Wat Pan Tao is a small but very interesting temple, especially for visitors who are thrilled by Thailand’s unique heritage and religious framework.
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.
Wat Phan Tao
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai
Karen Long Neck Tribe
Mae Raem, Mae RimWhilst you are in Chiang Mai, you may be interested to learn more about the Karen Long Neck Tribespeople who live in parts of northern-Thailand. The Karen people are traditionally from Myanmar (Burma) and fled to...
Huay Tung Tao Lake
Don Kaeo, Mae RimHuay Tung Tao Lake is a secluded getaway located about 20 minutes north-west of Chiang Mai and is a great place to relax like a local. There are a number of huts surrounding the lake where you can get a hot tasty meal...
Wat Umong
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Umong, in full, Wat Umong Suan Puthatham, is an old temple nestled in Chiang Mai in the northern parts of Thailand. Locals also refer to it as Oomong.
Wat Pha Lat
Su Thep, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Pha Lat is one of the most magical temples in Chiang Mai. That’s because unlike others, it’s nestled in the lush forests and you’ll have to take a short but rewarding hike to get there. Unlike...
Mae Ya Waterfall
Ban Luang, Chom ThongMae Ya waterfall is one of Thailand’s best and biggest waterfalls. It is amazingly scenic too, with its stunning cascades pouring through verdant jungles. Located within the Doi Inthanon National Park, it is the...
Samoeng Loop
Samoeng, Chiang MaiThe Samoeng Loop is a thrilling attraction for adventure lovers. If you enjoy exploring destinations on a motorbike, this one is highly recommended! It provides a great alternative, or a new adventure, once you’ve...
Loi Kroh Road
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiLoi Kroh Road is a nightlife and tourist street running between the southeastern side of Chiang Mai’s Old City and the Night Bazaar area on Chang Khlan Road. During the day, it functions as an ordinary urban...
Mae Sa Waterfall
Mae Raem, Mae RimMae Sa Waterfall (also known as Namtok Waterfall) is one of Thailand’s premier tourist attractions and is best known for its magnificent waterfalls amid the gorgeous natural landscape. The waterfalls are located...
Elephant Rescue Park
Ban Chang, Mae TaengElephant Rescue Park is one of the best animal encounter experiences in northern Thailand. They offer an incredible environment where elephants can roam freely in their natural habitat, while humans can interact with...
Malin Plaza
Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Malin Plaza market is one of the best markets in Chiang Mai. Although the city already has the famous Walking Street markets and many others, this one is still worth visiting especially if you’re on a budget...
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Phra That Doi Kham is a spectacular temple located on the lush mountain slopes just close to Chiang Mai town. It is a popular tourist attraction too.
Wat Ram Poeng
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Ram Poeng, also known as Tapotaram, is a meditation retreat for visitors who would like to tap into the power of meditation during their travels.
Wiang Kum Kam
Tha Wang Tan, SaraphiWiang Kum Kam is an ancient settlement of historical importance in Thailand as it is not just a rich archaeological site, but also a popular attraction.
Camp Chiang Mai
Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang MaiCamp Chiang Mai is one of the city’s premier co-working spaces. It’s located on Maya mall’s top floor; a shopping mall found at the intersection of Huay Kaew and Nimmanahaemin road. In a land often...
Nawarat Bridge
Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Nawarat Bridge is a popular bridge that overlooks the Mae Ping River in Chiang Mai; usually the site of important cultural events that including the Loy Krathong festival. Because most of Thailand’s cities are...
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.
Baanchang Elephant Park
Ki Lek, Mae TaengBaanchang Elephant Park states that it is dedicated to offering rescued elephants the best care possible and allows visitors to come and see these beautiful creatures in their park. Visitors to Bannchang Elephant Park...
Hug Elephant Sanctuary
Chang Wat, Mueang Chiang MaiHug Elephant Sanctuary is a park for elephants that have been rescued from all over Thailand. Please note that there is NO ELEPHANT RIDING. Hug Elephant Sanctuary was founded in 2015 in response to the exploitative...
Chiang Mai Elephant Legend
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiChiang Mai Elephant Legend is a highly recommended elephant sanctuary. If you’d like to make a difference during your travels, or love animals, this place will be a fulfilling and fun experience. Chiang Mai...
Into The Wild Elephant Camp
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiInto The Wild Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai provides a unique elephant encounter that all ages will love. Unlike other elephant experiences, all the elephants here are free to roam in their natural habitat, play in the...
Karen Tribe Native Elephants
Samoeng Tai, SamoengKaren Tribe Native Elephants is one of Chiang Mai’s top eco-tourism experiences. They offer ethical elephant-centred activities with a unique cultural twist: that’s because it’s a non-profit...
Hmong Village
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiBan Hmong Mae Sa Mai is the go-to village for anyone who wants to experience what the locals live like in a traditional northern Thai village. Located just 36 minutes north-west from Chiang Mai, Ban Hmong Mae Sa Mai is...
Ping River
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiPing River is a long river that originates in Huai Nam Dang National Park and flows through Mae Ping National Park and through the east of Chiang Mai City. The river flows for over 500kms and is a popular location for...
Huay Kaew Waterfall
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiHuay Kaew Waterfall is a great place for visitors who don’t have a lot of time in Chiang Mai and want to see a waterfall that is close to town. Huay Kaew Waterfall is located near the Chiang Mai Zoo, just 100...
Wachirathan Waterfall
Ban Luang, Chom ThongThe Wachirathan Waterfall is an incredible attraction you will encounter within the Doi Inthanon National Park. It’s the second biggest falls on the way to the summit, and is definitely one of the more impressive...
Baan Kang Wat
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiBaan Kang Wat is an incredible artist village in Chiang Mai; a testament to the unique creativity and talent of northern Thailand. Whether its contemporary arts or traditional wood carving and weaving, this part of the...
Wat Chet Yot
Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Chet Yot, also known to the locals as Wat Jed Yod, is a beautiful temple nestled in Chiang Mai’s serene surroundings, and a popular tourist attraction.
Mae Ping River Cruise
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiA Mae Ping River Cruise is a terrific day trip that takes you away from the typical sights of Chiang Mai to experience something a little different. A leisurely two-hour cruise aboard a cosy boat that travels through...
Chiang Mai Shooting Club
Don Kaeo, Mae RimChiang Mai Shooting Club is a professional shooting range in Don Kaeo, Mae Rim, approximately 20 to 30 minutes north of central Chiang Mai. Also known as Chiang Mai Shooting Club at Pan Pattana 3, the range offers...
Op Luang National Park
Hang Dong, HotThe Op Luang National Park is a fun, adventurous destination for outdoor lovers near Chiang Mai, located around 20 kilometres away from Hot, on Route 108. Even if you’ve never been to a rugged outdoor area before...
Sri Lanna National Park
Ban Pao, Mae TaengSri Lanna National Park is the 8th largest national park in the country; being declared as the 60th national park in Thailand on August 1989; It covers 1,406 square kilometres of the mountainous area from Prao, Chiang...
Mae Kampong Village
Huai Kaeo, Mae OnMae Kampong Village is a small village located around 50kms north of the city and is a popular place to retreat for travellers during their stay. Set at 1300 meters above sea level, this village is filled with...
Sibsongpanna Khantoke
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiSibsongpanna Khantoke is testament to the importance of traditional culture in Thailand, and attracts locals and foreigners from all over the world. People visit Thailand for a myriad of reasons, and if you are the...
Wattana Art Gallery
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiWattana Art Gallery is home to exciting works of art in all of Thailand; little wonder the gallery attracts both locals and foreigners in their numbers.
Chiang Mai Cabaret Show
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Chiang Mai Cabaret Show is a fun way to spend an evening in Chiang Mai, as you watch ladyboys and drag queens strut their stuff whilst lip syncing to your favourite songs! Located in the Anusarn Market Night Bazaar...
Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium is a large state of the art facility located inside the Chiang Mai Zoo, at the base of Doi Suthep mountain. The Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium was substantially renovated in 2018 and has one of the...
Iron Bridge Chiang Mai
Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Iron Bridge in Chiang Mai is one of the city’s most well-known landmarks. A majestic creation made out of steel, it has an old feel to it but it’s actually modern – built as a homage to the Nawarat...
TCDC Chiang Mai
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiThe TCDC Chiang Mai is a must-visit for anyone interested in design and creative work. It stands for Thailand Creative and Design Center, and it’s the first educational institution of its kind in Chiang Mai. The...
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.