Elephant Nature Park is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary in the Mae Taeng valley north of Chiang Mai. Its visits focus on watching elephants in their herds and learning about their individual histories...
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.
Elephant Nature Park
Kuet Chang, Mae Taeng
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Phrathat Doi Suthep is one of the holiest Buddhist Temples in Northern Thailand. Its location overlooks Chiang Mai City from the mountain slopes.
Wat Chedi Luang
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat 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.
Bhubing Palace
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiBhubing Palace is a working royal residence in the mountains above Chiang Mai, beyond Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. When public access is available, visitors explore the gardens and designated grounds rather than touring...
Doi Inthanon National Park
Ban Luang, Chom ThongDoi Inthanon National Park protects Thailand’s highest mountain, rising 2,565 metres above sea level southwest of Chiang Mai. A visit combines cool high-elevation forest, waterfalls, nature trails, royal pagodas...
Wat Phra Singh
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiWat 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.
Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden
Mae Raem, Mae RimQueen Sirikit Botanical Garden occupies a forested hillside in Mae Rim, northwest of Chiang Mai. Its glasshouse collections, elevated canopy walkway and outdoor trails let visitors move between carefully managed plant...
Golden Triangle
Wiang, Chiang SaenThe Golden Triangle is the border region where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. For visitors on the Thai side, the main focal point is Sop Ruak, a village in Chiang Saen district where the Ruak River joins the Mekong...
Wat Rong Khun
Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang RaiWat Rong Khun is not the typical Buddhist temple. Popularly known as the White Temple, this unique sanctuary is the highlight of temple tours in Chiang Rai.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiChiang Mai Night Bazaar is the city’s best-known nightly shopping district, stretching along Chang Khlan Road and into covered markets, arcades and side streets east of the Old City. Souvenir browsing, food and...
Chiang Mai Night Safari
Nong Kwai, Hang DongChiang Mai Night Safari is a large zoological park southwest of the city, combining open-sided safari trams with a walking trail, animal presentations and evening entertainment. Savanna Safari and Predator Prowl are the...
Grand Canyon Chiang Mai
Nam Phrae, Hang DongGrand Canyon Chiang Mai is a water adventure attraction built around a flooded former quarry in Nam Phrae, Hang Dong. Orange banks and blue-green water give the setting its distinctive appearance, while the managed...
Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai
Rim Tai, Mae RimTiger Kingdom Chiang Mai offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come up close with tigers in their different stages of growth.
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiDoi Suthep-Pui National Park rises west of Chiang Mai, bringing forest temples, waterfalls and cooler mountain country within reach of the city. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is its best-known landmark, but the park also...
Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street Market
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiChiang Mai Sunday Walking Street Market transforms Ratchadamnoen Road into a large weekly pedestrian market through the Old City. Every Sunday afternoon and evening, the road fills with handicrafts, artwork, clothing...
Royal Park Rajapruek
Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang MaiRoyal Park Rajapruek is an expansive botanical park southwest of central Chiang Mai, featuring landscaped gardens, international displays and one of the city’s most impressive examples of modern Lanna architecture...
Tha Phae Gate
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiTha Phae Gate is Chiang Mai’s best-known city gate and one of the main landmarks marking the boundary of the historic Old City. Its red-brick walls, broad pedestrian square, and central location make it a popular...
Chiang Mai Saturday Night Market
Hai Ya, Mueang Chiang MaiChiang Mai Saturday Night Market is a weekly walking street filled with northern Thai food, crafts, silverware, clothing and informal entertainment. Also known as Wua Lai Walking Street, it follows Wua Lai Road...
Chiang Mai Zoo
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiChiang Mai Zoo is a large hillside zoological park on Huay Kaew Road, beside Chiang Mai University and the road climbing towards Doi Suthep. Animal exhibits, forested slopes and landscaped visitor areas spread across...
Wat Phra Kaew
Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiWat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai is closely associated with the discovery of the Emerald Buddha, one of Thailand’s most revered religious images. The original is now in Bangkok, but this quieter temple preserves the...
Pai Trekking
Many Trekking Options Available, Around PaiPai trekking can range from a short viewpoint walk to several days in the mountains with a local guide. Forest, farmland, limestone scenery and community visits give the area variety, but the route and conditions matter...
Singha Park
Mae Kon, Mueang Chiang RaiSingha Park is a large landscaped farm and leisure destination southwest of Chiang Rai. Tea plantations, seasonal flower displays, open lawns and recreation areas spread across rolling countryside, making it a...
Pai Canyon
Mae Hi, PaiPai Canyon, locally known as Kong Lan, is a red-earth landscape of narrow ridges, steep eroded slopes and views across the Pai valley. Its distinctive shape is visible soon after the climb from the entrance, making it...
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
Ban Sahakon, Mae OnSan Kamphaeng Hot Springs is a landscaped hot-spring park in Mae On, east of Chiang Mai. Visitors come to see the steaming geothermal water, cook eggs in designated boiling pools, soak their feet in cooled channels and...
Warorot Market
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiWarorot 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.
Central Chiangmai
Fa Ham, Mueang Chiang MaiCentral Chiangmai is a major shopping, dining and entertainment centre in Fa Ham, northeast of Chiang Mai’s Old City. Formerly known as Central Festival Chiang Mai, it combines a Central department store with...
One Nimman
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiOne Nimman is a shopping, dining and cultural complex at the northern end of Nimmanhaemin Road in Chiang Mai. Red-brick arcades, a clock tower and an open courtyard give it a recognisable setting, while independent...
Bua Thong Waterfalls (Sticky Waterfalls)
Mae Ho Phra, Mae TaengBua Thong Waterfalls, also spelt Bua Tong and known as the Sticky Waterfalls, is a forest outing north of Chiang Mai with an unusual attraction: climbing up pale limestone while water runs over your feet. Mineral...
Maya Mall
Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang MaiMAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre is a modern shopping, dining and entertainment complex at the intersection of Huay Kaew Road and Nimmanhaemin Road. Commonly called MAYA Chiang Mai or Maya Mall, it is particularly...
Siam Dragon Cabaret Show
Chang Pueak, Chiang MaiSiam Dragon Cabaret Show is a seated theatre performance on Huay Kaew Road, near Chiang Mai’s Nimman area. It combines choreographed dancing, lip-sync numbers, elaborate costumes and stage lighting, with...
Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline
Pong Yaeng, Mae RimPongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline is a mountain adventure park in Pong Yaeng, Mae Rim, northwest of Chiang Mai. Its rail coaster, aerial zipline activities and other rides offer different ways to experience the...
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiSacred Heart Cathedral is the principal Roman Catholic church of the Diocese of Chiang Mai. It stands on Charoen Prathet Road in Chang Khlan, southeast of the Old City, and serves a living parish community as well as...
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
Mae Wang, Chiang MaiElephant Jungle Sanctuary offers several Chiang Mai programmes, from short feeding visits to longer days involving care activities, observation and water contact. Choosing the programme matters: a half-day bathing visit...
Wat Phra Singh
Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiWat Phra Singh is a historic Buddhist temple in central Chiang Rai, known for its Lanna architecture and association with the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image. Layered roofs, carved wooden decoration and a golden chedi...
Patara Elephant Farm
Ban Pong, Hang DongPatara Elephant Farm offers guided, hands-on elephant programmes in the Ban Pong area of Hang Dong, outside Chiang Mai. Feeding, walking and learning about daily care are central to the visit, with staff guiding how...
Chiang Mai University
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiChiang Mai University offers a leafy campus setting at the foot of Doi Suthep, with Ang Kaew Reservoir as its main draw for sightseeing visitors. The water, wooded edges and mountain backdrop provide a quieter change of...
Art in Paradise
Tha Sala, Mueang Chiang MaiArt in Paradise is an indoor illusion-art attraction in Chiang Mai where visitors become part of the pictures. Painted scenes use perspective and visual tricks to make a photograph look as though you are balancing over...
Doi Tung
Mae Fah Luang, Mae Fah LuangDoi Tung brings together mountain scenery, royal history and gardens in northern Chiang Rai. The Royal Villa and Mae Fah Luang Garden are the natural starting point: one offers an intimate look at the Princess...
Zipline Adventure
Don Kaeo, Mae RimZipline Adventure is a guided aerial course at Huay Tung Tao Reservoir in Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim area. The lake and surrounding hills give it a different setting from a course deep in the mountains, with longer...
Wat Chiang Man
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat 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.
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.