700 years ago Chiang Mai was the capital of an independent nation called Lanna Thai, before losing their independence first to the Burmese and ultimately the Siamese.  Today Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city.  The ”old city” can be found at the heart of modern Chiang Mai surrounded by the remains of the original city walls and a wide, water filled moat.  

The Best of Chiang Mai:

#1.  Temples

Chiang Mai is teeming with temples and out of the many, many, Wats, here are a few of the best. Starting with those located inside the old city walls…

Wat Chedi Luang

Located in the center of Chiang Mai’s historic old city, the chedi (tower-like structure) of this 14th century temple was partially destroyed either during an earthquake in 1545 or from cannon fire during the re-capture of Chiang Mai from the Burmese in 1775.  

The park-like grounds of Wat Chedi Luang are also home to a variety of Viharns (assembly halls and pavilions) housing several Buddha statues and some relics.  The most revered of these relics, is something called the city pillar, but women aren’t allowed in the shrine that houses it so I kinda lost interest in whatever a city pillar is.

Wat Chiang Man

Built in 1296 by King Mengrai who established Chiang Mai as the capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom, Wat Chiang Man is said to be the oldest temple in Chiang Mai.  I really loved the stone elephant chedi… it might have been my favorite in Chiang Mai.  (The individual Chedi structure, that is, not the temple grounds as a whole.  My favorite temple grounds would probably be wat Pha lat or wat Saen mueng ma luang.) 

Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan

Dating back to 1345 Wat Phra Singh houses one of the most revered Buddha images in Thailand which is where the Wat’s name derives from.  The most striking feature of Wat Phra Singh is its gold gilded Chedi complete with gilded elephants protruding from each side.

Wat Saen Mueng Ma Luang

Wat Saen Muang Ma is particularly tranquil and lovely with rather extensive temple grounds and very few people around.  In fact I didn’t see any other people when I visited…  just me and the birds.  I’m guessing the Wats name Saen Mueng Ma comes from the name of the seventh King of the Lanna Kingdom.  King Saen Mueng Ma is well known in Chiang Mai as the king who began building the very large (now partially destroyed) Wat Chedi Luang.  According to a sign on the temple grounds in Thai (which I had to use google to translate) this temple is located in the area of the old Lanna Kingdom’s Royal Palace.

The Best Temples located outside the old city….

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Perched atop Mount Doi Suthep, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep has some incredible views of Chiang Mai below.  At the entrance visitors can take a tram or climb the seven headed naga staircase up to the temple. (Naga are mythological serpents and a naga staircase are steps flanked with decorative serpent statues.)

Wat Pha Lat

Situated halfway up the slopes of Mount Doi Suthep on the way to Wat Phra That is Wat Pha Lat.  Surrounded by nature and jungle forests this temple is both beautiful and peaceful with a touch of the mysterious to tickle the spirit.

What’s even more prolific than temples?

#2. Cafes and Restaurants 

Chiang Mai has a considerable collection of first-rate cafes and restaurants.  I ate so many amazing meals and drank more coffee than anyone probably should…  and I barely scratched the surface.

Truly, there are too many fantastic cafes to do justice here, with new ones popping up all the time, so I’ll name just an itty bitty few of the best… that I‘ve been to…

• The House by Ginger
• Deck 1
• Magokoro Teahouse 
• Fahtara Coffee 
• Woo Cafe Art Gallery 
• Garden to Table Chiang Mai 
• Asama Coffee & Roastery
• Wanlamun Rim Nam

#3.  Elephants 

Admiring elephants makes the list at number three, as one of the best experiences Chiang Mai has to offer.

The outskirts surrounding Chiang Mai have more than a few elephant sanctuaries of one sort or another, so be sure to do a thorough search on the ethical standards of any sanctuaries before visiting.  

Even More To See….

If you like history:

Chiang Mai City Heritage Centre

The Chiang Mai Heritage Center includes three small museums all located next to each other called; the cultural center, historical center, and Lanna Folklife Center.  If the history and culture of Chiang Mai interests you, these small museums located in the center of the old city are worth a quick visit.

The Treasury Museum 

Nearby the heritage center is the Treasury Museum.  A unique little museum about the history of currency and trade in Chiang Mai from shells, to bars of  metal, to modern bank notes.

If you like shopping:

Chiang Mai Night Bazar 

The night market is a large, well known, open air shopping venue best for handicrafts and street food.

Warorot Market 

A large three floor market packed full of goods, especially clothing, accessories and every snack food imaginable.

If you like nature: 

The Monks Trail  

A  4½ mile trail up Mount Doi Suthep the first half of the trail leads up to Wat Pha Lat and is considered relatively easy.  The second half up to Wat Doi Suthep is much steeper and generally regarded as more challenging.

If you like hiking through nature the Monks Trail, also known as the Wat Pha Lat hike is a great way to see two of Chiang Mai’s best temples.