Chiang Mai Sightseeing Guide: Exploring by Area with a Map
チェンマイ坂田
Chiang Mai, an ancient capital often called the Kyoto of Thailand.
Where traditional culture blends with a modern pulse, Chiang Mai draws travelers from around the world.
"I want to fully savor Chiang Mai, packed with temples, markets, stylish cafés, and more!"
For you, this article introduces the areas of Chiang Mai city worth knowing before you visit.
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What is Chiang Mai, exactly?
Chiang Mai, built in the 13th century, is the largest city in northern Thailand and has long played a central role in the region.
The walled Old Town at its center was built in 1296 and flourished as the capital of the Lanna dynasty.
A distinctive "Lanna culture" blossomed, nurturing characteristic traditions in cuisine, architecture, crafts, and more.
At a slightly elevated 300 m, its refreshing climate and rich nature are part of its appeal.
The city is also compact and easy to get around — another of its draws.
Chiang Mai's areas
Chiang Mai city is broadly divided into four areas.
① The Old Town: a must-visit area of Chiang Mai where old temples and streetscapes remain
② Nimmanhaemin: a stylish area often likened to Tokyo's Daikanyama or Nakameguro
③ The Ping River & New Town: an area where old and new blend well, with night bazaars and luxury hotels
④ Santitham: a local-feeling area home to many Thai residents
Think about what you want to do in Chiang Mai and choose the area that suits you.
Now, let's introduce the four areas.
1. The Old Town
The center of Chiang Mai is a square Old Town surrounded by a moat about 1.6 km on each side.
Historic temples such as Wat Phra Singh are scattered throughout the Old Town, and its narrow back lanes retain a charming, old-town way of life.
Stylish cafés and craft shops are on the rise too, offering a unique landscape where old and new mingle.
Recommended spots
• Wat Phra Singh: a golden, top-ranking royal temple that anchors the people of Chiang Mai
• Wat Chedi Luang: a temple with Chiang Mai's largest stupa; its illuminated form is majestic
• Ratchadamnoen Road: home to the Sunday Market, held every Sunday selling folk crafts, food, and more
[Beginner rating] ★★★★★
With plenty of accommodations and easy, comfortable travel on foot or by bike, this area is recommended for Chiang Mai first-timers!
2. Nimmanhaemin
Nimmanhaemin, Chiang Mai's most popular stylish area.
Its streets lined with cute shops, cafés, and food are famous, and you can feel Chiang Mai's latest trends.
Young Thais gather here too, giving it a lively, spirited buzz.
Recommended spots
• MAYA: one of Chiang Mai's leading shopping malls, where young locals and tourists gather
• One Nimman: a complex gathering stylish, cute restaurants and shops
• Nimmanhaemin cafés: Nimmanhaemin has all kinds of cafés. Find your own favorite!
[Beginner rating] ★★★★☆
A popular area to enjoy shopping, food, and nightlife in every scene.
After the Old Town, it's a can't-miss spot for Chiang Mai sightseeing.
3. The Ping River & New Town
The New Town area spans both banks of the Ping River in the eastern part of the city.
Recent redevelopment has lined the riverside with modern hotels, cafés, and galleries, making it a lively new tourist spot.
Step into the back lanes along the river, though, and you'll find charm with an old-fashioned local flavor.
【Recommended spots】
• Warorot Market: Chiang Mai's largest market, with everything from souvenirs to daily goods
• Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: a market to soak up Chiang Mai's energy, from classic souvenirs to Thai food
• Piam Suk: a sweets shop serving Thailand's tastiest coconut cake
[Beginner rating] ★★★☆☆
A new area popular with tourists. New hotels and more are being developed, so it's likely to grow even more popular.
4. Santitham
A local area where mainly Thais gather.
Lined with down-to-earth eateries, street stalls, and lively markets, it truly has the feel of a place where people "live."
At the same time, it has famous Michelin-recognized restaurants, so venturing a bit beyond the Old Town lets you savor Chiang Mai more deeply.
Recommended spots
• Huen Muan Jai: a northern-Thai restaurant with multiple Michelin honors. Go here and you can't go wrong!
• Akha Ama Coffee (main branch): a quintessential Thai café that has even opened a branch in Kagurazaka, Tokyo; its retro atmosphere is popular
• Thanin Market: a fresh-food and goods market popular with locals
That's our look at the four areas!
Think about what you want to do in Chiang Mai — I hope this helps you plan your trip and choose where to stay.
Chiang Mai is also a compact city, and with taxis and the like you can get around every area without trouble. Enjoy the differences between them!
Here's the Instagram version of this article 👇
Check out our other Chiang Mai info too!
Recommended apps for traveling in Thailand
Before traveling to Chiang Mai, we recommend downloading the following apps.
Chiang Mai food & sightseeing
Our 50 recommended spots — compiled firsthand, on foot and by taste — are here 👇
Chiang Mai's recommended sights and hidden gems are here 👇
ManiTabi 
Experience local life
This site, "Mani Tabi," is a travel service offering "real local-life experiences."
Based in Chiang Mai, Thailand's ancient capital, we create unique tours that value interaction with locals and contact with nature.
If you've grown tired of the standard tourist spots or want to know Chiang Mai more deeply, check out the tours below!
■ Beginner-friendly day-trip to 1-night tours
【少数民族ツアー】自然と共生するカレン族の暮らし体験
チェンマイの自然豊かなカレン族の村で、少数民族の伝統的な暮らしや自然を感じるツアー。料理からハーバルサウナ、染色体験も楽しめます！
■ Tours for those wanting a deeper 1- to 2-night experience
Feel free to contact us via the inquiry form below or our official WhatsApp.
