Chiang Mai is one of northern Thailand’s most popular cities to visit.
There are incredible places like historic temples, bustling markets, and amazing wildlife.
But with so much on offer, it can be difficult to know where to go first.
We’ll show you popular attractions at night, areas to shop, and things to do for families with kids.
To inspire your travels, here are the best places to visit in Chiang Mai.
1. Golden Temple (Wat Phra That Doi Kham)
Wat Phra That Doi Kham (also referred to as the Golden Temple) is a spectacular place to visit.
This is a very old temple built at the end of the 7th century.
It’s located on a hill just outside Chiang Mai, surrounded by picturesque mountains.
The temple is renowned for its tall Buddha structures which are truly impressive.
The best time to visit is early in the morning when it’s cooler and you can escape the crowds.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham is around a 30-minute drive from Chiang Mai City Centre.
It can be easily reached by car or taxi.
- Opening Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
- Address: Golden Mountain, Mae Hia, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200
2. Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang is another one of Chiang Mai’s beautiful temples.
It’s famous for its huge chedi – a Thai Buddhist monument – which measures 282 feet high.
Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, it is one of the tallest temples in Chiang Mai today.
The grounds are vast and there is a lot to see here.
Some of the highlights include stone Buddha sculptures and prayer halls.
There’s also the city pillar, which is believed to protect Chiang Mai.
Wat Chedi Luang is located within the walls of Chiang Mai Old City and is easy to reach on foot.
- Opening Hours: Daily 8am-5pm
- Address: 103 Prapokkloa Rd, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200
3. Tunnel Temple (Wat Umong)
Wat Umong, also known as the Tunnel Temple, is located in the forest outside Chiang Mai.
This temple is a must-visit location during your stay in the city.
It’s renowned for its unique system of tunnels which are believed to have been built by King Mengrai.
Explore the network of tunnels, each containing a Buddha statue.
You’ll also find inspirational Buddha quotes dotted around the temple.
The Tunnel Temple is around a 15-minute drive from Chiang Mai’s Old City.
Despite being close to the city, Wat Umong is a very peaceful place to visit.
- Opening Hours: Daily 5am-8pm
- Address: 135 Moo 10, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200
4. Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan
Located in the western end of Chiang Mai Old City, Wat Phra Singh is an active temple home to hundreds of monks.
This is one of the most highly visited attractions in Chiang Mai.
It’s also the home of the Phra Phuttha Sihing, the city’s most sacred Buddha statue.
One of the temple’s most eye-catching structures is the Chedi Than Chang Lom Wat Phra Singh, a huge gilded stupa.
Walk around the temple’s grounds and be mesmerised by its exterior.
Take a look inside the Viharn Lai Kham and marvel at the wonderful mural paintings.
One of the best times to visit is after the sun sets when the temple is illuminated with lights.
- Opening Hours: Daily 9am-6pm
- Address: 2 Samlarn Rd, Phra Sing, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200
5. Wat Suan Dok
If you’re staying in the heart of Chiang Mai, check out Wat Suan Dok on a city tour.
This temple’s name translates to ‘flower garden temple’ since the area was once used as a royal flower garden.
It’s renowned for its white chedis which contain the ashes of the old Chiang Mai royal family.
There are many ornate structures to see here.
Make sure to visit the main viharn where you’ll spot a magnificent Buddha statue.
Visitors also have the chance to speak to some of the temple’s monks and find out more about this historic building.
Remember to bring your camera along as there are many photo opportunities here.
- Opening Hours: Daily 5am-9pm
- Address: 139 Suthep Rd, Suthep, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200
6. Wat Chiang Man
Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, built in 1296 by King Mengrai.
It holds a number of important Buddha artefacts and is an excellent place to learn more about Buddhism.
At the entrance to the temple, you’ll see two impressive Buddha statues.
One of which is carved out of crystal and believed to have healing powers.
Out of the two viharns onsite, you’ll be impressed with the one housing Chiang Mai’s oldest Buddha statues.
There’s also the Ho Trai, an interesting scripture library.
And make sure to check out the chedi, which is named the Chang Lom Chedi.
It features 15 elephant sculptures surrounding it.
- Opening Hours: Daily 6am-5pm
- Address: 171 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200
7. Wiang Kum Kam
Wiang Kum Kam is a historical settlement located south of Chiang Mai.
Here, you’ll find the ruins of a 13th-century city along the Ping River.
The city was founded in 1286 and was the capital of Lanna for around a decade.
It was eventually flooded or abandoned before being rediscovered fairly recently.
Some buildings here are still in good condition, such as the Wat Chedi Liem temple.
Other must-see temples include Wat Chang Kam and Wat E Kang.
Wiang Kum Kam is around a 15-minute drive from Chiang Mai Old City.
- Opening Hours: Daily 8am-5pm
- Address: 149 Moo 2, 700 Pi Rd, Saraphi, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200
8. Three Kings Monument
The Three Kings Monument is a fascinating attraction in Chiang Mai.
Designed by Thai sculptor Khun Kaimook Chuto, the Monument is dedicated to the three Northern Lao Kings who founded the city.
It’s located in a square outside the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, where festivals are often held.
The Three Kings Monument consists of bronze sculptures of King Mengrai, King Ramkamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Payao.
It has become a truly iconic symbol of Chiang Mai and is definitely worth visiting.
After a few photos at the Monument, head inside the Arts & Cultural Centre.
- Opening Hours: Daily 24 hours
- Address: Prapokkloa Rd, Si Phum, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200
9. Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
If you want to learn more about Chiang Mai’s history and culture, visit the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre.
Located in the centre of the Old City, this building was originally used as a government hall.
It is now a popular tourist attraction and features many exhibition rooms.
You’ll discover Chiang Mai’s incredible history through many exhibits.
Inside, there are fascinating photographs, artefacts, maps and displays.
This is the ideal place for avid history buffs.
For added insight, we recommend joining a guided tour of the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre.
- Opening Hours: Wed-Sun 8:30am-4:30pm
- Address: Prapokkloa Rd, Si Phum, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200
10. Chiang Mai Night Safari
Chiang Mai Night Safari is the largest nocturnal zoo in the world, opened in 2006.
It’s home to over 130 animal species, including zebras, lions and giraffes.
The zoo is divided into three sections – Predator Prowl, Savanna Safari and Jaguar Trail.
Although this attraction is open from 11am daily, the best time to visit is after the sun sets.
During your night safari, catch a tram and witness a range of nocturnal animals.
There are also dancing shows at night so make sure you check the schedule.
Chiang Mai Night Safari is just under a 20-minute drive from Chiang Mai Old City.
- Opening Hours: Daily 11am-9pm
- Address: 33, Nong Kwai, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50230
11. Chiang Mai Zoo
If you’re visiting Chiang Mai as a family, plan a fun-filled trip to Chiang Mai Zoo.
Opened in 1957, this zoo is home to over 400 animal species.
These include elephants, zebras and penguins to name a few!
Some of the zoo’s top attractions include an aviary and an aquarium, where there are great photo opportunities.
There’s also an air-conditioned children’s zone where little ones can relax and play.
Chiang Mai Zoo makes for an exciting day trip, with something for everyone to enjoy.
It’s around a 15-minute drive from Chiang Mai Old City.
- Opening Hours: Daily 8am-5pm
- Address: 100 Huay Kaew Rd, Su Thep, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200
12. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Are you looking to do some shopping in Chiang Mai at night?
Head to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, located on the east side of the Old City.
The atmosphere here is very lively, with a huge array of vendors selling everything from jewellery to art.
The market stretches for nearly one mile and is the ideal place to pick up souvenirs.
And one thing’s for certain – you won’t go hungry when you visit.
There are plenty of places to enjoy delicious Thai cuisine, whether you fancy a light snack or a sit-down meal.
Whether you want to grab a bargain or just soak up the lively atmosphere, a trip to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a must.
- Opening Hours: Daily 5pm-12am
- Address: Changklan Rd, Chang Moi, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50100
13. Warorot Market
Warorot Market is one of Chiang Mai’s most well-known day markets.
It’s renowned for its huge variety of speciality Chiang Mai food.
If you want to experience authentic Thai culture, this is the place to visit.
On the first floor, you’ll find food items such as herbs, fish and desserts.
And if you head to the second floor, you can purchase everything from clothes to cosmetic products.
There are also cafés where you can stop for a drink and a bite to eat.
Warorot Market is only a few minutes walk from where the Night Bazaar is held.
- Opening Hours: Daily 4am-6pm
- Address: Wichayanon Rd, Chang Moi, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50300
Chiang Mai Map
Also read:
- Best Day Trips from Chiang Mai (with Tours)
- Best Things to do in Chiang Mai at Night
- Best 5-Star Chiang Mai Hotels with Outdoor Pools
- Luxury Chiang Mai Hotels in the Mountains with Best Views
- Best Romantic Chiang Mai Hotels with Private Plunge Pools
- Best Romantic Chiang Mai Hotels with Private Hot Tubs
FAQs
The best places to visit in Chiang Mai at night are the Chiang Mai Night Safari and the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
The Chiang Mai Night Safari is perfect for the whole family, offering the chance to see nocturnal animals up close.
If you love shopping, head to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar to soak up the lively atmosphere and purchase unique souvenirs.
Both nighttime attractions provide an extraordinary experience.
The best place to visit in Chiang Mai for families with kids is Chiang Mai Zoo.
This attraction is perfect for animal lovers, home to over 400 species of animals.
See all kinds of wonderful creatures, such as zebras and bears.
There are also kid-friendly areas such as the indoor children’s zone.
The best market in Chiang Mai for shopping is Warorot Market.
Here you can pick up all kinds of products, from food to clothes.
This market offers an incredible shopping experience and is popular with tourists and locals.
It’s the largest market in northern Thailand.
The most visited tourist attraction in Chiang Mai is Wat Chedi Luang.
This is an impressive temple, home to a magnificent chedi.
Wat Chedi Luang attracts visitors from all over and has several Buddha statues.
It boasts over 600 years of history and is a must-visit in Chiang Mai.
Summary
| Best Places to Visit Chang Mai | Opening Hours |
| Golden Temple (Wat Phra That Doi Kham) | Daily 9am-5pm |
| Wat Chedi Luang | Daily 8am-5pm |
| Tunnel Temple (Wat Umong) | Daily 5am-8pm |
| Wat Phra Singh Waramahawihan | Daily 9am-6pm |
| Wat Suan Dok | Daily 5am-9pm |
| Wat Chiang Man | Daily 6am-5pm |
| Wiang Kum Kam | Daily 8am-5pm |
| Three Kings Monument | Daily 24 hours |
| Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center | Wed-Sun 8:30am-4:30pm |
| Chiang Mai Night Safari | Daily 11am-9pm |
| Chiang Mai Zoo | Daily 8am-5pm |
| Chiang Mai Night Bazaar | Daily 5pm-12am |
| Warorot Market | Daily 4am-6pm |
