Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Chiang Mai's mountain shrine: a gilded chedi on a forested ridge above the city, reached by a naga-flanked staircase, with the whole Ping River valley spread out below. Go early or go at dusk, and dress for a temple.
Thailand
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the cool, green, temple-studded capital of the old Lanna kingdom, and it is the easiest place in Thailand to fall for slowly.
A square moat and the remains of a medieval wall frame the old city, where golden chedis rise behind teak gates and monks in saffron robes cross the lane to the morning market. Beyond the moat the mountains begin: the gilded hilltop shrine of Doi Suthep looks down over the city, and Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak, is a day trip away through waterfalls, royal pagodas and hill-tribe coffee villages. This guide books Chiang Mai properly: the old-city temples on a guided walk, Wat Chedi Luang and its ruined brick chedi, Doi Suthep at the right hour, a Doi Inthanon day tour, a no-riding elephant sanctuary that treats its animals decently, a Thai cooking class with a market visit, the Sunday Walking Street and the Night Bazaar, an evening street food tour, and the long day north to Chiang Rai's White Temple. It also covers when the city is at its best, including the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng lantern festival, on the full moon of 24 to 25 November 2026. Then it matches you to a hotel, from a century-old teak house on the Ping River to a courtyard retreat beside Wat Phra Singh, because here the neighbourhood you choose sets the rhythm of your trip.
Don't miss
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Chiang Mai's mountain shrine: a gilded chedi on a forested ridge above the city, reached by a naga-flanked staircase, with the whole Ping River valley spread out below. Go early or go at dusk, and dress for a temple.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Thailand's highest mountain, about two hours from the city: twin royal pagodas in the clouds, big waterfalls, forest trails and Karen hill villages with coffee and rice terraces. A full day, best by guided tour with lunch.
Wat Chedi Luang
The great ruined brick chedi at the heart of the old city, once the tallest structure in the Lanna kingdom. Climb the tiers, meet monks at a chat session and look for the neighbouring teak hall of Wat Phan Tao.
Sunday Walking Street
Chiang Mai's weekly street fair, a long evening of handicrafts, art and street food along Ratchadamnoen Road from Tha Phae Gate into the old city. Free to enter and best with an empty stomach and no fixed plan.
Things to do in Chiang Mai
Wat Chedi Luang
The great ruined brick chedi at the heart of the old city, once the tallest structure in the Lanna kingdom. Climb the tiers, meet monks at a chat session and look for the neighbouring teak hall of Wat Phan Tao.
Old City Temples Guided Walking Tour
A two-hour guided walk through the walled old city that links Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phan Tao and Wat Phra Singh, with the Lanna history that makes the temples make sense. The best first-morning orientation.
FreeSunday Walking Street
Chiang Mai's weekly street fair, a long evening of handicrafts, art and street food along Ratchadamnoen Road from Tha Phae Gate into the old city. Free to enter and best with an empty stomach and no fixed plan.
2-3 hoursDetails →
Doi Inthanon National Park
Thailand's highest mountain, about two hours from the city: twin royal pagodas in the clouds, big waterfalls, forest trails and Karen hill villages with coffee and rice terraces. A full day, best by guided tour with lunch.
Chiang Rai White Temple Day Trip
Wat Rong Khun, the dazzling white temple of Chiang Rai, plus the Blue Temple and more, on a long day trip north of Chiang Mai. An art-temple like nothing else in Thailand, and worth the early start.
No-Riding Elephant Sanctuary Visit
A half-day visit to a sanctuary that does not allow riding: feed, walk beside and watch rescued elephants in the hills outside the city. Choose carefully, ask the right questions and keep your distance from any show.
Thai Cooking Class at an Organic Farm
A half-day Thai cooking class at an organic farm school: shop at the market, pick herbs in the garden and cook a multi-dish meal. One of the most reviewed experiences in Chiang Mai, and a tasty souvenir.
FreeChiang Mai Night Bazaar
The city's nightly market district on Chang Khlan Road: souvenir stalls, street food courts and bars in one long, lively strip. Free to wander, best when you pace yourself and bargain with a smile.
2-3 hoursDetails →
Small-Group Evening Street Food Tour
An evening with a local guide through Chiang Mai's street food stalls, tasting northern Thai specialities you might not dare to order alone. A friendly, filling way to start a stay.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
$$$$137 Pillars House
Riverside, Nawatgate Road
Chiang Mai's heritage splurge: a century-old teak house on the Ping River, turned into a boutique hotel of garden suites with a pool, a spa, two restaurants and a Michelin Keys rating. Calm, elegant and walkable to the river markets.
Rates on Expedia →
$$$Rachamankha Hotel
Old City, beside Wat Phra Singh
A Lanna-style courtyard retreat of pavilions, antiques and a pool beside Wat Phra Singh in the old city. Quiet, beautiful and perfectly placed for temple mornings and Sunday Walking Street evenings.
Rates on Expedia →
$$$Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
Riverside, near the Night Bazaar
A riverside resort on the Ping, close to the Night Bazaar, with Thai-colonial styling, a spa, a river-cruise dining experience and easy access to the old city by bicycle or short ride.
Rates on Expedia →
$$U Chiang Mai
Old City, Ratchadamnoen Road
A 41-room boutique hotel on Ratchadamnoen Road, steps from the Sunday Walking Street, with a garden pool, a spa in a restored teak governor's residence, free bicycles and a 24-hour stay. Great value in the heart of the old city.
Rates on Expedia →At Chiang Mai Hotel
Old City, Sri Phum
A good-value old-city hotel with an outdoor pool, free parking and family rooms, a few minutes from the Three Kings Monument and about nine minutes from Wat Chedi Luang. Sensible, comfortable and easy on the budget.
Rates on Expedia →Chiang Mai guides
First Time in Chiang Mai: What to Book, How to Get Around and How Many Days
The first-timer primer: what to book ahead, getting around, the best season, the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng dates for 2026, and how the headline sights fit into three to five days.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: Old City, Riverside and Value Picks
A neighbourhood guide to Chiang Mai: the temple-rich old city, the riverside near the Night Bazaar and where our five hotels fit, from a heritage splurge to a good-value pool stay.
