Guide: all countries » Thailand » Chiang Mai » Cultural sights

Culture of Chiang Mai. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The history of the city extends back over seven hundred years. Travelers who like to devote a lot of time to hikes and scenic walks would like Chiang Mai. There are many natural attractions, but Chiang Mai also has unique historical landmarks, as well as numerous cultural centers. There are more than three hundred monasteries and temples in the city and its surrounding area, and each one is unique.
Your active city break in Chiang Mai. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here
Chiang Mai is ready to offer its guests a wide choice of entertainment options for every taste. There are incredibly beautiful nature reserves, national parks, wonderful waterfalls and … Open
Doi Suthep Temple is considered one of the most beautiful structures; it is one of the most important religious attractions of the country. A temple is situated on top of the mountain of the same name surrounded by beautiful forests. The first temple in its place has been founded in the 14th century. These days it has significantly expanded its territory and the temple has completely changed its appearance. The most important religious celebrations are held here; the beautiful temple is open for visitors every day.
No less interesting is the Wat Chedi Luang temple founded more than five hundred years ago. The main decoration of the temple is a replica statue of the Emerald Buddha made of black jade; the building of the temple is also of great interest from an architectural point of view. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Advices to travellers: what you should know while being in Chiang Mai
1. Travelers who plan to have a rich excursion program are recommended to go sightseeing in the morning. Daytime in Chiang Mai is always very hot, so it may not be the most enjoyable … Open
Among natural attractions Chiang Dao caves are interesting; many beautiful legends are associated with them. According to one, a hermit has lived in a cave for many years; he has created incredible miracles. Near caves there is another temple, Wat Chiang Dao. In order to get to its pagoda, it is necessary to overcome 500 steps.
Most of the major attractions are located in the Old Town; you can walk there for hours admiring the beauty of old buildings. Local mountain villages are among major cultural attractions; they are also of great interest to tourists. Each village is a real goldmine of cultural and craft traditions. One of the most popular is Bo Sang, which is in the immediate vicinity of Chiang Mai. Some renowned artists that have devoted all their lives to national crafts live here.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Chiang Mai and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Chiang Mai and surroundings

Chiang Mai - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6
Reference information
Map of all palaces
Public palaces near Chiang Mai
♥   Palace 'Nakorn Luang Palace' , 3.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Palace 'Bhubing Palace' , 8.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Region
Those who are interested in contemporary should definitely visit Chiang Mai Art Museum. It is located near the gate of Wat Suan Dorg, at the end of Thanon Nimmanhemin street. There are works of art by local artists and sculptors in the exhibition halls. Exhibitions ... Open »
Chiang Rai
No less interesting is Wat Phra Sing; its walls house priceless religious artifacts. The temple was built in the 14th century. Today, all attenders can admire its awesome interiors. The most spectacular religious attraction is White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). The name of ... Open »
Bago-Pegu
Do not miss the opportunity to visit museums located in the immediate vicinity of Bago. Of great interest is the Tharaykhittaya Archaeological Museum. This cultural center keeps a diverse collection of exhibits, most of which are artifacts related to Buddhist culture. ... Open »
Bagan
Several ancient monasteries have been preserved in Bagan and its environs. A tour of Ananda Oakkyaung Monastery promises to be exciting. It is one of the few architectural objects in the region built of bricks. The construction of the monastery took place in the 12th ... Open »
Bangkok
The majority of the attractions of the city have a religious significance. Beautiful temples and ancient monasteries keep a lot of secrets and beautiful legends, and their beautiful inner decoration does not cease to amaze visitors with luxury and elegance. Making a ... Open »
Pattaya
This is exactly the place of a scale open air museum named Wihan Sian. Its exposition numbers over several hundreds of sculptures. These sculptures were a present to Pattaya from China allies as a symbol of gratefulness, acknowledgement and friendship. Among the ... Open »
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