Top 15 Chiang Mai tourist destinations - Discover Thailand's "Northern Rose"

Chiang Mai, known as Thailand's "Rose of the North", is an ideal destination for those who crave unspoiled natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. Chiang Mai tourist attractions attract visitors with ancient temples, lush green valleys and fresh air.

1. Chiang Man Temple (Wat Chiang Man)

The oldest temple in Chiang Mai with unique architecture (Photo source: Collected)

Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, built in 1292 by King Mengrai, the founder of the Lanna Kingdom. With typical Lanna-style architecture, the temple stands out with its unique Chedi, carved with the image of 15 elephants, demonstrating the sophistication and great artistry of the people here.

Inside, you will find two precious ancient Buddha images, including the glass Buddha Pra Seh-Taang Kamanee, revered as the God of Rain. Exploring Chiang Man Temple will give you a deep spiritual experience and a clear view of the rich culture of this land.

2. Doi Suthep Temple

Doi Suthep Temple stands out with its sparkling gilded tower (Photo source: Collected)

Doi Suthep Temple, one of the most famous temples in Chiang Mai, has a history of more than 600 years and is built on the top of Doi Suthep hill. To conquer this temple, you will have to climb 309 stone steps, guarded by two majestic dragons on both sides.

The feeling of climbing the high stairs will lead you to a majestic space, where the sparkling gilded stupa attracts the eyes from afar. Doi Suthep Temple is not only a tourist destination but also a place where cultural and religious values are closely connected with majestic nature.

3. Wat Chedi Luang

Chedi Luang Temple is a cultural symbol in Chiang Mai (Photo source: Collected)

Wat Chedi Luang is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Chiang Mai, built in 1401 by order of King Saeng Muang Ma. With its grand and unique architecture of the Lanna Dynasty, the temple is not only a place of worship but also an important cultural symbol of the city.

Visitors will be captivated by the large tower, shaped like ancient Mayan architecture, with intricate carvings reflecting the sophistication of local construction art. The temple grounds are also an ideal place to relax, with quiet cafes and the famous mango sticky rice just outside the gate.

4. Doi Inthanon National Park

Green space at Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai (Photo source: Collected)

Doi Inthanon National Park is one of the attractive Chiang Mai tourist destinations that cannot be missed when exploring Northern Thailand. This place stands out with its majestic and rich natural scenery, giving visitors a deep sense of the pristine beauty of this land.

You can easily admire the impressive Wachirathan Waterfall, where the water falls from a great height, creating a magnificent scene. Here, you can climb the Buddhist stupa to take in the panoramic beauty of Mount Inthanon, which is known as the highest peak in Thailand.

5. Chiang Mai Night Safari

Discover the extremely interesting night Safari in Chiang Mai (Photo source: Collected)

Explore the Night Safari Park - one of the interesting tourist attractions in Chiang Mai, where you can experience wildlife at night. Located in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, this safari is a conservation area for more than 200 animal species and more than 8,000 penguins, seals and cute koalas.

Here, you will be able to travel by convenient tram to see animals such as elephants, giraffes, lions, and moon bears. In particular, the funny panda family will make you unable to take your eyes off. The park is open day and night, with the ideal time from 18:00 to 23:30 to explore the interesting activities of nocturnal animals.

6. Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium

Chiang Mai Zoo with many rare animals (Photo source: Collected)

Chiang Mai Zoo and Botanical Garden – Chiang Mai Aquarium is a must-see tourist destination in Chiang Mai for nature lovers. Here, you will see many rare animals in close-up environments, such as gentle pandas, powerful two-horned rhinos and brave tigers. Besides watching animals, visitors can also visit Chiang Mai Aquarium, which displays colorful fish tanks and unique aquatic plants.

7. Chiang Mai Walking Street

Chiang Mai walking street is bustling with many stalls (Photo source: Collected)

When it comes to Chiang Mai tourist destinations, it is impossible not to mention the vibrant walking streets. Wua Lai Walking Street on Saturday and Tha Phae Walking Street on Sunday are ideal places for you to discover exquisite handicrafts such as brocade, silverware and unique souvenirs.

Every weekend, these bustling streets become a lively stage where street artists perform music and dance, creating a cozy and intimate space. Strolling on the walking streets of Chiang Mai, you will feel the bustling but poetic life of the people here, along with the unique cultural features waiting for you to discover.

8. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

The bustling night market Bazaar with many items for sale (Photo source: Collected)

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is one of the attractive tourist destinations in Chiang Mai that you should not miss. Open from 18:00 to 24:00 every day, the market offers visitors unique handicraft products at prices 20% to 30% cheaper than the market.

Known as the “mother of flea markets,” the Bazaar offers lively performances, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere. After sightseeing and shopping, you can enjoy relaxing spaces at the surrounding cafes, bars and pubs.

9. Long Neck Village

Discover the unique culture at the long neck village in Chiang Mai (Photo source: Collected)

Long Neck Village, located about 30km from Chiang Mai city, is one of the unique Chiang Mai tourist destinations with interesting culture and customs. Here, you will meet Kayan women with their characteristic long necks, created by many layers of copper rings stacked on top of each other since childhood. These rings are not only a cultural symbol but also have the meaning of protecting health and bringing luck.

When visiting the village, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the daily life of the people here. In addition, they can also stop by the handicraft stalls to buy necklaces as souvenirs.

10. Klong Mae Kha Ancient Village

Peaceful and rustic ancient village of Klong Mae Kha (Photo source: Collected)

Klong Mae Kha Ancient Village is a charming Chiang Mai tourist destination, hidden by a peaceful river in the heart of the city. The village is like a vivid ink painting, with ancient wooden houses, small tree-lined streets, and fresh, rustic air.

Strolling here, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the slow pace of life, explore the vibrant night market with countless stalls selling exquisite handicrafts, unique souvenirs and attractive street food. Klong Mae Kha also has local cultural characteristics with a Japanese-style street corner, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for anyone who visits.

11. Summer Palace – Phu Ping Palace

Poetic space at Chiang Mai Summer Palace (Photo source: Collected)

Phu Ping Palace, or Summer Palace, is a must-see attraction in Chiang Mai. Located on the Doi Buak Ha peak of the Suthep mountain range, it offers cool air all year round, with a view of fragrant flower gardens and lush green trees.

The paths in the palace are decorated with rows of precious flowers, especially bright roses, chrysanthemums, forget-me-nots, and many other special flowers competing to bloom. Standing from the palace, you can admire the panoramic view of the mountains and peaceful villages in the distance, bringing a sense of lightness and relaxation. As a resort of the Thai royal family, it promises to bring a wonderful experience amidst the unique natural and cultural landscape of Thailand.

12. Grand Canyon

Picturesque landscape at the Grand Canyon (Photo source: Collected)

Grand Canyon Chiang Mai is a great Chiang Mai tourist destination for those who want to explore the wild nature and enjoy the majestic landscape. With towering cliffs surrounding the blue lake, this place offers an unforgettable experience through exciting activities such as swimming, surfing and bungee jumping. In particular, this is also an ideal place to watch the sunset, when the afternoon light dyes the water surface golden, creating a captivating natural picture.

13. Bua Tong “Sticky” Waterfall

The cool "STicky" waterfall attracts many tourists in Chiang Mai (Photo source: Collected)

With its magical beauty and natural limestone steps, Bua Tong Waterfall, or “Sticky Waterfall”, offers an exciting experience as you can easily climb up and admire the surrounding scenery without worrying about slipping. The cool water will dispel all worries, and bring visitors wonderful moments of relaxation. Bua Tong Waterfall is suitable for everyone, from seasoned adventurers to beginners, thanks to enthusiastic guidance from experts.

14. Huay Tung Tao Lake

Fresh, peaceful air at Huay Tung Tao Lake (Photo source: Collected)

Huay Tung Tao Lake, just a 15-minute drive from Chiang Mai city, is one of the most popular Chiang Mai tourist destinations for locals. At the lake, you can spend the whole day fishing, enjoying fresh seafood and chatting in the fresh, quiet air. In particular, capture moments next to giant animal statues made of straw such as orangutans and tigers, creating unique photos. Huay Tung Tao Lake offers a relaxing space and an interesting experience in the middle of nature.

15. Botanic Garden

Learn about different cacti species at the Botanic Garden (Photo source: Collected)

Unlike ordinary cactus gardens, the cactus nursery gathers thousands of species of cacti and diverse plants, creating an extremely impressive miniature cactus world. In the transparent glass space, you will admire unique cacti, with various sizes and shapes, and can encounter giant blooming plants. In particular, the glass bridge across the quiet forest outside offers a beautiful view and closeness to nature.

Chiang Mai, Thailand is a great destination for those who love to explore culture, history and nature. With Chiang Mai tourist attractions such as ancient temples, bustling markets and unique festivals, your trip will be more interesting and memorable than ever. Let's create unforgettable memories with Vietravel on your journey to explore Chiang Mai.

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/dia-diem-du-lich-chiang-mai-thai-lan-v15956.aspx