Completely different from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Thailand, Chiang Mai is a tranquil paradise in the tropics, attracting visitors with images of temples bathed in the gentle morning sun, sleepy rice fields under golden twilight, or lush forests rustling in the breeze...
Traveling to Chiang Mai is truly a lovely choice for those who adore Thailand. Here, you can experience vibrant cultural colors, discover countless wonders, and cozy up in charming cafes along quaint streets for indulgent moments.
7 Stunning Tourist Spots in Chiang Mai with Dreamlike Views
To truly live the dream in Chiang Mai, Thailand, you must explore the following destinations.
1. Witnessing Sunrise at Doi Inthanon
This Chiang Mai tourist spot, situated at an altitude of 2,565 meters, offers one of the most magnificent settings to greet the new day with the sunrise.
Sunrise at Doi Inthanon - Illustrated
To capture the full splendor of dawn at Doi Inthanon, one can either drive there early or camp overnight, staying at nearby hotels for convenience in witnessing the breathtaking scenery at Doi Inthanon at the break of day. Furthermore, after admiring the sunrise, travelers can embark on a gentle trekking tour to explore the waterfalls or discover the caves surrounding Doi Inthanon.
2. Botanic Garden Cactus Nursery
Renowned as a highly acclaimed cactus nursery in Chiang Mai, boasting thousands of varieties of cacti and other plant species. Most of them are nurtured in transparent glass, providing visitors with the sensation of wandering into a miniature botanical world.
Botanic Garden Cactus Nursery - Illustrative Image
Exploring the Botanic Garden, from the cactus bushes to the delicate flowers and the elevated glass bridge, all contribute to a sense of tranquility and coolness for visitors. However, getting here isn't a walk in the park either; you'll have to find your way to Namprae Village (17.5km from Chiang Mai Airport) and then ask for directions to the Botanic Garden. Typically, the garden is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm daily.
3. Virtual Reality at Pha Chor
Pha Chor, an area formed by a fascinating natural phenomenon of the Ping River. Over time, the river changed its course and eroded, creating peculiar rock formations.
Pha Chor - a fantastic spot for virtual reality experiences in Chiang Mai - Illustrative Image
Located about 30km south of Chiang Mai, foreign tourists can head straight to Mae Wang National Park, where Pha Chor reveals itself with a large mountain cleft featuring gigantic rock formations up to 30 meters high, interspersed with trees and wild nature.
4. Umong Temple
Known as a temple complex that has existed for over 700 years and is one of the oldest monuments in Thailand. Surrounding the temple are tropical gardens with lush green lawns, diverse vegetation carpets, and a large pond nestled amidst the gardens, making the atmosphere here even more refreshing and cool.
Ancient tunnels at Umong Temple - Illustrative Image
A particularly remarkable feature of Umong Temple is its ancient underground tunnel system, leading to the airport beneath Doi Suthep mountain. This is considered one of the most impressive underground architectural wonders of Thai tourism.
5. Ton Kwen Temple
Ton Kwen Temple, a renowned spiritual tourism destination in Thailand - Illustrative Image
Ton Kwen Temple is one of the must-visit temples in the dense temple and monastery complex in Chiang Mai. With its traditional architectural lines and rich history, especially its sacredness, Ton Kwen Temple has become a spiritual tourism destination favored by devotees and foreign tourists alike.
6. Rooftop Revelry at Zoe in Yellow
Zoe in Yellow - the liveliest address in Chiang Mai - Illustrative Image
While not as bustling, loud, and chaotic as Bangkok, nightlife in Chiang Mai is equally fascinating. In the evening, budget travelers can head to Zoe in Yellow - a bar located on Ratvithi Road, where you'll find a variety of excellent cocktails and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of colorful music parties.
7. Night Bazaar Market
Night Bazaar is a shopping destination worth considering when traveling to Chiang Mai, Thailand. Most of the goods at the night market are quite diverse, abundant, and very cheap.
Night Bazaar Market Area - Illustrative Image
Visiting Night Bazaar besides sightseeing and shopping, travelers can also mingle and experience the life of Thai people because most of the vendors here are very friendly. Typically, the market is located along Chang Klan Road with countless restaurants, cafes, bars, and cheap Thai massage parlors.
Furthermore, Chiang Mai also has many other attractive tourist destinations and sightseeing spots such as:
- Wat Phra Singh: A large Buddhist temple with unique architecture.
- Tha Pae Gate and Old City: Historic gate and old town area with traditional architecture.
- Warorot Market (Kad Luang): Bustling market with a wide range of local goods and folk art.
- Chiang Mai Zoo: Large zoo with a diverse range of animal species.
- Bua Thong Waterfall (Sticky Waterfalls): Also known as the Sticky Waterfalls, it is a famous waterfall with clear water and limestone terraces.
- Baan Kang Wat: Ancient village area with traditional art workshops.
- Doi Inthanon National Park: National park with the highest mountain peak in Thailand.
- Wat Chedi Luang: A temple with a large stone stupa and a long history...
Hopefully, the tourist destinations in Chiang Mai - Thailand above will satisfy your passion for exploration and photo opportunities. Mytour will strive to regularly update more new destinations. For advice or support, please contact Mytour.