Wat Pha Lat is a forest temple on the slopes of Doi Suthep, below Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Shrines, a chedi, shaded paths and a small cascade sit among trees and rocks, giving the temple a close connection with the...
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 Pha Lat
Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai
Mae Ya Waterfall
Ban Luang, Chom ThongMae Ya Waterfall is a broad, tiered cascade in the southern part of Doi Inthanon National Park, near Chom Thong. Water spreads over a stepped rock face surrounded by forest, creating a different spectacle from a narrow...
Samoeng Loop
Samoeng, Chiang MaiThe Samoeng Loop is a scenic road circuit through the hills west of Chiang Mai, linking Mae Rim, the Mae Sa Valley and the Hang Dong side of the city. Forested slopes, viewpoints, gardens and small roadside cafés make...
Loi Kroh Road
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiLoi Kroh Road links the eastern side of Chiang Mai’s Old City with the Chang Khlan Night Bazaar area. It is one of the city’s established nightlife streets, with restaurants, small bars, massage businesses...
Elephant Rescue Park
Ban Chang, Mae TaengElephant Rescue Park offers guided elephant visits in the Mae Taeng countryside, about an hour north of Chiang Mai after hotel collection. Feeding, walking and learning from the guides are central to the experience...
Malin Plaza
Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang MaiMalin Plaza is an evening shopping and food market on Huay Kaew Road, opposite the Chiang Mai University main-gate area. Its student neighbourhood gives it a different feel from the souvenir markets around the Old City...
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
Mae Hia, 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 a cafe and shared study or work space on the fifth floor of MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center. Its name stands for Creative and Meeting Place, and its convenient position near Nimmanhaemin makes it...
Nawarat Bridge
Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang MaiNawarat Bridge crosses the Ping River east of Chiang Mai’s Old City, linking Tha Phae Road with Charoen Muang Road. It is a working road bridge with pedestrian access, offering a useful crossing and a short view...
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 offers a full-day elephant-care visit in the Mae Taeng countryside north of Chiang Mai. Feeding, preparing food, walking and advertised bathing activities bring visitors into close contact with...
Hug Elephant Sanctuary
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiHug Elephant Sanctuary offers guided visits in the Mae Wang countryside south of Chiang Mai, with feeding, forest walking and advertised mud and water activities. Its programmes do not include riding, but they do...
Chiang Mai Elephant Legend
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiChiang Mai Elephant Legend offers organised countryside outings centred on elephants, with programmes that have included feeding, walking, food preparation and a waterfall stop. The experience involves close animal...
Into The Wild Elephant Camp
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiInto The Wild Elephant Camp offers guided elephant visits in the forested Mae Wang area south of Chiang Mai. Feeding, walking through the countryside and watching elephants move between forest and water make this a...
Karen Tribe Native Elephants
Samoeng Tai, SamoengKaren Tribe Native Elephants offers a village-based elephant visit in the Samoeng countryside west of Chiang Mai. The experience centres on time with elephants and their caretakers, with opportunities to learn about...
Ban Hmong Mae Sa Mai
Pong Yaeng, Mae RimBan Hmong Mae Sa Mai is a Hmong community in the upper Mae Sa Valley, in the Pong Yaeng area of Mae Rim district. Its mountain setting, agricultural landscape and community forest-restoration work offer a different...
Ping River
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Ping River offers a quieter way to experience Chiang Mai, with boats passing city bridges and riverside buildings before reaching greener stretches beyond the busy centre. On land, the river area suits a slow meal...
Huay Kaew Waterfall
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiHuay Kaew Waterfall is a short forest escape at the foot of Doi Suthep, beside the Chiang Mai Zoo area. The main cascade is reached on foot from the Huay Kaew Road approach, making it a practical choice when you want...
Wachirathan Waterfall
Ban Luang, Chom ThongWachirathan Waterfall is one of the most dramatic roadside stops in Doi Inthanon National Park, southwest of Chiang Mai. A broad torrent drops over a forested rock face, filling the viewing area with noise and drifting...
Baan Kang Wat
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiBaan Kang Wat is an arts and craft community in Chiang Mai’s Suthep area, with small shops, studios and cafes arranged among wood-and-concrete buildings and greenery. It offers a chance to browse local design...
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 MaiMae Ping River Cruise offers a slower view of Chiang Mai from the water, passing riverside buildings and bridges before the banks become greener. The operator’s daytime trip combines a boat journey with a stop at...
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, HotOp Luang National Park, also spelt Ob Luang, protects a rugged landscape south-west of Chiang Mai where the Mae Chaem River squeezes through a narrow rocky gorge. The main visitor area offers a close encounter with that...
Sri Lanna National Park
Ban Pao, Mae TaengSri Lanna National Park protects a broad mountain and forest landscape north of Chiang Mai. For many visitors, its most accessible introduction is Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Reservoir, where boat trips lead to floating raft...
Mae Kampong Village
Huai Kaeo, Mae OnMae Kampong Village is a mountain community in Mae On, around 50 kilometres east of Chiang Mai. A stream runs through its wooded setting, with houses, cafés and homestays arranged along the narrow road and hillsides...
Sibsongpanna Khantoke
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiSibsongpanna Khantoke combines a northern Thai dinner with an evening of cultural performances in Chiang Mai. The appeal is spending the meal with music and dancing, sampling several regional dishes while a staged...
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 MaiChiang Mai Cabaret Show is an evening performance associated with Anusarn Market in the Chang Khlan Night Bazaar neighbourhood. Its appeal is the combination of colourful costumes, lip-sync performances, dancing and...
Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiChiang Mai Zoo Aquarium is a separately ticketed attraction inside Chiang Mai Zoo, at the foot of Doi Suthep. Its freshwater and marine displays lead to two underwater tunnels, letting you compare river fish with ocean...
Iron Bridge Chiang Mai
Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang MaiChiang Mai’s Iron Bridge, also known as Khua Lek or Sapaan Lek, crosses the Ping River at the eastern end of Loi Kroh Road. Its steel framework gives it an older appearance, while the river, nearby restaurants and...
TCDC Chiang Mai
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiTCDC Chiang Mai is a design resource centre run by Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency. Located near Muang Mai Market, it combines a specialist library, material resources and exhibitions with programmes that...
Noina Art Studio
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiNoina Art Studio offers drawing and painting lessons in the northeast corner of Chiang Mai’s Old City. The small studio on Moon Muang Road Soi 9 suits travellers who want time at an easel or drawing table, with...
Three Kings Monument
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiThree Kings Monument stands in a central square on Prapokklao Road in Chiang Mai’s Old City, in front of the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre. Its bronze figures commemorate the rulers associated with...
Chang Phuak Gate
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiChang Phuak Gate marks the northern entrance to Chiang Mai’s Old City, beside the moat and the busy Manee Nopparat Road. Its name means White Elephant Gate, and the brick gateway is a useful landmark for...
Suan Dok Gate
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiSuan Dok Gate marks the western entrance to Chiang Mai’s Old City, where Suthep Road meets the moat. The brick gateway and adjoining waterway make a useful stop on a walk around the old fortifications...
X Centre
Rim Tai, Mae RimX Centre is an adventure venue in Mae Rim, north of Chiang Mai, combining bungy jumping, drift karts and off-road vehicles with group activities and options for younger visitors. The attraction is the ability to choose...
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.