10 Best Things to Do and See in Chiang Mai
Exploring Chiang Mai on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Chiang Mai, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Chiang Mai. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Tha Phae Gate
Tha Phae Gate is one of the best-known historic gates in Chiang Mai’s old city. On arrival, you’ll find part of the old wall, a restored brick gate, and a large open square that serves as a lively meeting point for locals and travelers. It’s a great place to feel the atmosphere of the former walled city while enjoying a vibrant area lined with cafés, shops, and pedestrian traffic. It also makes a good starting point for exploring the old town’s streets and temples.
2. Night Bazaar Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is one of the city’s liveliest night markets, ideal for experiencing the local atmosphere after dark. Visitors will find a wide range of stalls selling handicrafts, clothing, accessories, souvenirs and decorative items, as well as plenty of Thai street food. The market attracts both travelers and locals with its vibrant feel, shop-lined walkways and the typical energy of northern Thailand’s night markets. It is a pleasant stop for browsing, bargaining and watching everyday life in Chiang Mai.
3. Wat Phra That Doi Kham
Perched on a hill southwest of Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Kham is a Buddhist temple loved for its peaceful atmosphere and open views over the city and surrounding area. Visitors can admire a large golden stupa, ornate shrines, Buddha statues, and a setting ideal for quiet reflection. The site is also known for its lively local feel, with offerings, bells, and prayer spaces used by both worshippers and travelers seeking panoramas and spirituality.
4. Wat Chedi Luang
In the heart of Chiang Mai Old City, Wat Chedi Luang is a large Buddhist temple that attracts visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and impressive monuments. Highlights include a large partially ruined chedi, prayer halls decorated with traditional details, as well as Buddha statues and quiet spaces typical of northern Thailand’s architecture. The site offers a spiritual and cultural visit, ideal for discovering local religious heritage and enjoying a place filled with serenity.
5. Chiang Mai Night Safari
Chiang Mai Night Safari is a wildlife park in Chiang Mai, Thailand, best visited in the evening to observe animals in a unique atmosphere. Visitors can explore different zones and see animals from various parts of the world, especially on tram or walking routes. The focus on nighttime viewing makes it possible to observe the behavior of many species after sunset. It is a popular outing for families and travelers looking for an original nature experience.
6. Wat Umong Suan Putthatham
Wat Umong Suan Putthatham is a peaceful Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, known for its forest setting and relaxing atmosphere, ideal for walks and meditation. It stands out for its underground tunnels, stupas, and Buddha statues scattered throughout a leafy landscape. Visitors discover a spiritual and quiet place, with shaded paths, meditation spaces, and a very different feel from the city’s more urban temples.
7. Chiang Mai Zoo
Chiang Mai Zoo, located on the slopes of Suthep Mountain, is one of the city’s major animal parks. Discover a wide collection of species from Thailand and around the world, displayed in enclosures and visitor areas designed for easy viewing. The site offers a pleasant walk among land animals, birds and other park residents in a green setting enjoyed by families and curious travelers alike. It is an ideal stop for discovering wildlife while enjoying a nature outing in Chiang Mai.
8. Three Kings Monument
In the heart of Chiang Mai, Three Kings Monument is a large commemorative statue set in an iconic square in the historic center. It features three royal figures standing side by side in a solemn setting popular with both locals and visitors. The site is often used as a starting point for exploring the Old City, with its temples, walls, and nearby markets. By day or evening, it is a pleasant place to stop, enjoy the local atmosphere, and better understand Chiang Mai’s cultural identity.
9. Wua Lai Walking Street Saturday Market
Wua Lai Walking Street Saturday Market in Chiang Mai is a lively street market that comes alive on Saturday evenings in the Wua Lai area. Discover a friendly atmosphere, local food stalls, Thai snacks, handicrafts, souvenirs, and sometimes items made by local artists or residents. It is a great place to stroll, taste northern Thai specialties, and enjoy a relaxed vibe with music, chats with vendors, and street activity.
10. Buak Had Public Park
Buak Had Public Park is a pleasant public park in central Chiang Mai, ideal for a quiet break in the middle of the city. Visitors can enjoy green open spaces, shaded trees, walking paths, and relaxing areas by the lawns and water features. Popular with locals and travelers alike, the park is perfect for a stroll, jogging, or simply sitting back and enjoying the peaceful local atmosphere in Thailand.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
