19 attractions in Chiang Mai that you can go all year round.

Thawatchai Prommai
08 Jul 2020 - 11 min read

One of the hottest destinations in Thailand for both Thai and foreigners is definitely Chiang Mai. The province is located in the north of Thailand and is crowded almost every season. Because of the historical sites and local’s way of life, combined with nature like mountains and forest – the charming city that everyone should visit once in a lifetime. Not to mention all of the yummy northern Thai foods and interesting restaurants and cafes. So today we are happy to guide you to 19 places in Chiang Mai that are perfect for everyday visit. Do not forget to book a cheap flight with Traveloka via website or application. Start your trip with the best price!

1. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep has been a sanctuary in Chiang Mai since the old days. This temple is on every tourist's list to visit when you are here in Chiang Mai. The landmark of this place is the big and golden Chiang Saen style pagoda and buddha statues. Also you can admire the beauty of the seven-headed Naga that lies on the side of 300 steps of stairs – crafted remarkably in Lanna style.

2. Tha Phae Gate

Another hot spot that lots of tourists love to take a picture with -- Tha Phae Gate. These enormous walls are located towards the east of Chiang Mai city. Once were gates of the city from old times, built from thousands of brownish bricks. Standing high and tall until today. These ancient gates are also the starting point of Tha Phae walking street that is held on every Sunday.

3. Nimmanahaeminda Road

After visiting all those historic landmarks, it’s time to do the café hopping! Prepare your camera and stomach to explore these cafés and restaurants in this street. This street is like Thonglor or Ekamai in Bangkok. As it is the urban street that welcomes lots of tourists, there are many interesting hotels and hostels too. Shop souvenirs and walk along the street, expect the crowd in some places as this place is one of the destined areas in Chiang Mai.

4.Mon Jam

Even though Mon Jam Hill is popular in Winter from the cold weather, but it is still a breath-taking place in summer with the beauty of flower blooming. The weather is not too hot as it is located high and deep in the mountain. So you will feel like the spring season with breeze and flowers all around you. Help the locals by buying some fruits and vegetables or take a break and have lunch with spectacle scenery.

5. Grand Canyon Chiang Mai

Because of the similarity of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA. This place is named after the place and gained popularity with both Thai and foreigners. Not only to take cool pictures and admire the canyon, you can also do water and extreme activities here. Have a blast while jumping off the 20 meters cliff into the water or floating peacefully on a rental rubber boat. You won’t be bored of this place!

6. Wat Umong

One of the interesting temples in Chiang Mai is Wat Umong, another ancient and unique site because of the old and brick tunnel that leads to the buddha statue. There are triangle holds for lighting the candles along the tunnel, with historical paintings. You will feel the peacefulness and the chill in this tunnel. Perfect for a peaceful mind and relax from the outside world. It’s the temple that you should visit.

7. Chiang Mai Zoo

Now it’s time for your kids! Visit the Chiang Mai Zoo and meet various species of animals. You can meet endangered species like pandas and tigers or South African animals like giraffes and zebras. Be amazed in the aquarium with a 133 meters tunnel surrounded by fish. Hop on a zoo car and have a chance to feed giraffes and deer. There is also a night safari zone to observe animals that live in the night.

8. Baan Mae Kampong

Baan Mae Kampong is a small and lively neighbourhood in Chiang Mai, located among the green mountains and forests, with rivers running through. Visit and learn the way of living with the locals and relax your mind to the fullest. Perfect for a slow-life vacation here. You can walk along the street and find a hostel for a night. It used to be a quiet town but with tourists supporting the local business, it has become more livelier these days.

9. Kew Mae Pan

Attention nature lover! You might have heard about this nature Trail with breath-taking scenery before. Lots of tourists plan to go to this Kew Mae Pan. Stepping up on hills with a local guide (so don’t worry about getting lost!) Even though this trail is just 3.2 KM long, it will take you a couple hours as we have to walk slowly. But in the end the view is worth it. On a good day in winter, there will be sea fog floating as well. Plan the trip ahead as this might not suit the family trip.

10. Siribhom Waterfall

Siribhom Waterfall is a waterfall down from Doi Inthanon. Full of plants, especially fern with more than 140 types, growing along the forests. With the greenish view, the sound of waterfall and the chill weather will let you see the peace in mind. The fee is only 20 baht. There is also the short nature trail for you to walk easily.

11. Doi Ang Khang

This next place is the perfect place for a couple. Create a romantic trip with Doi Ang Khang and witness the beauty of nature. Various shapes of trees surrounding the field of flowers or winter vegetables, taken care by the locals – the scene like you have seen in the painting! Leave your place early to watch the sun rise and sea mist. Meet and support the locals too. This place is really worth the cheap flight!

12. Bo Kaeo Pine Tree Garden

Bo Kaeo Pine Tree Garden used to be an unseen spot, located on the road of hod - mae sariang which is an experimental place to grow pine trees. Thousands of pine trees with more than 40 years are living here. They imported many types and species to find the right one to grow on a northern mountain. But with the beauty of this garden, it has become more popular and a nice spot to take pictures.

13. Pha Chor (Mae Wang National Park)

Another strange tourist spot in this city is Pha Chor (Mae Wang National Park). It is similar to the Grand Canyon, because of the wind and water that keep shaping the mountain to be like this. There is a natural trail with rivers and forests. Meet the enormous 30 meters wall of rocks. Not only that, you can spot many bee hives along the cliff too.

14.Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden

Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden is a popular place as it is the international standard botanical garden. Located around Doi Suthep and Doi Pui. Here you can meet a mixture of flowers and gardens – especially rare and endangered species. There are flower fields, gardens and greenhouses. The main attraction is the long bridge, high above the trees so you can get the best view from there.

15. Wat Sri Suphan

Lanna-style temple that was established more than 500 years around the Mangrai dynasty. You might have seen many golden temples but what makes this place special is the chapel, made mostly of silver. Not only the colour that made it distinguished. The beauty of craftsmanship of those architectures is something not to be missed. More than 25 million baht has been invested. However, women are not allowed to enter the chapel, but it's that big and you can see the inside from the doorway.

16. Baan Kang Wat

Another small place of local-lifestyle community. Tourists and locals can be gathered, walk along and shop the souvenirs. The main idea is to create the local neighbourhood, decorated in vintage stuff with wooden houses and shops. Inside there are many shops such as handmade gift shops, second-hand shops, restaurants, cafes, craft market, workshop area and lots more.

17. Mae Ok Hu

An unseen landmark in Chiang Mai is Mae Ok Hu, situated in Mae Chaem District. This place has a pond with natural water, clean and clear all year round. The locals believed that the water fell down from the Chiang Dao cave so they built fences around the pond. You can sit and put your legs in to relax or dive down to freshen up yourself. Close your eyes and be at ease with nature.

18. Pongyang Jungle Coaster Zipline Camp&Resort

For those who love adventurous activity, there is another place you should visit -- Pongyang Jungle Coaster Zipline Camp&Resort is full of extreme activities and exciting amusement rides. You can buy tickets for every attraction or only for some rides. We recommend ‘Jungle Bike’ a bicycle on a sling and ‘Giant Swing’ a big swing with 10 meters height. Also, you cannot miss the ‘Jungle Coaster’ which is a coaster ride. Have fun and have a blast!

19. Pa Bong Piang Rice Terraces

Last but not least, the natural environment of this place is the best, Pa Bong Piang Rice Terraces is famous for its steps and terraces of rice fields. It is better to visit during September – October as the rice will grow. However the view is still spectacular all year round. With the mountains and the sun setting. It is a place you should visit then you are here in Chiang Mai

And that’s the total of 19 places in Chiang Mai that you can visit all year round. Cover every aspect: places for kids, places with excitement and places with a serene environment. These attractions will make you fall in love with the city! Now plan your trip and book a cheap flight to Chiang Mai and start your unforgettable journey.

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