Are you looking to explore the history of Chiang Mai through the ages? There are a number of historical destinations in Chiang Mai including the time-honored buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Chiang Mai. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Chiang Mai ‘s rich history.
If you are willing to have an in-depth historical information about Chiang Mai, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical places in Chiang Mai for a great trip!
Top Historical Places in Chiang Mai
Let's witness the history of Chiang Mai with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:
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A must see, on any visit to Chiang Mai, is the wondrous and holy temple of Wat Phra That which is located near the top of Doi Suthep (Mount Suthep). Built as a Buddhist monastery in 1383 it is still a working monastery today, this breathtaking architecture, statues, murals and shrines will definitely make you pause and have a better look. The intricately carved 300 steps of the mythical Naga Se...Read more -
Wat Chedi Luang
(3793 Votes)
Sponsored by the UNESCO for restoration, the Wat Chedi Luang is one place where you have to be when visiting Chiang Mai. The Ruined Lanna-style Chedi dates back to the 15th century and houses a Jade Buddha are picturesque keeps. Wat Chedi Luang's other prominent attraction is the lak meu·ang (city pillar, believed to house the city's guardian deity) enshrined in a small building to the l...Read more -
The Three Kings Monument
(4044 Votes)
Proudly wearing 14th-century royal garb, the bronze Three Kings Monument commemorates the alliance forged between the three northern Thai-Lao kings (Phaya Ngam Meuang of Phayao, Phaya Mengrai of Chiang Mai and Phaya Khun Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai) in the founding of Chiang Mai. This monument appear in the centre of the square and comes across all the time. The statues mark one of the city's spi...Read more -
Wat Lok Molee
(3667 Votes)
Wat Lok Moli is a Buddhist temple situated on the north side of the north moat surrounding the old part of the city, about 400 meters west of the Chang Phuak city gate. Built in the 16th century, the Mengrai royal family maintained the temple and the temple houses the asehs of many of its members. The brickwork of the large chedi is left mostly bare, this in contrast to the, often recently...Read more -
Wiang Kum Kam
(2078 Votes)
An easy trip from the main city will take you to this picturesque-straight-out-of –the-book place. The ruins as well the little village is very charming. Considered to be the earliest settlements In Chiang Mai, this was also a historical capital of the Lanna dynasty. Flooded and lost due to the change of course of the river Mae Ping, this place was found in archeological excavation. Over ...Read more -
Dedicated temple-spotters are the prime candidates for Wat Jet Yot. It was built to host the eighth World Buddhist Council in 1477, a momentous occasion for the Lanna capital. To the back of the temple compound are the ruins of the old Wi-hahn, which was supposed to be a replica of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, India, but the proportions don't match up. Some scholars assume that the bluepri...Read more -
Bhuping Palace
(8 Votes)
Dating back to 1961, the Bhubing Palace was initially built in order to provide accommodation for the royal families that visited Chiang Mai during that time. Nestled beautifully in the mountains, the palace is loaded with rose gardens that attract numerous visitors here throughout the year. Constructed in the central Thai architectural style, the palace took 5 months to complete and Mom Rachaw...Read more -
Kruba Srivichai Monument
(1 Vote)
The Kruba Srivichai Monument acts as the gateway of the city of Lumpoon with its magnanimous stature that makes the structure visible from far away. The structure is located on a small hill and houses the statue of Kruba Srivichai, whom the people of the locality consider a reverent monk. Entering through the enormously adorned gate, you need to climb the stairs to reach the monastery that is c...Read more -
Sacred Heart Cathedral in Chiang Mai is a lovely place of worship. Located in a modern building, locals simply call this Chiang Mai Cathedral. It is known for following the Roman or Latin rites and conducts masses in Roman as well as the English language. As the premises are huge, it can easily accommodate hundreds of worshippers at a time.