Old City

Scroll to the last slide for an exciting video 📹 as we take you on an adventurous night cycling and TukTuk tour around the charming city of Chiangmai! Join us and @tourismthailand as we uncover the secrets of Wat Lok Moli Buddhist Temple - one of the oldest temples in Chiangmai, with a history spanning over 650 years. 🏯 Immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere and marvel at the intricate architecture that showcases the rich cultural heritage. 💒 Discovering new paths and experiencing the local traditions is what travel is all about. Hop on a TukTuk and let its vibrant colors guide you through the enchanting streets. 🚖 As the night unfolds, witness the city come alive with flickering lights and a buzzing energy that is uniquely Chiangmai. 🌃✨ Don't miss out on this incredible journey. Keep exploring, and let the magic unfold as new experiences pave the way to unforgettable memories! CR：dotzsoh& Contact us for removal

Chiang Mai is a foreign city that is particularly suitable for independent travel. The travel services on Ctrip are comprehensive, with airport pick-up and drop-off services for only 10-30 RMB, half-day tours to "Doi Suthep Temple" and "Bhubing Palace", family-friendly activities such as "Mae Wang Elephant Camp" and "Night Safari", and the most recommended one-day tour to the White Temple and Black Temple in Chiang Rai. On the day of departure, there will be a special car to pick up and drop off at the hotel. Even if your English is poor, there will be a Chinese tour guide accompanying you throughout the journey. I chose to depart on Friday because as a foodie, I didn't want to miss the most famous Saturday and Sunday night markets in Chiang Mai, where there are various cheap and delicious snacks and exquisite handmade products for sale. Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand. It not only has a leisurely pace, but also is full of ancient and profound cultural heritage. You can walk around in slippers on the streets and alleys, and if you get tired, you only need to take a tuk-tuk or songthaew for 20 baht (5 RMB) as transportation. Strolling through any street or alley in the ancient city of Chiang Mai, you can encounter magnificent or peaceful Buddhist temples. This small city with a population of 500,000 surprisingly has over 300 temples of all sizes, and you may get confused. However, there are several particularly famous temples that you must visit. The first "Wat Phra Singh". It is the largest Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, built in the 14th century, and is a perfect example of Lanna-style architecture. The first thing that catches your eye when entering the temple is the glittering golden Buddha statue, and the murals in the hall depict the ancient local costumes and customs. In the center of the temple is a 20-meter golden white tower, which is a strong representative style of Thai temples. The second "Qidilong Temple", also known as the Big Buddha Temple, is decorated with snakes and peacocks at the temple gate. There is a huge Buddha statue in the main hall, and the sense of space and the golden decorations inside the temple are very magnificent and exquisite. Along the path to the back square, there is a big Buddha pagoda. Although the ancient pagoda has been weathered by time and earthquakes, it appears majestic and magnificent under the reflection of the golden lotus flowers, with a simple and rustic charm. The third "Wat Chiang Man", the first temple in Chiang Mai, was built in 1300 and is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. The best building in the temple is the stupa of the main temple, which is surrounded by 15 elephants at the base, giving it a simple and vicissitudinous appearance that contrasts sharply with the dazzling golden elephant spire. Not far from the city, the "Double Dragon Temple" on the Suthep Mountain, also known as the Suthep Temple, is named after two long dragons sitting and lying on both sides of the steps. It is a famous Buddhist summer resort in Thailand. The Thai royal summer palace is also built on Suthep Mountain. The Phuping Palace can be opened to the public when the royal family is not there from April to December. The palace has beautiful white walls and yellow tiles, and is located in the green mountains and trees, with its own beauty of coolness and peace. The two breathtaking temples in Chiang Rai, the White Temple and the Black Temple, are the highlights of a trip to Chiang Mai. The White Temple was built by designer Cheler Mchai at his own expense and was first established in 1997. The entire complex is pure white and lustrous, with only small pieces of polished glass as borders or decorations, which is quite different from the usual temples. The details, such as the flying birds on the eaves, the standing statues on the roof, the reclining turtles on the pillars, and the flowing clouds on the flags, all reflect the exquisite and delicate design, which is a masterpiece of art. The White Temple tells the story of how one can reach the Buddhist paradise by crossing the Naihe Bridge and avoiding the temptation of hell with a single-minded focus. Next to the White Temple is a "glittering" golden building, which is actually a toilet and is probably the most beautiful toilet in the world. The Black Temple is located in a forest of lush grass, consisting of many intricately constructed Thai temples made of original logs. The theme of the Black Temple is hell and death, with water buffalo skulls lined up on the ground, animal skins and large shells on the table, and a complete elephant skeleton and dried snake specimens on display. The creator, Mr. Thawan Duchanee, spent 36 years gradually designing and building this huge open-air, garden-style private art museum. His disciple and friend, a Buddhist artist, was inspired by him to create the still unfinished White Temple. In Chiang Mai, magnificent temples can be seen everywhere, filled with the mysterious charm of Eastern Buddhist culture. With cheap prices and convenient transportation, it is definitely a perfect place for you to temporarily escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and people you see with your eyes open or closed, and let yourself fly. Take some beautiful photos that will make you want to cry and savor them slowly.

It's my second visit to Chiang Mai, and this quiet little city is full of hidden gems. In an inconspicuous corner of the northwest of the old city of Chiang Mai, there is a white European-style building with golden decorations, distressed murals, and carvings, all exuding a Renaissance style. 🏛 There is a separate building that you must visit, where you need to remove your shoes. The carvings and the colored window grilles inside are really exquisite, as if they are the palaces of the Versailles Garden. - 📍Versailles de flore ☕️ You can enjoy coffee and afternoon tea, 🏊🏻 and there is also a swimming pool for a swim.

Where is Wiang Kum Kam? Wiang Kum Kam is the predecessor of the ancient city of Chiang Mai. It can be said that if it weren't for a sudden catastrophic flood, the ancient city of Chiang Mai as we know it would not exist in this world today. Today's Wiang Kum Kam site only sparsely preserves a small part of the ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam. The ancient city was built by King Mengrai as the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom and actually existed for less than ten years before it was submerged by floods. Even from today's perspective, the location of the ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam was not problematic at the time. Unfortunately, the 'Mother River' of Chiang Mai, the Ping River, suddenly changed its course, causing Wiang Kum Kam to be frequently troubled by floods, and ultimately it was completely buried by mud and sand during an inundation, disappearing from the surface of the earth. King Mengrai had no choice but to select a new site to build a city, and that's how the ancient city of Chiang Mai we know today came into being between the mountains and the river. The reason we can see the ruins of Wiang Kum Kam today is mainly thanks to the Thai people who accidentally discovered the remains of the city walls while building a temple nearby years ago. Since then, this ancient city, which had only appeared in documents, has been brought back to light. It is said that during the excavation, many stone steles and carvings were unearthed, and the valuable artifacts and fine pieces were placed in the museum of Chiang Mai. 🉑 Exploration Guide: 🏠 Address: Southeast of the ancient city of Chiang Mai, it is recommended to take a taxi or songthaew 💰 Admission: Free 🚙 Tour Transportation: Walking or horse-drawn carriage ⏰ Tour Duration: At least half a day ❗️ Tips: 1⃣ The ruins are scattered, pay attention to the directions on the roadside signs 2⃣ There are mostly residences within the ruins, with no places to eat, so it is recommended to bring your own food and water 🌈 If you, who are reading this note now, also have the chance to visit the Wiang Kum Kam site, remember, when you see this conical ancient pagoda (Picture 11), you have entered the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Although only sparse ruins remain, it has always been waiting for travelers like us to appear...

👣I recommend a Chiang Mai City Walk, a one-day temple pilgrimage route You can visit several important and classic temples at a leisurely pace ⏮Start from Wat Chedi Luang in the center of the old city This is the tallest temple in the old city, which is said to be the pillar that shelters the city The tower is already dilapidated, and the mottled stone statues on it tell the vicissitudes of time ➡️Coming out of Wat Chedi Luang is Wat Phan Tao The golden stupa and the dark teak temple complement each other Colorful flags can be seen fluttering in the wind everywhere in the temple ⬆️Continuing north, you can reach Wat Chiang Man It is said to be the oldest temple in Chiang Mai The base of the stupa is adorned with sculptures of 15 elephants The whole temple is shaded by green trees, very serene, suitable for a quiet sit in the afternoon ⬆️It is very close to the north gate of the old city here You can visit Wat Lok Molee near the north gate The all-black temple body has a mysterious feel reminiscent of the Black Temple in Chiang Rai ⏬Finally, you can head south back to the old city to Wat Phra Singh This is the largest and most revered temple in the old city, with a bustling incense offering The temple is luxuriously decorated, with gorgeous golden stupas and inlaid paintings that are very beautiful ✔️On Sundays, this is also the starting point for the weekly night market ⏭In addition to the above temples, there are also some small unnamed temples that you can explore slowly along the way 🌟Some tips 🌞The climate in Chiang Mai is cool and dry (compared to Bangkok and Phuket), but it is still hot at noon, you can spend the heat in a cafe or restaurant, most temples have no shelter, so be prepared for sun protection 💰The temples in Chiang Mai Old City are free except for Wat Chedi Luang, which costs 50🐷

Let go of the travel guides, make no plans, the Old City of Chiang Mai itself is the best itinerary. Stroll through the ancient city, step into the shaded courtyard restaurants, and experience the essence of slow living; visit ancient temples, feel the local history and culture; take photos with the pigeon flocks, capturing beautiful moments; indulge in the night market snacks, enjoying a feast for the taste buds. Throughout the day, various delights are right beside you, without deliberate arrangements, yet you encounter unexpected surprises. For instance, stumbling upon a boutique clothing store, where the owner provides attentive service and supports mobile payments. A light blue floral dress, simple, versatile, and flattering. Or, meeting a humorous and witty Chinese tutor at a massage shop, someone you still think about after the trip ends. Isn't life just like this, with its randomness and simplicity, it becomes intoxicating and unforgettable. Slow down, feel with your heart, Chiang Mai will let you rediscover the essence of travel.

1️⃣ Nimman Road The first must-visit stop is the famous and quaint 'Nimman Road,' the most charming place in Chiang Mai. Not only is it lined with numerous unique shops, but it also boasts a variety of distinctive cafes. If you're tired from walking, why not find a cafe you like and sit down to quietly savor the unique atmosphere of Chiang Mai. Nimman Road is not just one road; it's a main thoroughfare that branches off into several smaller streets, each filled with a variety of creative shops and restaurants. To fully explore all of Nimman Road, I think you would need to spend half a day, and its fresh vibe is particularly suitable for couples or girls to take photos. 📍Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand 2️⃣ The Unmissable Temple Culture ⭕️ Wat Buppharam: The design and patterns of the temple are indeed very tasteful. It is a temple that mixes Burmese and Lanna styles and is worth capturing in photos. ⭕️ Wat Phra Singh: The largest temple in the old city and also the most visited by tourists. It is famous for housing the Phra Singh (Lion Buddha). It is the highest-status and largest temple in Chiang Mai, on par with Wat Chedi Luang. ⭕️ Wat Chedi Luang: Located at the southern end of PhraPokklao Road in the old city. It is known for its visually striking large pagoda, established in 1411. Among the six major temples in Chiang Mai, it is the most famous and, along with Wat Phra Singh, is considered the most revered temple in Chiang Mai. The entrance is adorned with snake and peacock decorations, and inside there is a huge Buddha statue. Wat Chedi Luang is the temple I personally find most worth visiting, both for its grandeur and unique architectural design. ⚠️PS: There are many details to pay attention to when entering Thai temples, which I think those who have been to Thailand should know. I would like to emphasize again! 1. Do not wear skirts, especially short skirts, or too revealing clothes; you cannot enter the temple in such attire. If you really want to wear them, you must put on a robe or apron provided by the temple. 2. Be sure to take off your shoes before entering the temple hall! Definitely! Definitely! 3. Be mindful that some temples do not allow wearing too bright clothes. 4. Do not touch Buddha statues or other religious items, do not speak loudly, women should not directly hand things to monks, do not stand taller than monks when taking photos, and do not gesture randomly with your hands! 3️⃣ Tha Phae Gate Tha Phae Gate is not far from Wat Buppharam. After visiting the temple, you might want to stroll over to Tha Phae Gate. Perhaps you'll find yourself playing with the pigeons involuntarily, as the frequent feeding by tourists always attracts a large flock of pigeons here. So, taking photos here is very nice! 📍Tha Phae Road, Chang Khlan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand 4️⃣ Sunday Night Market Starting from the Tha Phae Gate Square on the east side of the old city and stretching along Ratchadamnoen Road and nearby side streets, it crosses the central main street of Chiang Mai's old city, all the way to Wat Phra Singh, nearly 1 kilometer. The night market offers a wide variety of souvenirs at affordable prices (bargaining is possible), including local handicrafts, antiques, creative items, and more, as well as a variety of snacks worth trying. At the end of the side street in front of Wat Chedi Luang, there are also free song and dance performances, a wonderful night not to be missed! I believe you will, like me, bring home many treasures! 📍Rachadamnoen Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Thai people have a unique artistic talent in temple construction, and the temples in Chiang Mai each have their own characteristics, worthy of a pilgrimage one by one. The White Temple is known for its pure white purity, the Black Temple is a modern museum that integrates architectural aesthetics, and the Blue Temple makes extensive use of blue and Lanna elements. In the old city area, there is the historically significant Wat Phra Singh, the Lanna-style Wat Chiang Man, and Wat Chedi Luang with its Sri Lankan stupa. The glittering Twin Dragons Temple on Suthep Mountain is also a must-visit attraction. You can follow the travel agency's recommended route to experience the charm of different temples in the ancient city and feel the unique architectural art and cultural atmosphere of Northern Thailand. This temple tour is sure to make you linger and forget to return.

Indeed, no two temples in Chiang Mai are the same. During lunchtime, I saw this complex of buildings across the street and couldn't resist walking in. In that moment, I thought I had entered a castle🏰 An empty temple, yet the candlelight still flickered The sound of bells on the eaves collided with the melodious singing If you like photography, Wat Hua Khuang is really great material ❤️ Opposite is a branch of the Women's Prison Thai Massage shop and a Michelin-starred restaurant, which can be included in one itinerary

🌟 Highlights: Wat Chedi Luang is probably the largest temple in the old city of Chiang Mai, featuring typical Lanna-style architecture. The main hall is grand and resplendent with gold, and once inside, you can sit on the floor. Despite the crowd, it doesn't feel noisy at all. The most famous part of the temple is the ancient and majestic great stupa, surrounded by many Buddha halls. These buildings with ethnic characteristics, nestled among the tropical plants of Southeast Asia, form a beautiful picture. Walking slowly around the great stupa, a sense of antiquity hits you, accompanied by the clear sound of wind chimes, adding to the tranquility and simplicity. ✨ Temple Highlights: ✅ As you enter the temple, there is a small hall on the side with a sign stating that women are not allowed inside. The reason for this is that the hall enshrines the city pillar of Chiang Mai - the Inthakin City Pillar. According to Chiang Mai legend, the Inthakin City Pillar was built by the god Indra for the stability of Chiang Mai, and the pillar serves as a reminder to the people to adhere to the Five Precepts of Buddhism. The people of Chiang Mai believe that the city pillar represents the prosperity and happiness of the city, and it is sacred and inviolable. Therefore, to this day, women, especially those in their menstrual period, are considered impure and are not allowed to approach. The hall is not large, but all four walls are adorned with exquisite murals. Apart from this, there is no such distinction in other areas of the temple. ✅ The Buddha statue at the entrance of the main hall allows visitors to buy gold leaf to stick on it, or to find and stick on their own zodiac sign. ✅ The tall and majestic stupa offers a massive visual impact. This great stupa is the oldest structure in the temple. After the 1545 Chiang Mai earthquake, the top of the stupa collapsed overnight, so what you see now is a flat top. Walking around and admiring it, each angle offers its own magnificent view. The stupa has stairs on only one side, and on the south side of the stupa, there are six elephant sculptures, five of which were rebuilt later, with only the one without a nose and ears being the original. 🎫 Ticket Information: Tickets are 40 Thai Baht, open from 06:00-18:00. 🚉 Transportation Tips: The temple is located at the southern end of PhraPokklao Road in the old city of Chiang Mai. Generally, those staying in the old city or nearby can walk there.