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Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is northern Thailand's leading cultural city, set on the banks of the Ping River. It's a great place to visit temples such as Doi Suthep and Wat Phra Singh and to enjoy nature at Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Chiang Mai
Gateway airport
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
Best season
Nov–Feb
Time zone
Asia/Bangkok
Sights covered
19 places

Sights worth seeing

See all 19 →
Doi Suthep

Nature

Doi Suthep

A 1,676-meter mountain west of Chiang Mai, with two granite peaks rising side by side near its summit. The other peak, Doi Pui, is slightly higher.

Wat Phra Sing

Temples & religious sites

Wat Phra Sing

One of Chiang Mai's leading Buddhist temples, home to the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image. Walking through the temple grounds offers an up-close look at Thai Buddhist culture.

Chiang Mai Zoo

Zoos & aquariums

Chiang Mai Zoo

The first zoo in northern Thailand, located west of Chiang Mai University. Since opening in 1977, it has been a beloved outing spot where visitors can see a wide variety of animals.

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Parks & gardens

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

A national park on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, home to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple and Bhubing Palace, the Thai royal family's winter residence, nestled in the mountains. It's a great spot to combine temple visits with walks through lush nature.

Ban Ho Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Ban Ho Mosque

A mosque near Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar, one of the largest in the area. Founded by Chinese immigrants, it's one of the few mosques in Chiang Mai.

Wiang Kum Kam

Heritage & monuments

Wiang Kum Kam

An ancient city ruin on the banks of the Ping River outside Chiang Mai, Thailand, once used as the capital by King Mangrai before he moved it to Chiang Mai. Long submerged underwater before resurfacing, it's a worthwhile destination for exploring ancient ruins.

Attaqwa Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Attaqwa Mosque

A mosque east of the Ping River in Chiang Mai, one of the city's Chinese Muslim mosques. It's a good place to take in an exotic atmosphere within Thailand.

Chiang Mai National Museum

Museums & galleries

Chiang Mai National Museum

A national museum near Wat Chet Yot in northwest Chiang Mai, where you can explore the history and artifacts of the Lanna Kingdom with descriptions in Thai and English. It's a recommended stop for travelers wanting a deeper understanding of northern Thai culture.

How many days do you need?

Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.

Average temperature by month

5-year average

22° Jan
24° Feb
28° Mar
29° Apr
29° May
27° Jun
27° Jul
26° Aug
26° Sep
25° Oct
24° Nov
22° Dec

Getting there

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Getting around the city

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Fares and timetables change often, so we don't list them here. Check the operator or the booking site for current prices and schedules.

Chiang Mai Tours & Experiences Booking

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Local data

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Where to stay

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