All destinations
From the moated Old City's temples and Sunday Walking Street to Doi Suthep mountain, Nimman's cafés and design shops, the Ping River riverside — plus day trips to Chiang Rai, Pai and Doi Inthanon
Must-visit destinations
Chiang Rai
Base for the White Temple, Blue Temple and Black House, Golden Triangle and Mekong River day trips
Doi Inthanon
Thailand's highest point and cool mountain air, Waterfalls and short, well-marked nature trails
Doi Suthep
Temple and mountain views, Early risers wanting to avoid crowds and haze
Ethical elephant sanctuary
Ethical wildlife travelers, Families
Night bazaar
First-night orientation, Souvenir shopping (with haggling)
Nimmanhaemin
Coffee and café culture, Design shopping and boutiques
Chiang Mai Old City
First-time visitors, Temple-hopping on foot
Pai
Slow travel and a genuine change of pace from Chiang Mai, Motorbike riders and viewpoint chasers
More to explore
Anusarn market
Seafood dinner, Foot and Thai massage after a day of walking
Baan Tawai woodcarving village
Furniture and home décor shopping, Woodcarving demonstrations and workshops
Bhubing palace
Garden and flower photography, A cool-climate break from the city heat
Black House (Baan Dam Museum)
Art and design enthusiasts, A deliberate tonal contrast to the White and Blue temples
Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)
Photography without the White Temple's crowds, A quick, contrasting stop right in Chiang Rai town
Bo Sang umbrella village
Craft and handicraft shopping, Photography (colorful umbrella displays)
Chiang Dao
Cave exploration without a multi-day commitment, Birdwatchers (the area is one of Thailand's noted birding sites)
Chiang Mai University and Huay Kaew Road
Quiet walks and cycling, Budget student-priced food
Doi Pui Hmong village
Hill-tribe culture (with caveats), Photographers
Golden Triangle
History of the former opium trade and the Hall of Opium museum, Mekong River longtail boat trips
Grand Canyon Hang Dong
Swimming and cliff jumping, Families wanting an inflatable aqua park
Huay Kaew waterfall
Free, low-key nature stops, Hikers wanting the Monk's Trail
Lampang
Temple architecture and Lanna history, Ceramics shoppers (Lampang's chicken-bowl pottery)
Mae Hong Son
Slow, scenic road-trip travelers, Photographers drawn to mist, lakes, and mountain light
Mae Kampong village
Homestay and slow-travel experiences, Coffee and fermented-tea enthusiasts
Mae Rim
Ethical wildlife encounters, Families
Mae Sa valley
Waterfall walks, Adventure activities
Mon Cham
Sunrise and sea-of-mist chasers, Photographers
One Nimman
Boutique shopping, Weekend markets
Ping riverside and Wat Ket
A quiet break from the Old City crowds, Riverside dinner
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
Garden and plant lovers, Quiet, low-key mornings
Royal Park Rajapruek
Garden and architecture photography, A calm, low-crowd half day
San Kamphaeng crafts road
Handicraft and souvenir shopping, Watching traditional production processes
San Kamphaeng hot springs
Travelers wanting a low-key half-day stop, Combining with Bo Sang and Mae Kampong
Saturday Walking Street (Wualai)
Silver crafts and jewellery, A calmer alternative to Sunday Walking Street
Sticky Waterfalls (Bua Thong)
Active travelers and families with older kids, Budget-friendly outdoor activities
Sunday Walking Street
Street food, Handicrafts and souvenirs
Tha Phae Gate
Orientation and first stop in the Old City, Photography at sunset
Three Kings Monument
Lanna history and culture, Museum visits
Warorot market
Local food and snacks, Morning market atmosphere
Wat Chedi Luang
Photography, History and Lanna architecture
Wat Chiang Man
History, Quiet, uncrowded temple visits
Wat Phra Singh
First-time temple visits, Buddhist art and Lanna architecture
Wat Umong
Quiet, shaded temple visits, Meditation and monk chat
White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
Photography and modern Buddhist art, First-time visitors to the Chiang Rai temple circuit
Wiang Kum Kam
History and ruins without the crowds, A quiet counterpoint to Old City temples
Most-booked experiences in Chiang Mai
Whichever destination you choose, these are the activities travellers book most.
Chiang Mai: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary with Lunch & Transfer
Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep Temple & Wat Pha Lat Hike
Chiang Mai: Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour
Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon National Park Eco-Friendly Tour
From Chiang Mai: White Temple & Golden Triangle Day Trip
Taste of Chiang Mai: Michelin Guide & Street Food Tour
Chiang Mai: 2-Day Jungle Trek with Elephant Farm & Raft Ride
