Chiang Mai offers a range of starting points for an exploration: the walled Old Town, exhibitions about the city and Lanna culture, craftsmanship and biodiversity in the surrounding area. When looking for a holiday rental, you can first consider which of these aspects of the destination are of particular interest to you during your stay.
Temples and City Gates in the Old Town
Within the walls of the Old Town are 40 ancient temples. They give the historic city a clear cultural focus. Those interested in Chiang Mai’s evolving urban structure can also gain a different perspective on the city’s history from its five city gates: they are part of the inner fortifications.
The five gates were restored in different historical periods. Their most recent restoration was carried out by the city administrations and the Fine Arts Department on the basis of archaeological studies and old photographs. The temples represent the religious architectural history within the walls; for the gates, changes resulting from restoration are also part of their history.
Two Perspectives on Culture and History
The Chiang Mai Cultural Centre traces the development of the region and the city in 15 permanent exhibition rooms—from prehistoric times to the present. Its focus is therefore a broad sweep of time encompassing both the city and its region.
The Lanna Folklife Centre has a different focus: it presents Lanna ways of life and Lanna art. Topics include ritual objects, architecture, traditions, murals and handicrafts. The two centres differ not only in name, but also in perspective: one explores the development of the region and the city over long periods, while the other is devoted to Lanna ways of life and their cultural expressions.
This distinction can help you narrow down your interests. If you are mainly interested in the changes Chiang Mai and the region have undergone over time, the description of the Cultural Centre is relevant. If Lanna traditions, art and handicrafts are your main interests, the Lanna Folklife Centre’s range of topics is a more suitable point of reference.
Walking Street and Silversmiths
Chiang Mai’s Sunday Walking Street runs from Tha Phae Gate to Ratchadamnoen Road. The two named endpoints make the route easy to identify, without needing to assume a walking time.
A 2012 tourism description locates a silversmith village in the area of Wualai Walking Street, where silverware was made and sold. Here, the focus is on craftsmanship, while the Sunday Walking Street is described by its named route. Both subjects offer a cultural perspective on Chiang Mai, but in different ways: through a route on the one hand, and through the making and selling of silverware on the other.
Biodiversity in the Surrounding Area
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park lies northwest of the Old Town and in its surrounding area, and is known for its rich biodiversity. This adds a landscape-related dimension to the city’s historical and cultural focus. The spatial distinction remains important: the temples and city gates are within the Old Town or form part of the inner fortifications; the national park lies outside them in the surrounding area.
This gives you a choice of different interests when planning your trip, rather than a single focus: city history within the walls, different approaches to culture and Lanna ways of life, craftsmanship, or biodiversity northwest of the Old Town.
Discover more destinations: Rim Tai, Amphoe Mae Rim, Tambon Yang Piang, Amphoe San Kamphaeng, Rong Wua Daeng, Ban Luang, Fang, Pa Miang.
Go to the main travel overview: Chiang Mai.
