Chiang Mai’s location in the mountainous region of northern Thailand gives it a sufficient advantage as a tourist destination. Apart from extremely alluring sights, it also offers unique experiences that tourists would appreciate. Not to mention, it’s also one of the cheapest places to travel in Southeast Asia!

As the capital city of Chiang Mai province, Chiang Mai features top-rated attractions, which start with old city temples and quaint villages. You cannot leave the city without visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a mountaintop temple with a revered seated Buddha as the centerpiece. There are over a hundred more temples inside Chiang Mai walled city if you want to go on a crazy temple run, including Wat Chedi Luang. For gorgeous views of nature, head to Doi Inthanon National Park, home to the highest mountain in Thailand and the massive Mae Ya Waterfall. Doi Pui Village is another sight worth exploring, exhibiting the vibe of a traditional tribal village, as it played host to various groups through the years.

The best way to enjoy Thai culture is by indulging in delicious Thai food. Tourists coming to Chiang Mai also enjoy having a gastronomic adventure at the Gate Market, where vendors serve affordable, tasty delicacies—from khao soi, pad kra pow to mango sticky rice.  Chiang Mai is undoubtedly the best foodie destination north of Bangkok.

Chiang Mai is well worth a visit if you want to experience authentic Thai culture minus the madness—and high price—of the country’s capital, Bangkok. It may be 700 kilometers from the city center but having its own Chiang Mai International Airport is an edge that helps draw tourists from neighboring Asian cities, like Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Singapore, and others.

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted below. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. But before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip!

Chiang Mai travel essentials

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Chiang Mai HotelsTours + discountsFlights

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1. Chiang Mai Old City Temples

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.

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2. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Location: 9 หมู่ที่ 9 Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand. Save on Google Maps.

3. Mount Doi Inthanon

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

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Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park tour package from Chiang Mai

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4. Mae Ya Waterfall

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

5. Old City Walls & Gates

6. Chiang Mai Food

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Baan Thai Cooking Class

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

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

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

9. Wat Jed Yod

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

Chiang Rai

Location: Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand. Save on Google Maps.

Chiang Rai Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

Chiang Rai tour package from Chiang Mai

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Sukhothai

Location: Sukhothai province, central Thailand. Save on Google Maps.

Sukhothai Travel Essentials

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Thi Lo Su Waterfall

Location: Mae Chan, Umphang District, Tak 63170, Thailand. Save on Google Maps.

Bangkok

Location: Bangkok, central Thailand. Save on Google Maps.

Bangkok Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

Luang Prabang, Laos

Location: Luang Prabang province, northern Laos. Save on Google Maps.

Luang Prabang Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

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!

Places to visit in Chiang Mai

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

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

Click below & search recommended Chiang Mai hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your min/max price, travel dates, and sort by review ratings. I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

AgodaBooking.com

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.

Don’t Stop Here

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