by IBcaldera / [CC BY-SA 4.0

A City of More Than Seven Hundred Temples, Surrounded by Lush Mountains

A. About Chiang Mai

Nickname: Rose of the North

With more than seven hundred temples and surrounded by lush mountains, the historical capital of the old Lanna Kingdom is a spectacular city. 

Colorful markets, spellbinding Buddhist temples, and beyond its boundaries natural perfection and animal wildlife characterize Thailand's second-best city.

Best Things to do in Chiang Mai

The Good: 

First of all, Chiang Mai delights visitors with friendly, welcoming people.

Furthermore, the prices are very affordable, the city is very safe and enjoys a scenic location.

Finally, there is plenty of delicious food in Chiang Mai.

The Not-So-Good: 

With only around 150,000 inhabitants, Chiang Mai is a small city.


B. Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than thirty sights in Chiang Mai. The following sights and attractions contribute to a fine score of 6.40/10 in this most important category: 

# Wat Phra Singh 7 3.6 out of 5 stars

Situated at the heart of the old city, this beautiful Buddhist temple and monastery was founded in the 14th century.

Buddhist Temple

by Stefan Fussan / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Wat Phra That Doi Suthep 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Dating back to 1383, this Buddhist temple near the summit of the mountain known as Doi Suthep occupies an extraordinary site and is one of the most historically and spiritually significant places in Thailand.

Buddhist Temple

Best Things to do in Chiang Mai

by Tevaprapas / CC BY-SA 2.0

# Wat Chedi Luang 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Known as the Temple of the Big Stupa, this majestic Buddhist temple was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1545 but remains highly remarkable today.

Buddhist Temple

by JJ Harrison / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Wat Suan Dok 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Situated in the West of Chiang Mai this temple is famous for its numerous pagodas and white chedis and was once used as a royal flower garden.

Buddhist Temple

Best Things to do in Chiang Mai

by KOSIN SUKHUM / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Old City of Chiang Mai 5.5 2.7 out of 5 stars

Bordered by moats and ancient ramparts, the atmospheric old city of Chiang Mai measures approximately 1.5km square and is home to temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang and the Sunday Walking Street.

City District

Best Things to do in Chiang Mai

by Takeaway / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Wat Chiang Man 5.5 2.7 out of 5 stars

Constructed in the year 1297 by the city's founder, King Mengrai, this Buddhist temple is home to the oldest Buddha statue in Chiang Mai.

Buddhist Temple

Best Things to do in Chiang Mai

by Leo Zaza / CC BY-SA 2.0

# Wat Phan Tao 5.5 2.7 out of 5 stars

Originally a throne room for the kings of Chiang Mai, this 14th-century temple is known for its exquisite Lanna-style ordination hall (Wihan) entirely made of teakwood.

Buddhist Temple

Best Things to do in Chiang Mai

by Stefan Fussan / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Chiang Mai National Museum 5 2.7 out of 5 stars

Opened in 1973, this fine museum highlights the history of the Kingdom of Lanna and Chiang Mai city’s history. 

Museum 

Best Things to do in Chiang Mai

by Disthan / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Wat Pha Lat 5 2.7 out of 5 stars

Towering more than one thousand meters above Chiang halfway up to Doi Suthep, Wat Pha Lat is famous for a large and ornate temple near its summit.

Buddhist Temple

Best Things to do in Chiang Mai

by Stefan Fussan / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Wat Chet Yot 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Literally the "Temple of the Seven Spires," the impressive Chet Yot temple is located northwest of the city center and known for its Indian-inspired architecture.

Buddhist Temple

Best Things to do in Chiang Mai

by Hdamm / CC BY-SA 3.0

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

= World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Chiang Mai

    • Wat Chet Yot (Temple) 5
    • Chiang Mai Night Market 4.5
    • Warorot Market 4.5
    • Royal Park Rajapruek 4.5

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Chiang Mai

White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

The spectacular ivory-white Wat Rong Khun is a privately owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple constructed by the Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat.

Temple Distance from Chiang Mai: 177 km

Best Things to do in Chiang Mai

by Uwe Aranas / CC BY-SA 4.0

Kanta Elephant Sanctuary (city, ca. 53 km from Chiang Mai, ca. 2 h by train) 5

Elephant Nature Park (ca. 50 km from Chiang Mai) 5

Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls (ca. 68 km from Chiang Mai) 5


E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Chiang Mai for at least two entire days.

Wat Phra Singh Temple 7 

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple 6 

Wat Chedi Luang Temple 6 

Wat Suan Dok 6 

Old City of Chiang Mai 5.5

Wat Chiang Man Temple 5.5

Wat Phan Tao Temple 5.5

Chiang Mai National Museum 5

Wat Pha Lat Temple 5

Wat Chet Yot Temple 5