Northern Culture, Mountain Scenery
and Centuries-Old Temples
Explore Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s largest city in the north, surrounded by mountains, rich Lanna heritage, centuries-old temples, and a creative culture that continues to evolve. It is a place where history, local traditions, cafés, art, and nature come together, making every visit feel a little different.
Check out my photography in Chiang Mai Visual Stories
for more inspiration and places I have explored
What I Enjoy About Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is one of those places I never get tired of returning to. I usually visit at least twice a year, and every trip gives me another reason to come back. While I always make time to visit the temples for annual blessings, there is always somewhere new to explore.
One of the things I enjoy most is simply driving around the city as if I were a local. Instead of following a fixed itinerary, I take smaller roads, wander into different neighbourhoods, and stop whenever I find an interesting café, local market, or hidden restaurant. Many of my favourite places have been discovered this way.
Chiang Mai probably has the strongest café culture in Thailand, with countless independent cafés spread throughout the city and surrounding countryside. It also has a vibrant art scene, with galleries, craft shops, weekend markets, and creative spaces that continue to grow. Some days the city is full of energy, while on others it feels wonderfully quiet, making it easy to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Food is another reason I keep coming back. There are so many excellent local eateries, from long-established family restaurants to hidden gems tucked away in residential neighbourhoods. Most of the places I visit come from my ever-growing Google Maps “Want to Eat” list, and every trip is another chance to tick a few more off. Somehow, the list only seems to get longer with every visit.
Where to Visit
Every visit includes returning to some of Chiang Mai’s most respected temples, including Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Umong. Beyond these well-known landmarks, I also enjoy exploring new cafés, local markets, art spaces, and neighbourhoods that are often overlooked. That’s what keeps Chiang Mai feeling fresh, no matter how many times I return.
Here are Chiang Mai’s
Most Instagrammable spots
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai’s most iconic temple, overlooking the city from Doi Suthep mountain with its magnificent golden chedi.
- Doi Inthanon National Park – Home to Thailand’s highest mountain, famous for waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, nature trails, and the Twin Royal Pagodas.
- Sunday Walking Street (Ratchadamnoen Road) – Chiang Mai’s largest and most famous night market, packed with local food, handicrafts, music, and performances.
- Wat Chedi Luang – A historic temple in the heart of the Old City, known for its impressive ancient chedi and Lanna architecture.
- Wat Phra Singh – One of Chiang Mai’s most important temples, featuring beautiful Lanna craftsmanship and the revered Phra Buddha Sihing.
- Nimmanhaemin Road – The city’s trendy lifestyle district, known for its cafés, boutique shops, restaurants, galleries, and vibrant atmosphere.
- Tha Phae Gate – The symbolic entrance to Chiang Mai’s Old City and a popular meeting point for festivals, photography, and local events.
- Mae Ya Waterfall (Nam Tok Mae Ya) – One of Thailand’s most spectacular waterfalls, with wide cascading tiers surrounded by lush forest.
- Wat Umong – A peaceful forest temple famous for its ancient meditation tunnels and tranquil setting.
- Saturday Walking Street (Wua Lai Road) – A lively weekend market offering handmade crafts, local art, street food, and traditional silverware.
- Wat Pha Lat – A hidden jungle temple along the Monk’s Trail, offering a peaceful escape and beautiful natural surroundings.
- Wat Suan Dok – A historic temple with a large golden chedi and distinctive white royal mausoleums.
- Wat Luang Khun Win – A secluded wooden temple tucked away in the mountains, ideal for those looking to explore beyond the usual tourist routes.
- Pine Tree Orchard – A scenic pine forest popular for relaxing drives, photography, and cooler mountain weather.
