Chiang Mai is the most important city of northern Thailand - both because of commerce and culture. It is located in the north western part of the country and one of the top entry points into the country alongside Bangkok, the capital in central Thailand and Phuket (an island) in southern Thailand.
This Sightseeing in Chiang Mai thread is specifically to share information, locations and ideas around what to see, where to go, what to do in Chiang Mai by both travellers who have recently visited the city and those who are planning to make a future visit.
To kickstart this thread, here is a list of a few popular places in Chiang Mai, Thailand that are worth visiting:
Temples & Spiritual Sites:
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: A revered temple perched on a mountaintop with breathtaking views of the city. Best visited on a rental scooter ride from CM city!
- Wat Chedi Luang: An ancient temple with a massive chedi (pagoda) in ruins.
- Wat Phra Singh: A beautiful temple housing the revered Phra Singh Buddha image in the city centre.
- Doi Inthanon National Park: Thailand’s highest peak, home to waterfalls, trails, and pagodas.
Cultural Experiences:
- Elephant Sanctuaries: Interact with elephants ethically at responsible sanctuaries. There are quite a few in and around CM (please recommend an ethical one if you have visited)
- Thai Cooking Class: Learn to cook authentic Thai dishes with fresh ingredients such as Pad Thai and Khao Suey.
- Night Market: Shop for souvenirs, clothing, and local crafts while feasting on delicious local delicacies made by local families.
- Sunday Walking Street: A lively market with food stalls, handmade goods, and street performances. This market’s location changes so make sure to check with locals before heading out.
Nature & Adventure:
- Jungle Trekking: Explore the lush jungles surrounding Chiang Mai on a guided trek. Doi Inthanon National Park is a beautiful place to do this!
- Ziplining: Soar through the treetops for an adrenaline rush.
- River Rafting: Experience the thrill of navigating the Mae Taeng River.
More to see:
- Baan Kang Wat Artist Village: A creative hub with art galleries, studios, and cafes.
- Huay Tung Tao Lake: A serene lake surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for a picnic or boat ride.
- Pai is a small town about two hours north-west of Chiang Mai on the famed Mae Hong Son Loop mountain road route. Its called a backpackers paradise and is worth a two day visit from Chiang Mai!
Share your latest experiences in exploring these sites and/or other new points of interest in Chiang Mai as responses/comments on this thread. This will be very helpful to fellow travellers and members of this travel community who are planning a trip to Thailand.
