Chiang Mai City Attractions

Ban Haw Mosque

The biggest of the 12 mosques in the province, every Saturday and Sunday, classes are held here for young local Muslims, beginning around 08:00 to the noon prayer. This mosque also receives 20 students each year for parents who can't afford to send their children to a government school.

First built in the 19th century by a group of Chinese people called the Chin Ho from Yunnan, it still caters to this unique ethnic group; you'll hear Yunnanese spoken as often as Thai within the compound. Although the mosque has been rebuilt to represent a more Arabic style the prayer hall still features the Chinese symbols for the word, mosque. Read More...

Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00
Address: Soi 1, Charoen Prathet Road

Bor Sang Umbrella Village

This mid-sized craft village about nine kilometres east of the Old City specialises in the paper umbrella-making craft. Well known for outstanding handcraft quality as well as signature floral designs, Bor Sang Village has made its name throughout the country and abroad – so much so that the name Bor Sang has become synonymous with the paper-umbrella craft itself and the umbrella, a cultural symbol of Chiang Mai. Read More...

Buddhist Association of Chiang Mai

For centuries Chiang Mai has been the centre of religious activity in Northern Thailand. During the Lanna era, Buddhism was the main religion that flourished and grew; the many ancient temples in the city are testimony to this legacy. Important ceremonies and functions are held at the Buddhist association which also serves as a Buddhist youth club.

If you happen to be in Chiang Mai on a Buddhist holiday (known as the wan phra), religious talks and lectures are arranged by the club. These can be a great insight into the religion and those who have chosen to follow it. Read More...

Address: Thapae Road (opposite Chiang Mai City Tourist Information)
Tel: +66 (0) 53-276514

Chiang Mai City Arts and Museum

The centre is a modern multi-media museum and cultural education centre, featuring a range of medias from video, scale models, enlarged photos, wall murals and text in Thai and English. Built in 1924, the building was the former Provincial Hall of Chiang Mai and is considered to be a stunning example of post-colonial Thai architecture.

Visitors can partake in interactive exhibitions music and historical displays. A definite must when in Chiang Mai. The museum was awarded by the Royal Association of Siamese Architects for its architectural restoration, back in 1999. Read More...

Opening Hours: 08:00-17:30
Address: Prapokklao Road between Rajdumnern Road and Rajwithee Road
Tel: +66 (0) 5321 7793

Chiang Mai National Museum

Located near the historic Wat Jet Yod, this is the main museum of northern Thailand and is under the patronage of Their Royal Majesties, the King and Queen. It was renovated in 1996 to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the founding of Chiang Mai and now features a larger and better organized exhibition. The museum is housed in a large, two storey traditional Lanna style house, complete with the signature roof design, reminiscent of a bird's spreading wings. Visitors to the museum pass through six sections of exhibits, which constitute a journey from Chiang Mai's prehistory to its present and future course.

The museum begins with the natural and cultural background of the region, including the ecology and geography of the north, as well as information on prehistoric settlements. From there the museum tells the history of the Lanna Kingdom from the founding of Chiang Mai in 1296 through its sacking by the Burmese in 1558 until it was again liberated with the aid of the King of Siam in 1769. The next section deals with the short period of time during between the city's liberation from the Burmese to its re-establishment in 1782, during which period the city was under control of the King of Siam. Ascending to the second floor, visitors will find an exhibit hall devoted to the trade and economy of the Lanna Kingdom until its integration with Thailand in 1939. The next section displays photographs and artefacts showing the modern life of Chiang Mai - its agriculture and industry, and its relation to the national and global community. The final exhibit focuses on the unique art style of the Lanna Kingdom, displaying numerous distinctive artefacts from the 13th century all the way up to contemporary pieces. Read More...

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 09:00 to 16:00
Location: On the Highway (Northwest) next to Wat Jet Yod
Price Range: Admission is 30 Baht

Chiang Mai Night Safari

Modeled after a similar attraction in Singapore, this expansive park is part of the Thai government’s huge multi-million baht plan to increase Chiang Mai's attraction to tourists. The concept of the park is to provide visitors with a thrilling experience similar to being out in the wilderness at night.

Apart from touring the three animal zones – Savanna Safari, Predator Prowl, Jaguar Trail – via an open-sided tram or on foot, enjoy a range of activities designed to keep you entertained throughout your visit, from hand-feeding wild animals and petting tiger cubs to a laser light show and ‘dancing’ fountain. Read More...

Address: 33 Moo 12, Tambon Nhong kway, Amphoe Hang Dong, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Zoo

Although not the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of the city, the Chiang Mai Zoo is surprisingly interesting. Covering 200 acres of land in the foothills of Doi Suthep and providing excellent views of the city in addition to its fascinating wildlife exhibits, Chiang Mai Zoo is certainly worth a visit, especially if you've had your fill of temples. Read More...

Dara Phirom Museum

This unusual museum provides an excellent insight into the life and times of Dara Rassamee, a consort of King Chulalonghorn (Rama V) and half-sister to the (then) Prince of Lanna. Dara Rassamee lived over 100 years ago and during her life she was instrumental in uniting the Kingdoms of Siam and Lanna, as well as being a great preserver of art, furniture and clothing from the traditional northern culture. Much of her collection is now displayed in her former home, almost all of which is open to the public. Read More...

Opening Hours: Open from 09:00 to 17:00 Tuesday to Sunday
Location: The Dara Phirom Museum is located on the Mae Rim road, about 30 km (19 miles) north of the old city.
Price Range: Admission is 20 baht

Doi Inthanon

Doi Inthanon National Park is a true jewel of natural beauty, consisting of rugged mountainous terrain blanketed by lush tropical forests and dotted with mighty rivers and majestic waterfalls. The park's protected status makes it a sanctuary for a wide range of animal species and it is perhaps the best place in Thailand for bird watching. Approximately 362 different species of bird make their home in Doi Inthanon National Park, many of which are not found anywhere else in Thailand.

The diversity of Doi Inthanon does not only extend to plant and animal species, however. The park has long been home to settlements of Northern Hilltribes as well. Recent efforts have been made to allow theses unique villages to maintain their traditional cultures while co-existing with modern developments such as tourism and the Bhumibol Dam, which harnesses the power of the Ping River to provide electricity to thousands of Thai people.

Doi Inthanon is a popular destination for visitors to the region, not only for its natural beauty, but for its historical significance as well. Chedis (monuments) dedicated to Their Royal Majesties, The King and Queen, can be found atop the peak of the mountain.

The park has been adapted somewhat to accommodate the tourist trade and there are some eating and drinking areas, as well as accommodation. The rugged terrain is now crisscrossed with pathways and roads to make it more accessible to visitors. The development has been tightly controlled, however, and every effort has been made to preserve the natural beauty of the environment. Read More...

Doi Pui Tribal Village and National Park

Doi Pui, at 1,685metres above sea level, is the highest peak in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. It is famous for its beautiful waterfalls which are easily reached from the main road. But one of the hottest attractions for Doi Pui must be Hmong Tribal Village situated less than five kilometres from the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. A visit to this village is an eye-opener into the tribal villagers’ private life. Witness their simple way of living, their homes, as well as learn about their culture through a collection of objects, such as musical instruments, traditional silver-embroidered costumes and bamboo crafts. Read More...

Doi Suthep

The highest peak in the park is Doi Pui which tops off at 1,685 meters (5,528 feet), making it the eighth largest mountain in Thailand. Flowing from these heights are some of the most highly enjoyable and accessible waterfalls in the Kingdom's northern reaches. Mae Sa Falls, Huay Kaew Falls and Monthathan Falls are among the most popular sights of the park and are easily reached from the main road. The forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including many small mammals and birds as well as the rare Crocodile Salamander, which is only found in four places in Thailand.

The park's high elevation keeps the temperature pleasantly cool, even during the blistering heat of June. Doi Suthep National Park also incorporates the Mae Sa Valley, a veritable buffet of activities and sights. Farther north, in the park's 100 square kilometre (38 square mile) annex you will find the delightful and often overlooked Mok Fa area which boasts a wonderful waterfall, a cave and a nature trail. Read More...

Tour Available: Doi Suthep

Harris House – Missionary Museum

Here we have the first school museum in the north of Thailand which serves as a learning centre for people of all ages, creeds and cultures. One of Chiang Mai's best known boy’s schools reflects over its influential history with an in house museum. When in 1905 Prince Vajiravudh [King Rama VI] came to Chiang Mai to preside over the foundation laying of the Butler Building, which housed the first classrooms, he stayed the night in Harris House and also renamed the school ‘Prince Royal’s College’.”

Harris House was awarded the Best Preserved Building prize by the Siam Architecture Society after a fire struck in 1980 and the building was successfully restored to its original state. The original layout of the ground floor has been kept while the upstairs rooms have been turned into a series of galleries. The largest of which features photographs of missionaries and paintings by Chiang Mai governor Luang Pinit Attakoen, century-old school desks bearing old models of typewriters and school uniforms from the past century. Read More...

Opening Hours: 08:00-16:00
Address: 117 Kaew Nawarat
Tel: + 66 (0) 5324-2038

Karen Long Neck Tribe & Chiang Dao Cave

Boasting some of the most spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations in the country, Chiang Dao Cave stretches many kilometres into the mountains. Legend has it that it connects with several other caves, before eventually emerges at the other end somewhere in Shan State across the border. The official figure, though, is 12 kilometres, and you can explore only a small part of it. Read More...

Kawila Monument and Park

Directly opposite the army barracks in a small but pleasant park is the Kawila monument. The monument was erected in the honour of Kawila. Born in 1742, Kawila was the first of Prince Chai Kaew's 10 children who played a major part in the defense and rebuilding of Chiang Mai and consequently is considered as one of the founders of the new city which was reborn after the repressive Burmese regime was driven out. Behind the statue lies a small museum where you can learn more about this great and much revered Thai leader. Read More...

Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 (museum)
Address: 285 Wat Ket Road
Tel: +66 (0) 53 24 8604

Loy Krathong

Mae Sa Elephant Camp

Having secured their names in the Guinness World Record, the elephants at the Mae Sa Elephant Camp are no ordinary beasts. Apart from going about their daily routine of bathing, eating, sleeping and just being domesticated elephants, these extremely intelligent animals have been trained to paint, play football, dance and perform a string of talent shows that will change the way you think about Thai elephants. Read More...

Opening Hours: 8:00 – 16:00 daily (shows three times daily, at 8:30, 9:40 and 13:30)
Location: Mae Rim-Samoeng Road (km. 18)
Tel: +66 (0)53 206 247, +66 (0)53 206 248
Tour Available: Mae Sa Elephant Camp

Museum of Insects and Natural Wonders

For some creepy crawly fun, head over to this museum of the oogie, run by Manop Rattanarithikul, an eccentric entomology enthusiast and his wife Rampa, a PhD in the field. Manop, nicknamed "The Mosquito Man", has been studying and collecting insects for most of his life and he and his wife have travelled the world studying and working with bugs. They founded the museum together in 2002 and have been giving visitors the willies ever since.

Manop himself will guide you through exhibits that run from massive beetles that look like something out of the movie Dune to almost invisible little gnats. Anyone who's spent time in Thailand will get a feeling of deep satisfaction from seeing an example of all 422 species of Thai mosquito dead and impaled in a glass case. But don't be surprise if you get bit by some of Manop's enthusiasm for the little buggers. The Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders is located on Srimankalajarn Road, soi 13 (midway between Suthep and Huay Kaew roads near Suan Dok Hospital. Read More...

Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00
Address: Srimankalajarn Road
Tel: +66 (0)53 21 1891

Raintree Resource Centre

The Raintree Resource Centre provides free lending library with over 7000 English books and 600 videos. They also hold the occasional special interest workshops (ex. English conversation classes, flower arrangement, ethnic cooking). A good place to venture out to, if you plan on staying in Chiang Mai some time. Read More...

Opening Hours: 10.00-12.00
Address: First Level - CMCC Center 3 Charoen Muang Road
Tel: +66 (0) 53 262 660

Royal Flora Ratchaphruek

Chiang Mai is proud of its reputation as ‘The Rose of the North’, and it is only fitting that the Kingdom’s second-largest city is a proud host of Southeast Asia’s biggest horticultural exposition. The first exhibition took place in 2006, as a tribute to King Bhumibol Adulyadej in the year of His Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. In 2011, the exhibition celebrates HM the King’s 84th birthday anniversary and is set to run from 9 November 2011 to 15 February 2012. Read More...

Opening Hours: 09:00-20:00 daily, from 9 November 2011 to 15 February 2012
Location: Royal Agricultural Research Center, in the Mae Hia district outside Chiang Mai City

Suan Buak Hat Park

A lovely and very well maintained pubic park that is a great place to stop and soak up some sunshine. Situated in the southwestern corner of the old city it is Chiang Mai’s equivalent to Lumpini Park. Read More...

Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00
Address: The Southwestern corner of the Old City walls.

Tribal Museum

Can't tell an Akha from a Hmong? Do you think that Yao is just a big guy who plays in the NBA? Then you need to pay a visit to the Chiang Mai Tribal Museum. Recently moved from its location on the Chiang Mai University campus, this museum is now housed in a modern, three storey building in Ratchamankla Park. Anyone planning on paying a visit to the many hilltribe villages around Chiang Mai will definitely benefit from a visit to this museum. On display here are costumes, tools and art from all of the major northern hilltribes, as well as daily slide shows which tell the stories of these colourful and unique peoples. Read More...

Opening Hours: 09:00-16:00 fever
Address: Ratchamangkla Park
Tel: +66 (0) 53 210 872

Uncle Jacks History Museum - Ket Karam museum

The son of, Mr. William Bain, who was a “Teak-Wallah” in the service of the East Asiatic Company, Uncle Jack opened the Ket Karam museum over four years ago. Having refurbished the old (580 years old to be exact) wooden structure there is a well organised display of artifacts from a previous era – the idea being to preserve the beauty of old Lanna culture.
Items include an old gramophone, with a Dinah Shore 78 rpm on the turntable, coins and antique crockery, vintage bank notes, ancient household appliances, farm tools, wood carvings and Buddha images. The gallery of photographs of a bygone era is considered to be of the best in Chiang Mai.
Financing the museum through his own money and the generosity of visitors who can make donations, Uncle Jack has said his motivation comes from the desire to educate younger people on the roots of their culture. Free Lanna dancing classes for children are also held every weekend. Read More...

Address: 96 Jaroenraj Road
Tel: +66 (0) 89 850 1252

Wat Bupparam

Founded by King Muang Kaew in 1497,the Viharn is Lanna Style and was previously the Royal Hall of Chao Kawilorot. The second floor is heavily adorned and features two large seated Buddha images. The white image is solid teak and was carved after a vision by King Naresuan in the late 16th century, when he defeated the Burmese forces near Muang Ngai. This vision is depicted in the carved wood panels on the east wall. Having been massively restored in the mid 90’s this a definatley a temple to head to if you are interested in contemporary religious art. Wat Chetawan and Wat Mahawan are also on the same road. Read More...

Opening Hours: 06:00-19:00
Address: Thapae Road

Wat Chang Kong

Wat Chang Kong is located on Loi Kroh Road. It was constructed by Chang Kong villagers who immigrated from Chiang Sean at the beginning of the Rama Period it now stands as an abandoned chedi which is completely surrounded by shops and dwellings on three sides. Read More...

Opening Hours: 06:00-19:00
Address: Kampaengdin Road (next to Chez Gibus)

Wat Chedi Luang

Built sometime between 1385 and 1402, during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma, 7th ruler of the Mengrai dynasty, Wat Chedi Luang's massive chedi (pagoda) is a distinctive feature of the Chiang Mai skyline. At its peak, the chedi measured 60 metres across at the square base and 80 metres tall and was once the home of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred religious relic. Read More...

Opening Hours: 06:00-17:00
Address: Phrapokklao Road
Tel: +66 (0) 53 24 8604

Wat Chiang Man

This is the oldest temple in the Chiang Mai, built in 1296 at the time of the city's founding. The temple served as the residence of Chiang Mai's founder, King Mengrai, for a time. The buildings are finely decorated in red lacquer, gold leaf and mosaics of tinted mirror, wonderful examples of Lanna style architecture. Wat Chiang Man is located on Ratchaphakhinai Road, near the Chang Puak gate in the northern part of the old city. Read More...

Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00
Address: Ratchaphakhinai Road
Tel: +66 (0) 53 24 8604

Wat Phra Sing

This venerable temple, located at the end of Ratchadamnoen Road, is perhaps the most venerated in Chiang Mai, behind Doi Suthep. While the dusty parking lot and hordes of taxi drivers may be discouraging at first, this temple is certainly worth a look.

Although the main hall of the temple dates back to 1512 and is quite beautiful, the real attraction of this temple is the smaller Lai Kam worship hall behind it. This small building is a wonderful example Lanna (northern) architecture, especially the signature roof design, which is meant to represent a bird's wings.

The interior artwork has recently been restored, allowing visitors an excellent view into the lives of Chiang Mai's people hundreds of years ago. Housed within the Lai Kam is the Phra Singh Buddha image, considered the most sacred of Chiang Mai's Buddhas, which was brought to Thailand from Sri Lanka in the 1300s. Read More...

Opening Hours: 07:00-19:00
Address: Singharat Road
Tel: +66 53 24 8604

Wat Saen Fang

This old Burmese style temple is testament to the one time Burmese occupation of Chiang Mai, with its origins going back to the 14th century. Read More...

Opening Hours: 06:00-17:00
Address: Thapae Road

Wat Suan Dok

Just beyond the walls of the old city on the west side stands Wat Suan Dok, which dates back to the 14th century. Built by the King of Lanna on the grounds of his pleasure garden, this temple was originally intended to serve as a retreat for a revered monk from Sukothai.

This temple is a wonderful place for photography and has spectacular vistas of Doi Suthep at sunset. Wat Suan Dok also figures heavily in the legend of Doi Suthep's founding. A Buddha relic was to be housed in its central chedi when it broke in two. The other half was placed on the back of a white elephant, which climbed Doi Suthep and then died. Read More...

Opening Hours: 07:00-19:00
Address: Suthep Road
Tel: +66 (0) 53 24 8604

Wat U-Mong

Off the beaten track and more than a little odd is Wat U-Mong, which is located about 1 km south of Suthep Road, west of the canal. The halls of this temple are actually tunnels which crisscross an artificial mound.

The tales say that this temple was built for a highly revered monk who was so in touch with the Buddha that he was a little out of touch with everything else and had a habit of wandering off. The temple grounds are heavily forested, owing partially to the temple's long period of abandonment. Between the maze of tunnels and the overgrown jungle you may find yourself wishing you had a fedora and a bullwhip. Read More...

Tour Available: Wat U-Mong

Wat Phan Tao

Directly adjacent to Wat Chedi Luang, although there is a wall between the two you can walk through one to get to the other. The name of this temple means "Monastery of a Thousand Kilns", in reference to the numerous Buddha images within the magnificent Wat Chedi Luang. The temple has a viharn, which is one of the few remaining all wood structures in Chaing Mai, this was originally the ho kham whicgh literally translates as ‘guilded hall’ and was the palace of Chiang Mai's king, Chao Mahawong, who ruled from 1846 to 1854.It now functions as a monastery. Read More...

Opening Hours: 07:00-17:00
Address: Diagonally adjacent to Wat Chedi Luang, Phrapokklao Road

Wiang Kum Kam

Located in attractive countryside about five kilometres south of Chiang Mai along the Ping River, Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city dating back to the eighth-century Haripunchai Kingdom. Later on it served as the capital of the then Lanna Kingdom for a short while until Chiang Mai was chosen to replace it in 1296.

Expect to see many interesting items and structures such as stone tablets with Mon inscriptions, Buddhist sculptures and architecture, earthenware and pottery. Taking a horse-drawn carriage is a popular way to enjoy the ruins although some visitors prefer to take their time to appreciate this large site on foot or by rented bicycle. Read More...

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00
Location: About five km southeast of the Old City (take Route 106, or Chiang Mai – Lamphun Highway, from Chiang Mai City)
Tel: +66 (0)53 277 322