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 Area – Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the cultural heart of northern Thailand, combining historic temples, lively markets, modern neighbourhoods, northern Thai food and easy access to mountains and nature. The current Chiang Mai Travel Hub inventory includes major attractions such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Tha Phae Gate, the Night Bazaar, One Nimman, MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center and many more places across the city.
The city is easy to explore by area. The Old City is best for temples, walls, markets and heritage; Nimman is known for cafes, shopping and contemporary dining; the Night Bazaar and riverside districts are strong for evening activity; and Doi Suthep provides mountain scenery and one of Chiang Mai’s most important temples.
Explore Chiang Mai
- Old City and temples – Visit Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Tha Phae Gate and historic streets surrounded by the old walls and moat.
- Doi Suthep and mountain attractions – Head west of the city for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, viewpoints, forest scenery and nearby mountain experiences.
- Markets and shopping – Explore the Sunday Walking Street, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, local markets, One Nimman, MAYA and larger shopping centres.
- Food and nightlife – Discover northern Thai dishes, street food, cafes, rooftop bars and restaurants across Nimman, the Old City and riverside districts.
- Culture and local experiences – Add museums, cooking classes, Muay Thai, massage, festivals and traditional Lanna experiences to a city itinerary.
Browse the listings below to discover Chiang Mai attractions, temples, markets, neighbourhoods and things to do across the city.
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...
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...
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...
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...
Zipline Adventure
Don Kaeo, Mae RimZip Line Adventure is a fun tree-top adventure that will have you zipping through the trees like a monkey in the biggest rainforest in Chiang Mai. Zipline Adventures are designed by professional engineers with years of...
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.
Wat Suan Dok
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Suan Dok is believed to have been constructed in the 14th century under the reign of King Keu Na who ruled over the ancient Lanna Kingdom.
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...
Maesa Elephant Camp
Mae Raem, Mae RimMaesa Elephant Camp is an elephant park where they allow visitors to ride elephants and host elephant shows including playing football and painting. Those wanting to visit a park that does not allow riding should visit...
Elephant Retirement Park
San Pa Yang, Mae TaengThe Elephant Retirement Park is a sanctuary in Chiang Mai for retired elephants. Located just one hour away from the city centre, the park’s main objective is to create a haven that is comfortable for old...
Doi Ang Khang
Mae Sun, FangDoi Ang Khang has earned its reputation as Thailand’s own Switzerland, a fact that can be attributed to its cool climate and scenic mountain peaks. Doi Ang Khang is located on the northern Thai/Burmese border and...
What are the best attractions in Chiang Mai?
Popular attractions include Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai Old City, Tha Phae Gate and the city's famous markets and shopping districts.
What is Chiang Mai best known for?
Chiang Mai is best known for its historic temples, Lanna culture, markets, northern Thai food and mountain setting. It is also a major base for nature, adventure and day trips across northern Thailand.
Which areas of Chiang Mai are best to visit?
The Old City is best for history and temples, Nimman for cafes and modern dining, the Night Bazaar area for shopping and nightlife, and Doi Suthep for mountain scenery and cultural attractions.
Can you explore Chiang Mai without a car?
Yes. The Old City is especially walkable, while songthaews, tuk-tuks and other local transport make it easy to reach areas such as Nimman and the Night Bazaar. Attractions farther outside the centre, including Doi Suthep, are easier to reach by vehicle.
