Wat 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.
Chiang Mai Area – Chiang Mai Old City
Chiang Mai Old City is the historic heart of northern Thailand, surrounded by remnants of the old walls and moat and packed with temples, markets, museums and traditional streets. The current Chiang Mai Travel Hub inventory includes Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chiang Man, Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai Gate, Chang Phuak Gate, Three Kings Monument, Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, Lanna Folklife Museum and several local markets.
The compact layout makes the Old City one of Chiang Mai’s easiest areas to explore on foot. Visitors can move between major temples, historic gates, museums, cafes and street-food areas without travelling far, while the Sunday Walking Street transforms Ratchadamnoen Road into one of the city’s busiest evening markets.
Explore Chiang Mai Old City
- Historic temples – Visit Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Phan Tao and many smaller Lanna temples throughout the old walled city.
- City walls and gates – Explore Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai Gate, Chang Phuak Gate, Suan Dok Gate and sections of the historic moat.
- Museums and heritage – Learn about Chiang Mai’s history and Lanna culture at Three Kings Monument, Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre and nearby museums.
- Markets and street food – Browse Sunday Walking Street, Chang Phuak Market, Chiang Mai South Gate Market and Somphet Market for food, crafts and local shopping.
- Walking and local atmosphere – Wander narrow streets, stop at cafes and massage shops, visit Nong Buak Hard Public Park and discover smaller temples away from the busiest landmarks.
Browse the listings below to discover Chiang Mai Old City temples, markets, historic landmarks and things to do within the old walls.
Wat Chedi Luang
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai
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.
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...
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...
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.
Chiang Mai Gate
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Chiang Mai gate is part of one of the most iconic landmarks in Chiang Mai; once serving as a fortress for what was known as the Old City. Today, this attraction still functions as a geographical boundary but...
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.
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.
Noina Art Studio
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiNoina Art Studio is the perfect place to hone your art skills while appreciating the expertise and experience of fellow artists in Thailand. Noina offers single hour sessions, as well as multi-hour or multi-day sessions...
Three Kings Monument
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiThree Kings Monument is a large statue located in front of the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre in the old city of Chiang Mai. The three Kings that are represented are King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai;...
Chang Phuak Gate
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Chang Phuak Gate is a historic landmark and iconic symbol of Chiang Mai. What you see today is the remnants of the old wall, which has an important significance to the locals. It’s also around where most...
Suan Dok Gate
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Suan Dok Gate is a notable landmark in Chiang Mai; located on the western side of the Old City’s moat that leads onto Suthep Road. The gate itself is located positioned approximately one kilometre east of Wat...
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre is a museum which teaches visitors about Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant art scene. The centre is located in the centre of the old city, right behind...
Chiang Mai Historical Centre
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Chiang Mai Historical Centre is a remarkable museum where visitors can learn all about the rich, complex history of the city. Aside from the wonderful historical information presented in an exciting manner...
Nong Buak Hard Public Park
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiNong Buak Hard Public Park is a public park located on the south-west corner of the old city. Covered with plenty of grass and shade, the park is a great place to come and relax with good book. Nong Buak Hard Public...
Chiang Mai Moat
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Chiang Mai moat is a small body of water that surrounds the old city; popular among locals, residents, and expats – especially those who enjoy going for a morning stroll. After all, this city is one of the...
Chang Puak Market
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiChang Phuak Gate Night Market is a compact evening street-food market immediately outside the northern gate of Chiang Mai’s Old City. From around 5pm each day, food carts and temporary kitchens line Manee Nopparat...
Chiang Mai South Gate Market
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Chiang Mai South Gate Market, also known as the Bumrung Buri Market, is one of the best in the province. Located along Bumrung Buri Road, this is one of the lesser-known markets which for many is part of the draw...
Computer Plaza
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Computer Plaza in Chiang Mai is your one-stop-shop for everything computer and gadget related. Located along Manee Nopparat Road on the north-side of the moat, this mall is one of the most trusted destinations...
Icon IT Chiang Mai
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiIcon IT Chiang Mai is often referred to as the number one computer centre in northern Thailand. It’s a one-stop-shop for all your IT and gadget needs – located on Manee Nopparat Soi 3 (north of the moat)...
Somphet Market
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Somphet Market in Chiang Mai is a traditional market frequented by the locals and is highly recommended for travellers who are interested to understand more about authentic, local Thai cuisine and ingredients. The...
Wat Chai Si Phum
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Wat Chai Si Phum is a beautiful historic temple located on the edge of Chiang Mai’s old city. It’s most famous feature is the stunning, intricately carved golden facade. Although it’s one of the...
Wat Chiang Yuen
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat 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...
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...
Lanna Architecture Centre
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Lanna Architecture Center is a museum that is dedicated to showcasing and preserving Northern Thailand’s unique heritage in architecture; most of which is influenced by the ancient Lanna kingdom. The museum is...
Wat Chai Phrakiat
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Chai Phrakiat is a historic Buddhist temple located in Chiang Mai. Located near the city centre, this temple’s name means ‘temple of the renowned victory. Although small, the temple is worth checking out...
Wat Fon Soi
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Wat Fon Soi is a small, quiet, and charming temple in Chiang Mai. Like many temples in the area, it is designed using the traditional Lanna style, although it has a unique personality and significance all its own...
Wat Khuan Khama
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Wat Khuan Khama is an old, lovely temple in Chiang Mai; located in Sri Poom Road at the Sri Phum area. This temple is best known for having a theme centred around horses, and can easily be seen from miles away...
Wat Muen Nguen Kong
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Muen Nguen Kong is a small, quaint Buddhist temple located on Samlan Road in Chiang Mai. This temple may be old, but it has been well-preserved through the years, making it a top attraction in the city for visitors...
Wat Pan Waen
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Wat Pan Waen is a small but exquisite temple in Chiang Mai; exhibiting all the classic elements of a northern Thai temple. Located in Phra Singh in the Old City, the grounds are so peaceful and tranquil; not too...
Wat Samphao
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Samphao is a one-of-a-kind temple found within the city walls of Chiang Mai; located west of the Tha Phae Gate, and was built sometime between 1260-1578, which was during the reign of the Mangrai Dynasty. Its name...
Wat Si Koet
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Wat Si Koet is a popular temple in Chiang Mai. Located along Ratchadamnoen Road, the quaint temple is distinct for its white colour accentuated by beautiful golden borders. It may be small, but its architecture...
Wat Thung Yu
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Wat Thung Yu Temple is one of Chiang Mai’s many beautiful and interesting temples. Located in the Si Phum Subdistrict in the Old City, there are many features that set this temple apart and make it so unique...
What are the best attractions in Chiang Mai Old City?
Popular attractions include Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chiang Man, Tha Phae Gate, Three Kings Monument and Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre.
What is Chiang Mai Old City best known for?
The Old City is best known for its historic Lanna temples, surviving city gates and moat, traditional markets and compact heritage streets that are easy to explore on foot.
Can you walk around Chiang Mai Old City?
Yes. Many of the main temples, museums, gates, markets and cafes are close together, making walking one of the best ways to explore the area.
When is Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street Market held?
The market is held every Sunday along Ratchadamnoen Road in the Old City, with stalls selling food, crafts, clothing, art and souvenirs through the evening.