Chiang Mai - 18 Attractions You Must Visit

The Bhubing Palace is located on Doi Buak Ha, Muang District, Chiang Mai Province. It is the royal winter residence in Chiang Mai where the Royal family stays during seasonal visits to the people in the northern part of Thailand. The palace is also the royal guesthouse for prominent state visitors from abroad. Now it is one of the famous tourist attraction in Thailand.

The Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected hotspot of various flora and fauna. It covers different types of forests and is home to several endangered animals. Trekking and camping opportunities are also available, which are perfect for an exciting getaway in the lap of nature. Guides charge between 1000 THB and 2000 THB per person and an overnight stay at the sanctuary costs 500 THB.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar or just Night Bazaar is directly east of the city moat, between it and the Ping River, on Chang Khlan Road, between Tha Phae and Sridonchai Roads. It is known for its handicrafts and portrait paintings. There are also jewelry, toys, clothing, and high tech items such as CDs and DVDs. The market is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chiang Mai.

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, Its vast variety of animals and the flora and fauna inside the zoo is quite interesting.

Doi Inthanon is one of the most popular national parks in Thailand. It is famous for its waterfalls, few trails, remote villages, picturesque montane farms, viewpoints, sunrise/sunset watching, birdwatching, and the all year-round cold weather on higher elevations. The main park entrance is about 70 km southwest from Chiang Mai city center.

Doi Pha Hom Pok national park has one of the most highest mountain in Thailand it is Doi Pha Hom Pok. This mountain is 2,285 m. from the middle sea level. It a number 2 higher mountain in Thailand that only Doi Inthanon can surpass its high. At top of the mountain is a granite plain that surround by cloud and has a rough wind blow over so this place is basically in cold temperature all the year.

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is named after the mountains where the hermit Sudeva lived on it's slopes for many years. The park is situated in Chiang Mai Province. The main attractions of the park are; Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Doi Pui Mountain, waterfalls, viewpoints and trails. The national park is one of the best in the country for hiking thanks to its “endless” trails throughout the park from all directions and elevations. Cycling is also very popular.

Beyond the concrete jungle of Chiang Mai, Thailand, lies an entirely different jungle. A real jungle where lush, tree-covered mountains are home to numerous species of animals. Within this jungle is a special place — Elephant Nature Park (ENP). Unlike other tourist outfits in Thailand, ENP delivers something unique — a chance to interact with elephants without exploiting them.

Huai Nam Dang National Park covers on area of 1,252.12 square kilometers in Amphoe Mae Taeng and Wiang Haeng of Chiang Mai and in Pai of Mae Hong Son. The National park is a scenic splendour located amidst the rugged high mountains of the Thai-Burmese border. It is well-known as one of the most picturesque seas of mist in Thailand. If visitors choose to go there in the cold season when the temperature drops and the sky is crystal clear, they will have the opportunity to enjoy innumerable, twinkl

Op Luang National Park is a national park in Chiang Mai. It’s located in Jom Thong County, Hod County, and Mae-Jam County. The total area is about 553 square kilometers, quite enormous. The landscape mainly consists of high mountains, which are about 280-1,980 metres higher than the medium sea level. However, the most outstanding ones are Doi Pha Dam, Doi Liam, Doi Pui Luang, Doi Kam etc. Moreover, there is a water source called Mae-Jam Waterway.

Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden (QSBG), or formerly known as Mae Sa Botanic Garden, is the first botanical garden of the country at international standards for there are scientific basis and purposes for the collections, and the provision of botanical education and research. In 1994, the BGO received the honor from HM the Queen to grant a royal permission to name this northern botanic garden after Her Majesty ‘s name as Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden.

Wat Chedi Luang's massive chedi was built sometime between 1385 and 1402, during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma, 7th ruler of the Mengrai dynasty and 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.

Wat Chiang Man is Chiang Mai’s oldest temple and holds some important Buddhist images including a famous crystal Buddha. Construction on the temple started in 1306 although several parts were added in later centuries so the temple complex has lots of different styles of architecture side by side. There are two main meditation halls in Wat Chiang Man, both extensively decorated in gold and red with images of the Buddha. Inside the larger hall is Chiang Mai’s oldest Buddha image, a standing Buddha

Wat Lok Molee is an older temple in Chiang Mai which features a 14th century chedi, manicured garden area and an impressive prayer hall. Located just outside of the Old City moat area, Wat Lok Molee is not visited as often as other temples and therefore sometimes visitors can be alone in the whole temple grounds. The entrance to Wat Lok Molee is guarded by two impressive stone elephants, although there is a second larger entrance for cars and motorbikes to enter.

Wat Phra Singh is perhaps the second most venerated temple in Chiang Mai after Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It houses three main structures, the main attraction being the elegantly decorated Lai Kam assembly hall and its restored murals depicting the lives of locals hundreds of years ago. Located inside the old city wall, at the western end of Ratchadamnoen Road, the temple’s signature Lanna-style roofs and glittering viharn invite visitors.

Built early in the 19th century, the Buddhist Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the sacred and most important temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The structure is an incredible piece of architecture and skilled craftsmanship. For those who are looking forward to an extraordinary experience full of peace and tranquility.

Wat Suan Dok, built in the late 14th century, houses several structures of historical significance. Among them include the principal pagoda that enshrines the Buddha’s relics, a garden of whitewashed mausoleums housing the ashes of late Chiang Mai rulers, and a large open-air wiharn . The temple is found outside the old city wall, about 1km east of Suan Dok Gate on Suthep Road. Built by a King of Chiang Mai on the grounds of his pleasure garden.

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.