Location: Chiang Mai
Top Things to do in Chiang Mai
What to do and see in Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
You could spend your whole Chiang Mai vacation exploring the famous Night Bazaar. Once you’ve exhausted the art of the cheerful haggle, however, there’s plenty more to explore. The National Museum and Botanic Garden are great places to soak up some local culture and to breathe in the delicate fragrance of Thai orchids. In the city’s center, the remains of ancient walls embrace over 30 temples. Limber travelers can climb 300 stairs to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, an ornate Buddhist temple in the hills.
Restaurants in Chiang Mai
1. Wat Ched Yot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
Reviewed By Chrisvickery2 - Chiang Mai, Thailand
A remarkable 15th century Wat, built as a smaller replica of the Bodh Gaya temple in Bihar, India. The architects hadn’t seen the original, but copied another replica in Bagan, Myanmar. So, having been to Bodh Gaya, I have to say it’s not quite right, but charming nonetheless. There was a Buddhist Congress here (the sixth? There have only been about a dozen in over 2,500 years). Surprisingly well preserved stucco work. Easily accessible from the ring road.
2. Wat Pha Lat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 518 reviews
Reviewed By vespana5
A great hike along the lower part of Doi Suthep. This place is well preserved, and although more and more people are starting to come up this path, it has still maintained its quiet atmosphere and serenity. It has a waterfall with a great overlook of Chiangmai (a lower and more closeup angle compared to the one by the highway road, and the back of Doi Suthep Temple). There is now a small coffee shop by the main road path, which is staffed by the monks.
3. Chiang Chom Temple (Wat Chedi Plong Pagoda)
4. Wat Inthakhin Sadue Mueang
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By DrSoulpr - San Juan, Caribbean
I had an Airbnb experience and the lady brought me here after the Three Kings Monument (across the street) and to other temples and explained a bit of their religious and spiritual beliefs while we visited. My Life Is So special that I get to experience All The Best There is near me and that day was no exception! This temple is a very important and old one, one in which the community is very involved so it was very special to visit this specific day... it was no coincidence!!! They had a special celebration and were offering home made food to visitors which I was grateful and enjoyed to the fullest the lovely time there! My pictures are a bit weird because I had to download then from my iCloud to the computer and take a picture ???????????????? I just had to share my great time here!!! #lawofattractionphotos #planforamiracle
5. Khun Chang Khian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By chris89_berlin - Kolobrzeg, Poland
The trip going there was 400 baht per person from doi suthep going back and forth. The ride was a little bumpy for the last 2 or 3 kilometers and a bit dusty. The road is very small especially the last bit, but the song thaeo driver did a good job. The park was very beautiful during my visit on January 5th with the trees being in full bloom. Nice place for pictures and to have a moment in peace and silence away from the city when you walk for a bit. Food and drinks are sold by the hilltribe. You can eat some very sweet strawberries and drink a cup of coffee that grows here.
6. Wat Kuu Kham (Wat Chedi Liam) Temple
7. Pa Pong Pieng
8. Hua Lin Corner
9. Pratu Chiang Mai
10. Tha Phae Gate
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,731 reviews
Reviewed By Krubee - Singapore, Singapore
Romantic, Beautiful, Enchanting - these are the three words that I could sum up experiencing one of Chiang Mai's historic gates - The Tha Phae gate. When the city was founded by King Mangrai in 1296 these gates together with other gates (Chang Puak, Chiang Mai, Pratu Soan Dok) protect the old city. Tha Phae gate lies on the east of the city and made of Red bricks stone. Like the other gates, the original water moat is still surrounding it. Today Tha Phae gate is like the central square of Chiang Mai's old city where tourists and locals alike relax, enjoy, taking photos/videos, celebrate and just have fun. Many street food stalls around the square, artists displaying their craft and skills and cultural events take place here including the Loy Krathong festival. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars and shops around the area. Tha Phae road also starts here entering the old city, where many of its ancient beautiful temples still stands there. During Sunday Walking street night market this gate serves as the core point where the market begins. Chiang Mai is the cultural, artistic and modern capital of Northern Thailand and till today it has preserved its fine arts, glory and beauty. The Gates are its roots preserving and protecting it for the past 700 years and more.
