Chiang Mai Art and Cultural Centre

For those who are interested in exploring the colourful history of Chiang Mai, one of the best places to visit in Chiang Mai Old City is the Art and Cultural Centre. It is located right in the middle of the district, behind the distinctive Three Kings Monument.
Included in the exhibits at the museum are old scrolls, artefacts, photos and even a small-scale display of a traditional village made out of wood. The museum itself is housed in a restored building from the 1920s, on a sprawling property with stroking architecture.
Location: Prapokklao Road, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Timings: Wednesday to Sunday (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Wat Phra Singh

The temple has typical Lanna-style roofs and walls brimming with ancient murals that depict the daily lives of the locals who lived hundreds of years ago. The temple complex comes alive with lights, flowers and festivities during Songkran, which is the Thai New Year Festival that is celebrated in mid-April.
Timings: Monday to Sunday (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Elephant Conservation Centre

You can also see the mahouts training the elephants, bathing them and feeding them by hand. The elephants are well-protected and treated ethically. You can even sign up to stay at the Elephant Centre overnight. There are several programmes and events that can help you make the most of your trip to the Elephant Conservation Centre.
Timings: Monday to Sunday (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Wiang Kum Kam

It then served as the capital city of the Lanna Kingdom as well, before the capital shifted to Chiang Mai. You can explore this ancient city on foot or by horse-drawn carriage, where you can see stone tablets with ancient scripts, Buddhist relics, temples, pottery and other items that have survived the test of time.
Timings: Monday to Sunday (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Kat Rin Kham Night Bazaar

You can also get a tattoo, get a massage and grab a snack at one of the many local food stalls that have set up shop here. The charming market remains open till midnight, and the colourful wares with the range of goods make it an attractive adventure to pursue after hours.
Timings: Monday to Sunday (6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.)
Doi Inthanon National Park

The highest peak inside the park is the Doi Inthanon Mountain that is a part of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges. Wildlife at the park includes deer, serow, wild boards, gibbons and a range of exotic birds that you can see during a birdwatching session here.
Timings: Monday to Sunday (5:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.)
White Sands of Turtle Island

You can indulge in snorkelling and even swim with the turtles that are found in abundance in the water and on the beach. It is the perfect getaway for a short and relaxing family vacation when you are in Chiang Mai.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Lanna Folklife Museum

The exhibits in the museum include intricate wax figures dressed in traditional costumes and engaged in simple activities that were a part of the daily life of the Lanna people of the past. There are also small shrines, artefacts and other items on display that makes the museum an interesting visit that gives you a glimpse into the past of the locals.
Timings: Wednesday to Sunday (8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
Tiger Kingdom

They are kept in protected enclosures and are well-trained, so much so that you can pet them, take pictures with them and spend time with them when you are here. You can also see cheetahs and tigers relaxing in their enclosures and avail the photography service that is offered here.
Timings: Monday to Sunday (8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
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Tha Phae Gate

The gate is now the epicentre of tourist activity in Chiang Mai Old City and is surrounded by restaurants, hotels, bars and cafes where you can relax in the evenings. There is a sprawling public square in front of the gate where several events take place throughout the year including flower festivals, lantern festivals and much more. There is also a night market that sits in front of the gate that you can explore when you are visiting.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Chiang Dao Cave

There is an old cave temple that has been well-preserved. The temple also contains several old idols, a fish pond and picturesque gardens that are perfect for peaceful walks. The caves themselves are brimming with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and limestone boulders that you can walk through.
Timings: Monday to Sunday (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Sompet Market

There are also regular cooking classes that are held inside the market where you can learn how to use the beautiful ingredients that are found here. Along with fresh food, you can also buy local goods such as textiles and jewellery and even some makeup.
Timings: Monday to Sunday (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Wualai Walking Street Market

The colourful lights of the market, together with the night ambience and the beautiful aesthetics of the shops makes this a leisurely place to be when you are in Chiang Mai Old City.
Timings: Saturdays (4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
Wat Chedi Luang

The temple is one of the most striking elements on the Chiang Mai skyline, with its peak measuring up to 60 m in height. There is impressive carving work on the body of the temple. Wat Chedi Luang was also once home to the most sacred Buddhist relic in Thailand – the Emerald Buddha.
Timings: Monday to Sunday (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Bo Sang Umbrella Village

These umbrellas are an international symbol for Chiang Mai and the colourful storefronts and artistic umbrellas draw tourists from all over the world. The umbrella is made from the bark of mulberry trees, known as Sa paper and some are even made out of cotton. These delicate accessories are one-of-a-kind and the perfect souvenir to take back home with you from Chiang Mai.
Timings: 8:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.