Temples in Chiang Mai
- 01
Wat Chedi Luang
A huge 14th-century chedi in the heart of the old city, partly ruined by an earthquake in 1545 and later restored. The grounds also hold the city pillar shrine and daily monk chats.
- Time needed
- 45 to 60 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon
- Tickets
- There is normally a small entry fee for visitors; check at the gate. Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering halls.
- 02
Wat Phra Singh
A 14th-century royal temple in the west of the old city, home to the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image and the Viharn Lai Kham, with gold-and-lacquer murals.
- Time needed
- 45 to 75 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning, November to February
- Tickets
- Entry to the grounds is usually free or low cost for visitors, with a fee for some halls; confirm on site. Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering any hall.
- 03
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
A gilded chedi on the forested slope of Doi Suthep, about 15 km from the city, reached by a long naga staircase or a funicular. It is Chiang Mai's best-known temple and a viewpoint over the plain.
- Time needed
- 1.5 to 2 hours on site, plus the drive
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Early morning on a clear day, November to February, before tour groups arrive
- Tickets
- Foreign visitors are usually charged a modest entry fee, with a separate fee for the funicular; check current prices at the temple. Remove shoes before entering halls, and cover shoulders and knees.
- 04
Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple)
A temple on Wualai Road in the old silversmith district, famous for an ordination hall covered in silver, nickel and aluminium repoussé.
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Daytime, ideally Saturday for the nearby market
- Tickets
- Entry fees for visitors may apply; check on site. Women may not enter the ordination hall, and all visitors must dress modestly.
- 05
Wat Suan Dok
A large temple west of the old city with a Sri Lankan style chedi, whitewashed royal mausoleums and a monastic university.
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Late afternoon, for softer light
- Tickets
- Entry is normally free or low cost; check on site. Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering halls.
- 06
Wat Umong
A 700-year-old forest monastery at the foot of Doi Suthep, known for brick tunnels with Buddha images, a pond and shady paths.
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning, in cooler months
- Tickets
- Entry is usually free or low cost; check on site. Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering the tunnels and halls.
Museums in Chiang Mai
- 07
Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre
A museum in the old provincial hall beside the Three Kings Monument, using dioramas and displays to tell Chiang Mai's history from its founding.
- Time needed
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Midday, or any rainy or hot day
- Tickets
- Tickets are usually modest for visitors; check the museum for current prices and closing days.
Experiences in Chiang Mai
- 08
Elephant Nature Park
A rescue and rehabilitation park in Mae Taeng district, about 60 km from the city, where visitors observe and feed rescued elephants rather than ride them.
- Time needed
- Half day to full day
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- November to February; mornings
- Tickets
- Programmes are priced per person and booked in advance; half-day visits were advertised at about THB 2,500 with child discounts on some programmes. Check current prices and age rules on the official site.
Neighbourhoods in Chiang Mai
- 09
Nimmanhaemin Road (Nimman)
A student-and-creative district west of the old city, known for coffee, restaurants, boutiques and the One Nimman shopping complex.
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Late afternoon and evening
- Tickets
- Free to walk. Restaurants and cafes set their own hours and prices.
Landmarks in Chiang Mai
- 10
Tha Phae Gate and Old City Moat
The restored eastern gate of Chiang Mai's old city, once part of the 1296 city plan, and the traditional starting point for the Sunday Walking Street.
- Time needed
- 15 to 30 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early morning or dusk
- Tickets
- Free to see at any time. The gate is a public square, often used for events and festivals.
