Chiang Mai Old Town: What to See & Do
Explore the heart of Chiang Mai: Everything to see & do in the Old Town
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Chiang Mai Old Town is the historic centre of Thailand’s northern capital. It’s an area steeped in history with ancient temples and markets around every corner. Surrounded by remnants of its old city walls and moats, this is a window into Thailand’s past and now home to galleries, temples, boutiques, cafes and spas. If you’re planning a visit to Chiang Mai, exploring the Old Town should be at the top of your itinerary. Here’s everything you need to know about Chiang Mai Old Town – and what to see and do to make the most out of your stay.
Founded in 1296 by King Mengrai, Chiang Mai served as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The Old Town was strategically designed with fortified walls and a moat to defend against invasions. Over the centuries, the city became a cultural and religious centre, heavily influenced by Buddhism. Today, the Old Town retains much of its historical charm, with ancient temples, traditional wooden houses and narrow lanes that tell a million stories.
1. Explore the Temples (Wats)
As the spiritual heart of Thailand, it’s no surprise that temple hopping is one of the best things to do here. Chiang Mai Old Town is home to over 30 temples, each with its own unique history and architectural style. We’ve written a full guide on the 10 Best Temples to Visit in Chiang Mai, but here are some of the most important ones you don’t want to miss:
Wat Phra Singh
Wat Phra Singh is one of Chiang Mai’s most important temples, famous for its impressive architecture and sacred relics. The temple was constructed in 1345 and is home to the Phra Singh Buddha, a highly religious statue. The temple features a stunning golden chedi that dominates the landscape, and is a focal point for important Buddhist festivals, such as Songkran (Thai New Year) and Visakha Bucha. Explore intricate murals and classic Lanna-style artwork inside the assembly hall.
Wat Chedi Luang
Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, Wat Chedi Luang was once the tallest structure in Chiang Mai. Although partially destroyed by an earthquake in the 16th century, the massive brick chedi remains awe inspiring. This temple takes part in a Monk Chat Program, where you can engage in conversations with monks to learn about Buddhism and Thai culture. They are able to practise their English, or other languages, and in turn, share fascinating tales about their lives. We’d also highly recommend visiting Wat Chedi Luang at night, when the chedi is beautifully lit up.
Wat Chiang Man
Wat Chiang Man is the most ancient temple in Chiang Mai, dating back to 1296, and was the residence of King Mengrai during the construction of the city itself. The temple houses two important Buddha images: the Crystal Buddha and the Marble Buddha, both believed to have protective powers. The temple is also home to the elephant chedi, a stupa surrounded by intricately carved elephant statues. Look out for the stone tablets, marked with ancient inscriptions from the temple’s early history.
2. Walk the Ancient City Walls and Moat
The Old Town is uniquely defined by its square layout, bordered by a moat and the remnants of ancient walls, which would have protected the city against attacks. While much of the walls have eroded over time, the four main gates – Tha Phae, Chiang Mai, Suan Dok, and Chang Puak – still stand as key landmarks. Tha Phae is the most famous and visually stunning. Nearby, you’ll find wonderful street markets and local food stalls. We love taking an evening stroll along the moat during sunset, or you can rent a bicycle to explore the perimeter and discover lesser-known corners of the Old Town.
3. Discover Local Markets
Sunday Walking Street Market
Every Sunday evening, Ratchadamnoen Road transforms into a thronging market filled with local artisans, street food stalls and performers. It’s one of the most iconic attractions of the city, and is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and try some classic Thai street food. Also called the Tha Pae Walking Street Market, you can expect to find wood carvings, textiles, paintings and silver jewellery, while street performers play instruments like the khim. The market opens at 4pm, expect it to be at its busiest between 7pm and 9pm.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Located just outside the Old Town on Chang Klan Road, the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most famous markets, operating every night. It’s a shopper’s paradise offering everything from clothing and accessories to artwork and electronics. Anusarn Market is an area in the bazaar known for its seafood restaurants and live music. The whole night bazaar is open from 6pm until around 11pm.
4. Take Part in a Thai Cooking Classes
One of the most immersive ways to experience Thai culture is by participating in a Thai cooking class. In fact, Chaing Mai is famous across Thailand for its excellent cooking schools, who offer hands-on classes in preparing and cooking traditional Thai dishes. Many classes include trips to local markets to choose your fresh ingredients, before learning how to make your favourite Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, Tom Yum Soup and Mango Sticky Rice. Classes typically last from half a day to a full day, and of course you get to enjoy the fruits of your labour by dining on the dishes you’ve prepared!
Two excellent cooking schools are Thai Farm Cooking School and Zabb-E-Lee Thai Cooking School, housed in a huge, magnificent bamboo hut.
5. Experience Traditional Thai Massage
Traditional Thai massage, known as Nuad Thai, is an integral part of Thai culture, so much so, it’s recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. It combines acupressure, Ayurvedic principles and assisted yoga postures. Chiang Mai is famous for its massage and wellness culture, and here you’ll find some of the best spas in the country, many of them scattered throughout the Old Town and ranging from simple street-side establishments to luxurious wellness centres. A favourite of ours is Fah Lanna Spa, an award-winning spa known for its beautiful Lanna-style architecture and lush gardens. Their signature treatments include a ceremonial wai ritual, herbal steam baths and reiki, as well as traditional massage, facials and body scrubs.
6. Try the Local Food
The local cuisine of Chiang Mai, and Northern Thailand in general, is characterised by aromatic herbs and a blend of spicy, sweet and sour flavours. The must-try dish on anyone’s list is Khao Soi, a creamy coconut curry noodle soup topped with crispy fried noodles and typically served with chicken or beef. Another favourite is Sai Oua, a spicy pork sausage infused with herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. Don’t miss Nam Prik Ong, a tangy tomato and minced pork chilli dip enjoyed with fresh vegetables. Exploring Chiang Mai’s street food stalls is one of the best ways to sample these dishes and experience the authentic taste of Northern Thai cuisine.
hand picked tours we love:
7. Exploring Hidden Sois (Alleys)
The charm of Chiang Mai Old Town often lies in its narrow sois (or alleys) lined with teak houses, art galleries and cosy cafes. Spend an afternoon getting lost in the old streets, cafe hop between places like Graph Cafe and Zohng Coffee, unique cafes tucked away with stylish, Instagram-worthy interiors and excellent coffee. Art galleries line the street and there are too many boutique shops to count, selling handmade clothing, jewellery and souvenirs. Here, the best plan is to have no plan and see where the day takes you.
Things to Do
things to do
