THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Chiang Mai - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand - Chiang Mai Attractions

Things to Do in Chiang Mai


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Chiang Mai.


Top Attractions in Chiang Mai

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Religious Sites
World’s First Silver Sanctuary World’s First Silver Sanctuary, located at Wat Sri Suphan (Sri Suphan Temple), Chaingmai, Thailand. The Abbot of Sri Suphan Temple, Phrakru Phitak Suttikun (Suphon Suthasilo), Temple Committees, Devotees, and group of Lanna craftsman had been constructed the silver sanctuary by using the former base, former boundary stones and former principle Buddha image (Phra Jao Jed Tue, built in B.E. 2043.). The Silver Sanctuary was built and decorated by Silver Handicraftsmen (Lanna folk wisdom) of Wua Lai Community that has been descended from their ancestors. The sanctuary is decorated with the pure silver on the most crucial and safety parts. Aluminum was used for the decoration of the rest of the sanctuary areas, instead of using pure silver for the whole building. Inside the sanctuary, each carved wall consists of the stories of Lord Buddha, Buddhist Doctrine, History of Phra Jao Liab Lok and Phra Jao Prod Lok (Thai Buddha’s preaching stories), Buddha’s footprint, and the happiness life in believe of Buddhism. On the other hand, the outside of the sanctuary’s walls are symbols of National Institute, Religion, and Royal Family, 4 Lotuses indicating 4 types of human recognition, Personification, King of Naga, ASEAN countries, World’s famous cities, the King’s literary work; Mahajanaka Jataka, Srithandon, and 12 Zodiac Signs. These stories are shown for the stronger believes in Buddhism. The Silver sanctuary has been established since B.E. 2547 for the first time by group of Lanna craftsman using the local wisdom (Silver Crafts) for the decoration; taken for more than 12 years to be completed, with the donation from all believers as total amount of 35,152,314 Thai Baht (Thirty Five Million One Hundred and Fifty Two Thousand Three Hundred and Fourteen). Finally, the construction of World’s First Silver Sanctuary has been completed and ready for all religious services. It is also be the conservation of Wua Lai Community’s wisdom (Silver Handicraft) as a learning center, as religious teaching method, Life’s navigation for all visitors. The most importantly, we have been completed the determination for this sanctuary to become a National Memorial for Thai people and to praise our His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (9th monarch of the Chakri Dynasty). Wat Sri Suphan would like to invite all believers and visitors to our opening ceremony of World’s First Silver Sanctuary and the celebration of 720th Year Anniversary of Nophaburi Sri Nakhonping during 28 March – 3 April 2016.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • macedonboy
    Glasgow, UK185,037 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This temple has been around since the 15th century and once housed the famed Emerald Buddha, which is now in Bangkok. The old brick chedi is still in the temple complex and continues to be used as a place of worship. The main temple is now a more modern building in front of the car entrance. This has a stunning read and gold hall with a high altar that has a statue of a standing Buddha, flanked by two monks.
    Written April 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Thomas D
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Awesome experience, real rescue parc for the elephants, they take the time to explain how they and the elephants work. You all get uniforms as the elephants are used to them and trust them, so then we went on a walk with the elephants fully in liberty. They could go where they want and we were following. Then they took a bath and we helped to wash them.

    Was really nice experience. Watch out for other fake places, here they really buy the elephants and don't rent them for the tourist attraction.

    Also shout out to Andy our awesome guide! Was really best experience ever! We could touch and hug with the elephants and they were really nice. Would recommend to anyone!

    Ps lunch was really good as well (we did the half day morning tour)
    Written May 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Niranjanbi
    Singapore, Singapore52 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited this place during April 24, it is a must visit place in Chiang Mai. Architecture of the temple makes it unique. Mindset of people or monks in and around are very nice.
    Written May 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • grunter42
    Melbourne207 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Largest market I have ever seen, covering blocks and blocks. Literally hundreds and hundreds of stalls, but largely selling the same old cheap souvenirs. Some good food options and if you look hard enough, there are some talks selling goods that are out of the ordinary. Well worth a visit just for the shear size of it
    Written May 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kathy y
    Lisbon, Portugal8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a true surprise & much different from all the other temples we visited. This ancient temple is located in a forested area outside the city & is now used for meditation by devoted Buddists from around the world.
    Written April 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mana I
    Finland11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Originally intended as a mere rest stop for weary travelers on their pilgrimage, the temple has since evolved into a sanctuary of spiritual solace and reflection. Nestled amidst lush forest surroundings, the grounds exude a sense of serenity and tranquility—an oasis of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life.
    Written April 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paraag D
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing experience.
    Woody, the guide, was excellent and had brilliant english.

    Really well organised experience covering a number of activites with the elephants.

    Good clean showers and sitting areas.
    Written April 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Siwarit
    Bangkok, Thailand196 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This temple is located 15 km from Chiangmai city center. It can be reached by car or motorbike. It has breathtaking view as it is located in the hill. The interesting things are the golden pagoda and the buddha image (Luang Phor Tun Jai). Furthermore, visitor can see the buddha in three postures (standing, reclining and sitting).
    Written April 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kinga A
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I spend plenty of time searching for sanctuary, where elephants are treated really well. So it was a pleasure to meet Eddy’s place. All the activity with animals were depends on them and really for them. So if you really care of elephants, stop searching for other places and go to Eddy, meet Papaya and Tomato. Time with this two lovely (and always hungry) creatures will definitely makes you happy over the moon
    Written May 21, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NickGi
    Germany178 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Thailand has so many great temples, this one is very unique and probably one of the most beautiful ones. It is a little hidden in Chiang Mai , so ask your way around or get a taxi it tuk-tuk . This is a fantastic artist piece of work with so much to discover in such a small temple.
    Written March 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carol C
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We did the half day morning elephant excursion and loved it! We were the only 2 on our tour, and after a nice drive through the countryside, we got to make food for the two elephants, feed them, then hike with them down to the river. We watched them eat for at least 45 minutes, then watched them bathe in the river, then feed them again. Lots of opportunities for pictures and videos and respectful interaction with the elephants. Our guide Toto taught us so much about the elephants and their keepers. We ended the morning with a delicious lunch and comfortable drive back to our hotel. This was a very special day!
    Written May 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • macedonboy
    Glasgow, UK185,037 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This temple was the first to be built upon the founding of the city by King Mangrai in 1297. The oldest structure is the stupa, aka the Elephant Stupa, so named because of the elephant statues that around the base that support the structure.

    The main temple has a high altar with a golden statue of the Buddha calling Mother Earth to Witness his past deeds. All around this statue is an assorted collection of Buddha statues of different sizes and poses.

    A wonderful Thai Temple to visit.
    Written April 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.