Photographing Chiang Mai
The historic walled capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, where golden chedis and teakwood monasteries rise against northern mountain foothills.
Where to shoot
- Wat Phra Singh — admire classical Lanna temple architecture and gilded stupas in the heart of the Old City.
- Wat Chedi Luang — stand before the colossal 15th-century stone chedi and participate in afternoon monk chats.
- Sunday Walking Street Night Market — explore over a kilometer of artisan handicrafts, street musicians, and food stalls.
- Wat Sri Suphan (The Silver Temple) — a magnificent Buddhist temple handcrafted entirely from silver, aluminum, and nickel.
- Doi Suthep Excursion — travel up the mountain road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for panoramic views across the entire Chiang Mai valley.
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep — a gilded hilltop temple reached by a long naga staircase, with panoramic valley views.
- Old City Temples — dozens of Lanna-era temples within the moated square, including the ruined brick chedi of Wat Chedi Luang.
- Sunday Walking Street — a sprawling craft and food market filling the old town's main street each week.
- Doi Inthanon — Thailand's highest peak nearby, with twin royal pagodas, waterfalls and cool cloud forest.
When to go
November to February (the cool and dry season), when night temperatures drop pleasantly, skies are crystal clear, and the Yi Peng lantern festival illuminates the night sky (typically in November).
What to eat
Khao Soi (crispy egg noodles atop a rich, fragrant coconut curry broth with tender braised chicken or beef, served with lime wedges, pickled mustard greens, and shallots) and sai oua herbal pork sausage.
Where to stay
Stay inside the Old City within the moat boundaries for quiet, walkable access to morning temples and cafes, or in Nimmanhaemin for contemporary boutique hotels, coffee roasteries, and art galleries.
Rent a city bicycle or hire a red songthaew (shared red pickup truck) to hop between Old City temples. When entering temple chapels, remember to remove shoes and dress respectfully with shoulders and knees covered.
Read more in Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Old City Temples, Night Bazaars & Khao Soi and Thailand: gilded temples, northern hills & Andaman coves.
