- Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 as the new capital of the Lanna Kingdom, strategically chosen for its location between two mountain ranges.
- The city's 'Old City' is uniquely shaped as a perfect square, enclosed by a brick wall and a water-filled moat that remains a functional part of the city's drainage today.
- During the Songkran festival, the city's moat becomes the epicenter of a massive, city-wide water fight that lasts for several days.
- Chiang Mai is known for its distinct Lanna dialect, which is linguistically different from the standard Thai spoken in Bangkok.
- The city has one of the highest densities of Buddhist temples per square kilometer in all of Thailand, with over 300 located within the municipal area.
About Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai serves as the cultural heart of Northern Thailand, defined by its moat-encircled Old City and the mountainous geography of the Lanna Kingdom. The city is home to hundreds of ornate religious sites, including the prominent Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan and the cliff-side Wat Pha Lat. Visitors frequently gather at the historic Tha Phae Gate, which remains the primary entrance to the preserved ancient city walls. Beyond the urban center, the surrounding terrain offers access to significant spiritual landmarks like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Highlights of Chiang Mai
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
This mountain-top temple provides a sweeping panoramic view of the entire Chiang Mai valley.
Temples
A secluded forest temple accessible via a hiking trail known as the Monk's Trail.
Historical places
The iconic brick entrance serves as the most photographed landmark of the historic city wall.
Temples
Features a massive, partially ruined 14th-century chedi that once housed the Emerald Buddha.
Temples
This site is uniquely built into a series of tunnels located at the base of the mountains.
Temples
Considered the most important temple in the city, it houses the revered Phra Singh Buddha image.
Parks
A vast botanical garden featuring extensive international plant displays and a prominent royal pavilion.
Historical places
This landmark commemorates the three northern Thai kings who founded the city.
Top things to do in Chiang Mai
The 483 highest-rated places in Chiang Mai, ranked by travellers.
1
Temples
Wat Phra That Doi Kham is a historic hilltop temple located southwest of Chiang Mai city center. It is most famous for i...
2
Historical places
Tha Phae Gate serves as the primary eastern entrance to the historical walled city of Chiang Mai. It is the most intact...
3
Temples
Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan is the most significant temple in Chiang Mai's historic walled city, founded in 1345 to hou...
4
Temples
Wat Chedi Luang is anchored by a massive ruined chedi originally constructed in the 14th century, which reached its peak...
5
Temples
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a Theravada Buddhist temple perched at an elevation of 1,073 meters on Mount Doi Suthep. The...
6
Temples
Wat Umong Suan Putthatham is a 13th-century forest temple uniquely defined by a network of ancient underground tunnels c...
7
Parks
Mon Jam is a high-altitude agricultural tourism destination situated on a ridge within the Mae Rim district of Chiang Ma...
8
Places of interest
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs features natural geothermal activity with water temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Celsius...
9
Temples
Wat Pha Lat is a jungle temple nestled on the eastern slopes of Doi Suthep, functioning as a meditative retreat rather t...
10
Zoos
Chiang Mai Night Safari is a specialized wildlife park located in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park buffer zone that focu...
11
Temples
Wat Lok Moli is a historic 14th-century temple known for its massive, unadorned brick chedi, which dates back to the Men...
12
Temples
Wat Den Sali Sri Muang Kaen, locally known as Wat Ban Den, is a sprawling temple complex situated on a hilltop in the Ma...
13
Parks
Royal Park Rajapruek is a massive horticultural park in Chiang Mai, originally established to commemorate the 60th anniv...
14
Parks
Buak Hard Public Park is the only significant green space located within the historic walled Old City of Chiang Mai. It...
15
Parks
Buatong Waterfall, locally known as the Sticky Waterfall, features unique mineral-rich limestone surfaces that provide e...
16
Parks
Angkaew Reservoir is a manmade body of water situated within the grounds of Chiang Mai University. The reservoir serves...
17
Historical places
The Three Kings Monument features bronze statues of King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai, along with his allies King...
18
Parks
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden is Thailand’s first botanical garden established under international standards, located wit...
19
Places of interest
Pong Yang Jungle Coaster & Zipline is an adventure park located in the Mae Rim District mountains of Chiang Mai, Thailan...
20
Temples
Wat Chiang Man is recognized as the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, dating back to the city's founding by King Mangrai in 1...
21
Parks
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park spans over 260 square kilometers of mountainous terrain reaching an elevation of 1,685 mete...
22
Zoos
Chiang Mai Zoo is a 200-acre facility located at the foot of Doi Suthep mountain, housing over 7,000 animals. It feature...
23
Places of interest
Hmong Doi Pui Village is a mountain settlement located within the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand....
24
Temples
Wat Chet Yod, meaning 'Temple of the Seven Spires,' is distinguished by its unique square chedi modeled after the Mahabo...
25
Temples
Wat Suan Dok is a historic Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, distinguished by its large, whitewashed chedi and a massive, o...
26
Places of interest
Bhubing Palace is the royal winter residence located on the summit of Doi Buak Ha in Chiang Mai. Built in 1961, it serve...
27
Places of interest
Tiger Kingdom in Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, offers visitors controlled, up-close physical encounters with captive tigers of va...
28
Museums
Kaew Gallery is a specialized art space located within the historic walls of Chiang Mai’s Old City. The gallery focuses...
29
Parks
Grand Canyon Water Park is a former limestone quarry transformed into an expansive aquatic adventure site in Chiang Mai....
30
Places of interest
The Canopy Walks is a 369-meter-long elevated walkway located within the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in Chiang Mai. It...
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Chiang Mai on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Chiang Mai
November to February, when the weather is cool and dry, making outdoor temple exploration more comfortable.
3-4 days to balance historic sightseeing in the Old City with trips into the surrounding mountains.
Songthaews (red pickup trucks), ride-hailing apps, and motorbike rentals are the primary modes of transport, as there is no metro system.
Stay within the Old City square for proximity to historic gates and temples, or choose the Nimman Road area for a modern, cafe-focused atmosphere.
Chiang Mai is considered a budget-to-mid-range destination with affordable street food and varied accommodation options.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 483 curated attractions in and around Chiang Mai, ranked by traveller ratings.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham is the highest-rated place to visit in Chiang Mai right now.
The largest category is temples, with 161 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bangkok, Nonthaburi (city), Chiang Rai.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
