The most crucial part of the temple is its chedi (pagoda), built in the Lama-style architecture, which stands tall in the entire region.If you are a history buff, Wat Chedi Luang is one of the best places to visit due to its historical significance. I Book my tour to Doi Suthep National Park now! The Thanon Thong Chai Range, in the district of Chom Thong, Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand, is home to Doi Inthanon National Park. Some of the top attractions in the Old City include the Chiang Mai National Museum and the Arts and Culture Centre. Bordered by moats and ancient ramparts, you can enter the town through four main gates located at each of the four cardinal directions. Visit the location early in the morning to see it in all of its splendor. The Butterfly Farm is just next to the orchid farm and houses thousands of butterflies in their natural habitat. Taxis are very rare there, I hardly saw any during my stay in Chiang Mai. 15 Hidden Gems in Kuala Lumpur You Have Never Seen Before!! Things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand: How To Plan Your Visit To "The Some of the top tourist attractions in Chiang Mai are its various temples especially, in the old city. Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. The walls surrounding this section are more than 700 years old which gives it a feel like nowhere else in Thailand. Spend a day in the Doi Inthanon National Park. In Chiang Mai, you can also enjoy a bit of cultural tourism by visiting one of the local museums. We assure the privacy of your contact data. Location: Southeast of Chiang Mai Old City. Songkran celebrates the Thai New Year each April, lasting several exhilarating and exhausting days. Chiang Mai is famous for its Night Bazaar. Along with embellished gardens and beautiful pagodas, each with enthralling views. It would be a shame to miss them! Take a tour of the Tribal Museum in the villages of Northern Thailand that pays tribute to the vibrant tribes. You should really try the sticky mango rice, a local dessert. 15 Night Markets in Kuala Lumpur That You Must Visit in 2023! Places to Visit in Chiang Mai Old City - Thrillophilia Perfect 3 Day Chiang Mai Itinerary: The Best Things To Do! The Karen are a tribal group who are originally from Myanmar but fled to Thailand during the political unrests of the past. If you are searching for places to visit in Chiang Mai Old City that will let you properly explore the local culture, there is no better place than this quaint little night market that sits daily in Chiang Mai. Be sure to pack an appetite, as the street is lined with dozens of food vendors selling everything from authentic northern Thai fare to western favourites. See the best things in Chiang Mai, such as the temples of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Chedi Luang or visit a national park such as Doi Inthanon or Doi Suthep-Pui. 15 Best Things To Do In Chiang Mai, Thailand - Arabella There is a new shopping mall at one end of the road which contains many designer shops as well as a multiplex cinema and many famous restaurant names. The landscapes are stunning and you will see many waterfalls, hot springs and temples in the area. The centre is within an old parliamentary building that opened in the 1920s. Depending on where you choose to go for your dinner you may also be treated to some classical Thai orchestral music. During your stay in Chiang Mai, you should definitely visit Doi Suthep National Park, located just outside the city. You will also find many souvenir shops and restaurants at the bottom of the temple. If you are searching for distinctive tourist attractions in Chiang Mai Old City, there is nothing better than the Tha Phae Gate. Songkran happens each year between the 13th and 15th April and is the Thailand traditional New Year celebration. To do this, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner. Others include fried laab, which is minced meat rubbed in a variety of local spices before being cooked over an open grill. You may even be lucky enough to see some gibbons! You will even receive a free recipe book to impress your friends when you will get back from your holidays. Prices for a 2-day tour begin at 3,500 Bahts per person. It is also very lively at night! Lake Huay Tung Tao 6. Along the way, youll spot plenty of national favorites, including Pad Thai and other vegetarian dishes. 1. Choose a VIP or super VIP bus as they have reclining seats and toilets for added comfort. With each splash representing a blessing. Located within the walls of the Chiang Mai old city, the temple is very accessible and is also a walking distance of other temples such as Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Chiang Man Here are the other places to visit in Doi Suthep National Park: The best way to discover the park is to rent a car or scooter in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai's Old City - Thailand For Visitors This website is the result of tens of thousands of hours of on-the-ground research by myself and my team of expert travellers. Nestled within a wooded area and surrounded by mountains are the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs. Finally, if you dont want to worry about organizing the excursion yourself you should book a half-day tour departing from Chiang Mai. You may just sweat a bit as the climate is quite hot, but thats what you expect when traveling in Thailand! The Canyon is very deep and the water filling it is collected rain water that is now estimated to be forty meters deep. One Day in Chiang Mai: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours - Treksplorer The latter is explored through a series of multimedia exhibits all showcasing the many tribes delicate relationships with the rest of Thailand. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located in the center of Thailand, was founded in 1383 by King Keu Naone to house a fragment of bone that is supposed to be a portion of Buddha's shoulder. Things to Do in Chiang Mai Popular things to do Half-day Tours 4WD Tours Flea & Street Markets Day Trips Cultural Tours Points of Interest & Landmarks Culinary Tour Dining Experiences Nature & Wildlife Areas Coffee & Tea Tours Full-day Tours Sacred & Religious Sites Bus Tours Motorcycle Tours Shopping Malls City Tours Night Tours Specialty Museums 01 / Top Sights Unmissable sights for your itinerary Discover more Sights Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai Talat Warorot in Chiang Mai Wat Phan Tao in Chiang Mai Lanna Folklife Museum in Chiang Mai Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham in Chiang Mai 02 / Planning Toolkit While many old cities all over Thailand once had walls and moats, Chiang Mai is almost the only city where the old walls are still mostly intact. Highlights include an elaboration on the cultural background of the city, including the historical figures that laid its foundations and its position as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Any Chiang Mai itinerary is bound to uncover everything from ancient temples to tribal villages. If you are interested in learning about the history of the Lanna people, then one of the best tourist places in Chiang Mai Old City is the Lanna Folklife Museum. 7 day Chiang Mai itinerary: Best things to see and do in Chiang Mai Tradition states that if the gum tree falls, so will Chiang Mai. Here are the my favorites temples in Chiang Mai: When visiting temples, whether in Chiang Mai or anywhere else during your trip to Thailand, you must have your shoulders and legs covered. This is an enjoyable and fun thing to do near Chiang Mai! Day 1: Wander around Chiang Mai's old city. However, if you arrive in the days after any of these festivals, it may be worth slightly changing your Thailand itinerary. Many of the wats have whats simply called a Monk Chat program, which is exactly as it sounds. 2. This fighting technique originated from a military training method used by Thai soldiers and is now the national sport in Thailand. or from other cities in Thailand such as Phuket or Krabi. During these times, all the devotees of Lord Buddha come together to offer their prayers and perform the task of evening candle procession.Planning A Trip To Thailand, Book Our Thailand Tour Packages Now! It's a cool mountain town known for its hill tribes, lush rainforests, elephant sanctuaries, and interesting cuisine. It is a coconut and curry flavored soup filled with yellow egg noodles and chicken, sitting on top of the soup are crispy fried egg noodles giving a real mix of textures to the dish. The roads head up to vast peaks, bringing you through the morning mist to majestic views. The color of Wat Lok Moli's temple is very distinctive - with ivory white and reddish roofs giving the temple an eye-catching marvel. A trip to Chiang Mai wouldn't be complete without these essential experiences; plain and simple. Best things to do in Chiang Mai - Lonely Planet The lake is really big and you can go around it by car, scooter or bicycle. Always go with a tourist guide as they will be able to communicate with the locals and ask any questions you may have of the tribes members whilst you are there. The slower paced community, with its historic moat and a backdrop of mountains, is easy to assimilate into. Chiang Mai is full of bars and clubs and with prices being a lot lower than Bangkok it is worth getting your partying done here. While much of the city has changed since the gate was built in 1296, the entryway remains largely the same. Youll be able to find one that suits your personality to a tee. This tour is simply amazing! While taxis may horde around the entrance hoping to pick up guests, once youre inside, it becomes a tranquil experience. If you enjoy going to Buddhist temples, then there are over 300 for you to visit in Chiang Mai. Stay busy with Chiang Mai's busy markets and street food in the old city, relax with meditation or a Thai massage, or even take a day trip to Chiang Rai or to some of the most . . The women are watched over at all times without it being intrusive and is an excellent opportunity for the women as finding their way into work after prison life is over is often incredibly difficult. However, the most popular activity there is to boil eggs where the water gushes out at over 100. 50 Things to Do in Chiang Mai: Get UPTO 40% Off, 15 Elephant Camps in Chiang Mai You For A Ravishing Thai Vacay, 12 Chiang Mai Night Markets Thatll Satisfy The Shopaholic In You, 20 Things to Do in Chiang Mai Old City: Get UPTO 35% Off, Golden Triangle Tour In Chiang Mai, Thailand, Unseen Thailand Tour with Mountain Biking and Bamboo Rafting, Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, chiang mai, Saturday Walking Street Market, chiang mai, Chai Lai Orchid Elephant Camp, chiang mai, Museum Of World Insects And Natural Wonders, chiang mai, Bai Orchid And Butterfly Farm, chiang mai, 20 Things To Do in Chiang Mai in February, 15 Best Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, 15 Best Riverside Restaurants in Chiang Mai, Ziplining in Chiang Mai, Book @ 20% off & Get 2000 Cashback. Im glad my article with the best things to do in Chiang Mai helps you prepare your trip. If you want to take a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai, its very simple, just book your activity by clicking on the link below: You want to get out of the city and enjoy some peace and quiet near Chiang Mai? If you want to combine nature and adventure, ridding a zip line in Chiang Mai is an excellent idea. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 60 Fun Things to Do in Chiang Mai - TourScanner If youve been reluctant to dive into the street food scene, you dont have to begin with deep fried crickets. This is a much cheaper alternative to getting a ride in a tuk-tuk. With much of it laying in ruin, its evocative, somewhat haunting and creates a beautiful contrast with the perfectly gilded temples around Chiang Mai. An old soil quarry this place is still very much unknown, it is a huge canyon that is now filled with water and has some absolutely staggering views. Thai cuisine is simple and convenient. Dont miss the area with giant gorillas, elephants, lions or buffaloes made out of straw. If there's an untouched beach, an up-and-coming city, or a recently-discovered travel hack, you can bet that we've already written about it. From clothing and trinkets to beautiful artwork and artisan goods. One of the most fascinating places to see in Chiang Mai Old City is the Sompet Market, which is a hub for all things local. You can also visit the nearby flower market on the river bank. Here are the best things to do in Chiang Mai, from learning to be a masseur to trying the local food. While each Saturday night, youll find live music in the square at the front of the historic gate. Chiang Mai old city - My Thailand Tours | world-class sightseeing After Wat Phra Thai Doi Suthep, one of the best places to visit in Chiang Mai Old City and the second most revered temple in the area is Wat Phra Singh. If you are not afraid of the long drive, you can also visit the white temple from Chiang Mai as a day trip. Its also a great place to enjoy delicious dishes at one of the many street-food stalls. Chiang Mai Old City is a historic area in the center of Chiang Mai. If you are looking for a relaxing moment, you should go to the springs during the week. Go on a zip-line adventure 10. Inside the old town, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll and admire the traditional buildings. Chiang Mai is known for its various colorful and exciting night markets. One of the oldest and most fascinating places to visit in Chiang Mai Old City is Wiang Kum Kam an ancient city built on the banks of the Ping River. The city was built by the rulers of the Hariphunchai Kingdom in the 8th century AD. When well dressed and respectful, youll find them to be welcoming of spontaneous guests, the ones who didnt seek them out. Most of the other markets in this city are night markets but Warorot opens early in the morning and closes when darkness descends. Top Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand - There She Goes Again The Thapae Gate is part of the crumbling city wall which used to be the boundary of the Old Town Fortress. If it makes you feel better, all the food I ate in Chiang Mai was really delicious, so dont be afraid to try everything! In this video, we're exploring the Old City of Chang Mai, one of Thailand's most popular tourist destinations. 4. It trumped three times and then died. Chiang Mai celebrates the Loi Krathong festival more than any other city in Thailand, an annual event that ties in with the twelfth lunar month. The park is a popular spot with locals who can often be seen doing a variety of morning exercises like tai chi and yoga, playing badminton or sitting by the lake. Chiang Mai is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, perhaps second only to Bangkok in its appeal. On weekends, dont forget to go to the Saturday or Sunday Night Market. Khao Soi 100 Cups is conveniently located in the old city of Chiang Mai. The parks serene water feature also has a nearby coffee shop and basic snacks. May: South KoreaJune: EnglandJuly: IrelandAugust: MauritiusSeptember: AustraliaOctober: Tuvalu, NauruNovember: AustraliaDecember: Chile, Argentina. Each of Chiang Mai's 200 or so Buddhist temples is an architectural wonder in its own right. On your adventures around the Old City, youll stumble upon one of Chiang Mais most celebrated temples. Our destination expert will reach out to you soon! Day trip to Chiang Rai: White Temple (1d), All my articles about Thailand (click here). Thankfully, youll have plenty of options for a pick-me-up. You can book your tour by clicking the button below: Here is a great activity to do in Chiang Mai if you want to discover Thai gastronomy: take a cooking class! It meets all the safety requirements (which isnt always the case with these kinds of activities in Thailand), the guides are super nice and the zip-line runs through the jungle. Yes, 4 days is enough to spend in Chiang Mai and also visit all the places to see in Chiang Mai Old City. 18 Amazing Things to Do in Chiang Mai (Temples, Festivals & Food) Chiang Mai is 680 km from Bangkok, which might seem like a daunting distance, but is very easy to traverse if you plan on visiting. . To be honest, its not that close as it takes about 3 hours to drive the 200 km that separate both cities. Loy Krathong is a magical event that celebrates the Goddess of Water and the end of the rainy season. The lavish designs are best exemplified by the mosaic-laden sanctuary, surrounded by manicured gardens and intricate carved designs. 1. How about you? But what if I was to tell you that you can take this experience to another level? Web Visit website. However, as its super touristy, the prices are higher than at the other markets. Then you should go to Lake Huay Tung Tao, located about 15 minutes from the city center by car. The second bone was placed on a sacred white elephant before being released into the wild. The National Museum is split into six sections. The entrance to the springs costs 100 Bahts and you will have to pay an extra 50 Bahts if you want to bathe in the mineral water pool. Each represents a chronological experience with the last divulging the future plans and hopes of not just Chiang Mai but the northern regions. Chiang Mai is known for its stunning mountainous landscape that can be explored in the small villages and the many national parks and sanctuaries in the area. If you go trekking in Doi Inthanon National Park, you will be able to come across the enthralling natural beauty during your adventure. The largest building at the site is the assembly hall which was rebuilt in 1925 and houses Phra Chao Thong Tip, a very large copper and gold cast of the seated Buddha, various other buildings can be found on the site giving you a lot to explore when you arrive. You can find more information on the official website for opening hours and admission fees. Along your motorcycle adventure, youll cross path with traditional mountain tribes. There, you will find most of the main temples (more details below), street markets and museums. Then its time to explore the surroundings! document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Copyright Voyage Tips 2023 Mentions lgales, The 20 Best Things to do in Chiang Mai (All Highlights), Visit Chiang Mai: the 20 Must-See attractions.