Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, offers a variety of tourist destinations that showcase its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique experiences. Here are some of the main tourist destinations in Chiang Mai:

Old City: The historic center of Chiang Mai, known as the Old City (map), is surrounded by ancient walls and moats. It is home to numerous temples, including Wat Phra Singh (map), Wat Chedi Luang (map), and Wat Phan Tao (map). Exploring the narrow streets of the Old City allows you to immerse yourself in Chiang Mai’s rich history and admire the traditional architecture.

Doi Suthep Temple: Located on Doi Suthep Mountain (map), *Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most famous and revered temples in Chiang Mai. It offers breathtaking views of the city and houses a sacred relic of the Buddha. Visitors can reach the temple by climbing the staircase or taking a cable car.

Night Bazaars: Chiang Mai is renowned for its vibrant night bazaars (map), where you can shop for a wide range of goods, including handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and local artwork. The most popular night bazaars in Chiang Mai are the Tha Phae Walking Street (map) and  Wua Lai Walking Street (map), Saturday Night Market (map).

Hill Tribe Villages: The surrounding areas of Chiang Mai are home to several hill tribe villages, including the *Karen (map), Hmong (map), Lisu, and Akha tribes. These villages offer insights into traditional ways of life, distinct cultural practices, and unique handicrafts. Visitors can learn about the hill tribes’ customs, enjoy local cuisine, and support their sustainable tourism initiatives.

Art and Cultural Centers: Chiang Mai is known for its vibrant arts scene and numerous cultural centers. The city hosts several art galleries, museums, and cultural institutions that showcase local artwork, traditional crafts, and contemporary exhibits. The Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Center (map), Lanna Folklife Museum (map), and the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center (map) are worth exploring.

Natural Attractions: Chiang Mai is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. Doi Inthanon National Park (map), known as the “Roof of Thailand,” features majestic waterfalls, hiking trails, and diverse flora and fauna. Other natural attractions include the Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls, the Mae Sa Valley (map), and the Mae Ping River.

These are just some of the main tourist destinations in Chiang Mai. The city has much more to offer in terms of cultural experiences, traditional festivals, local markets, and delicious cuisine.

Tuk-tuks are a popular mode of transport in Thailand, especially in urban areas. They are three-wheeled motorized vehicles that can be hailed on the street for short trips.

A motorbike is a convenient and cheap way to get around the city or reach the outlying sights. There is an abundance of near indistinguishable rental companies in the city, though most guesthouses can arrange rentals as well.

Fixed route songthaews congregate around Warorot Market (map). From Warorot Market, white songthaews travel to the eastern suburban city of Sankampaeng, yellow songthaews travel to Mae Rim and beyond in the north, blue songthaews travel to Sarapee and Lamphun in the south, and green songthaews travel to Mae Jo in the north-east. Fare is dependent on distance: yellow songthaews go to Samoeng (~50 km).

BUS: Transport Co., Ltd. (Public Bus Services) intercity bus services in Thailand. + Green Bus Corporation • Nakhonchaiair Co., Ltd. • Phetprasert • Sombat Tour Co., Ltd.

BAOLAU.com – Whether you travel by air, rail, land or sea, you can find all the information to plan your journey through Asia here.

TRAIN: State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has a 4,000-km network covering most of the country, from Chiang Mai in the north all the way to (and beyond) the Malaysian border in the south. Compared to buses, most trains are relatively slow and prone to delays, but safer. Tickets may be purchased on-line from Thairailwayticket.com.

AIRPORT: Airports of Thailand: The official website of AOT provides information on airports in Thailand.

Bangkok has two major airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport which is the main airport and serves most full-service carriers, and the smaller Don Mueang International Airport which primarily serves low-cost carriers.

FERRY: Chao Phraya Express Boat Co.,Ltd | river transport in Bangkok.

Want to know exactly what to do and where to go in Chiang Mai, Thailand? Then this Video is a MUST for you. We went around Chiang Mai with the Locals to discover the real Thai culture, the one the locals love.

⇒ video source: Withlocals / youtube.com /

For travelers requiring information on visas and entry requirements to Thailand. + Visa policy of Thailand (wikipedia.org)

Wildlife and Plant Conservation website offers details on park locations, entrance fees, camping options, and activities within the parks.

The most comprehensive guide to Bangkok public transportation. Bangkok bus, MRT (Bangkok Metro), BTS Sky Trains, boats.