Chiang Mai Classic Sites
Take a day to explore some of the highlights of Chiang Mai, including ancient temples and charming streets, accompanied by your own private guide.
Area
Northern Thailand
With a laid-back atmosphere and wonderful mix of old and new, the city of Chiang Mai feels very different to the bustling capital of Bangkok. This full day tour takes in the classic sites of the city and surrounding countryside, but can also be adapted should you have any specific interests.
Certainly a 'must-see' is Wat Chiang Mai, which is the city's oldest temple, first built around 1296. The temple houses many important artefacts, including the small but famous 'Crystal Buddha' and the Phra Sila; a bas-relief Buddha image carved into marble, believed to have come from Sri Lanka or India over 1,000 years ago. There is also a stone slab in front of the ordination hall, which dates back to 1581. This slab bears the first known reference to the founding of Chiang Mai.
We also recommend visiting Wat Chedi Luang. This was originally one of the tallest buildings in ancient Chiang Mai, however it took significant damage either in an earthquake or from cannon-fire. Whilst it no longer boasts a towering spire, there has been extensive restoration work to the exterior, including new Buddha images, nagas and elephant statues. The temple was also the previous home of the Emerald Buddha, currently in Bangkok, and visitors can now see a jade replica, which was given as a royal gift in 1995 to celebrate the 700th anniversary of Chiang Mai.
The third key temple that we recommend visiting within the city is Wat Phra Singh (although for those keen on temples, there are many more). This temple offers an excellent example of classic Lanna architecture. It is most well known for its beautiful Phra Singh (Lion Buddha) image, which is housed in a small but ornate chapel, and first came to Chiang Mai in the 1360s.
Take a stroll through some of Chiang Mai's most charming streets, including the vibrant Nimmanhaemin Road, known for its art scene, and enjoy a delicious local lunch.
Later in the afternoon, head out of the city to visit Wat Doi Suthep. This famous mountain temple was built in 1383 as a shrine to house a Buddha relic. Your driver will take you up the winding mountain road, and then the temple is reached by either a steep 306-step staircase or a tram. As well as admiring the temple, visitors can also enjoy the panoramic views over Chiang Mai and the lush surrounding countryside.
Please note that as you will be visiting religious sites, you will need to cover shoulders and knees. You will also need to remove your shoes at certain parts of the temples.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationThe Legend Chiang Rai
The Legend Chiang Rai is located along the Mae Kok river just a few minutes from the town centre of Chiang Rai, affording it idyllic panoramic views of the lush surrounding hills and mountains. It is a boutique resort and spa with a tranquil atmosphere.
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View AccommodationAnantara Chiang Mai Resort
Located within the city, Anantara Chiang Mai (formerly the Chedi) stylishly combines a resort feel with a prime location. It is in the heart of beautiful scenery and traditional culture and a stone's throw from the bustle of the night markets.
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View AccommodationTamarind Village
Tamarind Village is a beautiful boutique property surrounded by temples and shopping streets and is the perfect base from which to explore the wonders of Chiang Mai.
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View AccommodationGypsy, Mekong River Cruise
Artfully crafted from teak and thatch, the exclusive two-suite Gypsy is a beautifully appointed vessel that charts a path along the Mekong River, stopping as and when you wish to curate a voyage of discovery between the Golden Triangle and Luang Prabang.
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View AccommodationTatvani
Tatvani is a rare find; an entirely private estate in Northern Thailand’s Golden Triangle where a dedicated team of over 30 staff ensures every moment is exquisitely tailored to your group alone.
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Discover the legendary Golden Triangle up in the north of Thailand, at the fantastically luxurious Four Seasons Tented Camp, stunningly located on the border of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, and overlooking the Mekong River.
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
A wonderful Four Seasons resort set in a tranquil, idyllic location. The perfect luxury base from which to explore the local culture, relax, enjoy the peaceful surroundings and experience excellent service and facilities.
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View AccommodationAnantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
The Anantara is a stunning luxury hotel set high up in the lush hills of Thailand's border overlooking Myanmar and Laos, in the heart of the Golden Triangle. Explore three countries, enjoy a walk with elephants, or simply relax and take in the view.
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View Accommodation137 Pillars House
137 Pillars House has the feel of being secluded in a secret and lush tropical garden in the heart of Chiang Mai. This hidden gem has an old world charm, transporting you to times gone by with the history of the main house.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceCoffee Hilltribe Experience
Head into the highlands west of Chiang Mai to a Karen hilltribe village, trek through coffee forests, plant your own tree, then learn to roast and brew coffee – returning home with beans you've roasted yourself.
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View ExperiencePicnic and Exclusive Scenic Dinner
Escape to a highland farmhouse outside Chiang Mai for a private picnic that transforms into a farm-to-table dinner as the sun sets over the countryside.
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View ExperienceDoi Suthep Monk Trail
Follow the ancient Monk's Trail to Wat Pha Lat's hidden jungle temple, then climb Doi Suthep's 308 steps to where the city unfolds beneath you.
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View ExperienceAnantara, Golden Triangle - Jungle Bubble Overnight
Spend a magical night in Anantara’s Jungle Bubbles, nestled in the heart of Thailand’s lush Golden Triangle. Observe rescued elephants roaming freely below while you relax in a fully transparent, luxurious bubble under a canopy of stars.
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View ExperiencePrivate Cooking Class at Grandma's Cooking School
Escape to the countryside south of Chiang Mai for a private cooking class at Grandma's, where the day begins in the garden – harvesting herbs and collecting eggs – before learning to coax authentic Thai flavours from ingredients you've picked yourself.
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View ExperienceThai Art Workshop
Learn traditional Thai lacquering and gilding from an artist who's restored temples including Wat Pho, creating your own wooden plaque with gold leaf and lacquer at Baan Thongjaya.
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View ExperienceThai Art Workshop
Learn traditional Thai lacquering and gilding from an artist who's restored temples including Wat Pho, creating your own wooden plaque with gold leaf and lacquer at Baan Thongjaya.
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View ExperienceHloyo Akha Hilltribe Experience
Delve into the traditions and culture of the Akha people. Travel into the hills to Hloyo village and spend a day partaking in the daily activities of the Akha. Learn to cook traditional food, and chat with farmers in the fields.
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View ExperienceElephant Discovery Camp
Spend the day with three female elephants, learning about the species' behaviour and their relationship with the northern Thai people.
Call us on 020 8682 5060 to start planning