Chiang Mai Province

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Ancient Slide / Wat Chedi Luang / Chiang Mai

Getty Images/Flickr Open

Overview

Thailand’s northern capital is an overnight train ride and light years away from the bustle of Bangkok. Wrestled from Burmese control by the kingdom of Siam, the former capital of the Lanna people is a captivating collection of glimmering monasteries, manic markets, modern shopping centers, and quiet residential streets that wouldn't look amiss in a remote village.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep temple, Chiang Mai, Thailand

    Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

    Chiang Mai

    Overlooking the city from its mountain throne, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples, and its founding legend is…

  • Ancient Slide / Wat Chedi Luang / Chiang Mai

    Wat Chedi Luang

    Chiang Mai

    Wat Chedi Luang isn't as grand as Wat Phra Singh, but its towering, ruined Lanna-style chedi (built in 1441) is much taller and the sprawling compound…

  • Dragon's head at Wat Phra Sing.

    Wat Phra Singh

    Chiang Mai

    Chiang Mai's most revered temple, Wat Phra Singh is dominated by an enormous, mosaic-inlaid wí·hăhn (sanctuary). Its prosperity is plain to see from the…

  • 500px Photo ID: 61441821 - merchant waiting for seller in Warorot market Chiangmai...See more work at.https://www.facebook.com/Amandernaja

    Talat Warorot

    Chiang Mai

    Chiang Mai's oldest public market, Warorot (also spelt Waroros) is a great place to connect with the city's Thai soul. Alongside souvenir vendors you'll…

  • Principal image at Wat Pan Tao in Chiang Mai, Thailand

    Wat Phan Tao

    Chiang Mai

    Without doubt the most atmospheric wát in the old city, this teak marvel sits in the shadow of Wat Chedi Luang. Set in a compound full of fluttering…

  • The Death Railway, bridge over the River Kwai

    Lanna Folklife Museum

    Chiang Mai

    Set inside the former Provincial Court, dating from 1935, this imaginative museum re-creates Lanna village life in a series of life-size dioramas that…

  • Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary

    Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary

    Chiang Mai Province

    At this community-based, elephant retirement and small animal rescue sanctuary, humans work for the elephants (not the other way around). Just three…

  • Wat Pha Lat

    Wat Pha Lat

    Chiang Mai

    A hidden jungle temple tucked into the mountain along the way to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Old stone structures, intricate carvings, naga-flanked…

View more attractions

Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from Chiang Mai Province

Filter by interest:

Chiang Mai, THAILAND - June 16, 2012: Adult and baby elephants eating sugar cane. 108225581 animal, asia, asian, baby, beauty, big, calf, chiang mai, cute, elephant, elephant training, environment, face, family, field, friendships, grass, grey, head, jungle, large, legs, little, mammal, national, natural, nature, nose, park, playing, portrait, reserve, road, skin, small, strength, strong, thai, thailand, travel, trunk, two elephants, walking, waterfall, wild, wilderness, wildlife, young

Wildlife & Nature

How to travel responsibly in Chiang Mai

Apr 2, 2020 • 5 min read

Read more articles

Build a memorable collection

Get to the heart of Chiang Mai Province with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Go Beyond

Chiang Mai Province and beyond

Beyond Chiang Mai Province