Attractions in Chiang Mai

On your tour to Thailand, you can visit Chiang Mai, also known as the cultural capital of Northern Thailand.

Chiang Mai is a city that offers a fascinating mix of historical wealth and a modern dynamic. This was the former capital of the kingdom of Lanna, and it boasts both remarkable culture and rich history.

In this blog post, we take a look at the 7 attractions you can see during your visit to Chiang Mai.

1. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai is home to over 300 Buddhist temples, reflecting the city’s deep spiritual heritage. Situated at the top of the Doi Suthep mountain, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most sacred and most well-visited temples in Chiang Mai.

The temple is renowned for its impressive architecture and spiritual significance in Buddhism. It was founded in 1383 and houses a piece of bone said to belong to the Buddha.

The main entrance of the temple is reached using a long staircase with 309 steps, flanked by Naga statues (divine serpents), which are believed to bring good fortune. For those who prefer easier access, there is also a cable car available.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep offers magnificent views of Chiang Mai which are especially magical at sunrise or at dusk. The temple is open day and night, although the inner section with the Chedi containing the Buddha relic will close in the evening.

2. Wat Chedi Luang

Located at the heart of the old town, this temple is famous for its large Chedi (stupa), which was built in 1441 and towers at a height of 86 metres.

In its time, Wat Chedi Luang was the biggest structure in the kingdom of Lanna. In 1468, the legendary Emerald Buddha was placed in the temple, but after an earthquake in 1545 caused considerable damage to the temple, the figure was moved to Luang Prabang.

In the 1990s, the temple was partially restored with support from UNESCO and the Japanese government. For the 600-year anniversary of its Chedi in 1995, a replica of the Emerald Buddha made from black jade called Phra Yok was placed in the temple.

3. Local markets

No trip to Chiang Mai is complete without a visit to the local markets. The markets are packed with everything from handicrafts to street food, and they’re perfect for getting a real taste of the local life.

The Weekend Walking Street consists of markets that pop up every weekend in the old town, and they’re a paradise for souvenir hunters and food lovers. On Saturday, this takes place on Wualai Road, and it’s on Ratchadamnoen Road on Sunday. Here, you can find everything from local dishes to handicrafts and modern goods.

Another market worth visiting is Handicraft Highway. Here, locals sit and craft Thai goods, while you can both watch and go shopping.

4. Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park, also known as the Roof of Thailand, is an incredible experience in the nature of the Chiang Mai Province. The park belongs to the Himalaya mountain range and is the site of Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon, which sits at 2565 metres above sea level.

One of the main attractions of the park are the two Royal Pagodas, which are dedicated to the king and queen of Thailand and sit surrounded by gorgeous flower gardens. There are also various waterfalls in the park, such as Sirithan and Wachirathan. The waterfalls have a strong flow all year round, but they reach their peak during the rainy season from May to October.

The Doi Inthanon National Park is open all year from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. every day, although the main trail in the park, the Kew Mae Pan Trail, is closed to visitors from June to October each year for forest recovery.

5. Boating on the Mae Ping River

A boat ride on the Mae Ping River in Chiang Mai offers a unique and relaxing way to experience the beauty of the city and the surrounding landscape. This trip typically takes about two hours and gives you a chance to see the life of the city from a whole new angle as you travel along the tranquil river.

As your boat leaves the city, you encounter a more rural side of Chiang Mai. Along the way, you see beautiful teak houses and lush greenery.

Many excursions depart from the docks at Wat Chai Mongkol and travel north, out of the city. Along the way, you will experience the changing river views, shifting from the hustle and bustle of the city to more peaceful, pastoral landscapes. This trip is a fantastic way to experience another side of Chiang Mai.

6. Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls

The Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls, located in Sri Lanna National Park, approximately an hour and a half from Chiang Mai by car, are a notable and unique nature experience that is popular with both locals and visitors.

The waterfalls, which get their water from a mineral-rich source, feature cream-coloured limestone formations that allow visitors to directly climb their cliff walls without slipping. This trait is why they are now known as the Sticky Waterfalls.

The waterfalls are divided into multiple levels, with ropes attached at each stage to help visitors climb up and down. Thanks to the mineral deposits on the rocks, which make them easy to grip, you can climb the waterfalls with bare feet. This unique phenomenon is both cool and beautiful!

7. ChangChill

ChangChill, located an hour and a half away from Chiang Mai by car, offers a unique experience for those who would like to see elephants in an ethical and responsible manner.

The area was transformed into an elephant-friendly reserve following nearly two years of cooperation with the World Animal Protection, opening its doors to visitors in April 2019. ChangChill is the only elephant reserve in Northern Thailand to receive this recognition from the animal welfare organisation.

Here, visitors get a chance to observe elephants as they graze, bathe, and socialise in their natural habitat, which represents a future for elephant tourism in which animal welfare is put first.

By offering an experience where you can watch the animals without touching them or coming into contact with them, ChangChill emphasises the importance of observing elephants at a distance, ensuring that they can live in a way that is as natural and undisturbed as possible.

Chiang Mai is a city of countless possibilities. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, adventure, food, or relaxation, Chiang Mai is sure to both surprise and delight. Plan your trip today and prepare to be enchanted by this beautiful city in Northern Thailand.