When it comes to planning a trip, one of the most important things to consider is where you’ll go. If you’re planning a visit to Chiang Mai, then you’ve made an excellent choice!
There are countless attractions and sights to explore in this vibrant city, and in this article, you’ll discover 11 must-see places for any traveler visiting Chiang Mai.
Get ready for an unforgettable journey through this wonderful city!
Chiang Mai – What to See
Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s easy to see why. The city is rich in culture and history, and there are plenty of things to see and do. Here are some of the must-see places for any traveler visiting Chiang Mai.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: This Buddhist temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chiang Mai. It’s located on a mountain about 10 kilometers from the city center, and it offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Wat Chedi Luang: This 14th century temple is another popular tourist spot. It’s located in the old city center, and it’s known for its large chedi (stupa) that was damaged by an earthquake in 1545.
Wat Umong: This Buddhist temple is located just outside the city center, and it’s known for its tunnels that were built into the side of a hill. The tunnels are illuminated by candles, and they lead to a statue of a seated Buddha.
Doi Inthanon National Park: This national park is located about two hours from Chiang Mai, and it’s a great place for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the scenery. The park is home to Thailand’s tallest mountain, Doi Inthanon, which stands at 2,565m.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chiang Mai. The temple is located on Doi Suthep Mountain and offers stunning views of the city. Visitors can take a cable car up to the temple or hike up the 3,400 steps.
The temple grounds are beautiful and there are many things to see and do. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is definitely a must-see for any traveler visiting Chiang Mai!
Chiang Mai Old Town
Chiang Mai Old Town is a must-see for any traveler visiting Chiang Mai. This historic area is full of temples, markets, and restaurants, and is a great place to explore on foot.
Don’t miss the Wat Phra Singh temple, the Wat Chedi Luang temple, or the Night Bazaar.
Sunday Walking Street Market
If you’re looking for a great place to spend your Sunday, look no further than Chiang Mai’s Walking Street Market. This market is full of stalls selling everything from clothes to souvenirs, and there’s plenty of delicious food to try. It’s the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon browsing and people watching.
Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang is a must-see for any traveler visiting Chiang Mai. The temple was built in 1441 and is the largest temple in the city. It’s located in the center of town and is surrounded by a moat.
The temple has three main buildings: a chedi (a type of Buddhist shrine), a viharn (a hall used for religious ceremonies), and a ubosot (a hall used for ordination).
Tha Pae Gate
Chiang Mai is a beautiful city in Northern Thailand and the Tha Pae Gate is one of its most iconic landmarks. The gate was built in 1296 and is the only remaining structure from the old city walls. It’s a great place to take a photo or simply admire the architecture.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a must-see for any traveler visiting the city. This open-air market comes alive every night with stalls selling everything from souvenirs to clothes to Thai street food.
You can find almost anything you’re looking for at the Night Bazaar, and it’s a great place to bargain for good prices. Be sure to wander around and explore all the different sections of the market – you’ll find something new every time.
Elephant Nature Park
Elephant nature park is an ethical sanctuary and rescue center for elephants, located in Northern Thailand. The park was founded in the 1990s by Lek Chailert, and today, it is home to over 70 elephants.
Visitors to the park can observe the elephants in their natural habitat, and learn about the work that the park does to rescue and protect these majestic animals. The park also offers a variety of educational programs and workshops on elephant conservation.
Enjoy a Authentic Thai Coffee
If you’re a coffee lover, then you’ll definitely want to explore the coffee shops in Chiang Mai, Thailand. There’s a great selection of coffee shops to choose from, each with its own unique atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to relax with a book or a lively place to people watch, you’re sure to find the perfect coffee shop in Chiang Mai.
Some of the most popular coffee shops in Chiang Mai include Ristr8to, which is known for its creative specialty Coffees and Kung Fu Coffee House, which has a relaxed and comfortable vibe.
Zinmè Tea House is a burmese owned coffee shops with a very nice decor and great coffee. Give it a try and help them have some income.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park is one of Thailand’s most popular national parks, and it’s easy to see why. The park is home to the country’s tallest mountain, Doi Inthanon, which stands at 2,565 meters (8,415 feet). The park also boasts waterfalls, hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic lookouts.
Visitors can even stay overnight in the park at one of the several campsites or lodges.
Bo Sang Handicrafts Village
When in Chiang Mai, a visit to Bo Sang Handicrafts Village is a must. This quaint little village is located just outside of the city and is famed for its traditional paper umbrellas and handicrafts.
The village itself is picturesque, with colorful buildings and a friendly atmosphere. Visitors can watch the umbrella and handicraft makers at work, and even try their hand at making some themselves. There are also plenty of shops selling souvenirs and local products.
Bo Sang Handicrafts Village is the perfect place to get a taste of traditional Thai culture. It’s also a great spot for taking photos and enjoying the peaceful countryside scenery.
Chiang Mai is a city full of fascinating sights and experiences that should not be missed by any traveler. Whether you are looking for the hustle and bustle of modern life or seeking tranquility in nature, you’ll find something to love here.
Don’t forget to visit these must-see places so that you can experience all that this beautiful city has to offer!
