Chiang Mai
City of Buddhist Serenity
Chiang Mai is an important city in northern Thailand and has served as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom for five hundred years since 1296. Chiang Mai is home to many historic Buddhist temples such as the Temple of Wat Phra Singha, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and the imprints of the old Lanna Kingdom can still be found inside and outside the old city.
Imprints of the Lanna Kingdom
The Lanna Kingdom was once a historic kingdom in northern Thailand, and in 1296 Lanna King Mengrai led the people to build Chiang Mai City and move the capital here.
Ancient Gate And City Wall Of Chiang Mai
Defending Ancient Lanna Kingdom
From the 13th century to the 18th century, Chiang Mai served as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. To defend itself against foreign enemies, the ancient city of Chiang Mai was surrounded by a moat and inner and outer walls. Five gates, including the Tha Pae Gate, Suan Prung Gate, and White Elephant Gate, still exist in Chiang Mai.
Lanna Folklife Museum
Past Days of Lanna Kingdom
The Lanna Folklife Museum was converted from the former Chiang Mai Court. The museum has more than ten exhibition halls to show the history and culture of the Lanna Kingdom from different aspects such as Buddhist beliefs, painting, music, weaving, and so on, and to restore the lives of the Lanna people.
In the following centuries, the Kingdom of Lanna grew stronger here. The devout Lanna people believed in Buddhism for many generations, and there are still numerous historical temples in and around the old city of Chiang Mai.
Wat Phra Singh
Resting Place of Lanna Kings
Wat Phra Singh Temple is a first-class royal monastery in the ancient city of Chiang Mai, Thailand, built in 1345 by the fifth King of Mangrai to house the ashes of his father. The temple is dedicated to the Buddha Phra Singh, a statue from India, and has a Main Hall, Song Sangha Ubosot, and a large golden stupa.
Wat Chedi Luang
Ruins of a Towering Stupa
Located in the heart of Chiang Mai's old town, Wat Chedi Luang once boasted an 82-meter-tall stupa that was only half because of an earthquake. The temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai, with the Chiang Mai City Pillars, a main hall, three dipterocarp trees and a Buddhist museum.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
White Elephant and Two Nagas
The Temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is located 16 kilometers outside of Chiang Mai at the top of Mount Doi Suthep. It has 309 steps guarded by two giant nagas, a golden stupa containing the relics of Buddha Shakyamuni, and an observation deck to overlook the old city of Chiang Mai.
Weekend Night Market in Chiang Mai
When in Chiang Mai, be sure to experience the weekend night market in the old city. Here you can enjoy the exquisite handicrafts, tasty Thai snacks, and exciting street performances.
Sunday Night Market Walking Street
A Window on Lanna Customs
The Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market stretches for one kilometre from Tha Phae Gate to Wat Phra Singha, with stalls and pedestrians filling the road. This once a week opportunity is quite valuable, not only for the tourists but also for the stall owners. You can come to the Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market to have fun and experience a different life.
Saturday Night Market Walking Street
Enjoy Yourself Every Weekend
The Chiang Mai Saturday Night Market is held every Saturday evening on Wua Lai Road outside the southern gate of Chiang Mai's Old Town. From delicate handicrafts such as bracelets, ornaments, and small wallets to fragrant local snacks such as kebabs, mango rice and fried rice noodles, it is the perfect choice to spend the weekend.
If time is limited, Nimmanhaemin Road, one kilometer away from Chiang Mai’s old city, is also a good choice. Nimmanhaemin Road has the largest shopping mall in Chiang Mai, and the shops and bars in the alleyways are popular among youngsters.
Nimmanhaemin Road
Chiang Mai's Trendsetters
Nimman Road is a commercial street outside of Chiang Mai's Old Town, home to large commercial centers such as Maya Mall and One Nimman, as well as luxury hotels such as U Nimman Chiang Mai. There are more popular stores and B&Bs waiting for you to discover in the small alleys on both sides of Nimman Road.
