While temples often top the list of best attractions in Chiang Mai’s old city, there are many other sites to see. The Saturday and Sunday walking streets, Thapae Gate, and the old city walls are just a few of the additional attractions you can see here.
Travelling between these sites with a taxi can quickly eat up a day’s budget. For the most economical way to see the city, consider a car hire at Chiang Mai Airport with Drive Car Rental. Our convenient location inside the terminal makes it easy to drive off within minutes of arrival!
The Walking Streets
Thailand is famous for its night markets, and Chiang Mai is no exception. Each weekend, the walking streets block off entire roads from 16:00 to 22:00 so vendors can set up for the evening crowds ready to sample street food, buy handicrafts, and even get an outdoor chair massage.
The Sunday walking street is located on Ratchadamnoen Road between Thapae Gate and Wat Phra Singh. A great time to go is in the early evening after visiting Wat Phra Singh, which is one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai’s old city.
From Wat Phra Singh, start walking west towards Thapae Gate. During the high season, the crowds can be immense. Don’t hesitate to step down any side street to take a break and enjoy a cold, fresh coconut.
The Saturday Walking Street is slightly less famous and begins at the old city’s south gate. It continues southwest out of the old town for nearly a kilometre.
This is Chiang Mai’s silvercraft district. World-class silversmiths have several shops that make everything from jewelry to statues. Their wares are sold via pop-up tents alongside other traditional northern Thai handicrafts and an array of street food.
There is also the Silver Temple, known locally as ‘Wat Sri Suphan.’ It stays open late on Saturdays so visitors can marvel at the shining silver ordination hall that makes up its centre. After you have your fill of night markets, there are plenty of other adventures that await.
Thapae Gate and the Old City Walls
Founded in the late 1200s, Chiang Mai is more than 700 years old. It’s the traditional capital of the once-great Lanna Kingdom, which ruled Northern Thailand until its formal annexation in the 1930s.
To protect the city from invading armies of nearby kingdoms, the rulers built a massive moat and walls around the perimeter. Today, these walls can still be seen around the large corners that ring the moat and its roads.
Thapae Gate is the eastern gate to the city. It holds significance as the traditional gate through which visiting dignitaries, the royal family, and others would pass. The original gate is gone, but what can be seen today is a historical restoration that was completed in the 1980s as Chiang Mai found itself on the tourist trail.
Wandering the Alleys of the Old City
Hidden gems are located all over town, and not all of them are famous. The old city has hundreds of tiny alleys that connect the larger streets. Many are so narrow that only motorbikes can pass.
Each of these alleys has a surprise waiting just around the next corner. Whether it’s a traditional Thai teakwood house on stilts, a stunning garden, or an ancient Buddha statue, visitors will find no shortage of amazing cultural gems.
Find a cute jungle cafe, a Thai cooking school, or just a quiet place to get away from the busier streets. There is plenty to see and explore in Chiang Mai’s old city.
Visit Chiang Mai With Drive Car Rental
Of course, Chiang Mai isn’t famous only for its old city. It’s the gateway to the stunning mountainous jungles and national parks of Northern Thailand. Finding transportation to these remote areas can be expensive. A rental vehicle is the perfect choice for flexibility without breaking the bank.
Drive Car Rental offers a full selection of vehicles, including electric cars, sedans, compacts, SUVs, luxury vehicles, and more. Choose the right vehicle for the job and enjoy the sights around the old city or drive off into the mountains. Longstay tourists, expats, and business travelers can also take advantage of steep discounts by choosing to rent by the month or year. Book as early as possible to get the best selection of vehicles at the best rates!