The Chiang Mai City Pillar Shrine is a crucial landmark of the old city. Also known as Wat Inthakhin, the pillar was erected by the famous King Mangrai when the city was founded on April 12, 1296 CE. Its name, which...
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.
Chiang Mai City Pillar Shrine
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai
Wat Jedlin
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Wat Jedlin is a 16th-century temple situated in the old walled city of Chiang Mai. Located on Prapokklao Road, the temple is also known by its other names such as Wat Jet Lin, Wat Nong Chalin, and Wat Chedlin. It is...
Segway Gibbon Tour
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiA Segway Gibbon Tour is a great way to discover Chiang Mai as you zoom around the streets of this historic city on a self-balancing personal transporter. A Segway Tour will take you to the many highlights within Chiang...
Chang Mai Woman Correctional Institution Massage
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution is a women’s only prison which trains inmates with valuable skills; such as learning how to give a massage, as well as customer service and hospitality jobs...
Thapae Boxing Stadium
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiMuay Thai boxing is the most popular sports in Thailand and Thapae Boxing Stadium is the most popular place to view this sport while in Chiang Mai. This fierce combat sport is conducted in stadiums all over Chiang Mai...
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.