Ancient Slide / Wat Chedi Luang / Chiang Mai

Getty Images/Flickr Open

Chiang Mai Province

Thailand’s northern capital is an overnight train ride and light years away from the bustle of Bangkok. Wrestled from Burmese control by the kingdom of Siam, the former capital of the Lanna people is a captivating collection of glimmering monasteries, manic markets, modern shopping centers, and quiet residential streets that wouldn't look amiss in a remote village.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai

Overlooking the city from its mountain throne, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples, and its founding legend is…
Wat Chedi Luang

Chiang Mai

Wat Chedi Luang isn't as grand as Wat Phra Singh, but its towering, ruined Lanna-style chedi (built in 1441) is much taller and the sprawling compound…
Wat Phra Singh

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai's most revered temple, Wat Phra Singh is dominated by an enormous, mosaic-inlaid wí·hăhn (sanctuary). Its prosperity is plain to see from the…
Talat Warorot

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai's oldest public market, Warorot (also spelt Waroros) is a great place to connect with the city's Thai soul. Alongside souvenir vendors you'll…
Wat Phan Tao

Chiang Mai

Without doubt the most atmospheric wát in the old city, this teak marvel sits in the shadow of Wat Chedi Luang. Set in a compound full of fluttering…
Lanna Folklife Museum

Chiang Mai

Set inside the former Provincial Court, dating from 1935, this imaginative museum re-creates Lanna village life in a series of life-size dioramas that…
Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary

Chiang Mai Province

At this community-based, elephant retirement and small animal rescue sanctuary, humans work for the elephants (not the other way around). Just three…
Nam Tok Bua Tong (Sticky Waterfall)

Si Lanna National Park

Ever walked up a waterfall? An increasingly popular day trip from Chiang Mai to Si Lanna National Park's 'Sticky Waterfall' allows visitors (with no magic…