9 Must-See Attractions in Chiang Mai Old City

Is there a better way to explore the Old City than by bicycle? On the Bike Historic Old City tour, you can learn about the history and culture of Chiang Mai while visiting some of the city’s ancient temples. You’ll visit Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai’s oldest temple, the famous Wat Chedi Luang and stop at Thae Pae Gate and Sompet Market – a hive of local activity. This tour is perfect for the whole family and will take you through the quiet backstreets at a leisurely pace.

If you haven’t had a Thai massage yet, it’s well worth a try and a great way to relax travel-weary muscles. The art of Thai massage has been passed down through generations over 2,000 years. It’s a little different to a traditional oil massage, so be prepared to be contorted into various positions. In the Old City spas you’ll find plenty of other treatments, including oil and foot massages. And for some proper pampering, head to Fah Lanna Spa just down from Wat Phra Singh.

Three Kings Monument is the district where the former rulers – the Three Kings – of Chiang Mai built their palaces. The founder of Chiang Mai, King Mengrai, along with King Ramkamhaeng of Sukothai and King Ngam Muang of Payao, worked together to build the city. Today, the sculpture of the Three Kings stands in front of the old provincial administration building – now the Chiang Mai City Art and Cultural Centre – and is an iconic image representing the city of Chiang Mai. Book yourself a guided tour of Chiang Mai and you’ll no doubt be stopping off to say hello the the Three Kings.

Located in the heart of the Old City next to the Three Kings Monument is the Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Centre, a museum dedicated to preserving – and educating people about – the history and culture of the city. Learn about local lifestyles, agricultural practices, hill-tribe people or venture into the section dedicated to regional beliefs and Buddhism. The permanent exhibits cover the time span from the early settlements all the way to the development of modern Chiang Mai.

The North Gate Jazz Co-op is a Chiang Mai institution frequented by locals – and expats. This jazz bar is for relaxed social affairs – a great place to meet or make new friends. Each night an enthusiastic crowd can be seen spilling out of the bar – sometimes across the road and onto the city wall – jiving to a range of highly talented musicians. North Gate serves cheap drinks and regularly hosts charity and open-mic events. Check out this trendy spot on the Chiang Mai Bar Hopping Night Tour.

Founded more than 700 years ago, Chiang Mai has been adorned with numerous temples, or wats, by its famous Three Kings and is now home to more than 3oo, with some of the most significant, such as Wat Phra Singh, in the west of the Old City. Home to the highly respected Phra Singh Buddha, it’s also a study centre for young monks. Wat Chiang Man – the oldest temple in the city and part of the original structure – has two sacred Buddhas made of crystal and marble. Seek out a local tour guide to take you around, or grab a map and explore the area yourself.

Keen to learn how to make those delicious Thai dishes? Chiang Mai is the perfect place to do it – it even has local specialities like khao soi. There are numerous cooking schools to choose from, from half-day to full-day experiences, often including trips to local markets to collect ingredients. You’ll get to try your hand at a wide range of dishes and then there’s the best part, of course, you also get to eat them!

Immerse yourself in local culture by partaking in a monk chat, where you learn about each other’s cultures and ways of life. Most monk chats are with young monks who are eager to practise their English. Wat Chedi Luang, in the centre of the Old City, hosts monk chats daily. Remember to wear appropriate attire and adhere to temple etiquette at all times to show due respect.

The Sunday Walking Street Market stretches from Thape Gate all the way to Wat Pra Singh – it even spills down the side streets. An enchanting market, where you’ll find hill-tribe crafts, homemade wares and delicious local-food stalls, it’s also the ideal spot to pick up souvenirs. The market takes place every Sunday from around 4.30pm until midnight – you’re advised to come early to escape the crowds.