Chiang Mai's sights sit in three rings. Inside the moat are the Old City temples and walking streets. On the mountain to the west are Doi Suthep and the Hmong village above it. Around the edge are the gardens, zoo, night safari and markets, many of them in Mae Hia by the airport. Each page below gives hours, fees, time needed and the drive from both the Old City and Mae Hia.
Things to Do in Chiang Mai
The best things to do in Chiang Mai, from Doi Suthep and Old City temples to markets and the quiet gardens of Mae Hia, with hours, fees and how to get there.
Explore Chiang Mai
Places
Doi SuthepThe golden mountain temple above the city, best at sunrise.
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Wat Chedi LuangThe great ruined chedi at the heart of the Old City, lit up at night.
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Wat Phra SinghThe Old City's most revered temple, home of the Phra Singh Buddha.
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Wat Phan TaoA dark teak hall next to Chedi Luang, glowing with lanterns at Yi Peng.
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Wat UmongA shady forest temple with ancient brick tunnels at the foot of Doi Suthep.
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Doi InthanonThailand's highest peak, with cloud forest, waterfalls and royal pagodas.
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Bo Sang Umbrella VillageThe village of hand-painted paper umbrellas on the craft road east of Chiang Mai.
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Baan Tawai Handicraft VillageHundreds of wood-carving workshops and home-decor showrooms south of the city.
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Wat Ton KwenA small, perfectly kept teak Lanna temple from 1858 in the rice fields of Hang Dong.
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San Kamphaeng Hot SpringsGeysers, mineral pools and boiled eggs in a park an hour east of the city.
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Wat Phra That Si Chom ThongA royal temple holding a Buddha relic, the classic first stop on the road to Doi Inthanon.
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Kew Mae Pan Nature TrailA 3 km loop through cloud forest to an open ridge high on Doi Inthanon.
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Siriphum WaterfallTwin ribbons of water falling down a cliff beside the Royal Project gardens on Doi Inthanon.
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Doi Luang Chiang DaoA permit-only overnight trek to a limestone summit above the clouds.
FAQ
What is the number one thing to do in Chiang Mai?
Doi Suthep at sunrise, before the tour buses. Then breakfast in the Old City.
What can I do in Chiang Mai for free?
Most Old City temples, the Sunday Walking Street, Huay Tung Tao lake (small entry fee) and the Mae Hia rice fields.
What is there to do near Chiang Mai airport?
Wat Phra That Doi Kham, Royal Park Rajapruek and the Night Safari are all within 15 minutes, which makes them ideal for a last afternoon.
How many temples should I visit?
Three good ones beat ten rushed ones: Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and Doi Suthep.