After the dizzying metropolis of Bangkok and the buzzing beach resorts of the south, Chiang Mai shows off a side to Thailand that many visitors miss. The capital of northern Thailand is a city infused with Thai culture and it’s best explored at a leisurely pace, strolling around the maze-like lanes of Old Chiang Mai, admiring the ancient temples and royal pagodas, or browsing the markets for traditional handicrafts. Looming over the northwestern edge of the city, the mountaintop Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple is the crown jewel of Chiang Mai’s spiritual heritage. Back in the city, Wat Phra Singh (Wat Phra Sing Waramahawihan), Wiang Kum Kam, and Wat Chedi Luang are among the most visited landmarks, while those intrigued by Thai culture can experience a Thai massage, take a Thai cooking class, or sample a traditional khantoke dinner. Chiang Mai also serves as a popular base camp for trekking to the Hmong, Karen, and Lisu hill tribe villages, and there are ample opportunities for jungle treks, white-water rafting, bike tours, and zipline adventures in the surrounding region. A short drive from the city, the Doi Khun Tan and Doi Inthanon national parks abound with lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and forest-cloaked temples. Further north, Chiang Rai is the gateway to the so-called “Golden Triangle,” the meeting point of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
An ancient walled city that’s the travel capital of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is known for monks and temples, including 15th-century Wat Chedi Luang, mountainside Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and Wat Suan Dok, which has a Buddhist university. Other highlights include hill tribe trekking, traditional crafts, and the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
...MoreYou need at least three days to see the highlights of Chiang Mai, and longer if you plan a multi-day hike. Over three days, you can sample northern Thai cuisine, take a cooking class, explore temples, monasteries, and perhaps a museum, shop the night bazaar, and take in views from Doi Suthep.
...MoreDating back to the 13th century, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep sits just below the 5,499-foot (1,676-meter) summit of Mt. Suthep (Doi Suthep). One of Thailand’s most sacred temples, it offers sweeping views across the city. Many tours add in a national park hike and/or a visit to a Hmong village.
...MoreYes. This historic riverside city is a must-visit for lovers of Thai culture thanks to its ancient temples, rich traditions, colorful crafts, unique cuisine, and dramatic surroundings. It’s also a great jump-off point for exploring more of northern Thailand, such as Chiang Rai, Pai, and Mae Hong Son.
...MoreMany temples are free to visit. Wat Suan Dok runs a regular “Monk Chat” program where travelers can meet trainee monks and learn about their lives, while the Monk’s Trail hike to Wat Pha Lat is magical. Free galleries include Chiang Mai University Art Center and Gallery Seescape.
...MoreYes. It’s rare for foreign travelers to experience violent crime in Chiang Mai, although pickpocketing, bag snatching, and ATM skimming are not unknown. It’s worth being aware of Thailand’s strict lèse-majesté law, which prohibits criticism of the monarchy: avoid making political comments or sharing political articles online.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 44 |
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Number of Tours | 903 |
Number of Reviews | 16,142 |
Currency | THB |
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