Looking for a guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand? You’ve come to the right place!
Nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai captivates with its rich cultural heritage, ancient landmarks, and lush natural beauty. Here, tradition seamlessly blends with modernity—mystical temples coexist with vibrant markets.
In this guide, you’ll discover the top attractions in Chiang Mai. From enchanting temples to the best restaurants, I’ll show you the must-see spots that let you fully experience the unique charm of this amazing city.
Additionally, I’ll provide practical tips and recommendations to make your visit even better.
Ready to explore Chiang Mai? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Guide to Chiang Mai: Introduction
Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern Thailand, has a rich history that goes back to the Kingdom of Lanna, known as the “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields.” Here, history and culture come together, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere.
Although Lanna was influenced by the nearby Kingdom of Ayutthaya, it maintained a degree of independence until it became part of the Kingdom of Siam (now Thailand) in 1775.
Today, Chiang Mai continues to showcase the heritage of the Lanna Kingdom through its distinctive architecture and vibrant culinary traditions. The city attracts visitors from around the world who are eager to experience the rich history and cultural tapestry of northern Thailand.
The Ultimate Guide to Chiang Mai: What to See in Chiang Mai?
Wat Phra Singh
In and around Chiang Mai, there are over 300 temples, with 36 located within the city walls. A visit to Chiang Mai often begins with exploring the 14th-century Wat Phra Singh temple complex.
This impressive site is home to the important Buddha statue known as Buddha Phra Singh, which gives the temple its name. The word ‘singh’ in Thai means lion. Though the statue’s origins are unclear, legend has it that it was brought from Ceylon.
Every April 13th, during the Songkran festival (Thai New Year), the statue is paraded through Chiang Mai in a sacred procession starting from Viharn Lai Kham, where people honor the Buddha by splashing water on the statue.
The temple complex also includes Viharn Lai Kam and Viharn Luang, as well as the ordination hall Ubosot, which impressed us with its remarkable wax figures that closely resemble real monks.
Wat Chedi Luang
Another must-see in Chiang Mai is Wat Chedi Luang, which houses the city’s largest chedi. Built between 1385 and 1402, this massive structure is a prominent city landmark.
The Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s national treasure, was once enshrined here. Unfortunately, after a 1545 earthquake caused significant damage, only the chedi’s reconstructed form remains for us to admire today.
Wat Phan Tao
Another remarkable spot in Chiang Mai, close to Wat Chedi Luang, is Wat Phao Tao. This temple stands out as one of the city’s most atmospheric, built entirely from teak wood.
It’s said to be especially beautiful during evening prayers, as the darkness around the temple contrasts with the monks’ bright orange robes.
What’s interesting is that teak wood, known for its durability and weather resistance, was used in the temple’s construction. This makes Wat Phao Tao not only visually stunning but also incredibly long-lasting.
Wat Chiang Man
After exploring Wat Phan Tao, it’s worth visiting Wat Chiang Man. Built in 1297, it’s the oldest temple in the city.
Within the temple grounds, you can see the Chedi Chang Lom, a chedi surrounded by 15 elephant statues, which holds sacred Buddha relics.
There are also two beautiful vihara (Buddhist monasteries) on the site. The larger one features a 15th-century Buddha, while the smaller one displays two important statues: Phra Sae Tang Khamani and Phra Sila.
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Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple
Another must-see in Chiang Mai is the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple. Located on a hill about 1,060 meters (3,478 feet) above sea level within the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, this temple provides stunning views of the entire city of Chiang Mai from its high perch.
Dating back to the 13th century, this Buddhist sanctuary is wrapped in local legend involving a white elephant.
According to the story, a monk from the Sukhothai Kingdom had a prophetic dream about the location of a mysterious relic. When the relic was found, it was taken to the Lanna Kingdom, leading to the construction of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Upon arrival, the relic split into two pieces. One piece was used as an ornament for the Suandok Temple, while the larger piece was placed on the back of a white elephant, which was then released into the jungle.
The legend says the elephant climbed Doi Suthep, trumpeted three times, and then died. King Nu Naone saw this as a sign and ordered the temple to be built to house the relics.
To reach Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple from the city center, you can rent a scooter, take a taxi, or use a songthaew—a popular shared taxi. I opted for a songthaew and negotiated the fare to 80 baht.
The temple entrance features ornate stairs flanked by mythical Naga serpent balustrades. You can climb 309 steps or use an elevator to reach the temple. Admission is 50 baht.
At the temple’s core, you’ll find a stunning golden chedi surrounded by decorative umbrellas. Inside the chedi’s walls, admire murals and a replica of the Emerald Buddha (the original is in Bangkok).
The complex also features a statue of Ganesha and a depiction of the White Elephant, along with its legend.
A path around the temple leads to a spacious viewing terrace with a panoramic view of the city, making for a memorable ending to your visit.
Wat Inthakhin
The last temple I’d recommend in Chiang Mai is the lesser-known but equally charming Wat Inthakhin. Located in the heart of the Old City, this temple complex is over 700 years old.
Once a central spiritual site, Wat Inthakhin lost some of its prominence compared to its neighbor, Wat Chedi Luang, and was abandoned during the Burmese occupation in 1775.
Inside the compound, you can see the Viharn, which was built recently to house impressive ancient Buddha statues that were previously kept in a simple shed.
Night Bazaar
No visit to Chiang Mai is complete without checking out the famous Night Bazaar. Located on the eastern side of the Old City along Chang Khlan Road, this lively market runs daily from dusk until midnight.
While Chang Khlan Street is quiet during the day, it comes alive at night as street vendors set up their stalls. At the Night Bazaar, you’ll find a wide range of items, from knockoff branded goods to local crafts and traditional Thai treats.
It’s a good idea to haggle for better prices; you can usually negotiate the initial price down by about 20-30%. However, not all vendors are open to bargaining, and some have fixed prices.
I also found it a bit unsettling that wandering into side alleys can lead to encounters with Thai bar girls targeting tourists looking for entertainment.
Saturday Market
If you’re in Chiang Mai over the weekend, be sure to check out the local market known as the Saturday Market, or Wui Lai Market. Located southwest of the Old City along Wui Lai Street, it’s open every Saturday from 4:00 PM until midnight.
Just like the Night Bazaar, the road is closed to traffic during market hours, making it easy to bargain with vendors and navigate between stalls.
At the market, you’ll find a diverse range of items, including silverware at good prices, wooden sculptures, colorful cotton shirts, knockoff bags, “branded” perfumes, handcrafted soaps, and local artwork.
There’s also a great selection of food stalls serving delicious treats, and street performers add to the vibrant atmosphere.
If you’re looking for some relaxation, you can enjoy a Thai massage. Prices start as low as 100 baht per person, and massages are often given right in the middle of the street between stalls.
Thai Spa
Chiang Mai is famous for its beautiful temples, but it’s also home to Thailand’s top Royal Massage Academy. In the “New City,” you should definitely try a Thai massage, especially at one of the over 200 spa salons in town.
I recommend Fah Lanna Spa – an intimate place run by friends passionate about ecology and supporting the education of refugee children.
Located in the heart of the Old City, it is open daily from 12 PM to 9 PM. It’s best to book treatments a day in advance. The spa offers 25 private treatment rooms and free transport to and from your hotel.
Upon arriving at Fah Lanna Spa, you are greeted with tea and asked to fill out a health questionnaire. You can choose from about 50 different treatments.
If it’s your first time, try the traditional Thai massage, which starts with a foot wash and then continues in a private room. The masseurs use various parts of their bodies, such as their hands, feet, thumbs, elbows, and forearms.
After your massage, you can relax with a cup of tea in the spa’s café.
Elephants in Chiang Mai: What You Need to Know
Chiang Mai has lots of elephant attractions, but it’s important to choose ethical sanctuaries over places offering elephant rides. Many of these camps use harsh methods like phajaan, which cause a lot of suffering for the elephants.
Instead, visit places like Elephant Nature Park, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, and Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary. These sanctuaries provide proper care and natural living conditions for the elephants.
Many of these sanctuaries also offer volunteer opportunities, where you can help with feeding and bathing the elephants. It’s a great way to see them in a friendly, stress-free environment.
You can also support these efforts financially to help improve the lives of these amazing animals.
Avoid camps with elephant rides and trick shows, as they often involve animal suffering.
The Ultimate Guide to Chiang Mai: How to Get to Chiang Mai?
You can get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok in several ways:
- Airplane: The most popular option is flying from Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airports in Bangkok to Chiang Mai Airport. Ticket prices usually start around $30-40 (approximately 1,000-1,400 baht), but they can vary significantly depending on the airline, availability, and season.
- Train: Another option is taking a train. Direct trains run from the newly opened Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Ticket prices range from about 800 to 1,900 baht, depending on the class. The journey takes approximately 11-13 hours.
- Bus: There are many buses running between Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Ticket prices typically range from 500 to 1,000 baht, depending on the bus’s standard. The trip takes about 10-12 hours.
Keep in mind that ticket prices can fluctuate during peak season and Thai holidays, so it’s wise to book in advance, especially for trains and flights.
The new Krung Thep Aphiwat terminal is now the main station for long-distance trains. However, some services may still operate from Hua Lamphong station, so it’s worth checking before you travel.
What Is The Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai?
For the best experience, try to visit Chiang Mai during the cool and dry season, from November to February. This is when the weather is most pleasant, with lower humidity and minimal rainfall—ideal for exploring outdoor attractions and soaking up the city’s culture.
Make sure to catch vibrant festivals like Loy Krathong and the Flower Festival during this time. These events offer a chance to take part in traditional Thai customs and celebrations, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit.
The Ultimate Guide to Chiang Mai: Where to Stay in Chiang Mai?
When it comes to choosing accommodation in Chiang Mai, there are plenty of options to suit every budget and preference.
If you’re looking for a central location with easy access to attractions and nightlife, staying in the Old City area is a great choice. Here, you’ll find a mix of guesthouses, boutique hotels, and luxury resorts.
For a more tranquil experience, consider staying in the Nimman area, known for its trendy cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. This area offers a more modern and upscale vibe, with plenty of stylish hotels and serviced apartments to choose from.
If you prefer to be surrounded by nature, consider staying in the outskirts of Chiang Mai, where you’ll find resorts nestled in the lush countryside or along the banks of the Ping River.
Here are some recommended hotels in Chiang Mai categorized by budget:
- Budget-friendly choice: BED Phrasingh-Adults Only
- Optimal for mid-range budgets: The Rim Chiang Mai
- Indulge in luxury: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
The Ultimate Guide to Chiang Mai: Where to Eat in Chiang Mai?
Mr Kai Restaurant
During your visit to Chiang Mai, you absolutely have to dine at one of the best restaurants I’ve experienced in all of Thailand—Mr. KAI Restaurant.
The buzz around this place is clear from the long queue outside. Though the restaurant can be quite busy, once you’re seated and have placed your order, the food arrives quickly, often served by the friendly staff or even Mr. Kai himself!
I was especially impressed with the regional Thai khao soi soup, the flavorful vegetarian tofu curry, and the delightful seafood risotto. Each dish I tried was not only delicious but also generously portioned and offered at a very reasonable price.
Hanna Restaurant & Coffee Shop
Another must-visit spot in Chiang Mai is the local café, Hanna Restaurant & Coffee Shop. It offers an incredibly inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for breakfast or lunch in the city.
In addition to their fantastic iced coffee, you can also indulge in their delicious vegetarian spring rolls. Prepare for an unforgettable culinary experience!
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Coffee Corner Kitchen
Another highly recommended place for lunch in Chiang Mai is the Coffee Corner Kitchen restaurant. It’s a charming establishment with a delightful outdoor terrace and exceptional service.
In addition to classic Thai specialties, the menu also offers dishes typical of Japanese cuisine, providing a welcome change of pace.
The dishes served are fresh, aromatic, and prepared with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every meal is truly memorable.
The Ultimate Guide to Chiang Mai: Summary
Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, is one of the most captivating destinations in Southeast Asia.
With its rich cultural heritage, enchanting Buddhist temples, stunning natural landscapes, and unforgettable culinary experiences, it attracts visitors from all over the world. If you’re thinking about a trip to Chiang Mai, you won’t be disappointed.
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