Chiang Mai: The Complete Guide
Visiting Chiang Mai, nestled in the lush mountains of northern Thailand, is a journey into a vibrant blend of nature, culture, and relaxation. Known as the “Rose of the North,” this charming city offers tranquil temples, bustling night markets, and serene landscapes. Wander through its old city, where ancient walls and moats surround stunning temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, creating a peaceful yet dynamic atmosphere.
Beyond the city’s historic center, Chiang Mai is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural explorers. Take a day trip to the majestic Doi Suthep Temple, perched on a hill with breathtaking views, or visit elephant sanctuaries that promote ethical tourism. The city is also famous for its cooking schools, where you can master the art of Thai cuisine. Whether you’re seeking adventure, spirituality, or culinary delights, Chiang Mai offers an unforgettable experience.
History of Chiang Mai
The Founding of Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, meaning “New City,” was established in 1296 by King Mangrai as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Strategically located along trade routes, it quickly became a significant cultural and economic hub in northern Thailand. The city was built with a distinctive layout, featuring a square-shaped old city surrounded by a protective moat and walls to guard against invasions.
Chiang Mai’s Role in the Lanna Kingdom
Under the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai flourished as a center of religion, art, and learning. Temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang were constructed during this era, reflecting the city’s importance as a cultural heartland. Buddhism played a central role, influencing the city’s architecture and traditions, many of which are preserved to this day.
The Burmese Influence in Chiang Mai
In the mid-16th century, Chiang Mai fell under Burmese control, marking a period of significant influence. This lasted for over 200 years until the late 18th century, when King Taksin of Siam liberated the city. Despite this, traces of Burmese architectural and cultural elements remain visible in Chiang Mai’s temples and traditions.
Integration into Siam
In 1774, Chiang Mai officially became part of the Kingdom of Siam (modern Thailand), though it retained a degree of autonomy for some time. The city slowly regained prominence as a regional center. Its integration led to a blending of Lanna traditions with central Thai culture, enriching its heritage.
Modern Development of Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai began modernizing in the 20th century, especially after the railway connection to Bangkok was established in 1921. Today, it is a thriving city that seamlessly combines its historical roots with modern amenities, making it one of Thailand’s most popular destinations.
Chiang Mai’s history, marked by periods of independence, conquest, and cultural fusion, is a testament to its resilience and enduring charm.
Visiting Chiang Mai for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Chiang Mai on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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29 Best places to See in Chiang Mai
This complete guide to Chiang Mai not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Chiang Mai and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
Location: Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, Prapokkloa Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Distance: 0.0km
Visiting Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
The Three Kings Monument
Location: Three Kings Monument, Prapokkloa Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Distance: 0.0km
Visiting The Three Kings Monument
Wat Inthakhin Sadue Mueang
Location: Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang, Intrawarorot Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Wat Inthakhin Sadue Mueang
Lanna Folklife Museum
Location: Lanna Folklife Centre, Prapokkloa Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Hours: 8:30am-16:30pm Open on Wednesday - Sunday (Including public holidays) Closed on Monday and Tuesday | Price: Adult 90 Baht | Website | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Lanna Folklife Museum
Wat Phan Tao
Location: Wat Phan tao Chiang Mai Thailand, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Hours: 8.00am to 5.00pm | Price: Free entry | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Wat Phan Tao
Wat Tung Yu
Location: Wat Tung Yu, Rachadamnoen Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Wat Tung Yu
Wat Saen Muang Ma Luang (Wat Hua Khuang)
Location: Wat Saen Muang Ma Luang (Wat Hua Khuang), Prapokkloa Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Wat Saen Muang Ma Luang (Wat Hua Khuang)
Wat Chiang Man Complex
Location: Wat Chiang Man, Ratchapakhinai Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Wat Chiang Man Complex
Wat Chedi Luang
Location: Wat Chedi Luang, Prapokkloa Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Hours: The Grand Viharn Assembly Hall is open from 8.00am to 5.00pm. The temple’s general opening hours are from 5.00am to 10.30pm. | Price: Adult: 50THB | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Pha Bong (Wat Mank Kalaram)
Location: Wat Pha Bong (Mangkhalaram) 1/3 Singharat Rd Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand | Hours: 5.00am to 6.00pm | Price: Free entry | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Wat Pha Bong (Wat Mank Kalaram)
Wat Lam Chang
Location: Wat Lam Chang, Moon Muang Road Lane 7, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Hours: 6.00am to 6.00pm | Price: Free entry | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Wat Lam Chang
White Elephant Gate (Chang Phuak)
Location: white elephant Chang Phuak Soi 6, Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting White Elephant Gate (Chang Phuak)
Wat Phra Singh
Location: Wat Phra Singh, Samlarn Road, Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Hours: Daily 06.00-18.30 hrs | Price: Grounds are free, but the Main Sermon Hall is 50 Baht. | Website | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Wat Phra Singh
Wat Ratcha Monthian
Location: Wat Ratcha Monthian, 238/40 Manee Nopparat Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand | Hours: 6.00am to 6.00pm | Price: Free entry | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Wat Ratcha Monthian
Tha Pae Gate
Location: Tha Phae Gate, Tha Phae Road, Chang Khlan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Tha Pae Gate
Wat Prasat
Location: Wat Prasat, Intra Warorot Lane 3 Alley, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Wat Prasat
Wat Khuan Khama (Golden Horse Temple)
Location: Wat Khuan Khama 143 Sri Poom Rd Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand | Hours: 6.00am to 6.00pm | Price: Free entry | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Wat Khuan Khama (Golden Horse Temple)
Wat Lok Moli
Location: Wat Lok Moli, Manee Nopparat Road, ตำบล ศรีภูมิ อำเภอ เมืองเชียงใหม่ Chiang Mai, Thailand | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Wat Lok Moli
Hua Lin Corner
Location: Hua Lin Corner, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Hua Lin Corner
Wat Buppharam
Location: Wat Buppharam, Tha Phae Road, Chang Moi Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting Wat Buppharam
Wat Sri Suphan
Location: Wat Sri Suphan, Wua Lai Road, Haiya Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Hours: 9.00am to 9.30pm | Price: 50 Baht to the ordination hall (Women are not allowed. Photography is permitted) | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Wat Sri Suphan
Wat Suan Dok
Location: Wat Suan Dok, Suthep Road, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Distance: 2.1km
Visiting Wat Suan Dok
Chiang Mai National Museum
Location: Chiang Mai National Museum, Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM | Price: 30 baht | Distance: 2.6km
Visiting Chiang Mai National Museum
Wat Umong
Location: Wat Umong, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Distance: 3.6km
Visiting Wat Umong
Highland People Discovery Museum
Location: The Highland People Discovery Museum, 9 Chotana Road, Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Hours: 8:30 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday | Price: Free entry | Distance: 3.7km
Visiting Highland People Discovery Museum
Wat Phra That Doi Kham (Temple of the Golden Mountain)
Location: Wat Phra That Doi Kham Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang Mai District Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand | Distance: 8.0km
Visiting Wat Phra That Doi Kham (Temple of the Golden Mountain)
Doi Suthep
Location: Doi Suthep, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Distance: 10.5km
Visiting Doi Suthep
Darapirom Palace Museum
Location: Darapirom Palace Museum, Chulalongkorn University, Rim Tai, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, and on public holidays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Price: 20 baht | Distance: 14.4km
Visiting Darapirom Palace Museum
Doi Inthanon
Location: Doi Inthanon, Ban Luang, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Distance: 57.3km
Visiting Doi Inthanon
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai
Visiting Chiang Mai in the Cool Season (November to February)
The cool season is the most popular time to visit Chiang Mai, offering pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F). This period is ideal for outdoor activities like temple hopping, trekking, and visiting the nearby mountains. Events like the Loi Krathong and Yi Peng Lantern Festival in November add a magical touch to the city. However, it’s also the peak tourist season, so booking accommodations in advance is recommended.
Visiting Chiang Mai in the Hot Season (March to May)
The hot season brings rising temperatures, often exceeding 35°C (95°F). While sightseeing can be more challenging during the day, this period is great for exploring indoor attractions, visiting waterfalls, or enjoying poolside relaxation. April’s Songkran Festival, the Thai New Year water celebration, is a highlight of this season and offers a fun and refreshing way to experience local culture.
Visiting Chiang Mai in the Rainy Season (June to October)
The rainy season brings cooler temperatures and lush green landscapes to Chiang Mai. Rain showers are typically brief and occur in the late afternoon or evening, leaving mornings free for exploration. This is a quieter time to visit, with fewer tourists and lower accommodation costs. The vibrant countryside and waterfalls are particularly stunning during this period, making it ideal for nature lovers.
Each season offers unique experiences in Chiang Mai, but the cool season is generally considered the best for comfortable weather and cultural festivities. Whether you prefer bustling festivals or serene natural beauty, Chiang Mai has something to offer year-round.
Average Temperatures in Chiang Mai
- January 31°C 88°F 1
- February 36°C 97°F 0
- March 41°C 105°F 2
- April 42°C 108°F 5
- May 38°C 101°F 17
- June 33°C 92°F 17
- July 33°C 92°F 22
- August 31°C 88°F 28
- September 32°C 89°F 30
- October 32°C 89°F 20
- November 31°C 89°F 4
- December 30°C 87°F 1
How to get to Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is well-connected and offers several transportation options to reach the city. Whether you’re coming from within Thailand or abroad, you can easily access this vibrant northern city and begin your adventure.
Getting to Chiang Mai by Air
The quickest way to reach Chiang Mai is by flying into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). The airport is well-served by both domestic and international flights, with connections to major cities in Thailand like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Rai, as well as some international destinations in Asia. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use ride-hailing services to get to the city center, which is about 10 minutes away.
Getting to Chiang Mai by Train
Traveling by train is a scenic and comfortable option to reach Chiang Mai. Trains depart regularly from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station, with overnight sleeper trains being a popular choice. The journey takes about 12 to 14 hours, allowing you to relax and enjoy the landscapes along the way. Upon arrival at Chiang Mai Railway Station, it’s easy to get a tuk-tuk or taxi to your accommodation.
Getting to Chiang Mai by Bus
Buses are a cost-effective and convenient option for traveling to Chiang Mai. Buses leave from various terminals in Bangkok, including the Mo Chit Bus Terminal, and the journey takes around 9 to 11 hours. Once you arrive at Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station, you can take a taxi or local transport to the city center.
Getting to Chiang Mai by Car
For those who prefer flexibility, renting a car is an excellent choice for getting to Chiang Mai. The drive from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes about 10 to 12 hours via Highway 1 or Highway 11, offering scenic views of the countryside and mountains. If you’re planning to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car gives you the freedom to stop and take in the sights along the way.
Getting Around Chiang Mai
Once in Chiang Mai, getting around is easy. You can rent a bicycle or motorbike, which is a popular way to explore the city at your own pace. Alternatively, taxis, tuk-tuks, and songthaews (shared red trucks) are widely available and inexpensive. Many visitors also opt for guided tours or private transportation to visit attractions outside the city.
Chiang Mai is easily accessible and offers various travel options to suit all preferences and budgets, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination for any traveler.