9 Places to Visit in Chiang Mai + Things To Do for First-Timers

By Marcos Detourista. Updated on June 6, 2019.

Where to go in Chiang Mai? Achieve your travel goals with this list of beautiful destinations, things to do, best places to visit, Chiang Mai tourist spots, attractions & more.

1. Chiang Mai Old City Temples

Monks at Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai

Buddhist monk at Wat Chedi Luang (temple), in Chiang Mai, Thaila

Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai

Elephant sculptures at Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in the

Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai walled city

Wat Phan Tao (wooden temple), in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Wat Phan Tao (wooden temple), Chiang Mai

Wat Lok Molee in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Wat Lok Molee, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai city tour packages

Tours + discounts

Must-visit temples in Chaing Mai

Wat Chedi LuangLocation: 103 Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Si Phum. Save on Google Maps.

Wat Phra SinghLocation: 2 Samlarn Rd, Phra Sing. Save on Google Maps.

Wat Chiang ManLocation: 171 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Si Phum. Save on Google Maps.

Wat Phan TaoLocation: 127/7 Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Si Phum. Save on Google Maps.

Wat Lok MoleeLocation: 298/1 Manee Nopparat Rd. Save on Google Maps.

2. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Doi Suthep Lanna in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai

Giant Naga guard statues at the 309 steps leading to Wat Doi Sut

Giant Naga guards at Doi Suthep temple

Save on Google Maps.

3. Mount Doi Inthanon

Doi Inthanon National Park near Chiang Mai, Thailand

Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand

Location: Ban Luang, Chom Thong District. Save on Google Maps.

Doi Inthanon National Park tour package from Chiang Mai

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4. Mae Ya Waterfall

Mae Ya Waterfall at Mount Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Mae Ya Waterfall, cascading at Mount Doi Inthanon

Location: Doi Inthanon National Park. Save on Google Maps.

5. Old City Walls & Gates

Southeast bastion of the old city wall surrounding Chiang Mai, T

Chiang Mai old city wall

Tha Pae Gate, in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Tha Pae Gate, Chiang Mai

Moat surrounding the Walled City of Chiang Mai, Thailand

Fountains and greens surrounding Chiang Mai walled city

6. Chiang Mai Food

Pad Thai in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Pad Thai in Chiang Mai

Kao Soi Khuj Yai, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Kao Soi Khuj Yai, Chiang Mai

Kao Soi Khuj YaiLocation: 8 Sri Poom Rd. Save on Google Maps.

Nimmanhaemin districtLocation: Su Thep. Save on Google Maps.

7. Chiang Mai Weekend Markets

Night market in front of Wat Phan Tao, in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Night market at Wat Phan Tao, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai weekend markets

Sunday Walking StreetLocation: Rachadamnoen Road (behind Thapae Gate). Save on Google Maps.

Saturday Walking StreetLocation: Wualai Road (behind the Chiang Mai Gate). Save on Google Maps.

8. Wiang Kum Kam

Wat Chedi Liem at Wiang Kum Kang, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Wat Chedi Liem at Wiang Kum Kang, Chiang Mai

Wat Ku Maisong temple ruins at Wiang Kum Kang in Chiang Mai, Tha

Wat Ku Maisong at Wiang Kum Kang area, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Location: Southeast of Chiang Mai Old City. Save on Google Maps.

9. Wat Jed Yod

Wat Chet Yot in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Wat Chet Yot, inspired by the Mahabodhi temple in India.

Location: Tambon Chang Phueak (Northwest of Chiang Mai Old City). Save on Google Maps.

Where to go near Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai

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Where to stayTours + discounts

Top discounts

30% OFF Chiang Mai Airport Transfers (CNX)

14% OFF Black House & White Temple Trip from Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle

Chiang Rai tour package from Chiang Mai

Tours + discounts See more

See more

6 Places To Visit in Chiang Rai

6 Places To Visit in Chiang Rai

Places to visit in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai tourist spots, things to do in Chiang Mai, where to go in Chiang Mai & more.

1. Chiang Mai Old City Temples

2. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

3. Mount Doi Inthanon

4. Mae Ya Waterfall

5. Old City Walls & Gates

6. Chiang Mai Food

7. Chiang Mai Weekend Markets

8. Wiang Kum Kam

9. Wat Jed Yod

Where to go near Chiang Mai

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Chiang Mai that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

Cheapest rates Best reviews

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

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20 Places To Visit in Thailand

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Soaking up the history at the Bridge of Sighs in Venice. This famous bridge passes over the Rio di Palazzo, and connects the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove) to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace.
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📸@thepinaysolobackpacker
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The best way to explore this unique floating city is by gondola, of course. It's an experience like no other, to see Venice from the maze-like canals. Walking is also a must since it's not possible for cars to pass through the narrow streets. Venice's historical core is fairly compact. You can easily fit many of the major sights in a day. Here are some of the spots we enjoyed visiting:
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✔️Saint Mark’s Basilica
✔️Piazza San Marco (San Marco Square)
✔️St Mark’s Campanile (Bell Tower)
✔️Doge’s Palace
✔️Bridge of Sighs
✔️Venice Gondola Ride
✔️Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo
✔️Casa di Marco Polo
✔️Casanova House’s in Venice
✔️Parish of Santa Maria Formosa
✔️Rialto Bridge
✔️Grand Canal
✔️T Fondaco dei Tedeschi

<img src="https://static1.detourista.com/wp/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?strip=all&lossy=80&w=1920&ssl=1" alt="Soaking up the history at the Bridge of Sighs in Venice. This famous bridge passes over the Rio di Palazzo, and connects the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove) to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace. . 📸@thepinaysolobackpacker . The best way to explore this unique floating city is by gondola, of course. It's an experience like no other, to see Venice from the maze-like canals. Walking is also a must since it's not possible for cars to pass through the narrow streets. Venice's historical core is fairly compact. You can easily fit many of the major sights in a day. Here are some of the spots we enjoyed visiting: . ✔️Saint Mark’s Basilica ✔️Piazza San Marco (San Marco Square) ✔️St Mark’s Campanile (Bell Tower) ✔️Doge’s Palace ✔️Bridge of Sighs ✔️Venice Gondola Ride ✔️Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo ✔️Casa di Marco Polo ✔️Casanova House’s in Venice ✔️Parish of Santa Maria Formosa ✔️Rialto Bridge ✔️Grand Canal ✔️T Fondaco dei Tedeschi">

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It's the oldest story in the world. One day you’re seventeen and planning for someday. And then quietly and without you ever really noticing, someday is today. And that someday is yesterday. And this is your life.
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📸@thepinaysolobackpacker

<img src="https://static1.detourista.com/wp/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?strip=all&lossy=80&w=1920&ssl=1" alt="It's the oldest story in the world. One day you’re seventeen and planning for someday. And then quietly and without you ever really noticing, someday is today. And that someday is yesterday. And this is your life. . 📸@thepinaysolobackpacker">

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Early morning walk in Venice 🇮🇹😍. Crowded with tourists is usually the reality, you'd see here.
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Not for us though. We went to Venice during winter. There were a lot less crowds to fight with ♥️
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Would you go to Venice during winter season?
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📸@thepinaysolobackpacker

<img src="https://static1.detourista.com/wp/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?strip=all&lossy=80&w=1920&ssl=1" alt="Early morning walk in Venice 🇮🇹😍. Crowded with tourists is usually the reality, you'd see here. . Not for us though. We went to Venice during winter. There were a lot less crowds to fight with ♥️ . Would you go to Venice during winter season? . 📸@thepinaysolobackpacker">

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Beautiful from every angle 😍 The spiral staircase is one of the spots not-to-miss at the Vatican Museums.
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📸 @thepinaysolobackpacker
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Of course, no visit here would be complete without the Sistine Chapel where you can find some of Michelangelo greatest works including The Last Judgement and The Creation of Adam. It's also the site of the papal conclave, the process by which the pope is chosen.
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#detourista #vaticanmuseums #justcreate #travelbugs #wanderlost #travelalways #findmeoutside #fotograts #travel3sixty#wtn_wheretonext #visualsdistrict #asiantraveller #thattravelblog #globeshotz #pinoyigers #lrcph #travelpassport #lightroomph #vaticanmuseum #museivaticani #museiitaliani #vaticancity #rome #ItalyDetourista

<img src="https://static1.detourista.com/wp/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?strip=all&lossy=80&w=1920&ssl=1" alt="Beautiful from every angle 😍 The spiral staircase is one of the spots not-to-miss at the Vatican Museums. . 📸 @thepinaysolobackpacker . Of course, no visit here would be complete without the Sistine Chapel where you can find some of Michelangelo greatest works including The Last Judgement and The Creation of Adam. It's also the site of the papal conclave, the process by which the pope is chosen. . #detourista #vaticanmuseums #justcreate #travelbugs #wanderlost #travelalways #findmeoutside #fotograts #travel3sixty#wtn_wheretonext #visualsdistrict #asiantraveller #thattravelblog #globeshotz #pinoyigers #lrcph #travelpassport #lightroomph #vaticanmuseum #museivaticani #museiitaliani #vaticancity #rome #ItalyDetourista">

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Do your best and let the good vibes flow.
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Soaking up the morning sun at the holy Vatican City in Rome, Italy. SWIPE to see the view from the top of St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world & a virtual tour inside.
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📸 @thepinaysolobackpacker

<img src="https://static1.detourista.com/wp/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?strip=all&lossy=80&w=1920&ssl=1" alt="Do your best and let the good vibes flow. .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Soaking up the morning sun at the holy Vatican City in Rome, Italy. SWIPE to see the view from the top of St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world & a virtual tour inside. .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📸 @thepinaysolobackpacker">

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Waiting for my wish to come true 🤞 When in Rome, legend claims that you should stand with your back to the ⛲ Trevi Fountain and toss a coin over your left shoulder.

1️⃣ The first coin guarantees your return to Rome in the future.
2️⃣ The second will ensure a new romance, and
3️⃣ The third will ensure marriage.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
How many coins would you toss?

<img src="https://static1.detourista.com/wp/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?strip=all&lossy=80&w=1920&ssl=1" alt="Waiting for my wish to come true 🤞 When in Rome, legend claims that you should stand with your back to the ⛲ Trevi Fountain and toss a coin over your left shoulder. 1️⃣ The first coin guarantees your return to Rome in the future. 2️⃣ The second will ensure a new romance, and 3️⃣ The third will ensure marriage. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ How many coins would you toss?">

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