What Can Chiang Mai Offer

Chiang Mai is the cultural heart of Northern Thailand. You’ll get a mix of history, food, and temples. The Old City is compact and easy to explore on foot, while tuk-tuks, songthaews, and taxis make getting around further afield simple and affordable. My time in Chiang Mai was short so I was restricted to the city, however, if time permits the day tours into the mountains and elephant trekking will keep you occupied. That said, I packed a lot into my time and spent all my days walking and exploring.

Temples of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is synonymous for temples… and there are a lot of them to explore – approximately 40 within the old city itself. They are stunning and each one slightly quirkier than the previous. Most temples charge tourists roughly 40-50 baht (GB£1/US$1.50) to enter them. Remember to be respectful. Cover your shoulders and wear long trousers. There are Buddhist monks walking around everywhere so be mindful to give way to them on pavements and allow them to go first. They are highly respected.

Wat Phan Tao – This teak temple is one of my favourites and was renovated just a few years ago. It was constructed in the mid-15th century. Its name meaning the ‘temple of a thousand furnaces’.

Wat Phra Singh – This is one of the most popular in town. It’s famous for Lion Buddha Image and golden chedis (a mound-like structure containing relics) with elephants. Although it’s history is a little shrouded in mystery it is said that construction on Wat Phra Singh began in 1345.

Wat Chedi Luang – This is the second most popular temple in Chiang Mai. The brick chedi, or pagoda, ruins dates back to 1441 and features a few remaining elephant statues. It was once the city’s tallest structure and housed the Emerald Buddha before being damaged by a 1545 earthquake. 

Wat Chiang Man – This is the oldest in town and known for elephant chedi (Pagoda) from 1297. It’s one of the best temples for photography.

Wat Saen Muang Ma Luang (Wat Hua Khuang) –  This small and slightly hidden temple is down a small road near north gate of the city. It’s also stunning for photographs.

Wat Sri Suphan – Founded around 1500 during the reign of King Mueang Kaeo, the silver temple is just south of city walls. It’s stunningly fabricated from silver, nickel and aluminium, although women can’t go inside the main temple.

Chiang Mai Markets

Chaing Mai has some of the best markets to purchase souvenirs, crafts, gifts and food. Some markets are all day whilst others are restricted to evenings or weekends.

Sunday Night Bazaar Market – This runs the entire length of the old city roads. It starts at Wat Prah Singh temple the whole length of Rachadamnoen Road to Tha Phae Gate. The road closes off at 4pm and the market runs until midnight. It’s a hive of activity were you can purchase everything from leather goods, to clothes, souvenirs to food. It’s a great place to purchase those Thai elephant trousers for the temples if you’ve forgotten to pack them. Have your cash ready. You’ll no doubt spent a lot here (I did!)

Waroros Market – This is open everyday and is a warren of streets both indoor and outdoor where everything can be purchased from trinkets to clothes, to food and wooden crafts.

Anusarn Market – This is a daily night market outside the old city walls offering all the usual trinkets and crafts. It definitely becomes more lively of an evening.

What else does Chiang Mai offer

Tha Phae Gate

Tha Phae Gate is one of the most famous landmarks in Chiang Mai. Located on the eastern side of the wall, it is one of several gates to enter the Old City. The other gates are Chang Phuak Gate, Chiang Mai Gate, Suan Dok Gate, and Saen Pung Gate. 

When Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 by King Mangrai the city was built with a shape that resembles a square bounded by the walls and a moat. The purpose was to protect the city from any invasion from their neighbour Thai and Burmese Kingdoms. Today, though congested by modern urbanisation and overwhelmed by exuberant modern activities, Chiang Mai’s historical sites and monuments are well safeguarded and serve as the host for many events and festival celebrations.

Muay Thai Kickboxing

If you’re looking for something a little heated then why not take in a Muay Thai event. Located at 1 Mun Mueang Road, just a few minutes walk from Tha Phae Gate it offers skilled fighters displaying heart pounding kicks and punches.

The stadium opens at 9pm and offers 5-6 fights. Prices start at 600 baht (GB£15/US$20) for a seat away from the ring, to ringside seats with drinks at 1500 baht (GB£35/US$48). Tickets can be purchased at the ticket kiosk located at street view or online.

China Town

Located on the banks of the Ping river is a bustling area of market stalls and temples. It’s not a huge area but a few busy streets keeps you entertained, but it is Chiang Mai’s oldest Chinese district.

Outside the City Walls

Make your way to the east gate of Tha Phae Gate to Tha Phae Road where the city becomes a little more modern lined with shops and lively bars. It’s a great place during the day but it really comes a hive of entertainment when the sun goes down. It’s great place to people watch.

Where to eat and drink

There are an abundance of eateries around Chiang Mai so finding somewhere to rest will not be an issue. Below are the places I frequented and deserve a mention:

The Old City Restaurant and Bar

Located at 141 Rachadamnoen Rd, near to Wat Phra Singh temple, the Old City Restaurant offers drinks and delicious food. Definitely worthy of a cold beer people watching or a bite to eat. This happened to be the first place I stumbled upon after checking into the hotel on my first night.

The Writers Club and Wine Bar – instagram.com/the-writers-club-wine-bar

Found adjacent to the Old City Restaurant and Bar, another great little spot offering delicious food and drinks.

Phon Non –

Found at 6 Mueang Chiang Mai District, outside the old city walls, is a fantastic restaurant offering food and drinks within a fantastic atmosphere. It’s another great place to people watch.

Topolino Street Bar – instagram.com/topolinocnxber

Located at 291 Tha Phae Road, just outside the City Gate is a lovely little street bar open from lunchtime into the evening offering curbside drinks with some funky inoffensive music.

Street Food

There are all sorts of stalls lining the streets of Chiang Mai offering sweet treats such as Mango Sticky rice to Chicken skewers, all cooked fresh.

North Gate Spirit – instagram.com/north.gate.spirit

 Found at 166 Ratchapakhinai Rd, is a lovely yet busy coffee shop offering delicious treats in a relaxed atmosphere.

Coconut Shell – instagram.com/explore/locations/1024990694/coconut-shell

 Located in Chaing Mai old town at 42/4 Ratchamanka Rd, is a popular venue that offers incredible food including he famous Khoa Soi that originated in Chiang Mai.

See You Soon Cafe – instagram.com/seeyousooncnx

Found at 97 Prapokklao Road See You Soon cafe is a great place to stop for lunch and drinks. A little pricier than other venues around Chiang Mai but definitely worth a visit.

Chillin’ Good Mood Kitchen –

Absolutely give this a visit. A great little restaurant that offer generous portion sizes and value for money. The Pad Thai is one of the nicest I have eaten.

Final Thoughts

I have been to Thailand on several occasions but this is the first time I have ventured north into the mountains and jungle. Chiang Mai is beautiful! I mean it is stunning! You will never be tired of something to visit – the temples, the food, the restaurants. It’s a town relaxed and welcoming. As synonymous with Thailand the locals are friendly and welcome tourists with open arms.

Give Chiang Mai a visit. You will fall in love with Thailand all over again!