The old city center, surrounded by a moat and walls. It was founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Its temples and markets are all within walking distance.
Ratchadamnoen, the Old City's main road, runs straight from Wat Phra Singh in the west to Tha Phae Gate in the east. A little south of the middle of the road is the large collapsed chedi of Wat Chedi Luang. To the north is the Three Kings Monument square, with statues of three Lanna kings.
Visit the temples by day, and on Sunday evening, stroll the Sunday market on the same road. Festivals such as Songkran and Yi Peng are also held inside the moat.
Opening hours from Google Maps as of October 29, 2026. Hours may change, so check before you go.
A temple founded in 1345 by King Phayu of Lanna. The Phra Buddha Sihing image is kept in Wihan Lai Kham (built 1815–1821), which has murals of the Sang Thong and Suwannahong stories.
Its large chedi was about 82 m tall when it was completed in the 15th century. An earthquake in 1545 brought down the top 30 m. The Emerald Buddha was kept here from 1468 to 1551, and the city pillar (Sao Inthakin) is also in the grounds.
The gate on the east side of the moat. Festival stages and events are held in the square in front. From the gate, the road leads out toward the Night Bazaar.
A walking street market on Ratchadamnoen Road on Sunday evenings. Handicraft and street food stalls run from Tha Phae Gate toward Wat Phra Singh.
A square with statues of three Lanna kings, and the museum behind it. Learn a little of Chiang Mai's history here first and the temples will make more sense. About 370 m from Wat Chedi Luang.
A temple just outside the north side of the moat. It has an old brick chedi and a wooden hall. About 840 m from Wat Phra Singh.
A suggested plan for first-timers.
Visit the halls early, before the crowds arrive.
About 500 m on foot along Ratchadamnoen Road.
Closed Monday and Tuesday. A good indoor stop during the midday heat.
Stroll the square in front of the gate as the sun sets.
On other days, head out of the gate toward the Night Bazaar.
A few things to keep in mind.
NimmanhaeminA neighborhood west of the Old City, next to Chiang Mai University. Coffee shops and malls sit side by side, and the mountain road to Doi Suthep starts at the end of the street.
Doi SuthepA mountain that rises west of the city. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, on the mountainside, is said to have been founded in 1383. It's Chiang Mai's best-known temple.Sources: Place details and opening hours: Google Maps (checked October 29, 2026) · Wat Phra Singh (Wikipedia) · Wat Chedi Luang (Wikipedia)
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