Chiang Mai Province

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.

It's more country retreat than mega-metropolis, but this beguiling city still lures everyone from backpacking teenagers to young families, round-the-world retirees and a huge contingent of tourists from China, who are redefining the city's traveler experience.

Historic monasteries and cooking courses are just part of the picture. Get out into the surrounding province to find a jumble of forested hills, great for rafting, hiking, mountain biking and other adrenaline-charged activities. Most visitors will leave the city at least once to interact with elephants, dip into hot springs and wander experimental farms and botanic gardens.

Explore Chiang Mai Province

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
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…
Wat Chedi Luang
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…
Wat Phra Singh
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…
Talat Warorot
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…
Wat Phan Tao
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…
B
Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary
At this community-based, elephant retirement and small animal rescue sanctuary, humans work for the elephants (not the other way around). Just three…
N
Nam Tok Bua Tong (Sticky Waterfall)
Ever walked up a waterfall? An increasingly popular day trip from Chiang Mai to Si Lanna National Park's 'Sticky Waterfall' allows visitors (with no magic…
W
Wat Pha Lat
A hidden jungle temple tucked into the mountain along the way to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Old stone structures, intricate carvings, naga-flanked…
Lanna Folklife Museum
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…

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
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…
Wat Chedi Luang
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…
Wat Phra Singh
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…
Talat Warorot
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…
Wat Phan Tao
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…
B
Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary
At this community-based, elephant retirement and small animal rescue sanctuary, humans work for the elephants (not the other way around). Just three…
N
Nam Tok Bua Tong (Sticky Waterfall)
Ever walked up a waterfall? An increasingly popular day trip from Chiang Mai to Si Lanna National Park's 'Sticky Waterfall' allows visitors (with no magic…
W
Wat Pha Lat
A hidden jungle temple tucked into the mountain along the way to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Old stone structures, intricate carvings, naga-flanked…
Lanna Folklife Museum
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…

Latest Stories from Chiang Mai Province

Sustainable Travel 7 soul-satisfying vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Chiang Mai
Sep 27, 2019 • 5 min read
Thai cuisine is a feast for the stomach and senses. Vegetarian and vegan Chiang Mai visitors can expect superfood smoothies, meat-free fast food and more
Health & Wellness Where to practice yoga in Chiang Mai
Sep 5, 2019 • 5 min read
Between meditation trainings at Buddhist temples, local and visiting healers, and the famous traditional Thai massage, the northern hub of Chiang Mai naturally…
Art Where to celebrate Loi Krathong in Chiang Mai
Aug 23, 2019 • 4 min read
You’ve seen the photos: hundreds of floating fire lanterns lighting up the sky as small banana leaf boats with flowers, incense and candles drift down the…
Art Where to go for live music in Chiang Mai
Jun 24, 2019 • 5 min read
You’ve spent the perfect day in Chiang Mai discovering glittering wats, savouring your fill of kôw soy (famous noodle soup) and fitting in a foot massage…
Food Cocktails and craft beer: the coolest bars in Chiang Mai
Jun 17, 2019 • 4 min read
Tired of large bottles of Chang and buckets of SangSom? While sinking shots with the rest of the backpackers is a rite of passage for many travelling in…
Food Drinking and dining in Chiang Mai's Nimmanhaemin neighbourhood
Feb 25, 2019 • 5 min read
Chiang Mai may not be able to compete with Bangkok’s myriad wining and dining establishments, but what it lacks in options it makes up for in charm and…
Food How to live like a local in Chiang Mai
Feb 18, 2019 • 5 min read
Lonely Planet Local Alana Morgan first moved to the northern Thai town of Chiang Mai thinking she would stay six to eight months. Seven years later and…
Food A coffee lover's guide to Chiang Mai
Feb 7, 2019 • 4 min read
Move over, Melbourne. Thailand’s burgeoning cafe scene is grabbing firmly onto the spotlight. With hundreds of cafes, locally-grown beans and plenty of…
Food What to do in Chiang Mai’s riverside Wat Ket district
Jul 18, 2018 • 4 min read
On the east side of Mae Ping in Chiang Mai is the Wat Ket neighbourhood. Home to enterprising locals, foreign missionaries and Chinese traders who brought…
Food Creative city: celebrating Chiang Mai’s past and present
Jun 6, 2018 • 5 min read
Chiang Mai has been heralded as an arty and mellow alternative to Bangkok for decades, and its popularity continues to grow. University students, locals…
Food Where to sample Chiang Mai's best kôw soy (famous noodle soup)
Dec 12, 2014 • 3 min read
Take squiggly wheat-and-egg noodles, a rich, fragrant curry-based broth, sides of crunchy pickled greens, sliced shallots and lime, and you have kôw soy …
Food A perfect day in Chiang Mai: exploring the 'rose of the north'
Dec 10, 2014 • 3 min read
The laid-back city of Chiang Mai is an endearing mix of old and new: the moated, walled old quarter shelters ancient temples, while a traveller-friendly…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Chiang Mai Province.

See
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
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…
See
Wat Chedi Luang
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…
See
Wat Phra Singh
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…
See
Talat Warorot
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…
See
Wat Phan Tao
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…
See
Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary
At this community-based, elephant retirement and small animal rescue sanctuary, humans work for the elephants (not the other way around). Just three…
See
Nam Tok Bua Tong (Sticky Waterfall)
Ever walked up a waterfall? An increasingly popular day trip from Chiang Mai to Si Lanna National Park's 'Sticky Waterfall' allows visitors (with no magic…
See
Wat Pha Lat
A hidden jungle temple tucked into the mountain along the way to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Old stone structures, intricate carvings, naga-flanked…
See
Lanna Folklife Museum
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…

Guidebooks

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