in Thailand’s Chiang Rai province and is home to a diverse range of memorabilia from across the former Lanna Kingdom. In addition to these collectables from the kingdom, the unique...
Chiang Saen National Museum
Wiang, Chiang SaenThe Chiang Saen National Museum is a must-visit in Chiang Rai for anyone who’s keen to learn about the archaeological wonders of the town of Chiang Saen. It has been around since 1957 and today remains to be the...
Phu Chi Fa Forest Park
Tap Tao, ThoengPhu Chi Fa Forest Park is an amazing destination nestled in the jungle located some 1628 meters above sea level. This natural setting is one not to be missed as it boasts one of the best sunrises you will ever...
Doi Luang National Park
Mae Yen, PhanThe Doi Luang National park is one of the biggest national parks in northern Thailand; encompassing several districts that include Mae Suai, Phan, and Wiang Pa Pao in Chiang Rai, Ngao and Wang Nuea of Lampang, and...
Khun Chae National Park
Mae Chedi Mai, Wiang Pa PaoThe Khun Chae National Park in Chiang Rai is a breathtaking vast, forested land that is around 270 square kilometres large and has been a Thai national park since 1995. The rich, diverse eco-system here is responsible...
Doi Hua Mae Kham
Mae Salong Nai, Mae Fa LuangDoi Hua Mae Kham is a picturesque mountainous area that is known for the several tribes who reside by the border between Burma and Thailand. Located in Mae Sai, around a three-hour drive away from Chiang Mai, this is a...
Doi Sa Ngo
Si Don Mun, Chiang SaenDoi Sa Ngo is a beautiful ecotourism destination in Chiang Rai. What makes this place unique is that from here, you can see Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos all from one spectacular viewpoint; which is called the Golden...
Tad Kwan Village
Tat Khwan, Phaya MengraiThe Tad Kwan Village is a well-loved cultural destination in Chiang Rai. Located 70 kilometres from the city, there are many natural attractions to discover. The village is best known for being the home of the Mien Hill...
Khun Korn Waterfall
Huai Chomphu, Mueang Chiang RaiKhun Korn Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in northern-Thailand and is not to be missed if travelling around Chiang Rai. The waterfalls are approximately 30kms west from Chiang Rai City and is best...
CentralPlaza Chiang Rai
Rop Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiCentralPlaza Chiang Rai is a beautiful modern shopping centre and the very first high-end opened mall here. it was designed with features that allow guests to enjoy the scenic natural environment while providing modern...
Chiang Rai Walking Street
Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiThe Chiang Rai walking street is a must-visit for some excellent shopping and quick bites to eat. Even though you’ve likely already been to many of Thailand’s street markets, this one is special and offers...
Wat Klang Wiang
Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiWat Klang Wiang is one of Thailand’s most ostentatious temple, thanks to the elaborate pattern work on each and every structure on location.
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong
Rop Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiWat Phra That Doi Chom Thong has been one of the most sacred sites in Thailand. It is the abode of spirits prior to the spread of Buddhism in the region.
Wat Phra That Doi Tung
Huai Khrai, Mae SaiWat Phrathat Doi Tong, also Wat Phra Maha Chinathat Chao, is situated at the peak of Doi Din Daeng, and is believed to be the site of the first chedi.
Wat Phra That Pha Ngao
Wiang, Chiang SaenWat Phra That Pha Ngao is a small Buddhist temple located in Chiang San of Chiang Rai. It gets its name from the fact that it has a chedi that was erected on a large rock within the temple compound, with its name in the...
Ban Sao Nak
Wiang Nuea, Mueang LampangBan Sao Nak is a marvellous historical wooden home that provides a glimpse into family life back in the olden days. This historic home, now over a century old, stands out for its striking architecture and has been well...
Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum
Ban Kluai, Mueang LampangThe Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum is a fascinating attraction that highlights the stunning ceramics that Lampang is renowned for. It is especially famous for the signature chicken bowls that they create from hand...
Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn
Wichet Nakhon, Chae HomThe Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn is one of the newest attractions in Lampang. Located on the mountaintops of the Jae Hom district, the sight of these temples will be unlike anything you’ve ever...
Wat Chedi Sao Lang
Ton Thong Chai, Mueang LampangWat Chedi Sao Lang is a unique temple, not too far from Lampang in northern Thailand. Sao translates to ’20’ in the local dialect, and it gets its name from the 20 chedis that are spread throughout the...
Wat Pong Sanuk
Wiang Nuea, Mueang LampangThe Wat Pong Sanuk is a magnificent Burmese temple located in Lampang. The temple, which has received the UNESCO Award for Merit, was built back in 1886 by wealthy immigrants from Burma who were working in the lucrative...
Doi Khun Tan National Park
Tha Pla Duk, Mae ThaThe Doi Khun Tan National Park is an amazing natural attraction in northern Thailand. Tucked right between Chiang Mai and Lampang, it’s famed not just for being one of the country’s oldest national parks...
Pai Memorial Bridge
Mae Na Toeng, PaiThe Pai Memorial Bridge (also known as Saphan Prawatsart) is an important historic World War II artifact which is located in the small northern Thailand town of Pai. The memorial bridge was constructed in 1942 during...
Pai Village Farm
Mae Hi, PaiPai Village Farm is a business associated with the Pai Village Boutique Resort which is an accommodation provider which offers a range of beautiful guest rooms as well as a range of activities. The Pai Village Farm is...
Coffee in Love
Thung Yao, PaiCoffee in Love is a cafe located in Pai, just 2.5 kilometres south on the main road. There is a large sign located on your left which you cannot miss. Famous as the location of a Thai Film set here in 2009 (Pai in Love)...
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.