Things to Do in Chiang Mai City
52 places worth your time in and around the city, from temples and markets to malls, Muay Thai, live music and bars. Everything is on one map with directions in Google Maps.
Most people arrive in Chiang Mai with a list of day trips: Doi Inthanon, Pai, the Samoeng loop. Those are great, but there’s plenty to see without leaving town. Inside the old moat you can walk between 700-year-old temples in a few minutes. On a weekend evening the streets turn into night markets. And Doi Suthep, the mountain you can see from almost everywhere in the city, has a temple at the top, a royal palace and a Hmong village further up.
This is our list of the places we send customers to when they ask what to do in the city. It covers the Old City and Nimman, out to Doi Suthep, Hang Dong and Saraphi. We’ve left out anything that’s a proper day trip. Those have their own guides on our Suggested Trips page.
Using the map and the categories
Every place is numbered
Each place has a number and a colour on the map. Tap a pin to read a short description. Places with a gold star are our own favourites.
By category or by area
The list starts sorted by type (temples, markets, bars…). Switch to “By area” to see what’s close together and plan a day.
Filter the map and list
Tap a button above the map, like Markets or ★ AA Recommended, to show only those places on the map and in the list below. Tap “Show all places” to see everything again.
Open in Google Maps
Every place has a Google Maps link for directions, opening hours and recent reviews. Check hours before you go.
All 52 places in Chiang Mai
Day trips from Chiang Mai
Once you’ve done the city, these are the rides we recommend most. Each has its own full guide.
Doi Inthanon
Thailand’s highest mountain, with waterfalls and the twin pagodas.
DAY LOOPSamoeng Loop
Mountain roads, the Mae Sa valley and a lot of curves.
DAY TRIPMae Kampong
A village in the hills known for coffee and cool air.
DAY TRIPChiang Dao
Caves and limestone mountains north of the city.
Common questions
How many days do I need for Chiang Mai city?
Two days covers the Old City, the markets and Doi Suthep. With three or four you can add Hang Dong, Saraphi and a slower day in Nimman. Try to be here over a weekend so you can catch the Saturday and Sunday walking streets.
What’s the easiest way to get around?
The Old City is walkable, but most of the places on this list are spread out. A scooter lets you do a whole area in a few hours and get up Doi Suthep on your own schedule. See our scooters and rates, or read riding up Doi Suthep by scooter.
What should I wear to the temples?
Cover your shoulders and knees, and take your shoes off before going into temple buildings. Bhubing Palace has its own dress code, so check before you go.
When are the night markets on?
The Sunday Walking Street is on Sunday evenings and the Wualai Saturday Walking Street on Saturday evenings. The Night Bazaar runs every night. Jing Jai Market is a weekend morning market. Times can change, so check Google Maps on the day.
Need a scooter for the city?
We deliver scooters to hotels in Chiang Mai. Message us with your dates and we’ll tell you what’s available.
WhatsApp us See scooters & ratesWritten by Anton from AA Scooter Rentals, from his own rides; drafted with AI help and fact-checked.