Chiang Mai Travel Guide

Northern Thailand’s ancient capital city, Chiang Mai is an invigorating center of art and culture, offering a slightly cleaner alternative to bustling Bangkok. The ‘Rose of the North’ is a wonderful site to experience Thailand’s distinct Lanna culture, as well as an ideal base for exploring the northern hill tribes and lush scenery of the mountainous north.

At the center of the city is the 700-year-old Old City, a mostly walled section of town surrounded by a moat. This is the heart and soul of Chiang Mai, where most of the important temples are located and nearly all the traveler’s amenities can be found. Thae Pae Gate is the tourist hub, surrounded by guesthouses, cheap eats and all sorts of entertainment options; but wander along any side street here and you’ll find something interesting.

Outside the moat, the city becomes more modern as it expands towards the Ping River to the east and Suthep Mountain to the west. The popular and pleasant riverside has some fun eating and drinking spots, while up-and-coming Nimmanhaemin road is attracting a trendier nightlife scene. Head up the mountain for cooler air, jungle trees and views from one of Thailand’s most sacred temples, Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. Many visitors rent motorbikes to get around, but you can always take a red taxi or tuk-tuk.

Chiang Mai Attractions

Night Bazaar: Chiang Mai’s night market can feel a bit claustrophobic, but the sheer variety of local handicrafts and souvenirs for sale will keep you slowly shuffling along.

Old City: surrounded by a moat and riddled with temples, friendly locals and narrow lanes, the ancient heart of Chiang Mai is the place to do your pedestrian explorations, because you never know what’s around the next corner.

Ping River: take a boat cruise along the city’s ideally-sized river to get a unique perspective of local life along its banks.

Phra Singh Temple: one of the city’s oldest and most important temples can be found right in the heart of the Old City, and is buzzing whenever a Buddhist holy day comes around.

Sunday Walking Street: every Sunday afternoon, the streets around Thae Pae Gate are closed to traffic and hundreds of small vendors sell their goods on the sidewalks.

Prathat Doi Suthep Temple: perched high on the green slopes of Suthep Mountain, this temple is hugely popular among Thais and visitors alike for its excellent views, cool air and golden pagoda.