Chiang Mai, the 'Rose of the North', is Thailand's second-largest city and the cultural heart of the ancient Lanna kingdom. Nestled on a plain surrounded by mountains 700 km north of Bangkok, it enchants visitors with over 30 historic temples within its ancient walled city, vibrant night markets, and a cooler, greener atmosphere. Its blend of rich history, cosmopolitan energy, and authentic Thai culture makes it one of Southeast Asia's most beloved destinations.

Best time to visit Chiang Mai

novemberdecemberjanuaryfebruary

The cool season from November to February offers the most pleasant temperatures and clear skies. Avoid February to April due to severe agricultural burning that causes hazardous air quality and obscures mountain views.

What to see in Chiang Mai

01temple

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai's most iconic temple, perched on a mountainside 13 km from the city at 1,073 m elevation. This gilded pagoda overlooks the entire city and is a sacred pilgrimage site for Thai Buddhists, featuring stunning Lanna-style architecture and panoramic views.

Paid entryAbout 90 minculturehistorynature & outdoors

AddressTambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

4.7/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Saturday5 am–9 pm
Sunday5 am–9 pm
Monday5 am–9 pm
Tuesday5 am–9 pm
Wednesday5 am–9 pm
Thursday5 am–9 pm
Friday5 am–9 pm

Official website Open in Google Maps

02monument

Tha Phae Gate

The most iconic of Chiang Mai's ancient city gates, originally built around 1296 CE and rebuilt in 1985-1986. The surrounding plaza is a lively gathering point and the starting point of the Sunday Walking Street Market.

FreeAbout 30 minculturehistory

AddressTha Phae Road, Chang Khlan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

4.4/5 on Google

Opening hours+

FridayOpen 24 hours

Open in Google Maps

03market

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

One of Chiang Mai's most famous attractions, this sprawling night market along Changklan Road offers handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, street food, and live entertainment. A must-visit for shopping and soaking up the city's vibrant nightlife.

FreeAbout 120 minshoppingfood & diningculture

AddressChangklan Rd, Chang Moi Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

4.3/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Friday5 pm–12 am

Open in Google Maps

04temple

Wat Chedi Luang

A magnificent ruined temple in the heart of the old city, featuring a massive partially collapsed chedi (stupa) dating to the 14th century. Once the tallest structure in the Lanna kingdom, it remains one of Chiang Mai's most impressive historical sites.

Paid entryAbout 60 minculturehistory

AddressQXPP+QCQ, 103 Prapokklao Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

4.7/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Saturday5 am–10:30 pm
Sunday5 am–10:30 pm
Monday5 am–10:30 pm
Tuesday5 am–10:30 pm
Wednesday5 am–10:30 pm
Thursday5 am–10:30 pm
Friday5 am–10:30 pm

Official website Open in Google Maps

05temple

Wat Phra Singh

One of the most revered temples in Chiang Mai, housing the sacred Phra Singh Buddha image. Built in 1345, it showcases exquisite Lanna-style architecture with intricate wood carvings and gilded decorations.

Paid entryAbout 60 minculturehistory

Address2 Samlarn Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

4.7/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Saturday5:30 am–7:30 pm
Sunday5:30 am–11 pm
Monday5:30 am–7:30 pm
Tuesday5:30 am–7:30 pm
Wednesday5:30 am–7:30 pm
Thursday5:30 am–7:30 pm
Friday5:30 am–7:30 pm

Official website Open in Google Maps

06neighborhood

Chiang Mai Old City Moat

The historic walled city center, roughly 6.5 km in circumference, defined by its ancient moat and remaining gate structures. Inside are over 30 temples, guesthouses, restaurants, and the cultural heart of Chiang Mai.

FreeAbout 180 minculturehistory

AddressQXJQ+GJW, Mun Mueang Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

4.5/5 on Google

Opening hours+

FridayOpen 24 hours

Open in Google Maps

4 more places are sealed in the app

ChillTrip

Sealed

07market

Warorot Market

Free in the ChillTrip app

ChillTrip

Sealed

08neighborhood

Nimmanhaemin Road

Free in the ChillTrip app

ChillTrip

Sealed

09temple

Wat Suan Dok

Free in the ChillTrip app

ChillTrip

Sealed

10other

Ping River (Mae Nam Ping)

Free in the ChillTrip app

Where to eat in Chiang Mai

ChillTrip

01Northern Thai

Khao Soi Khun Yai

A beloved local spot renowned for serving authentic Khao Soi, the iconic northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup. Simple, no-frills setting with consistently excellent food beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Price $Must try — Khao Soi

AddressQXWM+47J, Sri Poom 8 Alley, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

4.6/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Friday10 am–2 pm

Open in Google Maps

2 more tables are sealed in the app

ChillTrip

Sealed

02Thai street food

Chiang Mai Gate Market

Free in the ChillTrip app

ChillTrip

Sealed

03Thai street food

Sunday Walking Street (Wualai Road)

Free in the ChillTrip app

6 more places are sealed in the app

Photos, insider notes, opening hours and the map — all of it opens for free the moment you install ChillTrip.

Unlock everything — free

Download on iOS Get it on Android

Things to do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street

otherFreeAbout 120 min

Every Sunday evening, Wualai Road hosts one of Thailand's most atmospheric walking street markets, stretching from Chiang Mai Gate with hundreds of vendors selling handicrafts, art, clothing, and street food.

Chiang Mai University Art Center

otherFreeAbout 60 min

A cultural hub on the Chiang Mai University campus hosting rotating art exhibitions, cultural events, and performances showcasing northern Thai and contemporary art.

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

hikePaid entryAbout 240 min

The forested national park surrounding Doi Suthep mountain offers hiking trails through lush jungle, waterfalls, and stunning viewpoints over Chiang Mai. Home to diverse wildlife and the sacred Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep.

Bo Sang Umbrella Village

workshopFreeAbout 90 min

A traditional crafts village 9 km east of Chiang Mai famous for its hand-painted paper and silk umbrellas. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique handmade souvenirs directly from the makers.

Chiang Mai Night Safari

otherPaid entryAbout 180 min

A large wildlife park on the slopes of Doi Suthep offering tram rides through illuminated enclosures to observe nocturnal animals, as well as a predator zone and animal shows.

Where to go near Chiang Mai

Pai

Bus 3h30Car 3h

A laid-back mountain town in Mae Hong Son Province popular for its hot springs, waterfalls, trekking, and bohemian atmosphere. A favorite escape from Chiang Mai.

Chiang Rai

Bus 3hCar 3h

Northern Thailand's second major city, famous for the stunning White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Golden Triangle, and its proximity to the borders of Myanmar and Laos.

Lamphun

Bus 45minCar 30min

A quiet ancient city just south of Chiang Mai, one of the oldest in Thailand, with beautiful Hariphunchai-era temples and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere away from tourist crowds.

Mae Rim

Bus 45minCar 30min

A scenic district north of Chiang Mai known for elephant sanctuaries, zip-lining, orchid farms, and adventure activities set amid lush mountain scenery.

Bangkok →

Train 12hBus 9hCar 8h

Thailand's vibrant capital, offering world-class temples, street food, nightlife, and shopping. The main gateway for international travelers heading to Chiang Mai.

Luang Prabang

Bus 24h

A UNESCO World Heritage city in Laos, accessible by bus or flight from Chiang Mai, renowned for its gilded temples, French colonial architecture, and the sacred Mekong River.

All Thailand guides

Photos: ChillTrip