Nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai's Old Town is a cultural treasure trove enclosed by ancient walls and a moat. Founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, this historic square mile offers a perfect blend of centuries-old temples, bustling markets, and modern cafés. Whether you're a history enthusiast, food lover, or culture seeker, Chiang Mai's Old Town delivers an authentic Thai experience that will captivate your senses and leave you planning your next visit.
1. Explore Ancient Temples (Wats)
With over 300 temples throughout Chiang Mai and more than 100 within the Old City walls alone, temple-hopping is a must-do activity. Each temple showcases unique Lanna-style architecture, Buddha images, and historical significance.
Wat Chiang Man: The oldest temple in Chiang Mai (built in 1296), featuring elephant carvings around its chedi base and housing two sacred Buddha images: the Crystal Buddha and the Marble Buddha.
Wat Phra Singh: Home to the revered Phra Singh Buddha image, this 14th-century temple features stunning Lanna architecture with gold and copper Buddha statues, ancient manuscripts, and beautiful murals.
Wat Chedi Luang: This massive temple complex includes a partially restored 14th-century chedi that once housed the Emerald Buddha (now in Bangkok). The main viharn features a standing Buddha statue known as Phra Chao Attarot.
Wat Phan Tao: A lovely wooden temple adjacent to Wat Chedi Luang with a beautiful garden where monks can often be seen tending to plants. Its prayer hall is constructed of dark teak wood with a gold Buddha image.
Wat Lok Moli: Located just outside the north gate, this temple is known for its large Lanna-era stupa that once housed the ashes of several Mengrai Dynasty kings.
Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham: Established in 1297, this unique temple sits in a forested area outside the Old City with tunnels containing Buddha images at the end of each passageway.
Remember to dress respectfully when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees), and remove shoes before entering sacred buildings.
2. Walk the Ancient City Walls and Gates
The Old Town is surrounded by the remnants of an ancient wall and moat that once protected the Lanna Kingdom's capital. Walking along this perimeter offers a glimpse into Chiang Mai's fascinating history while providing picturesque photo opportunities.
The square Old Town (1.8 km by 2 km) has four main gates, each with its own significance:
- Tha Phae Gate (East): The most famous and restored gate, leading to the Ping River, named after the harbor (Tha) and floating houses (Pae).
- Chang Puak Gate (North): Once reserved for royalty during state visits.
- Suan Dok Gate (West): Led to the royal flower garden outside the city walls.
- Chiang Mai Gate (South): Connected the city to Wiang Kum Kam and the Ping River.
Walking the wall perimeter is a pleasant activity, especially in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Along the way, you'll discover ancient ruins, restored sections, peaceful parks, and local vendors selling refreshments and crafts.
3. Visit the Sunday Walking Street Market
Every Sunday evening from around 4 PM until midnight, Ratchadamnoen Road transforms into one of Thailand's most famous walking streets. Starting from Tha Phae Gate and stretching deep into the Old Town, this market is a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and flavors.
Browse hundreds of stalls selling handcrafted items, clothing, art, souvenirs, and delicious street food. Local artisans display their creations, from handwoven textiles and carved wooden items to contemporary crafts and paintings. The market also features live music performances and traditional Thai dancing at various points along the route.
Tips for enjoying the Sunday Walking Street:
- Arrive early (around 4-5 PM) to avoid the heaviest crowds
- Bring cash in small denominations for easier transactions
- Be prepared to bargain, but always do so respectfully
- Sample local delicacies like khao soi, sai oua (northern Thai sausage), and mango sticky rice
- Take breaks at the temple grounds along the way, which offer seating areas and food courts
4. Experience the Saturday Walking Street (Wua Lai Road)
If you're in Chiang Mai on a Saturday, don't miss the Wua Lai Walking Street market south of the Old City walls. Running along Wua Lai Road from around 4 PM until late evening, this market offers a slightly more local experience than the Sunday market.
The area is famous for its silver craftwork, and many stalls display beautiful silver jewelry and decorative items. You'll also find plenty of clothing, handicrafts, souvenirs, and delicious food options, including many northern Thai specialties.
5. Try Northern Thai Cuisine
Northern Thai food differs distinctly from central and southern Thai cuisine, with less coconut milk and more herbs and spices. The Old Town is filled with excellent restaurants and street food vendors where you can sample authentic local dishes.
Must-try Northern Thai specialties:
Khao Soi: The signature dish of northern Thailand—a creamy, spicy curry noodle soup typically served with chicken or beef and topped with crispy fried noodles, lime, and pickled vegetables. Popular places to try it include:
- Khao Soi Khun Yai (Grandmother's Khao Soi)
- Khao Soi Arak
- Aroon Rai (Anthony Bourdain's recommendation)
Sai Oua: Northern Thai herb sausage packed with lemongrass, galangal, and other aromatic spices.
Nam Prik Ong/Nam Prik Noom: Spicy chili dips served with fresh vegetables and sticky rice.
Hang Lay Curry: A Burmese-influenced pork curry with tamarind, ginger, and peanuts.
Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiaw: Rice noodles in a spicy tomato and pork broth.
For a comprehensive culinary experience, visit:
- Chang Puak Gate Night Market for street food
- The food courts at the Sunday and Saturday Walking Street markets
- Local restaurants like Huen Phen or Kiat Ocha for authentic northern dishes
6. Take a Thai Cooking Class
Learn to recreate your favorite Thai dishes by taking a cooking class in the Old Town. Many cooking schools include market tours where you'll learn about essential Thai ingredients before preparing multiple dishes in a traditional-style kitchen.
Popular cooking schools in and around the Old Town:
- Thai Farm Cooking School
- Mama Noi's Thai Cookery School
- Mai Kaidee's
- Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School
Most classes offer half-day or full-day options and can accommodate dietary restrictions like vegetarian or vegan preferences. You'll typically cook 4-6 dishes, including appetizers, soups, curries, stir-fries, and desserts, and receive recipe books to take home.
7. Explore Chiang Mai's Coffee Culture
Chiang Mai is sometimes called the “Coffee Capital of Thailand” due to the abundance of coffee plantations in the surrounding mountains and the city's thriving café scene. The Old Town is dotted with unique coffee shops where you can sample locally-grown beans prepared by skilled baristas.
Must-visit coffee spots in the Old Town:
- Akha Ama Coffee: A social enterprise supporting hill tribe coffee growers
- Ristr8to: Award-winning coffee with incredible latte art
- My Secret Café in Town: A cozy spot popular with digital nomads
- Graph Café: Specializing in pour-over methods and single-origin beans
- Café de Thaan Aoan: Serves good coffee alongside delicious local Thai dishes
Most cafés offer both traditional Thai-style coffee (stronger and sweeter) and international preparation methods, using beans grown in the mountains of northern Thailand.
8. Visit the Three Kings Monument and Cultural Centers
In the heart of the Old City stands the Three Kings Monument, dedicated to the founders of Chiang Mai: King Mengrai (who established the city), King Ramkamhaeng of Sukhothai, and King Ngam Muang of Payao. This bronze statue represents the alliance that led to Chiang Mai's founding and holds great cultural significance for locals.
Around the monument, you'll find important cultural institutions:
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center: Housed in a colonial-style building, this museum traces the history of Chiang Mai through interactive exhibits, videos, and artifacts.
Lanna Folklife Museum: Displays the traditions and lifestyles of the Lanna people through 18 exhibitions featuring life-sized models in traditional dress.
Chiang Mai Historical Centre: Features wax models, interactive displays, and exhibits about the city's history, with ancient temple ruins visible in the basement.
These museums offer insight into northern Thai history, art, and culture, making them perfect educational stops during your Old Town exploration.
9. Relax with a Traditional Thai Massage
After a day of exploring the Old Town on foot, treat yourself to a rejuvenating Thai massage. This centuries-old healing practice combines acupressure, assisted yoga postures, and stretching to relieve tension and improve energy flow.
The Old Town has numerous massage parlors ranging from basic to luxury. For a unique and socially responsible experience, visit the Women's Correctional Institution Vocational Training Center, where former inmates provide excellent massages as part of their rehabilitation and job training.
Typical massage options include:
- Traditional Thai massage (typically 1-2 hours)
- Foot reflexology
- Oil massage
- Herbal compress massage
- Head, neck, and shoulder massage
Prices range from 120-250 THB per hour for basic venues to 500+ THB for more upscale establishments.
10. Chat with Monks at a “Monk Chat” Session
Gain insight into Buddhism and monastic life by participating in a “Monk Chat” session, where English-speaking monks welcome visitors for informal conversations. These sessions provide a mutually beneficial exchange—monks practice their English while visitors learn about Buddhism and Thai culture.
Popular locations for Monk Chat sessions:
- Wat Chedi Luang: Daily sessions in the monk chat pavilion
- Wat Suan Dok: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons
- Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple): Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings
These conversations offer a rare opportunity to learn directly from practitioners about Buddhist philosophy, meditation techniques, and daily monastic routines. Remember to dress respectfully and maintain appropriate behavior during these interactions.
11. Visit Local Markets
Beyond the weekend walking streets, several daily markets offer glimpses into local life and opportunities to purchase fresh ingredients, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Somphet Market: A smaller, authentic market in the northeast quadrant of the Old Town, known for fresh produce, herbs, and ready-to-eat snacks. Popular with cooking school students gathering ingredients.
Warorot Market (Kad Luang): While technically just outside the Old City, this is Chiang Mai's main market, selling everything from food and flowers to textiles and household goods. The various floors and sections offer different specialties, with the basement dedicated to fresh food.
Chiang Mai Gate Market: A food market near the south gate that comes alive in the mornings with breakfast vendors and again in the evenings with dinner options.
Chang Puak Gate Night Market: Famous for its affordable and delicious street food, particularly the lady wearing a cowboy hat who serves excellent pork leg rice.
These markets provide authentic cultural experiences and opportunities to sample local specialties at very reasonable prices.
12. Cycle Around the Old Town
With its flat terrain and relatively light traffic (compared to Bangkok), the Old Town is perfect for exploration by bicycle. Many guesthouses and hotels offer bike rentals, or you can rent from one of the many bicycle shops in the area.
Cycling allows you to cover more ground than walking while still enjoying the atmosphere of the narrow lanes and hidden corners of the Old City. It's particularly pleasant in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler.
Several companies also offer guided bicycle tours that combine Old Town exploration with visits to local communities, markets, and lesser-known temples. These typically last 3-4 hours and include knowledgeable guides who can provide historical and cultural context.
13. Relax in Nong Buak Haad City Park
Located in the southwest corner of the Old Town, Nong Buak Haad is a peaceful green space featuring a large pond, walking paths, and open lawns. It's a perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and observe locals exercising, practicing yoga, or simply relaxing.
The park is especially popular in the late afternoon when families gather and food vendors set up around the perimeter. Join a casual yoga session (there's an active AcroYoga community that meets daily at 4:30 PM) or simply find a shady spot to rest and people-watch.
14. Explore the Nimman Area (Just Outside Old Town)
While not technically within the Old Town walls, the trendy Nimmanhaemin neighborhood is just a short tuk-tuk ride away and offers a stark contrast to the historic center. This area represents Chiang Mai's more modern, creative side with boutique shops, art galleries, and innovative restaurants.
Notable spots in Nimman include:
- MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center with its rooftop bars
- The Barisotel for Instagram-worthy interiors
- Numerous craft coffee shops and cafés
- Boutiques selling contemporary Thai designer items
- Art spaces and galleries featuring local artists
Spending an afternoon or evening in Nimman provides a glimpse into contemporary Thai culture and creative energy that complements the historical experiences of the Old Town.
15. Train Muay Thai or Practice Yoga
For a more active experience, try a Muay Thai session or yoga class within the Old Town. Several gyms offer introductory Muay Thai lessons, including:
- Dang Muay Thai
- Chiangmai Muay Thai Gym
- Lan Po Muay Thai Gym
- The Bear Fight Club
For yoga enthusiasts, numerous studios offer drop-in classes with various styles and difficulty levels. Many rooftops and gardens of guesthouses also host yoga sessions, particularly in the morning hours.
These physical activities provide a deeper connection to Thai culture while offering a refreshing break from sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai Old Town
- November to February (Cool Season): The most comfortable time with temperatures between 15-28°C (59-82°F). November features the Yi Peng Lantern Festival and Loy Krathong celebrations.
- March to May (Hot Season): Temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F). April hosts the Songkran water festival (Thai New Year).
- June to October (Rainy Season): Frequent afternoon showers with lush, green landscapes. Lower prices and fewer tourists make this a good option if you don't mind occasional rain.
Getting Around Chiang Mai Old Town
The Old Town is compact and easily walkable, but several transportation options can help you cover more ground:
- Walking: The most pleasant way to explore the narrow lanes and discover hidden gems.
- Bicycle: Rentals cost 50-100 THB per day and provide a quick way to navigate the Old Town.
- Tuk-tuk: These three-wheeled vehicles are ubiquitous and cost 60-100 THB for short trips within the Old Town.
- Songthaew (Red Trucks): Shared taxis that cost about 20-40 THB per person within the city.
- Grab: The Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber is available and often more convenient than negotiating with tuk-tuk drivers.
Chiang Mai's Old Town offers a perfect blend of historical immersion, cultural experiences, culinary adventures, and modern comforts. Its walkable streets, friendly locals, and rich traditions create an atmosphere that captures the essence of northern Thailand. Whether you spend a few days or a few weeks exploring this ancient city, you'll discover new treasures around every corner and create memories that will last long after your journey ends.
