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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

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Top attractions

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

  • Buddhist Temple

    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…

  • Buddhist Temple

    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…

  • Buddhist Temple

    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…

  • Wildlife Reserve

    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…

  • Market

    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…

  • Waterfall

    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…

  • Buddhist Temple

    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…

  • Buddhist Temple

    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…

  • Museum

    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…

  • National Park

    Doi Inthanon National Park

    Thailand’s highest peak is Doi Inthanon (often abbreviated to Doi In), 2565m above sea level, which is impressive for the kingdom, but a tad diminutive…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Wat Srisuphan

    It should come as no surprise that the silversmiths along Th Wualai have decorated their patron monastery with the same fine artisanship shown in their…

  • Market

    Talat Ton Lam Yai

    Adjacent to Talat Warorot, Talat Ton Lam Yai morphs from a covered household market into an animated flower market (gàht dòrk mái), flanking the river on…

  • Wildlife Reserve

    ChangChill

    After working with World Animal Protection for nearly two years, ChangChill became the only elephant reserve in Northern Thailand to be designated…

  • Nature Reserve

    Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary

    Doi Chiang Dao rises dramatically above the plain, wrapped in a thick coat of tropical forest. This jungle wonderland is one of Thailand's top spots for…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham

    Not to be confused with the small Wat Umong in the old city, this historic forest wát is famed for its sylvan setting and its ancient chedi, above a brick…

  • Viewpoint

    Mon Cham

    An agricultural wonderland at 1400m, Mon Cham draws mostly domestic tourists for its crisp air, camping opportunities and jaw-dropping views of…

  • Gardens

    Bhubing Palace

    The serene grounds of the royal family's winter palace are open to the public (when the royals aren't visiting). The unusually strict dress code requires…

  • National Park

    Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

    Often bearing a crown of clouds, sultry Doi Suthep (1676m) and Doi Pui (1685m) are two of northern Thailand's most sacred peaks. A dense cloak of jungle…

  • Cave

    Wat Tham Chiang Dao

    Set in pretty grounds that teem with jungle butterflies, this forest wát sits at the entrance to Chiang Dao Cave, a chilly warren of passageways that…

  • Historic Site

    Wiang Kum Kam

    The first attempt at founding a city on the banks of Mae Ping, Wiang Kum Kam served as the Lanna capital for 10 years from 1286, but the city was…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Chiang Mai Province.

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