49 places to discover
Ban Rai Kong Khing is a community-based tourism village in Nam Phrae Subdistrict, Hang Dong District, about 20 km southwest of Chiang Mai city. It is recognized as a Sufficiency Economy Learning Center following the philosophy of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). The village is notable for organic farming, sustainable agriculture, local handicrafts and homestay experiences that showcase traditional Lanna rural lifestyle.
Bhubing Palace, also known as Phu Ping Ratchaniwet, is a royal winter residence on Doi Buak Ha in Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai Province. Built in 1961 to accommodate King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the royal family during northern visits, it lies in forested mountains near Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. The palace is noted for its temperate flower gardens, rose garden and reservoir, with the exterior and gardens open to visitors when the royal family is not in residence.
Bo Sang Umbrella Village is a traditional handicraft village in Ton Pao, San Kamphaeng District, about 9 km east of Chiang Mai city. It is renowned as the centre of handmade umbrella and parasol production in northern Thailand. Artisans craft bamboo frames, sa paper and cotton umbrellas and hand-paint them with floral and Lanna motifs. The village functions as both workshops and open-air market.
Bua Tong Waterfall, commonly known as the Sticky Waterfall, is a limestone waterfall in Mae Ho Phra, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand, within Si Lanna National Park. It is notable for its porous limestone surface that creates a non-slip texture, allowing visitors to climb directly up the cascading water. The waterfall features multiple tiers fed by a mineral spring, surrounded by forest, and is a popular day-trip destination from Chiang Mai city.
Chiang Dao Cave is an extensive limestone cave system at the foot of Doi Chiang Dao mountain in Chiang Dao District, about 70 km north of Chiang Mai city. Located within Pha Daeng National Park, it features stalactites, stalagmites and large chambers extending several kilometers. The entrance is marked by Wat Tham Chiang Dao, a Buddhist temple. The cave is notable for its natural formations, religious shrines and guided lantern tours into unlit inner passages.
Chiang Mai National Museum is a national museum operated by the Fine Arts Department in Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. Located on the Chiang Mai-Lampang Superhighway near Wat Chet Yot, it preserves and exhibits artifacts from the Lanna Kingdom and northern Thai history. Notable for its archaeological collections, Buddha images, ceramics, and ethnological displays, it provides an overview of Chiang Mai's development from prehistory to the present.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a large, long-established night market located on Chang Khlan Road in Chang Khlan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai. Stretching about one kilometer between Tha Phae Road and Sridonchai Road, it is known for handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and street food. Operating nightly, it is one of Chiang Mai's most visited shopping and evening leisure areas for tourists and locals.
Chiang Mai Night Safari is a large nocturnal zoo and nature park in Mae Hia, south of Chiang Mai city, Thailand. Opened in 2006, it covers over 800 rai near Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. The park is known for open tram safaris through predator and savanna zones, walking trails, and evening animal presentations. It combines wildlife viewing, conservation education, and family entertainment in a forested lakeside setting.
Chiang Mai Zoo is a large zoological park located at the foot of Doi Suthep on Huay Kaew Road in Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai. Established on land developed by Harold Mason Young and officially opened in 1974 under the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, it covers about 200 acres of forested hillside and houses over 400 animal species, an aquarium and family attractions.
Doi Ang Khang is a mountain resort area in Mae Ngon Subdistrict, Fang District, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand, near the Myanmar border at about 1,400 meters elevation. Centered on the Royal Agricultural Station Ang Khang, it is known for its cool climate, temperate flower gardens, fruit orchards, and scenic mountain viewpoints. Developed under the Royal Project, it offers agricultural tourism, nature scenery, and cultural villages within a forested highland landscape.
Doi Chiang Dao is a prominent limestone mountain in Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand, rising to 2,175 meters as the country's third-highest peak. Located within the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it is noted for its rugged karst landscape, diverse alpine flora and fauna, and sacred status among local communities. The mountain is a major destination for trekking, birdwatching and nature study.
Doi Inthanon National Park in Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province, encompasses Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak at 2,565 meters. Established in 1972, the 482-square-kilometer park features cloud forests, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. It is notable for the summit shrine, twin Royal Pagodas, nature trails, and Karen and Hmong villages, making it a major natural and cultural destination in northern Thailand.
Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park is a mountainous protected area in Fang District, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand near the Myanmar border. Covering about 524 square kilometres, it encompasses Doi Pha Hom Pok, Thailand's second-highest peak at 2,285 metres. The park is notable for its alpine forests, Fang Hot Springs, viewpoints with sea of mist, diverse birdlife and hill-tribe villages, offering trekking, camping and nature study.
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is a 261-square-kilometre protected area west of Chiang Mai city in northern Thailand. Established in 1981 as Thailand's 14th national park, it encompasses forested mountains including Doi Suthep and Doi Pui, the highest peak at 1,685 metres. The park is notable for its evergreen forests, waterfalls, viewpoints over Chiang Mai, the revered Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, Bhubing Palace, and Hmong hill-tribe villages.
Elephant Nature Park is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary located in Kuet Chang, Mae Taeng District, about 60 kilometers north of Chiang Mai city. Founded in the 1990s by conservationist Sangduen Lek Chailert, it provides refuge for rescued elephants, along with dogs, cats and other animals. The sanctuary is known for its observation-only, no-riding approach and focuses on ethical care, veterinary treatment and conservation education for visitors.
Hang Dong Canyon is a former earth quarry in Nam Phrae Subdistrict, Hang Dong District, about 25 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai city. Abandoned after excavation, the pit filled with rainwater forming a deep turquoise lake surrounded by steep 20-30 meter high earthen cliffs with distinctive layered strata. Now a popular local viewpoint and photo spot, it is noted for its dramatic canyon-like landscape, contrasting water and cliffs, and rustic natural setting.
Huai Nam Dang National Park is a mountainous protected area spanning Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son provinces in northern Thailand, with its headquarters and main viewpoint in Mae Taeng District. Established in 1995, it covers about 1,252 square kilometers of forested mountains. The park is noted for its sea of mist at Doi Kiew Lom viewpoint, natural hot springs, camping grounds, and diverse flora and fauna, attracting visitors for sunrise views and cool-season scenery.
Khun Khan National Park is a protected forest park in Samoeng District, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand, covering about 208 square kilometres of the Thanon Thong Chai Range. Established in 2017 as Thailand's 132nd national park, it features mountainous evergreen and deciduous forests, waterfalls such as Huai Mae Na Chon and Huai Tat, viewpoints and hiking trails. The park is notable for its biodiversity, watershed forests and relatively undeveloped natural landscape west of Chiang Mai city.
Mae Kampong Village is a small mountain village located in Huai Kaeo Subdistrict, Mae On District, about 50 kilometers east of Chiang Mai city in northern Thailand. Nestled at around 1,300 meters elevation along a hillside stream, it is known for community-based eco-tourism, traditional wooden houses, tea and coffee cultivation, and surrounding forested mountains. The village preserves Lanna cultural traditions and offers homestays, local cafes, a waterfall and a historic temple.
Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam is a multipurpose dam and reservoir in Chae Chang, Mae Taeng District, about 50 kilometers north of Chiang Mai city within Si Lanna National Park. Completed in 1986 on the Mae Ngat River, it provides irrigation and hydroelectric power. The large reservoir surrounded by forested mountains is known for scenic boat trips, floating raft houses, and tranquil natural scenery, making it a popular day-trip destination from Chiang Mai.
Mae Sa Waterfall is a ten-tiered waterfall located in Mae Raem Subdistrict, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, within Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. Situated about 26 kilometers northwest of Chiang Mai city along the Mae Rim–Samoeng road, it is known for its forested setting and stepped cascades ranging from small drops to larger falls. The site is a popular day-trip destination for swimming, picnicking, photography and short nature walks among shaded trails.
Mae Takrai National Park is a protected area in the Khun Tan Range spanning Doi Saket, San Kamphaeng and Mae On districts in Chiang Mai and Mueang Pan District in Lampang, about 40 km northeast of Chiang Mai city. Established on 12 December 2017 as Thailand's 123rd national park, it covers approximately 354 sq km. It is notable for the Mae Takhrai Reservoir, forested mountains, waterfalls including Tat Moei, viewpoints and camping areas.
Mae Wang National Park is a protected forest area in Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand, about 30 km southwest of Chiang Mai city. Established in 2009, it covers approximately 119 square kilometres of mixed deciduous and dry dipterocarp forest along the Mae Wang River. The park is known for Pha Chor canyon, waterfalls such as Mae Wang and Mae Sapok, hiking trails, and Karen villages, offering nature-based recreation and scenic landscapes.
Mon Cham is a hilltop viewpoint and agricultural tourism site in Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, about 40 kilometers northwest of Chiang Mai city. Situated at around 1,350 meters elevation, it is known for panoramic mountain views, strawberry fields, flower gardens and Royal Project crop plots. Developed to support local Hmong communities, it offers scenic viewpoints, camping and photo spots and is popular for sea-of-mist views in the cool season.
Op Luang National Park is a protected area in Hot, Mae Chaem and Doi Tao districts of Chiang Mai Province, about 105 km southwest of Chiang Mai city. Established in 1991, it covers 553 sq km along the Mae Chaem River. It is notable for the Op Luang Canyon, a steep limestone gorge carved by the river, prehistoric rock paintings, forested mountains and waterfalls.
Pha Daeng National Park is a large protected area in Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand. Established on 2 November 2000 as Thailand's 71st national park, it covers about 1,155 sq km across Chiang Dao, Wiang Haeng and Chai Prakan districts. It is notable for the limestone massif of Doi Luang Chiang Dao (2,175 m), extensive forests, caves, hot springs and diverse wildlife.
Pong Dueat Hot Springs is a geothermal attraction inside Huai Nam Dang National Park in Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand. The site features naturally heated mineral water emerging at near-boiling temperatures, forming geyser-like spouts and steaming pools amid forested mountains. Notable for its high-temperature source and developed bathing pools where water is cooled for soaking, it is valued for scenic forest surroundings and therapeutic bathing and is accessed via a short nature trail.
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden is Thailand's first internationally standardized botanic garden, located in Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, about 27 km northwest of Chiang Mai city. Established in 1992 and named in honour of Queen Sirikit Kitiyakara, it covers over 1,000 hectares on forested hills. Managed by the Botanical Garden Organization, it focuses on conservation, research and display of Thai flora, featuring glasshouses, orchid collections, a canopy walkway and themed gardens.
The Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang is an agricultural research station on Doi Ang Khang mountain in Mae Ngon, Fang District, Chiang Mai Province. Established in 1969 as the first station of the Royal Project, it demonstrates temperate crop cultivation. It is notable for extensive flower gardens, temperate fruit and vegetable plots, and scenic mountain setting near the Myanmar border.
Royal Park Rajapruek is a large botanical garden and exhibition park in Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang Mai, about 10 km southwest of Chiang Mai city centre. Originally created for the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 international horticultural exposition to honour King Bhumibol Adulyadej, it spans over 80 hectares. The park is notable for the Lanna-style Ho Kham Luang Royal Pavilion, themed international gardens, orchid displays, and extensive plant collections.
The Royal Twin Pagodas are two ornate chedis located near the summit of Doi Inthanon in Doi Inthanon National Park, Ban Luang, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai. Built to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit for their 60th birthdays, they stand amid landscaped flower gardens at about 2,000 meters elevation and are notable for their distinctive architecture, Buddhist relics, and panoramic mountain views.
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is a geothermal attraction in Ban Sahakon, Mae On District, about 36 km east of Chiang Mai city. The site features natural hot springs with source water around 100-105°C that forms geysers and mineral-rich streams. Developed as a public park, it is notable for egg-boiling in the hot water, communal and private mineral baths, and landscaped gardens within a forested valley setting.
Si Lanna National Park is a large protected area in Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao and Phrao districts of Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand. Established in 1989 and covering about 1,406 square kilometres, it encompasses forested mountains, the Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Reservoir, limestone caves and waterfalls. The park is notable for its reservoir scenery with floating houses, diverse flora and fauna, and outdoor recreation such as boating, trekking and camping.
Sirithan Waterfall is a tall forest waterfall inside Doi Inthanon National Park in Ban Luang, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province. Located along Highway 1009 on the way to Doi Inthanon summit, it is known for its single high cascade viewed from an opposite viewpoint. Named in honour of Queen Sirikit Kitiyakara, it is paired with nearby Siriphum Waterfall and is most impressive during the rainy season.
The Sunday Walking Street, also known as Tha Pae Walking Street, is a large weekly open-air market along Ratchadamnoen Road in the historic old city of Chiang Mai, stretching from Tha Pae Gate to Wat Phra Singh in Phra Singh Sub-district. Established to promote local handicrafts and Lanna culture, it features hundreds of stalls selling handmade crafts, clothing, art and street food, and is notable as one of Chiang Mai's most popular cultural shopping experiences.
Tha Phae Gate is the restored eastern gate of the historic walled Old City of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Located on Tha Phae Road at the edge of the moat in Mueang Chiang Mai District, it is the most famous of the city's four main gates. Built originally in the late 13th century and reconstructed in the 1980s, the red-brick gate, adjoining wall and open plaza serve as a landmark, meeting point and venue for festivals and markets.
Wachirathan Waterfall is a large, powerful waterfall inside Doi Inthanon National Park in Ban Luang, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province. Located along Highway 1009 on the ascent to Doi Inthanon summit, it drops approximately 80 meters over a granite cliff. Fed year-round by waters from Doi Inthanon, it is one of the park's most accessible and photographed waterfalls, known for its broad cascade, mist, and surrounding evergreen forest.
Warorot Market, locally known as Kad Luang, is a large historic indoor market in Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, near the Ping River. Established in 1910-1911 and named after Prince Inthawarorot Suriyawongse, it is one of Chiang Mai's oldest and most important markets. The multi-storey market is known for northern Thai foods, dried goods, fresh produce, clothing, handicrafts and everyday goods serving both locals and visitors.
Wat Ban Den, also known as Wat Den Salee Sri Muang Gan, is a Buddhist temple in Inthakhin Subdistrict, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Located about 30 km north of Chiang Mai city, it is noted for its extensive Lanna-style architecture with vivid blue roofs, ornate naga sculptures, and twelve zodiac pagodas. Rebuilt and expanded from an older abandoned temple, it has become a prominent cultural and photographic attraction in northern Thailand.
Wat Chedi Luang is a historic Buddhist temple in the walled old city of Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province. Founded in the late 14th century and completed in the 15th century, it is famous for its massive, partially ruined brick chedi that once housed the Emerald Buddha. The temple remains an active religious site and a major cultural landmark within the old city.
Wat Chiang Man is the oldest Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, located inside the walled Old City in Si Phum Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District. Founded in 1296 by King Mangrai, founder of Chiang Mai, it is notable for its historic elephant-supported chedi, well-preserved Lanna architecture, and housing two highly revered Buddha images, the crystal Phra Sae Tang Khamani and marble Phra Sila. The temple remains an active religious site and important historical landmark.
Wat Phra Singh is a major Buddhist temple located inside the old walled city of Chiang Mai on Sam Lan Road. Founded in 1345 by King Phayu for the ashes of his father King Kham Fu, it is one of Chiang Mai's most revered temples. It is known for its classic Lanna architecture, the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image, and the ornate Wihan Lai Kham with historic murals.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham is a historic Buddhist temple atop Doi Kham hill in Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang Mai District, southwest of Chiang Mai city. Founded in 687 during Queen Chamadevi's reign, it enshrines a sacred Buddha relic in its gilded chedi. The temple is renowned for its 17-meter seated Buddha image Luang Por Than Jai, panoramic views over Chiang Mai, and long Naga staircase, making it a revered pilgrimage and sightseeing destination.
Wat Phra That Doi Saket is a historic Buddhist temple located on a hilltop in Choeng Doi, Doi Saket District, about 20 kilometers northeast of Chiang Mai city. Founded in the 12th century and enshrining sacred Buddha relics in its gilded chedi, the temple is notable for its 491-step Naga staircase, Lanna architecture, and panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. It remains an important pilgrimage and merit-making site for local Buddhists.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a revered Theravada Buddhist temple located on Doi Suthep mountain, about 15 km northwest of Chiang Mai city in Suthep Subdistrict. Founded in 1383 during the Lanna Kingdom, it enshrines a relic of the Buddha in its gilded chedi. The temple is known for its 306-step Naga staircase, panoramic views over Chiang Mai, and its status as the most sacred temple in northern Thailand.
Wat Suan Dok is a historic royal Buddhist temple located on Suthep Road west of Chiang Mai's old city in Suthep sub-district. Founded in 1371 by King Kue Na of the Lanna Kingdom to enshrine a relic of the Buddha, it is notable for its large 48-meter bell-shaped chedi, a group of whitewashed chedis containing ashes of Chiang Mai's royal family, and its role as a center for Buddhist education.
Wat Thaton is a large hillside Buddhist temple complex in Thaton Subdistrict, Mae Ai District, northern Chiang Mai Province, overlooking the Kok River near the Myanmar border. Spread across nine levels on a forested hill, it features multiple chedis, large Buddha images, and panoramic viewpoints. Known as a meditation and learning centre, it is notable for its tiered layout, river valley views, and role as a prominent religious landmark in the far north of Chiang Mai.
Wat Umong is a historic forest Buddhist temple located at the foot of Doi Suthep in Suthep Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai. Built in 1297 and restored in the 14th century, it is known for its ancient brick tunnels, large ruined chedi, and tranquil wooded grounds. The temple functions as a meditation center and is notable for its forest setting, lake, and preserved Lanna architecture.
Wiang Tha Kan Ancient City is a moated and walled archaeological site in Ban Klang Subdistrict, San Pa Tong District, about 30 km southwest of Chiang Mai city. The rectangular earthen ramparts and moat enclose ruins from the Hariphunchai period, later occupied during the Lanna period. Notable remains include brick chedis and temple bases such as Wat Chang Kham and Wat Aranyik, excavated and conserved by the Fine Arts Department.