Top Places to Visit in Chiang Mai for Tourists

Published On : 04 Sep 2024

Chiang Mai is not only the largest city in the northern region but also the cultural capital of the country making it a prominent must-visit tourist destination. Ancient architecture lovers will be intrigued by the numerous temples, fans of open-air markets will be satisfied with the local bazaars, lovers of beautiful nature will be delighted by the Doi Suthep and Doi Pui mountains, and those who like to plunge into the local culture will find themselves in the Thai Huay Tung Reu village. Here are the top places to visit in Chiang Mai for an unforgettable Thai holiday.

1. Doi Suthep Temple

For religious souls and scenic beauty lovers, This is the famous Doi Suthep Temple, one of the most important places in Chiang Mai because of its stunning location and architecture. – a standout amongst the most established Buddhist sanctuaries in Chiang Mai – is perched high on the Doi Suthep mountain, over the city. They are a collection of temples and monuments that were established in the 14th century and most of their temples are sacred sites that contain edifices such as a golden temple of the pagoda which houses the ashes of Lord Buddha. This is a place of worship and people bring incense and flowers to burn before the deity Every day there are so many Pilgrims Villagers and Tourists They come to view the beautiful view of the city. Make sure that you can identify the beautifully carved nagas on the stairs while making your way up to this religious shrine.

2. Wat Chedi Luang

Constructed in the 15th century, Wat Chedi Luang has somewhat been in a ruined state but its 82-meter-high pagoda is still a landmark. SUVANNAPHUM – This ancient temple in the central area of Chiang Mai was the home of the Emerald Buddha for over 80 years. However, an earthquake that happened many centuries ago destroyed portions of the building but you can see what was once the largest pagoda in town and the elephant bas-relief at the base which was erected in remembrance of the tale that this holy temple was established after the King’s elephant led him to this place where it had dropped a relic of Lord Buddha.

3. Saturday Walking Street Market

If you want to get the touch of the original northern Thai handicraft goods, some of the scrumptious street foods, and lively night entertainments, head to Saturday Night Walking Street. This is the most popular night market in Chiang Mai, with over 10,000 stalls that offer all sorts of items ranging from clothing and furniture to food and souvenirs like fried insects, handmade umbrellas, and silversmithing crafted by the hill tribes. Here, sampling of exotic foods, listening to and watching local artists and dancing are some of the things that can be done. If the night bazaars could be said to be the pride of SE Asia, then the Walking Street Market easily ranks among the most vibrant and colorful of them all.

4. Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls

Chiang Mai: A good way to get away from it all is to head for the green jungles of the mountains that circle the city. There are many beautiful waterfalls one of them is the Bua Thong (sticky) waterfalls located in the Doi Inthanon National Park which you can only get to by walking through the jungles. Unlike most of the waterfalls that empower straight down, the water of Bua Thong has a gentle inclination and forms beautiful, long strings of limestone and minerals that hang like hair. These are not only spots where one can swim, camp, fish, or just relax but adventure enthusiasts can scale the falls themselves! Then, take time and enjoy the emerald pools before you end your private nature experience.

5. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Hailed as one of Chiang Mai’s most beloved religious sites, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a mountaintop step temple, is nestled high in the Mae Sa Valley, offering a bird’s eye view of the city below. This is a gold-topped holy shrine that has been in existence since 1383 and has remained an important sacred place in Thailand after white elephants carrying relics selected from this temple site were believed to have intentionally accompanied the Thai King. People can visit the shrines and use flowers and incense to pay homage to the gods and also view the beautiful valley scenery the intricate carving on the temple walls and the main copper-roofed pagoda enshrining the Buddha relics.

6. Wat Umong Forest Temple

Wat Umong Forest Monastery – Wat Umong is an ideal place to get away from the bustle of Chiang Mai, featuring lovely gardens, a meditation trail, and tunnel murals. This temple dates back to 1380 and under the banner of a religious center, it offers the visitor a chance to explore the forest with small lakes and have contact with the soul through reaching some particular points of meditation. In the back garden, do not omit the majestic antiquated 700-year-old stupa while overarched by huge trees. True to its promise, the place is serene and quiet where you come out recharged and refreshed.

7. Elephant Nature Park

Visit the Elephant Nature Park rescue center and enjoy a full day interacting with Thailand’s national animal, the elephant, which is situated a 40-minute drive from the city. This famous shelter is home to tens of elephants who were given refuge there from being abused, as well as other animals such as bears, dogs, and water buffalo. Tours can be taken where one gets a chance to feed, wash, and even touch the animals, all within the vast compound. Learn even more about these incredible creatures and ways to preserve them via daily visitor programs and volunteering.

8. Chiang Mai Night Safari

Chiang Mai Night Safari is a great place to visit with your kids as they get to feel the thrill of the night safari with exotic animals. As a mammal lover, visit structures such as Panda House, Gibbon Island, and Elephant Stadium in the daytime. At night, enjoy the night walks with Tiger, Leopards & other animals in natural habitats which will be lit up for the visitors. Other shows presented in the park will include Predator Prowl, and Savanna Safari which will enhance your tour experience. Featuring a multitude of special night activities for children, this zoo transforms into a fun and beautiful family lesson set in the middle of forests at night.

9. Sunday Night Market

This weekly market stretches nearly 1 km on the Tha Pae Road in the old town area of Chiang Mai and has countless stalls selling everything from handicrafts to souvenirs, art, clothes, and much more every Sunday night. Bargaining skills will be handy when you select good-looking costume hill tribe bags, textiles, wooden carved decorative items, pottery, lamps, and other miscellaneous souvenirs to bring home. Visitors who are passionate about food will enjoy taking a stroll and eating from several roving stalls that offer delicious stir fry and mystery meat on sticks. Oh yes, it is a true message for the sensory system’s maximum pleasure! Shop in the evening when people are serious with business be it business people or tourists.

10. Cooking Classes

Cook your Thai food Take a cooking course at one of Chiang Mai’s many cooking schools to take home the taste of the region. To beginners and fans of Thai cuisine, courses in such schools as Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School and Thai Farm Cooking School are available in half-day and full-day programs that introduce students to basic Thai recipes, sauces, and dishes such as massaman curry or pad thai, respectively. Each session is carried out in groups and most of the classes involve a market visit to understand the local produce to prepare fresh foodstuffs which are then prepared in a commercial kitchen back at the academy. It is truly living out a culture and on top of that, you get to eat the sweet fruits that your efforts have produced!

Boasting ancient temples, colorful markets, and greenery of attractions physically located by the backdrop of the captivating mountains of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai gets tourists enchanted. Here is the list of the attractive sights and activities for every taste to have a wonderful time during the earning cultural capital. Happy exploring! May the enchanting charm of Chiang Mai guide you!