History · Chiang Mai · Thailand
8 historic sites to see in Chiang Mai
The places that tell the story of how the city came to be.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: This Photo was taken by Supanut Arunoprayote . Feel free to use any of my images, but plea, CC BY 4.0
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Quick answer
Start with Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. Together the 8 picks below take roughly 9–10 hours across 4 areas; 4 are free.
Key facts
- Places in this guide
- 8
- Free entry
- 4
- Time to see them all
- 9–10 hours
- Areas
- Doi Suthep, Old City and Doi Suthep foothills
Historic sites in Chiang Mai
Religious site · Doi Suthep
1.Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
A 306-step staircase flanked by naga serpents climbs to a terrace around a gilded chedi said to hold a relic of the Buddha, and the viewpoint looks over the whole city.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Views
- History
- Photo spot
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Religious site · Old City
2.Wat Phra Singh
The main viharn and golden chedi are just as impressive.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- History
- Architecture
- Art
Religious site · Old City
3.Wat Chedi Luang
The temple grounds also hold the city pillar shrine, and monks host 'monk chat' sessions where visitors can ask about Buddhism.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- History
- Architecture
- Photo spot
Religious site · Old City
4.Wat Chiang Man
Its chedi is supported by rows of brick elephants, and a small chapel holds two highly venerated Buddha images.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Architecture
- Off the beaten path
Historic site · Old City
5.Tha Phae Gate and the old city walls
Corner bastions and stretches of wall survive around the moat, which makes a pleasant walk of about 6 km.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
Religious site · Doi Suthep foothills
6.Wat Umong
Shaded paths, a lake and talking-tree signs with Buddhist sayings make it a peaceful contrast to the old city.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Nature
- Off the beaten path
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Religious site · Nimmanhaemin
7.Wat Suan Dok
It also hosts a monk chat programme for visitors.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Photo spot
- History
Museum · Old City
8.Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre
It is a good first stop to understand the temples.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
- Kids
Grouped by area
| Area | Places | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Doi Suthep | Wat Phra That Doi Suthep | 2–3 hours |
| Old City | Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Man, Tha Phae Gate and the old city walls and Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre | 1 hour + 1 hour + 45 minutes + 1 hour + 1–1.5 hours |
| Doi Suthep foothills | Wat Umong | 1 hour |
| Nimmanhaemin | Wat Suan Dok | 45 minutes |
Booking and timing
Of these 8, 4 free, 4 low cost. None needs booking far in advance. The longest visit is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep; group the rest by area to save travel time.
How to fit them into 3 half-days
Grouped by area and kept to about four hours each, so you walk more than you ride.
- Half-day 1 (Doi Suthep and Old City): Wat Phra That Doi Suthep → Wat Phra Singh → Wat Chedi Luang, at least 4 hours.
- Half-day 2 (Old City and Doi Suthep foothills): Wat Chiang Man → Tha Phae Gate and the old city walls → Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre → Wat Umong, at least 4 hours.
- Half-day 3 (Nimmanhaemin): Wat Suan Dok, at least 1 hour.
The quietest months for queues
- March: highs of 35°C (95°F), about 2 rainy days, quiet crowds. Hot and often very smoky; air quality is frequently among the poorest of the year, hiding Doi Suthep from the city.
- May: highs of 34°C (93°F), about 15 rainy days, quiet crowds. Early rains clear the smoke and cool the air; afternoon storms become common.
- June: highs of 32°C (90°F), about 17 rainy days, quiet crowds. Green season begins, with showers mostly in the afternoon or evening and fresh, clear mornings.
The neighbourhoods they are in
- Old City — Temple-filled square inside the moat, with guesthouses and quiet sois
- Nimmanhaemin — Trendy grid of cafés, galleries and condos near the university
- Chang Phueak — North Gate area of evening food stalls and a jazz bar
More of Chiang Mai
All things to do in Chiang Mai · Where to stay · When to go.
Questions travellers ask
+Where should I start in Chiang Mai?
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Chiang Mai's most sacred temple stands on the mountain 15 km west of the city, about 1,000 metres up.
+Which of these are free in Chiang Mai?
Wat Chiang Man, Tha Phae Gate and the old city walls, Wat Umong and Wat Suan Dok.