Chiang Mai is a major province in Northern Thailand, once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, now integrated into Thailand. It is the second largest city after Bangkok and a popular destination for both Thai and foreign tourists. Known for its distinctive art and culture, ethnic diversity, beautiful nature, year-round attractions and activities, and the warm hospitality of its people, Chiang Mai is often one of the first destinations sought by tourists for travel and relaxation.
Chiang Mai Attractions summary
1. Traveling to Chiang Mai
1.1 By plane
1.2 By bus
1.3 By train
2. Must-visit attractions in Chiang Mai
✈️ By Plane
The fastest way, taking about 1.5 hours. The mountainous northern terrain makes air travel popular, convenient, and time-efficient. There are a variety of flight options from Bangkok, Phuket, Hat Yai, etc., with reasonable prices.
From Bangkok: Various airlines operate from both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.
- Don Muang International Airport:
- Suvarnabhumi International Airport
🚌 By Bus
From Bangkok: The most economical choice, with fares under a thousand baht for 2nd class air-conditioned buses, or 1st class with private seating that reclines for overnight travel.
🚆 By Train
From Bangkok: The longest mode of travel, but comfortable for those who prefer to travel overnight and arrive in Chiang Mai in the morning. The journey by train from Bangkok takes about 12 hours for express trains.
Must-visit attractions in Chiang Mai 2024
1. Hot Air Balloon Rides at Lan Nen Nom, Chiang Mai
Enjoy a unique picnic in the garden during sunset. Hot air balloon rides over the grass fields at Lan Nen Nom are tied at a height of 20-30 meters, and operated by experienced pilots. Enjoy an unlimited shabu-shabu buffet and relax, take beautiful photos with balloons, mountain views, and animals like horses, sheep, and goats.
- Open: Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Location: Lan Nen Nom, Don Kaeo, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai
- Book a ticket to a hot air balloon ride in Chiang Mai
2. ATV Riding in Mae Taeng
An exciting activity in the diverse landscapes of Chiang Mai. Explore local villages, the Mae Tang River, forests, and mountains in the Mae Taeng area.
- Open daily
- Location: 159 Moo 1, Kued Chang, Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai
- Book a ticket to ATV riding
3. Whitewater Rafting in Mae Taeng
For a thrilling experience, try whitewater rafting on the Mae Tang River. Enjoy the rapids, mountain scenery, and local lifestyles. You might spot elephants or water buffaloes.
- Open daily
- Location: 159 Moo 1, Kued Chang, Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai
- Book a ticket to white water rafting in Chiang Mai
4. Paramotoring
Experience the thrill of flying like a bird. No experience is required as skilled pilots will guide you over the district of San Kamphaeng, offering a new perspective of Chiang Mai.
- Open daily
- Location: Rong Wua Daeng, San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai
- Book a ticket to paramotoring and soar like a bird.
5. Pongyang Adventure Park, Mon Jam
Visit Mon Jam for nature, flower gardens, and mountain accommodations. Don't miss the 7 adventure rides at Pyongyang Adventure Park, including a jungle coaster similar to a roller coaster, quick jump like bungee jumping, and more. Also, enjoy a café near a waterfall.
- Open daily
- Location: 99/9 Moo 2, Pongyang, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai
- Book a ticket to PongYang Adventure Park
6. Jungle Adventure Park, Chiang Mai
A new amusement park featuring unique extreme rides. Try the first and only coaster kart in Asia, zip lining, go-karting, and more than 14 types of activities, including the Flow Rider.
- Open daily
- Location: 202 Moo 9, Khun Khong, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai
- Book a ticket to Jungle Coaster at Jungle Adventure Park
7. King Kong Smile Zipline, Chiang Mai
Experience Asia's longest and highest zipline. Glide through lush forests over the Mae Taon Luang village with over 36 activity stations including a zipline over 1,200 meters long.
- Open daily
- Location: 89 Mae Taon Luang, Doi Saket, Chiang Mai
- Get tickets to King Kong Smile Zipline Chiang Mai
8. Tube Trek Water Park
Is the largest and most modern water park in Northern Thailand. Enjoy world-standard slides like the Tornado and attractions like wave pools and artificial seas.
- Open daily
- Location: 55/5 Moo 10, Ton Pao, San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai
- Get your ticket to a waterpark adventure at Tube Trek Water Park
9. Elephant Interaction at Chai Lai Orchid, Mae Wang
In South Chiang Mai, Chai Lai Orchid is about 1.5 hours from the city. Experience the life of the Pga K’nyau or Karen people and sustainable elephant care. Wake up and end your day with elephants on your balcony.
- Open daily
- Location: Mae Win, Mae Wang, Chiang Mai
- Read about the best elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai
10. Japanese Style Onsen at Mon Jam
Enjoy the Japanese onsen experience amidst natural tranquility at Onsen@Mon Jam, featuring Japanese-style landscaping, architecture, onsen, and a restaurant.
- Open daily
- Location: Pongyang, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai
4. Pai Bong Piang Village
Visit during the rainy season to experience lush green rice terraces. The village offers breathtaking views of rice fields and misty mountains.
- Open daily
- Location: Chiang Kiang, Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai
5. Hydrangea Garden
Visit the blooming hydrangeas in Chiang Mai. Enjoy the natural ambiance and cool mist among beautiful flower gardens.
- Open daily
- Location: Ban Luang, Chom Thong, Chiang Mai
- Challenging roads, especially during the rainy season.
6. Doi Inthanon
Visiting Doi Inthanon at this time, you'll encounter a lush and refreshing atmosphere. Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand, is surrounded by mountains covered in light mist, offering a cool and pleasant climate.
A must-see highlight is the beautiful sea of mist. This place can be visited throughout the year.
Doi Inthanon, being the tallest mountain in Thailand, offers cool weather and fog during the rainy season, with temperatures ranging from 5-15 degrees Celsius from June to October.
- Open daily.
- Location: Doi Inthanon, Ban Luang, Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai.
- For elephant bathing tours and visits to Doi Inthanon, click here.
Must-visit temples in Chiang Mai for spiritual seekers
Worship at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and watch the evening rituals. A visit to Doi Suthep is considered essential for anyone visiting Chiang Mai. This temple also houses a relic associated with the year of the Goat. Inside the temple, viewpoints offer panoramic views of Chiang Mai. It's recommended to visit around 17:00, an ideal time to observe the evening rituals and enjoy the cooler weather.
Access to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep includes climbing 306 Naga steps or taking a cable car for 20 Baht. If not traveling by private vehicle, visitors can use the "red truck" service near Chiang Mai Zoo, around 200 Baht per person, or hire a private vehicle at a negotiated price.
- Open daily.
- Location: Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai.
8. Wat Luang Por Than Jai - Wat Phra That Doi Kham
Known as "Wat Phra That Doi Kham," this temple on the high peak of Doi Kham in Chiang Mai is a significant and sacred Buddhist site. The temple's over 1,300-year-old stupa is popular among tourists for its artistic beauty and tranquil environment.
The climb to the temple involves some challenging stairs, but the beautiful views and peaceful natural setting make it worthwhile.
- Seek blessings for luck, work, and business.
- Open daily.
- Location: Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai.
9. Wat Suan Dok
Wat Suan Dok, or Wat Buppharam, was established within the royal garden of Suan Dok during the Mangrai dynasty. It was designated as a royal temple for "Phra Sumenathera," who introduced the Lankavong Buddhism in the Lanna Kingdom.
The temple houses one of the two Buddha relics brought by Phra Sumenathera from Sukhothai.
- Seek blessings for love.
- Open daily.
- Location: 139 Suthep Road, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai.
Located in the old city of Chiang Mai, Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan is famous for its tall, beautiful chedi and is a popular tourist attraction. The temple houses the revered Buddha image of King Taksin the Great and offers various religious and cultural activities for those interested in Buddhism and Thai culture.
- Seek blessings for protection from dangers.
- Open daily.
- Location: 103 Phra Pok Klao Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai.
11. Wat Phra Singh Woramahaviharn
An important temple in Chiang Mai, Wat Phra Singh houses the revered Phra Singh Buddha image, a key spiritual symbol for Chiang Mai and the Lanna region. This Buddha image is known as "Chiang Saen Singh One" in the Chiang Saen style of art.
The temple features a triangular-shaped main stupa, stunning architecture, a decorated chedi surrounded by gold patterns and ornaments, and significant Buddha images for Buddhist practice and reverence.
- Seek blessings from the Phra Buddha Sihing and the stupa associated with your birth year, the Year of the Large Snake.
- Open daily.
- Location: 2 Samlan Road, Phra Singh, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai.
Last updated December 2023