Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom for nearly 200 years and retains over 300 Buddhist temples, more than any other city in Thailand.

The city sits at 310 metres elevation in northern Thailand's mountains, making it significantly cooler than Bangkok year-round.

Chiang Mai's night markets—particularly the Sunday Walking Street—are among Thailand's largest and most famous, drawing thousands of visitors weekly.

The city is the world's unintentional air pollution hotspot during burning season (March–April), when crop residue fires in surrounding fields create hazardous smog.

Elephant sanctuaries around Chiang Mai attract tourists globally, though ethical standards vary widely between facilities.

Chiang Mai's Old City is surrounded by a largely intact moat and ancient wall dating to 1296, one of Southeast Asia's best-preserved medieval town boundaries.