Choose from 40 Fun Things to Do in Northern Thailand
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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 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 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
Sai Nam Phung Orchid Farm
Thailand is very rightfully famous for its orchids — more than 1,300 documented species grow in the country and it’s the largest exporter of tropical orchids in the world. While Chiang Mai has no shortage of gardens to visit, one of the most unique to the area (and most colorful) is the Sai Nam Phung Orchid Farm.
The biggest orchid farm in Chiang Mai is also to very nearly every species native to Thailand, including the incredibly rare Vanda coerulea alba, or “Pure White,” orchid. The variety of shapes and colors is staggering, and visitors to the farm get to learn about how the flowers are grown. The onsite gift shop sells lovely orchid- and butterfly-themed souvenirs you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
Practical Info
If you’re visiting the Sai Nam Phung Orchid Farm with children, be sure to visit the butterfly garden as well.
Address: 61 Moo 6, Old Mae Rim-Samerng Rd., 50180, Thailand
Hours: 8am-5pm
Admission: $3
From $ 79
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
Oub Kham Museum
This private museum has an impressive collection of artifacts from the ancient Lanna kingdom of northern Thailand. The collection includes carved thrones, embroidered costumes, Buddha images, antique jewelry, and priceless items used by royalty like the oub kham – the golden bowl that the museum is named for. There are minimal signs, but the English-speaking tour guide will ensure you know the story behind each item.
Don’t forget to take a walk around the museum grounds which are resplendent with traditional Lanna architecture, statues, and fountains.
Practical Info:
The Oub Kham Museum is located about 1 kilometer outside of Chiang Rai on Nakhai Road near the Den Ha Market. The busy highway is not ideal for walking, so hire a tuk-tuk to take you here. The museum is open daily and the admission fee is payable in Thai currency.
Address: 81/1 Military Front Road, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Hours: Daily: 8am - 6pm
Admission: Adult: 300 baht, Child 200 baht
From $ 91
Tweechol Botanic Garden
Quiet swimming pools, well-kept bike trails, popular paddle boats, manicured gardens and pristine topiaries make Tweechol Botanical Gardens, just outside of Chiang Mai, a popular destination for travelers looking to escape the big town hustle and enjoy the slower pace of northern Thai life.
Visitors can walk through wild orchid displays and collections of unique succulents, or ride bikes through more than 100 varieties of palm trees on a visit to Tweechol. Travelers will also learn about the traditions of the Lanna people, and children will love the small but impressive zoo—home to dozens of animals including ostriches, deer, camels and peacocks.
Practical Info
Tweechol Botanical Garden is located about 10 kilometers outside of Chiang Mai in Amphur Doi Saket, on the Chiang Mai-Doi Saket Highway. It is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. daily.
Address: 118 M.7, Cheng Doi, Amphur Doi Saket, Thailand
Hours: Daily 8:30am-5:30pm
Admission: Adults: 80 Baht, children 40 Baht
From $ 138
Three Kings Monument
The Three Kings Monument is located in the center of Chiang Mai’s walled city in front of the old provincial administration building, which now houses the Chiang Mai City Art & Cultural Center. This is one of several museums that have opened within old municipal buildings surrounding the Three Kings Monument, making this area particularly popular with history fans and other tourists.
The bronze sculpture of the founder fathers of Chiang Mai – King Mengrai standing with King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao – is a proud symbol of the history of Chiang Mai, commemorating the alliance forged by the kings in the development of the city in the 13th century. The monument serves as a shrine for local residents, who often leave offerings of flowers and candles in the hope of receiving blessings.
Due to its historic and cultural significance, as well as its central location, visiting the Three Kings Monument is included on various Chiang Mai sightseeing tours, including historic bike tours and even food tours.
The Three Kings Monument is located between Intrawarorot Road and Prapokkloa Road within the walled Old City of Chiang Mai.
Did You Know? Legend has it that during King Mengrai’s search for a site to build the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, he witnessed two albino deer chasing off a pack of wolves at this very spot. He took this to be a good sign and called upon his two friends and allies to help design and build the new city.
Address: Intrawarorot Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand
From $ 32
Warorot Market
Whether it’s dried durian paste and spicy bowls of hot curry or prayer beads and bath towels, the halls of Warorot Market definitely have a little something for everyone. The indoor hub for local ingredients and inexpensive clothing is a perfect place for travelers to sample local cuisine and stock up on handmade items and cheap souvenirs. The streets surrounding the market are also lined with stalls selling handicrafts and artwork from area hill tribes at a fraction of the cost.
Practical Info
The market is located between Chang Moi Road and Thapae Road in Chiang Mai, about two minutes north of the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Warorot Market opens early in the day and does not close until after dark.
Address: Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Hours: Opens early, closes after dark
From $ 26
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 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
Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens
Created in 1992, the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens are located in Amphoe Mae Rim in the Chiang Mai Province. A beautiful place burgeoning with exotic plant life, the facility conducts research and conserves Thailand’s extensive natural plant resources; it’s main purpose is not tourism, which means that there are fewer visitors here than in many locations in Chiang Mai. Named after Sirikit, who was Queen of Thailand in 1994, the queen donated considerable resources to bring the gardens to fruition.
The gardens cover more than 2,470 acres (1,000 hectares) and are best explored by foot. Follow the paths through huge collections of azaleas, rhododendrons and many other flowering plants. Though the grounds are extensive, the greenhouses are where the real treasures are, ranging from carnivorous plants and bromeliads to orchids and water lilies. Other structures emulate the feel of arid deserts or rain forests and have the flora to match.
Practical Info
The gardens are situated about 12.5 miles (20 km) from Chiang Mai in the Mae Sa area. The best way to get there is to charter a tuk tuk or other private transportation. The Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and cost 100 Thai baht ($3 USD) for an adult and 50 Thai baht ($1.50 USD) for children.
Address: Mae Rim, Thailand
Hours: Daily 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Admission: Adults 100 Thai baht; children 50 Thai baht
From $ 33
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 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
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
Mae Sai Valley
The northernmost town in Thailand, and one of the few official crossings to Myanmar, Mae Sai is an ideal starting point for tours of the Golden Triangle.
The Mae Sai Valley is in Chiang Rai province, and the busy border town at its heart is in a hilly location on cliffs bordering the Mae Nam Sai river.
Take a walk around the hilly town to visit Wat Phra That Doi Wao for views into Myanmar from the temple.
Being a busy border town, Mae Sai has plenty of accommodation, food stalls and restaurants. Shops here sell Burmese lacquerware, gems and jade.
Practical Info
The Mae Sai Valley is in the northern Thailand province of Chiang Rai, on the Myanmar border.
Mae Sai is 1.5 hours from Chiang Rai and 4 to 5 hours from Chiang Mai by bus.
Address: Highway 1, Mae Sai 57130, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 75
Wat Rong Khun
Better known as Thailand’s White Temple, Wat Rong Khun is well-known and popular among visitors to the Chiang Rai Province. Its unique design is a mixture of both contemporary art and traditional Buddhist motifs with intricate carvings in its all-white structure.
In early May 2014, a massive earthquake damaged much of the temple, and engineers then vowed to rebuild and restore the 1997 structure to its original splendor. As a result of the damage, however, visitors to this historic religious site can only enter a handful of the buildings. Others can only be viewed and photographed from the outside, but the ornate details and meticulously placed tiles still make this a destination despite current repairs. The temple’s ornate designs range from dragons and skulls to dozens of hands reaching up out of the ground.
Walking up to the temple, visitors cross a bridge symbolizing the journey from the cycle of life to the enlightenment of Buddha. The temple’s white color and inlaid mirrored glass are said to represent the purity of Buddha and are surreal in nature, with every detail carrying deep religious symbolism. The grounds are dotted with various statues and sculptures, and inside are murals depicting modern figures such as superheroes and film stars.
Practical Info
The wat is located about eight miles south of Chiang Rai off Asia Highway 1 on the left-hand side of the road. It is open from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.
Address: Highway 1, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
From $ 26
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 Phra That Doi Kham
Wat Phra That Doi Kham (Golden Mountain Temple) is named after the forested mountain on which it’s located, just outside Chiang Mai. A much-revered site in Thailand, the temple was built towards the end of the 7th century and is known for its 17-meter high Buddha statue.
Built in the year 687, the oldest structure within the Wat Phra That Doi Kham complex is its golden chedi, which shares a number of features with the chedi of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep further north. It had long been abandoned when, in 1966, local villagers discovered a hidden chamber when the chedi collapsed during some heavy rainfall. A number of Buddha images were found inside and funds were raised to restore the chedi.
With its ancient chedi, impressive Buddha statues and panoramic views of the city from its elevated vantage point, Wat Phra That Doi Kham makes for a pleasant, more peaceful alternative to the popular Wat Phra That Doi Suthep nearby.
Practical Info
Wat Phra That Doi Kham is located on top of a mountain situated approximately 10 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai city. The site sits just north of Royal Park Ratchaphruek, and the easiest way to reach it is to either rent a motorcycle or book a round-trip in a taxi.
Address: Mae Hia, Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand 50200, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 6am-6pm
From $ 30
Sukhothai Historical Park
Nearly 200 unique ruins are tucked into the 70 square kilometers of land that make up the Sukhothai Historical Park, including towering buddhas, ornate palaces and crumbling temples. Travelers can wander the area on foot, or rent bikes and ride between the structures that date back as far as the 13th and 14th centuries.
Visitors love the quiet, peaceful escape of the park, which provides a stark contrast to some of Thailand’s more urban destinations. The most popular ruins are located near the central entrance and are visited by most tour groups, but the sites further afield are equally beautiful and far less crowded.
Practical Info
The park is accessible via public bus from the city of Phitsanulok, which takes about 75 minutes, or via tuktuk from New Sukhothai. Visitors should be sure to make stops at Wat Sa Si and the 15-meter high, 700-year-old buddha that rests in one of the park’s roofless temples.
Address: Sukhothai, Thailand
From $ 941
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