Attractions — Chiang Mai

In the small mountain village of Khun Chang Khian on Doi Pui, just beyond Doi Suthep, you can see beautiful pink Himalayan cherry blossoms (blooming season: December–January). At the market in Khun Chang Khian you can also buy souvenirs and fresh fruit like strawberries cheaply, and then head up to the viewpoint.

Doi Inthanon National Park is home to beautiful waterfalls such as Mae Ya, Watchirathan and Siriphum.

Sakura — one of the main attractions to visit in the national park.

Other interesting places around Chiang Mai: Namtok National Park, the man-made Land of Angels, Mok Fa and Mae Sa waterfalls, the Chiang Dao and Nam Lod caves, the Fang and Pong Kwao hot springs, and the Mae Hong Son village of Myanmar refugees.

The oldest temple in Chiang Mai, located in the very center of the Old City. Its chedi in the shape of an elephant has stood in place for more than 700 years. A chedi (stupa) is a Buddhist sacred structure—sometimes solid, sometimes with an entrance; they are usually built to commemorate an important event. King Mengrai, founder of the Lanna kingdom, began building Chiang Mai in 1296 from this spot, and Wat Chiang Man was the city’s first temple. The viharn in the complex has preserved its original form: a two-tiered roof decorated with naga (serpent) motifs, slightly flaring downward. A viharn is a type of hall that houses important images of the Buddha; a chedi may have only one chamber (if any), while a viharn can have several. The interior is divided by rows of teak pillars. Notable Buddha images include a large gilded statue, the bas-relief Phra Sila (6th century, stylistically attributed to Ceylon), which the abbot shows to the faithful only once a year during a festival, and Phra Sae Tang Khamani (the Crystal Buddha), reportedly gifted in 663 to Queen Hariphunchai Chamathewi.

To the right of the Chedi Luang stands one of northern Thailand’s most beautiful temples—Wat Phan Tao. It is built of dark, precious teak. Monks take meticulous care of the building and dress it up for important dates; for example, during the autumn Loy Krathong festival they decorate the Bodhi tree with lanterns and place a small Buddha statue beneath it.

Wat Sri Suphan, the Silver Temple, lies south of the Old City walls and is completely covered with handmade silver decoration. It was built in the 16th century in the heart of the old craftsmen’s quarter, and over many decades local artisans continued to repair and update the temple using silver. The temple was only fully completed in 2008.

The Shan temple Wat Pa Pao, with its multi-tiered roof, is decorated with stucco and carved lace-like elements. The Shan people mainly come from Myanmar and brought these architectural features with them. The temple complex includes a Shan cultural center and a language school.

A creative centre, café and coworking space. You can enjoy a cup of coffee, take part in a workshop and see art exhibitions. Open from 9:00 AM until midnight.

A village about 15 kilometers from Chiang Mai where traditional painted umbrellas are made. They were originally used for sun protection but are now popular as decorative accessories.

The North Gate jazz bar hosts live jazz every day. It's popular with both local Thais and foreigners. The bar is open daily from 19:00 to 01:00.

A meditation centre in the foothills about a 45-minute drive from the city that runs vipassana practice. In short, it's a form of meditation during which practitioners keep silence for a set number of days (typically 7–14). Come prepared for deep immersion that will last at least ten days. The aim is to sharpen the mind–body connection, clear the mind and calm inner turmoil.

The city offers a wide range of cooking classes that teach travelers to prepare simple Thai dishes — pad thai, green curry and tom som soup. There are one-day classes and multi-day immersive courses.

In Chiang Mai you can watch muay thai fights at Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium or Tha Phae Boxing Stadium. They aren't as large as Bangkok's Lumpinee or Rajadamnern, but the bouts are still spectacular.

In the village of Mon Jam you can stroll and enjoy coffee with mountain views, visit strawberry and mandarin plantations, and take beautiful photos with flowers or the mountains as a backdrop.

Stupas.

Cherry blossoms. One of the main spots to visit in the national park.

Doi Inthanon National Park is home to beautiful waterfalls such as Mae Ya, Watchirathan and Siriphum.