Attractions in Chiang Mai

The Wat Chedi Luang, also known as Chedi Dragon Temple, is a particularly famous temple in the city of Chiang Mai. It is located in the heart of the ancient city of Chiang Mai. This square shaped Lanna style sacred stupa was built in 1411 and is nearly 80 meters high. A major earthquake once happened in Chiang Mai, and the spire of the stupa collapsed overnight. After the rebuilding of the stupa, the apex could not be completed because no one knew its original appearance. The stupa has four sides, only one side has steps, and the other three sides have been restored into slopes. The stupa is engraved with exquisite guardian spirit snakes on all sides, and there are six elephant sculptures on the tower. The building is magnificent. But the atmosphere is very natural and leisurely.

The Phra Singh Temple, the Ssangyong Temple and the Great Buddhist Pagoda Temple are called the “Three Great Temples of Chiang Mai” and are located at the western end of the ancient city of Chiang Mai. The temple was built in 1345 by King Phayu to commemorate his father. It was later expanded several times and is known for its awe-inpisiring Buddha statue. The decorations in the temple are splendid, with many exquisite wood carvings and murals narrating Buddhist stories. They are detailed, exquisite and lifelike and worthy of careful viewing. Phra Singh Temple are full of lush trees and rich with incense. There are many tourists here. If you visit here in the morning and evening during scripture time, you will see the monks chanting the Buddhist scriptures. They look very devout.

Part of the eastern wall, Tha Phae Gate is a highly intact city gate. Originally, the ancient city of Chiang Mai was surrounded by a wall about 2 meters high enclosed in red brick walls. Later, most of the buildings disappeared over the years. The surviving Tha Phae Gate became a very well-known attraction in Chiang Mai and a landmark. The red wall and blue sky are beautiful in the morning or at dusk when few people are around. Photographers from all over the world have come here to capture the beautiful scene of the city gate from different angles. On Sunday, the market stalls start here. When the market is closed, tourists and locals feed the pigeons in the square in front of the Tha Phae Gate. The environment is very comforting.

Located in the northeast of the ancient city, Chiang Mai Temple was built by King Manglai in 1297, the early days of Chiang Mai’s establishment, making it one of the oldest temples in the city. It once served as the king’s residence. Not only is the environment elegant and serene, but the beautiful, exquisite building also preserves the remains of ancient dynasties. The main building consists of two classic Lan Na-style palaces, each more magnificent than the last. In the minor hall next to the main hall, there are two statues of Buddha encased in glass shrines, each embedded with priceless precious stones. Leaving the hall and coming to the back of the main hall, visitors are met by a square stupa decorated with elephant carvings, another spectacular feature of Wat Chiang Man.

Located on Doi Suthep, Wat Phra That is a famous Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai that was built in 1383. According to the legend, King Nu Naone of Lan Na placed a bone from the Buddha on a white elephant and released it into the jungle. The elephant is said to have climbed Doi Suthep, trumpeted 3 times, and then died, so the king ordered that a temple be built at the site. The 309 steps in front of the temple are guarded by two dragon sculptures, giving the temple its name. You can ascend the steps to the main hall, in whose center a golden stupa honoring the Shakyamuni Buddha is placed. After the tour, you can go to the observation deck behind the main hall to overlook the entire city of Chiang Mai.

Warorot Market is located on the northeastern corner of Chiang Mai Old City near the Mae Ping River. This market primarily sells fruit, dried goods, cooked food, miscellaneous daily goods and fresh flowers at quite a reasonable price. Many Chiang Mai local specialties can be bought here. Visitors can buy fresh fruit or deep fried pig skin at this authentic market. Nearby is also a flower market. You can buy a garland of flowers to wear around your neck to experience an exquisitely fragrant stroll along the streets.

The Ancient City of Chiang Mai was built in 1296 and is square-shaped. Its city wall is about 1.5 kilometers long each. Part of the original walls and a moat are preserved. The Ancient City of Chiang Mai is an important part of Thai cultural heritage and also a fascinating place. There are many ruins in the Ancient City of Chiang Mai. Traditional Thai temples and pagodas are its features, and most can be visited for free. The Ancient City is also full of life. It is home to different hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, and cafes. There are also lively markets on the weekends, so you get a glimpse into the daily lives of people in Chiang Mai.

The Chiang Mai Night Safari is located at the foot of Doi Suthep, about 12 kilometers from the city of Chiang Mai. For carnivorous animals are active at night, the zoo opens night tours. Visitors can take a sightseeing bus to get a closer look at animals such as lions, tigers, bears, and wolves. Seeing these animals up close is a rare and exciting experience. Of course, the zoo is also open during the day. Activities include hiking in the Jaguar Trail Zone and going on the Day Safari. However, the highlights are still in the evening, when you can observe the night activities of carnivores. At night, you can also see performances such as the Tiger Show and cabarets.

In the northwest of the ancient city of Chiang Mai, Nimmana Haeminda Road runs between the ancient city and Chiang Mai University. Known colloquially as Nimmana Haeminda Road, the road is a fashionable meeting place and a favorite spot among young people in Chiang Mai. The area is home to a variety of architectural styles: some are European while others are traditional Southeast Asian. Particularly eye-catching are the colorful cartoon sculptures. These sculptures were inspired by the motifs of different stores and have become a landmark for many tourists. Alleys are home to all types of cafés, bars, and boutiques started mostly by designers, artists, and performers. Many tourists also choose this area for dining.

Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street is a very attractive night market in Chiang Mai. There are plenty of places to eat and drink, and the lively scene lasts until midnight. Many tourists intentionally arrive in Chiang Mai before Sunday so that they can visit the night market. On Sunday afternoon, vehicle traffic is restricted from the Tha Pae Gate, the eastern gate of the ancient city of Chiang Mai, along nearly 1 km of Ratchadamnoen Road and several adjoining side roads, turning the road into a pedestrian street. By then, pavement on both sides of the road and the center of the road will be occupied by vendor selling a vast array of things and many foods. There are also street performances to watch.