Surrounded by tranquil countryside Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand. Bursting with history, glittering temples, shopping, nightlife and fantastic food – it’s easy to spend a long time exploring this city.
Chiang Mai’s layout
The Old City is the heart of Chiang Mai, framed by an ancient wall and moat, where you can explore Lanna style temples and enjoy some of Northern Thailand’s famous cuisine. Outside of the walls Chiang Mai is a modern metropolis. The riverside area has its own pace with restaurants and a selection of 5* hotels lining the banks. To the west, Doi Suthep overlooks the city with one of Thailand’s most sacred temples perched on the top.
Temples to discover
Wat Phra Singh
Wihan Lai Kham is a beautiful red and gold chapel which houses Phra Singh (known as the Lion Buddha). Beautifully decorated with lots of gold and immaculate gardens. Look for ‘words of wisdom’ in the trees
Wat Phan Tao
Beautiful teak temple close to Wat Chedi Luang. Garden area is very pretty.
Wat Chedi Luang
Within the walls of the Old City, pictures just don’t do it justice. Wat Chedi Luang is incredibly atmospheric with a towering Lanna-style chedi built in 1441. Part of the top of the chedi was destroyed either in the invasion of the Burmese or an earthquake in the 16th century. The chedi was saved as part of a UNESCO project in the 90s. The Emerald Buddha was once housed here but has since moved to Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. You can now view a replica which was given as a gift from the King to celebrate the 600th anniversary of the chedi.
Wat Srisuphan
A stunning silver temple decorated with silver, nickel and aluminium. Visit in the evening for a golden glow. Take time to look at the carvings – you’ll find some interesting surprises!
Wat Lok Moli
Just outside of the old city and therefore often not visited.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
One of northern Thailand’s most sacred temples and perched at top of Doi Suthep (Doi means mountain in Thai), it’s a 306 step climb to the gleaming golden temple. Origins dating back to 1382.
To visit Chiang Mai’s temples, you must dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. Remove your shoes as you enter any temple.
Shopping
Saturday Walking Street
Don’t miss this pop up market full of great street food, souvenirs and clothes. There is such a great buzz when this market is held and it’s an absolute joy to wander around the stalls. I recommend starting your journey on an empty stomach so you can sample all the delicious snacks. The market takes over Th Wualai, running southwest from Pratu Chiang Mai at the southern entrance to the old city.
Sunday Night Market
This market extends all the way from Tha Pae Gate through Ratchadamnoen Road.
Night Bazaar
This permanent market takes place every night just to the west outside the Old City. It’s a hectic and popular tourist destination, selling the usual suspects like fake handbags, electronics, and tatty souvenirs. Generally it lacks the enjoyable atmosphere of the Saturday and Sunday markets in the Old City.
Warorot
Chaing Mai’s oldest market, which is packed with all sorts of things from household goods to souvenirs and food. This is a permanent market just north of the Night Bazaar, close to the river.
Where to eat
Food is very regional in Thailand and Chiang Mai has a selection of dishes its renowned for. The most fun place to sample a variety of dishes is at the night markets. My favourite is the Sunday night walking street market.
Must try dishes
Khao Soi
Soft and crispy noodles combined with a mild yellow coconut curry soup, served with spring onions and cabbage. Chicken, pork or beef – some places add seafood too.
Sai Oua (Northern Thai sausage)
Spicy and herby grilled pork sausage. You’ll see these in huge coils at the street stalls all over the city.
Khao Niao
Sticky rice which traditionally accompanies meals in the north rather than steamed rice. Enjoy with nam prik – Thai chili dips.
Khao Kha Moo
Stewed pork leg served over a bed of white rice. Most famous place for this dish is from the Lady with the hat at Chang Phuak night market.
Cooking Classes
There are plenty of classes on offer around Chiang Mai. Morning classes typically start by visit the market first to learn about the ingredients. Choose one outside of town to experience a relaxing countryside setting. It’s fun to go with friends so you can make different dishes to share.
Read more about Thai cuisine here.
Meditation Retreats
If you’re interested in Buddhism, stay at International Buddhism Center, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on a meditation retreat.
Where to stay
If it’s your first visit to Chiang Mai stay in the Old City. It’s so pretty and there is so much to explore.
How to get around
Arriving by air
Most long-haul international flights connect via Bangkok before continuing to Chiang Mai. For shorter journeys, there are direct domestic and regional flights linking Chiang Mai to Thailand’s southern islands and neighbouring countries. The airport is only a 10-minute drive to the Old City – choose from Metered taxis, Grabs and organised pickups with your tour operator or hotel.
Arriving by bus
The main bus terminal about 15 – 20 minutes’ drive to the Old City depending on traffic.
Arriving by train
Chiang Mai’s train station is also around 15 – 20 minutes from the Old City. Trains run regularly south towards Ayutthaya and Bangkok.
Transport within the Old City
Exploring the Old City by foot is easy but when the hear gets too much wizz around in a tuk-tuk or head out the city walls by Grab. You’ll also see the iconic red songthaews – a cross between a bus and a shared taxi – which are a cheap and flexible way to get around.
Travel North
Chiang Mai is a great starting point for exploring Northern Thailand. Pai and Chiang Rai are only three hours away by bus. Buses can take you all the way to the Thai-Laos boarder where you can catch a slow boat to Luang Prabang.
Visited November 2016 & February 2025
Little Amy Tours 
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