Things to Do in Chiang Mai: Temples, Elephants, and Night Markets

Old City Temples

Chiang Mai’s moated old city contains over 30 temples within a 1.5km square — a higher concentration than almost anywhere in Thailand. Three are essential:

Wat Phra Singh — The most important temple in Chiang Mai. The revered Phra Singh Buddha image is housed in a pavilion with exceptional Lanna-style murals showing 19th-century northern Thai life. The main bot is surrounded by smaller chapels and a well-maintained courtyard. Entry: ฿50.

Wat Chedi Luang — The site of a massive 15th-century stupa (chedi) that collapsed in an earthquake in 1545. The ruined structure is dramatic — four large naga (serpent) staircases and partial elephant buttresses. The active temple grounds are free to access. “Monk Chat” sessions run daily — visitors can speak with monks about Buddhism and Thai culture.

Wat Chiang Man — The oldest temple in Chiang Mai (founded 1296), in the northeast corner of the old city. Quieter than Phra Singh or Chedi Luang. A small museum houses two important Buddha images including the Crystal Buddha and the Marble Buddha.

Elephant sanctuaries

The best ethical sanctuaries near Chiang Mai allow visitors to feed, walk alongside, and observe elephants in large natural enclosures — without riding or performing. Half-day and full-day programs typically include transport from the city, a meal, and time in the water with the herd.

Elephant Nature Park (40km north of Chiang Mai) — Thailand’s most well-known rescue sanctuary. Day visits: ฿2,500–3,500 per person. Book weeks in advance in peak season.

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary — Multiple camps in the mountains. A slightly more accessible price point (฿2,200–2,800) with similar ethical standards. Ask specifically which camp site you’ll visit as quality varies between locations.

Doi Inthanon National Park

Thailand’s highest peak (2,565m) is 60km southwest of Chiang Mai. The park contains two royal chedis (built for the King and Queen’s birthdays) with panoramic mountain views, a series of waterfalls including Wachirathan Falls, and hill tribe villages accessible by guided tour. Temperature at the summit can drop to 10°C in winter — bring a layer. A day trip by tour or rented vehicle covers the main sites in 8–9 hours.

Doi Suthep

The temple on the mountain visible from the old city (15km west). Wat Phra That Doi Suthep sits at 1,073 metres — accessible by songthaew (฿100 return) or the 300-step staircase. The views of Chiang Mai city from the terrace are excellent in clear weather. Entry: ฿50. Best visited early morning before clouds develop.

Night markets

Sunday Walking Street (Wualai Road) — The best market in Chiang Mai. Silver workshops and antique dealers line the street (Wualai has been Chiang Mai’s silversmith district for centuries). Runs every Sunday 4pm–midnight. Mix of genuinely local handicrafts, street food, and live music. Less generic than the Night Bazaar.

Saturday Walking Street (Wua Lai) — Smaller and slightly less crowded than Sunday. Similar character — worth attending if your dates overlap.

Night Bazaar (Chang Klan Road) — The tourist-oriented covered market near the river. Reliable for standard Thai souvenirs, clothing, and packaged goods, but not the place for authentic craft.

Cooking classes

Chiang Mai is regarded as the best city in Thailand for a Thai cooking class — the northern Thai food tradition is distinct from central Thai (more reliance on herbs, sticky rice, milder curries), and classes here cover dishes not taught elsewhere. Most include a morning market visit to buy ingredients, then hands-on cooking of 4–5 dishes. Price: ฿1,000–1,800. Thai Farm Cooking School and A Lot of Thai are consistently well-reviewed.

Mae Sa Valley day trips

North of the city, the Mae Sa valley road (Highway 1096) curves through forested hills past waterfalls, butterfly farms, and orchid nurseries. The full loop to Samoeng returns via a mountain road with valley views. Accessible by scooter in 3–4 hours (road is safe and mostly sealed), or as part of a guided loop.