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Northern Thailand · Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai travel guide: Old City temples, Doi Suthep and khao soi

Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna kingdom, and its moated Old City still holds dozens of temples within a square of walls and gates. Around it spreads a relaxed, creative city — UNESCO named it a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2017 — with markets, cafés and some of Thailand's most distinctive food, and mountains within an hour's drive.

AsiaVela editorial teamUpdated 4 min read
The golden chedi of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep with a gilded parasol under a blue sky
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, above Chiang Mai.
Suggested time
4–5 days
Where to stay
Old City or around Tha Phae Gate; Nimmanhaemin for cafés
Season and timing
The cool season, roughly November to February, is most comfortable; late in the dry season, smoke from burning can affect air quality — check air-quality reports before travelling.

The short answer

Give Chiang Mai four or five days: two in the city for the Old City temples, Doi Suthep and the markets, and two or three for day trips such as Doi Inthanon, a cooking class or the countryside. Stay inside or just outside the Old City walls for walking access to temples and food, or in Nimmanhaemin for cafés. Fly into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), close to the city.

The Old City and its temples

Inside the moat, Wat Chedi Luang has the city's largest chedi; the Ministry of Tourism and Sports' directory notes that its top collapsed in an earthquake in 1545, leaving the great brick ruin you see today. Wat Phra Singh enshrines the Phra Phuttha Sihing image, one of the most revered Buddha images of Chiang Mai and Lanna, in classic northern architecture.

Walk between them in the morning, when it is cooler and the temples are quieter, and take shoes off where signs ask. Many temples welcome visitors to monk chats or meditation sessions; check what each one offers rather than assuming.

Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep looks down on the city from the mountain to the west, reached by a winding road and a long naga staircase. The directory records that the pilgrimage once took more than five hours on foot through the forest; today it takes about half an hour by car or songthaew from the city.

Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the views and fewer people. Dress modestly, and if you have time, combine it with the forest around the temple, part of Doi Suthep–Pui National Park.

The massive ruined brick chedi of Wat Chedi Luang with its naga staircase
Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai's old city.

Make time for the local food

What to eat and where to look

A bowl of khao soi curry noodles topped with crispy noodles beside pickled cabbage and shallots
Khao soi, the north's curry noodle soup.
01

Khao soi

Egg noodles in a rich, mildly spiced coconut curry broth with chicken or beef, topped with crispy noodles and served with pickled mustard greens, shallots and lime — the dish most associated with Chiang Mai.

Where to look
Long-running khao soi shops across the city.
Fit it into your day
Lunch after a morning of temples.

Contains coconut and often egg noodles (wheat).

02

Sai ua (northern sausage)

A coarse pork sausage seasoned with lemongrass, kaffir lime, galangal and chilli, grilled over charcoal. The directory lists it among Warorot Market's local foods.

Where to look
Warorot Market and morning markets.
Fit it into your day
A snack with sticky rice, or part of a northern platter.

Pork; often spicy.

03

Nam phrik noom and nam phrik ong

Northern chilli dips — one of roasted green chilli, one of tomato and minced pork — eaten with vegetables, pork crackling and sticky rice.

Where to look
Market stalls and northern Thai restaurants.
Fit it into your day
Share as part of a northern meal.

Nam phrik noom can be very hot.

04

Gaeng hang lay

A Burmese-influenced pork curry with ginger, tamarind and garlic, rich rather than fiery.

Where to look
Northern Thai restaurants and rice-and-curry shops.
Fit it into your day
With sticky rice at dinner.

Pork belly; rich.

Markets and northern food

Warorot Market (Kad Luang), by the Ping River, is where locals shop for northern food: the directory lists sour pork, northern spicy sausage, Vietnamese-style sausage and chilli pastes, with a flower market on the riverside at night. Some stalls open from about 5 a.m.

In the evenings, the weekend walking streets and night markets fill with food stalls and crafts. Chiang Mai is the best place in Thailand to try northern cooking — khao soi, sai ua, nam phrik and gaeng hang lay — and a cooking class here is a good way to learn it.

The red-brick Tha Phae Gate and old city wall with pigeons on the square
Tha Phae Gate, on the east side of the old city.

Doi Inthanon and day trips

Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain at 2,565 metres, lies about two hours south-west of the city. The directory describes a national park of rainforest and pine forest, cold all year at the top and sometimes frosty in winter, and famous for birdwatching.

A day trip covers the summit, the twin royal pagodas and a waterfall; check the weather and bring a warm layer. Other easy trips include the craft villages east of the city and the old town of Lamphun to the south.

A Lanna-style building with carved wooden gables on a white stucco base at Wat Phra Singh
Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai.

Where to stay and getting around

The Old City and the area around Tha Phae Gate put you within walking distance of most temples, markets and restaurants. Nimmanhaemin, to the west, is the cafe and shopping district, closer to Doi Suthep. Riverside hotels along the Ping are quieter.

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is close to the city and has direct flights from Bangkok and several international cities. In town, red songthaews and ride-hailing apps are the usual way around; agree the fare with songthaew drivers first.

Practical questions

How many days do I need in Chiang Mai?

Four or five days: two for the city and its temples, the rest for Doi Inthanon, a cooking class or other day trips.

Where should I stay in Chiang Mai?

In or near the Old City for temples and food on foot; Nimmanhaemin for cafés and shopping.

How do I get to Doi Suthep?

By car, ride-hailing or shared songthaew from the city, about half an hour up the mountain road, then up the staircase to the temple.

What should I eat in Chiang Mai?

Khao soi, sai ua sausage, northern chilli dips with sticky rice and gaeng hang lay curry.

When is the best time to visit?

The cool season, roughly November to February. Check air-quality reports late in the dry season, when smoke can affect the north.

Sources and checks before you travel

Reference sources for the version dated 1 October 2026. Confirm opening times, access, transport and conditions for your travel dates.

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Does this experience fit your route?

A cooking class turns Chiang Mai's food into something you can take home. Check the dishes, the pick-up time and dietary options.

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