Choose from 30 Fun Things to Do in Chiang Mai
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Aside from the structure itself, there is a Buddhist university at the site as well. Monks in training are often eager to share conversation and practice their English with visitors in informal "monk chats."
Wat Umong
This Buddhist temple near Doi Suthep mountain is also known as the “Tunnel Temple,” both for its unique network of underground tunnels and its location in the forest. There is a large stupa to visit, as well as “talking trees,” which feature words of wisdom in both Thai and English. Monks here live in a very natural setting, among deer and ponds full of fish and turtles.
Stroll the temple grounds under trees and across trails, or explore the underground tunnels, featuring many shrines to Buddha. It is said that the tunnels, dug underneath an artificial mound, were created to keep a highly regarded monk who was prone to wandering from getting too far from the temple. It was later abandoned, adding to its ancient, wooded feel—but today several monks live on the site. Its tranquil environment makes it a popular spot for meditation.
Practical Info
Wat Umong is situated in the forest outside of Chiang Mai, but its peaceful natural surroundings warrant a visit. It is located about a mile (2 km) from the city, and the best way to get there is via taxi or tuk tuk. The temple is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Address: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Hours: 6 a.m.-5 p.m.
From $ 72
Wat Suan Dok
Wat Suan Dok’s brilliant golden spire stretches high into the skyline of the northern Thailand city of Chiang Mai and has done so just west of the old city walls since the 14th century. The name roughly translates to "field of flowers," as the temple stands on a site that was once the garden of a ruling monarch. Today, the ashes of some of the royal family are tucked into the wat’s spires, as homage to leaders past.
Wat Suan Dok is a favorite among travelers, particularly photographers, who gather amid the temple’s ornate structures during sunrise and sunset to capture impressive photos filled with rose-colored light. A 500-year-old bronze buddha—one of the largest in the region—also makes this a popular stop.
Aside from the structure itself, there is a Buddhist university at the site as well. Monks in training are often eager to share conversation and practice their English with visitors in informal "monk chats."
Practical Info
The temple is located on Suthep Road, a half-mile (one kilometer) west of the Suan Dok Gate, west of the Old City of Chiang Mai. Monk chats are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. Also offered are 24-hour meditation retreats on Tuesdays.
Address: Suthep Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand
From $ 16
Wat Chedi Luang
If you’ve ever wanted to chat to a Buddhist monk, pull up a chair at Wat Chedi Luang. As you enter the wat from Th Phra Pokkao, turn right and you’ll see some tables under a sign reading ‘Monk Chat.’
The partially ruined wat dates back to the year 1441, and is most famous as the former home of the incredible Emerald Buddha. Nowadays, a jade replica fills the eastern niche of Wat Chedi Luang, and you can see the original in Bangkok at the Wat Phra Kaew.
Wat Chedi Luang has undergone a restoration program, which has added several Buddha images, porticoes and statues.
Practical Info
Wat Chedi Luang is in the center of the moated old city of Chiang Mai near Th Ratchadamnoen, a non-stop shopping strip of stalls and street food.
Address: Th Phra Pokklao, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 6am - 5pm, except for Buddhist holidays
Admission: Suggested donation of 20 baht
From $ 16
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
The golden spire of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep glitters near the summit of Doi Suthep, a 5,499-foot (1,676-meter) mountain outside Chiang Mai. The wat, established in 1383, is one of northern Thailand’s most sacred temples. The International Buddhist Center at the wat hosts informal discussions, chanting, and meditation.
The Basics
As one of Chiang Mai’s most popular attractions, Doi Suthep Temple is typically included in many Chiang Mai tours, along with other area temples and hill tribe villages. Those with an interest in the spiritual life of Thai Buddhists can opt for an early-morning tour to join locals as they give morning alms to the temple monks. Half- and full-day tours with English-speaking guides are available, and most include hotel pickup and drop-off in Chiang Mai.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a must-visit for spiritual travelers and first-time visitors to Chiang Mai.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, and be prepared to do some climbing.
- The temple is accessible to wheelchair users (including the elevator and cable car to the top), but there are some steep ramps.
How to Get There
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is in Doi Suthep–Pui National Park, 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of Chiang Mai. If not on an organized tour, jump in a minibus taxi from Chiang Mai. A tram takes you to the summit and the wat, or you can trek along the winding road and climb the 306 steps.
When to Get There
Doi Suthep is a very popular attraction in Chiang Mai. To avoid the crowds, plan to visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. Try to visit on a clear day for the best panoramic view from the top.
History of Doi Suthep Temple
Initial construction of the temple, which gets its name from the mountain on which it was built, dates back to 1386. According to local legend, an elephant carrying Buddhist relics (including a piece of shoulder bone from the Buddha) was sent out from Chiang Mai, but instead of keeping to the flat countryside, it climbed up the mountain and stopped at the summit. A temple was commissioned on the site to hold the relics.
Address: Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Huai Kaew Road, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 7am - 5pm
Admission: 30 baht
From $ 16
Wat Chiang Man
Thought to be the oldest wat in Chiang Mai, Wat Chiang Man is a typical northern Thai temple, with massive teak columns holding aloft the central sanctuary.
The wat has two important Buddha images; one on a marble bas relief, the other a crystal seated Buddha. They’re visible in a glass cabinet housed in a smaller sanctuary.
The walls of the wat feature red stenciled murals, depicting scenes from the life of Chiang Mai's founder, Phaya Mengrai.
Practical Info
Wat Chiang Man is in the northeastern section of the moated old city of Chiang Mai.
Address: Th Ratchaphakhinai, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 6am - 5pm, except Buddhist holidays
Admission: Suggested donation of 20 baht
From $ 24
Wat Thaton
Wat Thaton is a sprawling Buddha temple complex located amid forested hills just a few kilometers from Thailand’s border with Myanmar. The hillside complex sits overlooking the village of Ban Thaton and the Mae Kok River and is built over nine levels, offering some stunning views over the beautiful rural setting. The site houses a school for monks, as well as a drug rehabilitation programme and a hill tribe support unit.
Each station within the temple complex has its own Buddha images and stupas, plus views either north towards Myanmar or east across Thaton. Level one features a statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, while level three features a laughing Chinese Buddha and a white seated Buddha. Level four has a center for teaching vipassana meditation with a huge seated Buddha image and a seven-headed serpent on its roof. Level eight boasts the colorful and richly decorated Chedi Kaew, or Crystal pagoda, which is visible from miles around, and there's a supersized golden standing Buddha with a begging bowl on level nine.
Wat Thaton can be explored as part of a full-day excursion from Chiang Mai that also includes a visit to a hill tribe village and a river cruise along the Mae Kok River.
Practical Info
The journey to Wat Thaton from Chiang Mai takes around three to four hours. The site is spread out over 160 acres, which is extensive if you want to explore it all, so don’t forget to take some comfortable walking shoes.
Did You Know? If arriving from Chiang Rai, you can take the boat upriver to Thaton. It can take around five hours (timings vary based on the season and condition of the boat), but it’s a scenic way to make the trip.
Address: Ban Thaton, Chiang Mai, Thailand
From $ 188
Wiang Kum Kam
Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient “lost city” located on the banks of the Mae Ping River. It was founded in the 13th century by King Mangrai and was the royal capital prior to Chiang Mai. Wiang Kum Kam was abandoned in the 16th century due to flooding, and was only rediscovered in 1984.
Wiang Kum Kam has been partly restored to its former glory and visitors can tour the ruins of ancient temples and see the carved stone tablets unearthed by archaeologists. Some of the sites have plaques with information in English and guides are available for hire.
Wiang Kum Kam has been partly restored to its former glory and visitors can tour the ruins of ancient temples and see the carved stone tablets unearthed by archaeologists. Some of the sites have plaques with information in English and guides are available for hire.
Practical Info
Wiang Kum Kam is located 5 kilometers southeast of Chiang Mai. It’s too far to walk from the city center, but makes for a pleasant bicycle ride. Alternatively, taxi and tuk-tuk drivers will be happy to take you there.
To get there from Chiang Mai, go south along Highway 106 (also known as the Chiang Mai – Lamphun Highway) for about 3 kilometers then look for the directional sign to the ruins.
To get there from Chiang Mai, go south along Highway 106 (also known as the Chiang Mai – Lamphun Highway) for about 3 kilometers then look for the directional sign to the ruins.
Address: Wiang Kum Kam, Chiang Mai, Thailand
From $ 16
Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium
For a fun day out with the family head to the Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium. The zoo is home to over 400 species of animals including tigers, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, penguins, and koalas, but the crowd favorite is certainly the pair of giant pandas on loan from China. Visitors also have the opportunity to interact with the zoo animals during feeding sessions and performances.
The Chiang Mai Aquarium opened in 2008 and is more modern than the zoo. More than 25,000 fish are on display including species native to Thailand like giant Mekong catfish, barracuda, moray eels, and jellyfish. Don't forget to take a walk through the aquarium's 133 meter underwater tunnel "“ officially the longest in the world "“ surrounded by sharks and stingrays.
The Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium grounds are quite expansive and you can save yourself a lot of walking by taking the zoo tram or monorail between the exhibits.
The Chiang Mai Aquarium opened in 2008 and is more modern than the zoo. More than 25,000 fish are on display including species native to Thailand like giant Mekong catfish, barracuda, moray eels, and jellyfish. Don't forget to take a walk through the aquarium's 133 meter underwater tunnel "“ officially the longest in the world "“ surrounded by sharks and stingrays.
The Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium grounds are quite expansive and you can save yourself a lot of walking by taking the zoo tram or monorail between the exhibits.
Practical Info
The Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium are located west of the city center on Huay Kaew Road. They are open daily and separate admission fees apply for the zoo, panda exhibit, and aquarium. If you plan to visit them all, combination tickets are available at a slightly discounted price. Additional charges apply for parking, the zoo tram, and the zoo monorail.
Address: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 8am - 5pm
Admission: Adult: 100B, Child 50B; Panda Exhibit Adult: 100B, Child 50B
From $ 63
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is a large and famous Buddhist temple located in the center of Lamphun in Northern Thailand. The complex’s numerous structures originate from different periods; while the temple is thought to date back to the 11th century, the central stupa originated in the 9th century.
An arched entrance gate guarded by giant statues of red lions gives way to the walled temple grounds. The complex features some unique architecture, some fine Buddha images, and two chedi in the typical Hariphunchai style. One of the ancient chedi, Chedi Suwan, is a Mon style brick spire standing 21 meters tall that dates back to the beginning of the 15th century. The newer Lanna style chedi, Phra Maha That, stands at 46 meters high and is covered with golden plates and flanked by a multi-tiered golden umbrella.
Other structures of note include the temple’s Ho Trai, the building where the ancient Buddhist scriptures are kept. This Lanna style scripture library is an elegant teak structure with a multi-tiered roof and intricately carved doors. It sits on top of a three-meter high red stone platform, which protects the scriptures from flooding.
Practical Info
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is situated approximately 30 minutes’ drive south of Chiang Mai. It can be reached by hiring a car and driver, by motorcycle, or even by train by alighting at Lamphun Railway Station.
Address: Inthayongyot Road, Lamphun, Northern Thailand 51000, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 6am-6pm
Admission: 20 baht
From $ 72
Wat Phra Singh (Wat Phra Sing Waramahawihan)
If you only see one temple during your time in Chiang Mai, Wat Phra Singh (also known as Wat Phra Sing Waramahawihan) should be it. Set in the heart of the old city, the temple was founded in 1345 and is home to Chiang Mai’s most sacred relic – the Phra Singh (Lion Buddha image).
The temple consists of many buildings, but the most spectacular is the golden wihan that houses the Phra Singh. Look for classic Lanna architectural features like the three-tiered roof, white chedi with an octagonal base, and lion statues guarding the entrance. It is possible to go inside to see the Buddha statue, just remember to remove your shoes first.
Wat Phra Singh is an active temple and lucky visitors may see chanting monks or a blessing ceremony. Many novice monks study here and are happy to practice their English by sitting and chatting with tourists in the temple gardens.
The temple consists of many buildings, but the most spectacular is the golden wihan that houses the Phra Singh. Look for classic Lanna architectural features like the three-tiered roof, white chedi with an octagonal base, and lion statues guarding the entrance. It is possible to go inside to see the Buddha statue, just remember to remove your shoes first.
Wat Phra Singh is an active temple and lucky visitors may see chanting monks or a blessing ceremony. Many novice monks study here and are happy to practice their English by sitting and chatting with tourists in the temple gardens.
Practical Info
Wat Phra Singh is located inside Chiang Mai’s old city walls at the end of Ratchadamnoen Road. The temple is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. There is no admission fee, but there are donation boxes where you can make a contribution to the temple’s upkeep. Remember to dress respectfully when visiting any Buddhist temple.
The suggested donation is 20B
The suggested donation is 20B
Address: Wat Phra Singh Woramahavihan, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Hours: 6am - 5pm
From $ 24