Elephant Nature Park is a rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary in Mae Taeng, north of Chiang Mai. Founded by elephant-welfare advocate Saengduean “Lek” Chailert, it cares for elephants rescued from riding...
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, formerly known as Bhubing Rajanives Palace, is a royal winter residence high on Doi Suthep above Chiang Mai. Public visits are limited to the landscaped grounds; the palace buildings remain a working...
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 day trip combines cool montane forest, waterfalls, short 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, <a href="https://www.chiangmaitravelhub.com/provinces/mae-rim/" class="wpil_internal_link" >Mae Rim</a>Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden is Thailand’s first major botanical garden and one of the best nature-based day trips from Chiang Mai. Spread across a mountainous site in Mae Rim, it combines scientific plant...
Golden Triangle
Wiang, <a href="https://www.chiangmaitravelhub.com/provinces/chiang-saen/" class="wpil_internal_link" >Chiang Saen</a>The Golden Triangle is the historic border region where northern Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar. For visitors, its most accessible focal point is Sop Ruak, a riverside village in Chiang Saen District where the Ruak...
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, spreading along Chang Khlan Road and through a collection of covered markets, arcades and side streets. Unlike the Sunday Walking Street...
Chiang Mai Night Safari
Nong Kwai, Hang DongChiang Mai Night Safari is a large zoological park southwest of Chiang Mai, designed around wildlife viewing during the cooler late-afternoon and evening hours. Main experiences include open-sided tram rides through...
Grand Canyon Chiang Mai
<a href="https://www.chiangmaitravelhub.com/provinces/phrae/" class="wpil_internal_link" >Nam Phrae</a>, Hang DongGrand Canyon Chiang Mai is a water adventure park built around a flooded former quarry in Hang Dong. Its dramatic orange banks and deep blue-green water inspired the name. At the same time, the managed park now adds...
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 immediately west of Chiang Mai, covering forested mountains, waterfalls, viewpoints, temples and hiking trails within easy reach of the city. Its best-known landmark is Wat Phra That...
Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street Market
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiChiang Mai Sunday Walking Street Market transforms Ratchadamnoen Road into the Old City’s largest weekly pedestrian market. 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...
Flight of The Gibbon
Huai Kaeo, Mae OnFlight of The Gibbon is a fun zip-lining adventure and is a prime attraction in Chiang Mai for thrill-seekers. Founded in 2007, Flight of the Gibbon offers a safe eco-adventure that will have you flying through the rain...
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, handmade goods, silverware, clothing and live entertainment. Also known as Wua Lai Walking Street, the market takes place every...
Chiang Mai Zoo
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiChiang Mai Zoo is a large zoological park covering approximately 200 acres on the lower slopes of Doi Suthep. Located beside Chiang Mai University, it combines animal exhibits, landscaped grounds, educational displays...
Wat Phra Kaew
Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiWat Phra Kaew is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Rai and was built sometime in the 14th Century. The date of construction of the temple is unknown, but the original name was “Wat Pa Yeah” (Bamboo Forest...
Pai Trekking
Many Trekking Options Available, Around PaiPai trekking is a great activity for those who want to get into the heart of Pai, as much of the area is still undeveloped and covered in jungle. There are many easy trails located around town, as well as some more...
Singha Park
Mae Kon, Mueang Chiang RaiSingha Park is a great place to spend a day in the outdoors for visitors coming up north to the beautiful Chiang Rai. Singha Park is a large expanse of land that has been converted into a tourist attraction that houses...
Pai Canyon
Thung Yao, PaiPai Canyon, aka Kong Lan, is a natural rocky landscape which is located 8 kilometres from the township of Pai in northern-Thailand. Pai Canyon is popular with photographers as well as being a challenging climbing spot...
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
Ban Sahakon, Mae OnThe 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...
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 large shopping, dining and entertainment centre in Fa Ham, northeast of Chiang Mai’s Old City. Formerly widely known as Central Festival Chiang Mai, it is now branded Central Chiangmai...
One Nimman
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiOne Nimman is a distinctive shopping, dining and cultural precinct in Chiang Mai’s fashionable Nimmanhaemin neighbourhood. Its red-brick arcades, open courtyards and landmark clock tower create an atmospheric...
Bua Thong Waterfalls (Sticky Waterfalls)
Mae Ho Phra, Mae TaengBua Thong Waterfalls, popularly referred to as the Sticky Waterfalls, makes for an exciting getaway about an hours drive from Chiang Mai. The waterfalls are referred to as “sticky” because the rocks...
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 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...
Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline
Pong Yaeng, Mae RimThe 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...
No Gravity
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiNo 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...
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiSacred Heart Cathedral is the principal Roman Catholic church of the Diocese of Chiang Mai, located on Charoen Prathet Road in the Chang Khlan district southeast of the Old City. It serves an active Catholic community...
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
Mae Wang, Mueang Chiang MaiThe 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...
Wat Phra Singh
Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiWat Phra Singh Chiang Rai one of the oldest temples in Chiang Rai, having been built by the Lanna people in 1385. The temple is located right in the centre of town, just 1km north of the popular Night Bazaar and is easy...
Patara Elephant Farm
Ban Pong, Hang DongThe 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...
Chiang Mai University
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiThe 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...
Art in Paradise
Nong Pa Khrang, Mueang Chiang MaiArt in Paradise Chiang Mai is a fun way to spend an afternoon with a unique take on presenting pieces of artwork by a variety of artists. The art museum thrives on a type of art called Trick Art. Just as the name...
Index Living Mall
Nong Pa Khrang, Mueang Chiang MaiThe 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...
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.
