Hi, I’m Andy
Traveler and photographer.
I don’t travel just to see places. I travel because I want to know if there’s more than just everyday life. More about me
Discover Chiang Mai’s Attractions Beyond the Historic Old Town
Chiang Mai’s Old Town already offers countless impressive attractions and beautiful temples.
(You can find these in our Chiang Mai Attractions Travel Guide.)
However, outside the historic city centre, you will discover even more remarkable places. The mountainous and green surroundings of Chiang Mai are known for their stunning natural landscapes and are home to several national parks. Among the most famous attractions are Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon, but there is much more to explore.
Below, you will find everything worth knowing about the top 15 attractions around Chiang Mai.
By the way, Chiang Mai can also be explored through organised tours. You can find an overview here*.
What to Expect in This Travel Guide to Chiang Mai’s Attractions Outside the City Centre:
1. Wiang Kum Kam – The Ancient Temple City
Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city believed to have been built in 1286 during the reign of King Mengrai. It is thought to have once served as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, before being flooded and destroyed by severe flooding.
According to historians, Wiang Kum Kam was once a major city featuring a central area surrounded by reservoirs. The city contained numerous religious temples, sculptures, Buddha statues, and other sacred structures.
Archaeological excavations have uncovered around 20 different temple complexes, which can still be explored today. Many of these sites consist of ruins and remnants, somewhat reminiscent of Ayutthaya. Across the large area, however, you will also encounter newer temples that remain completely intact.
You can find additional impressions in the gallery.
Guided Wiang Kum Kam Tours – A Good Option
The historical city of Wiang Kum Kam can be explored either independently or through guided tours offered at the Wiang Kum Kam Information Center. Visitors can join a sightseeing train tour lasting approximately one hour, costing around 300 Baht per person.
A guided tour is not a bad choice, as some temples are hidden and spread across a relatively large area. Alternatively, there are also guided bicycle tours* available.
Exploring Wiang Kum Kam on Your Own
If you prefer to explore independently, I have marked the most important temples on Google Maps.
However, since Google Maps allows a maximum of 10 destinations per route, not every temple could be included. It is therefore worth checking the map carefully, as you will discover additional temples located along the route.
Useful Information About Wiang Kum Kam Temple
2. Doi Suthep National Park Roundtrip – Mountains, Temples & Waterfalls
Doi Suthep National Park is one of the most famous and popular destinations around Chiang Mai. One of the best ways to experience the park is by completing a scenic roundtrip through the mountains. The route takes approximately 2 hours of driving time and covers around 50 kilometres from Chiang Mai’s city centre.
Your journey first leads up to Chiang Mai’s most famous landmark, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple. Along the route, several fantastic viewpoints offer impressive panoramas over Chiang Mai. After visiting the temple, the road continues through lush green landscapes before eventually passing several waterfalls, some of which are ideal for swimming and cooling off on the way back.
You can find a suggested route for the Doi Suthep roundtrip here.*
It is worth mentioning that road conditions become noticeably worse after the temple, with sections becoming narrow and more challenging to drive.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai’s Most Famous Landmark
From Chiang Mai’s Old Town, you can often spot the Daen Lao mountain range, stretching approximately 200 kilometres along Thailand’s northern border. One of the most famous peaks is Doi Suthep, standing at around 1,676 metres above sea level and often considered Chiang Mai’s local mountain.
Located west of the city centre within Doi Suthep–Doi Pui National Park, it is home to Chiang Mai’s most iconic landmark: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple.
Mystical Legends Surrounding the Temple
The temple’s history dates back to 1371 and is closely connected to an ancient legend. According to the story, a monk named Sumana Thera from Sukhothai discovered a sacred Buddha relic believed to be Buddha’s shoulder bone.
The ruling king invited the monk to the Kingdom of Lanna (present-day Chiang Mai) to preserve the relic in a temple. For this purpose, Wat Suan Dok was built within Chiang Mai.Upon arriving, the relic miraculously split into two pieces. One part remains at Wat Suan Dok today.
The second relic was placed on the back of a white elephant, which was then released. The elephant climbed Doi Suthep Mountain, west of Chiang Mai, and after a three-day journey, reached a rocky outcrop where it trumpeted three times before dying.
At this sacred location, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was eventually built in 1383.
More Than 200 Steps to a Temple with Incredible Views
From the parking area, a staircase of over 200 steps leads to the temple complex. The railings are formed by the bodies of two giant Naga serpents. Inside the temple grounds, you will find numerous golden Buddha statues, decorations, and ornaments, while at the centre stands the impressive 16-metre-high golden chedi, believed to contain Buddha relics.
Another highlight is the covered walkway surrounding the courtyard, built in 1806, illustrating Buddha’s life through paintings and murals. The temple also offers spectacular views across Chiang Mai.
Visiting around sunset is particularly worthwhile, as the atmosphere becomes magical and you can admire the lights of Chiang Mai glowing below.
Useful Information About Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (National Park)
2.1 Doi Inthanon National Park – A Scenic Roundtrip Through Thailand’s Highest Mountains
Another popular national park near Chiang Mai is Doi Inthanon National Park. With an elevation of 2,565 metres, it is home to Thailand’s highest mountain peak.
In the past, opium cultivation was common in the Doi Inthanon region. Through various development projects, however, local hill tribes were encouraged to grow rice, vegetables, and fruits instead. Some of these farms can still be visited today.
Due to the altitude and cooler temperatures, the vegetation here differs significantly from other parts of Thailand. You will encounter moss-covered forests, ancient oak trees wrapped in ivy, and lush mountain landscapes, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the country.
Below are some of the highlights I recommend visiting in Doi Inthanon National Park:
- Mae Ya Waterfall
- Mae Klang Luang
- Doi Inthanon Mountain Temple
- Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail
Useful Information About the Doi Inthanon Roundtrip
2.2 Doi Inthanon National Park: Visit the Scenic Mae Ya Waterfall
In Thailand, even the smallest streams are sometimes called waterfalls. However, Mae Ya Waterfall is a true waterfall, comparable to those you might find in the Alps. Standing at approximately 280 metres high, the waterfall is surrounded by lush green landscapes and a magical natural setting.
From the parking area, where you will find a few small food stalls and vendors, it takes only around 3 minutes on foot to reach the waterfall.
The rocky walls surrounding the falls are covered in greenery, while a decorative tree stands in the centre, appearing to withstand the powerful water like a lone survivor against the current.
For me personally, Mae Ya Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand and definitely worth visiting. Photographers, in particular, will discover some fantastic opportunities for impressive shots.
If you are already heading towards the summit area of Doi Inthanon and its temples, Mae Ya Waterfall can easily be included in your itinerary, as it is located not far from the main road.
Useful Information About Mae Ya Waterfall
2.3 Doi Inthanon National Park: Stay Overnight in an Authentic Mountain Village
It takes around 2.5 hours of driving to reach the summit area of Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai city centre. This means you can comfortably visit the national park as a day trip.
However, spending a night on a local farm or in an authentic mountain village has its own unique appeal. One advantage is that you can avoid the larger visitor crowds by heading to the temples and mountain summit early in the morning.
I spent my night at Mae Klang Luang Villa. The accommodation is simply furnished, but still offers a charming and authentic atmosphere. Depending on the season, you may enjoy spectacular views over the surrounding rice terraces, while in other months the fields are filled with flowers or strawberry plantations. Regardless of the season, the scenery remains beautiful.
Just a short walk away lies the local village, where traditional wooden houses provide a glimpse into the daily life of Thailand’s mountain communities. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the local culture more closely.
One of the highlights is enjoying an early morning coffee at one of the small local stalls. Here, coffee is often still ground by hand and heated over an open fire using metal pots, creating a truly authentic experience.
Useful Information About Mae Klang Luang Villa
2.4 Doi Inthanon National Park: The Temple Attraction at the Mountain Summit
Around 200 metres below the summit, you will find one of the main highlights of Doi Inthanon National Park: the twin temples Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Bhumisiri.
These two temples were built in honour of the former Thai royal couple. A chedi was constructed to celebrate the 60th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (1987) and another for Queen Sirikit (1992).
The facades of both chedis are decorated with intricate mosaic reliefs. The temple dedicated to the king features reddish-brown tones, while the queen’s chedi was designed using various violet shades.
Inside the temples, you will encounter large Buddha statues believed to be made of jade. The interior walls are decorated with painted tiles illustrating scenes from Buddha’s life.
The temple complex is surrounded by beautiful gardens, ponds, and waterfalls, creating an almost peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. Standing high in the mountains, surrounded by these landscapes, the sky feels incredibly close.
Useful Information About the Temples
2.5 Doi Inthanon National Park: Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail – A Walk Through a Fairytale Forest
Just a stone’s throw from the famous Royal Pagodas, you will find the Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail, one of Doi Inthanon’s lesser-known hidden gems.
The trail remains relatively unknown among tourists, meaning only a small number of visitors venture here. A wooden boardwalk leads you through a mystical cloud forest, creating the feeling of stepping into a fairytale landscape. The humid forest is often covered in moss and ivy, while the unique vegetation differs noticeably from other parts of Thailand due to the higher altitude and cooler climate.
The circular trail takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and also passes a small forest temple along the way.
If you are visiting the Royal Pagodas, the Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail is definitely worth adding to your itinerary for a short escape into nature.
Useful Information About Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail
3. Two-Day Road Trip Through the Chiang Dao Regio
Located outside Chiang Mai, the Chiang Dao region impresses with rice fields, caves, tea and coffee plantations, as well as beautiful mountainous landscapes. The suggested route can be completed as a day trip, although it is ideally experienced as a two-day roundtrip.
The attractions and stops along the route are listed below. The journey starts at the northernmost point of the route, but can just as easily be completed in the opposite direction. Of course, there is even more to discover around Chiang Dao beyond these recommendations.
The Following Highlights Are Included on This Route:
- Doi Luang Chiang Dao Viewpoint
- Chiang Dao Cave Temple
- Chiang Dao & Rice Fields
- Raming Tea Plantation
- Jungle View Coffee
Useful Information About the Chiang Dao Route
3.1 Chiang Dao Road Trip: Doi Luang Chiang Dao View Point
The limestone mountain Doi Luang Chiang Dao, located within the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, rises to an elevation of 2,195 metres, making it the third-highest mountain in Thailand. Several hiking trails lead to the summit, but these require a good level of fitness, official permits, and can only be completed with a licensed guide as part of a group.
If this sounds too demanding, a great alternative is visiting the Doi Luang View Point. Here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the impressive mountain range while relaxing in an authentic mountain village. The surrounding terraces are also a perfect place to enjoy a coffee while taking in the scenery.
If you wish, it is even possible to stay overnight in the area, as affordable tents can be rented on-site.
Useful Information About Doi Luang Chiang Dao View Point
3.2 Chiang Dao Rundreise: Chiang Dao Cave – Fantastische Berghöhle
At the foot of Doi Luang Mountain, not far from Chiang Dao village, lies Chiang Dao Cave, a place that remains largely unknown among Western tourists.
The cave area includes several smaller temples and market stalls. Near the entrance to the cave temple Wat Tham Chiang Dao, you will find a small lake filled with fish and a peaceful atmosphere inviting visitors to relax. The real highlight, however, is the temple hidden within the enormous cave complex. Inside, you will encounter numerous sacred Buddha statues illuminated by atmospheric lighting effects. The cave walls also feature impressive stalactite formations and crystal structures.
Parts of the approximately 12-kilometre cave system can be explored independently. Those wishing to discover more remote sections of the cave, however, need to join a guided tour.
According to a Thai legend, a hermit named Phrom Ruesi lived inside the cave for around 1,000 years. During this time, he is said to have developed a close relationship with the angels living within the cave, eventually convincing them to create magical wonders deep underground.
Legend says the angels created a stream flowing from the base of a golden Buddha statue, a storage hall filled with divine textiles, a city for Naga serpents, a mystical lake, a sacred immortal elephant, and finally a tomb for the hermit himself.
Another local belief warns that anyone removing even the smallest object from the cave may be punished with illness, suffering, or even death.
Useful Information About Chiang Dao Cave
3.3 Chiang Dao Road Trip: Chiang Dao – Stay Overnight Among the Rice Fields
Apart from the cave mentioned above, Chiang Dao itself offers relatively few major attractions. However, the village is an ideal place for an overnight stop, allowing you to relax after an eventful day and recharge before continuing your journey, or simply enjoy another breathtaking view of Doi Luang Chiang Dao. There are several accommodation options in Chiang Dao, but I can especially recommend The Wes Village Chiang Dao Resort.
Built in the style of a countryside retreat, the resort is surrounded by lush rice fields and offers spectacular views of Doi Luang Chiang Dao. It also features a swimming pool and a peaceful garden area, creating the perfect environment to unwind and enjoy the mountain scenery.
Useful Information About the Rice Fields
3.4 Chiang Dao Road Trip: Raming Tea Plantation – Stunning Tea Fields
On the way back to Chiang Mai, I recommend making a small detour to the Raming Tea Plantation. Although the tea farm was closed during my visit, the rolling landscape covered with green tea fields is an impressive sight in itself.
Around the plantation, you’ll also come across several fantastic viewpoints, offering panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and lush green scenery. The peaceful atmosphere and endless hills make this a worthwhile stop, especially if you enjoy nature or photography.
Useful Information About the Raming Tea Plantation
3.5 Chiang Dao Road Trip: Jungle View Coffee – The Best Coffee in the World
Before heading back towards Chiang Mai and rejoining the main road, I highly recommend making a food or coffee stop in the small mountain village of Inthakhin. The village sees very few western visitors, giving it an incredibly authentic and local atmosphere.
Taking a walk through the small settlement is definitely worthwhile, as there are several interesting spots to discover. Near Jungle View Coffee, you’ll also find gigantic ancient trees that are well worth visiting.
At Jungle View Coffee, I drank what was probably the best coffee of my life. The coffee is grown locally and can often be seen drying in the sun throughout the village. For coffee lovers, this place is an absolute must-visit.
After the café, the route continues for several more kilometres through picturesque jungle landscapes, before eventually reconnecting with the main road back to Chiang Mai.
Useful Information About Jungle View Coffee
4. Attractions in Chiang Mai’s Old Town
The area surrounding Chiang Mai already offers several outstanding attractions. However, if you’re a temple enthusiast, I highly recommend visiting Chiang Mai’s Old Town, home to countless fascinating temples and cultural landmarks.
You can find more information about Chiang Mai’s attractions in my travel guide to Chiang Mai’s temples and sights.
Useful Information About Chiang Mai’s Old Town Attractions
More Information About Chiang Mai
Alles was du zu Chiang Mai wissen musst
Everything You Need to Know About Chiang Mai
You’ll find all the essential information about Chiang Mai, including hotel recommendations, the best time to visit, ideal trip duration, and further travel tips at the end of my Chiang Mai temples and attractions guide.
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