Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai's moated old city is filled with hundreds of temples, with night markets and mountains nearby.

Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hrs
Featured walk: Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hrs · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna kingdom. Its square old city is surrounded by a moat and walls.

The old city is flat and full of temples, cafés and markets.

What makes Chiang Mai distinctive

  • Temples of the old city
  • Night markets
  • Northern Thai food
  • Doi Suthep temple above the city

Walking tours in Chiang Mai

Hand-picked guided walks in Chiang Mai, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

Advertising disclosure: tour links go to Viator. If you book through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It does not affect the price you pay or which tours we choose.

Prices are Viator's lowest "from" price per person, converted to pounds and checked on 29 October 2026. The booking page shows the current price in your currency.

By theme: Food tours in Chiang Mai · History walks in Chiang Mai · Night and ghost tours in Chiang Mai

Compare with other cities: Food tours · History walks · Night and ghost tours

More walking tours on GetYourGuide

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Main sights

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Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • Old city

    Inside the moat.

  • Nimman

    Cafés and shops.

  • Riverside

    Along the Ping River.

Free self-guided walk

Temples of the old city

A free self-guided walk in Chiang Mai, from Tha Phae Gate to Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.

2.2 km · 5 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. Old city temples

    Between gates.

  2. Night Bazaar

    Evening market.

  3. Ping River

    Riverside.

Practical walking notes

  • Terrain

    Flat.

  • Heat

    Hot; walk early.

  • Smoke

    Burning season in March and April affects air quality.

When to visit

  • November to February

    Cool and dry.

  • March to May

    Hot and smoky.

  • June to October

    Rainy.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By air

    Chiang Mai Airport is close to the city.

  • By rail

    Overnight trains to Bangkok.

Local transport

  • Songthaews

    Shared red trucks.

  • Apps

    Grab works.

Questions travellers ask about Chiang Mai

How many days do I need?

Three days.

What should I wear in temples?

Cover shoulders and knees.

What should I eat?

Khao soi.

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Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-10-28. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.