Chiang Mai Temples & City Tour

Drive around the Old City to see city’s moat and ruined walls. Start the temples tour with Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple which probably dates from 1296. The temple was the residence of King Mengrai, who founded Chiang Mai, and is noteworthy for a chedi supported by rows of elephantine buttresses.

Continue this tour to Wat Chedi Luang, where the great chedi which was built at the end of 14th century is located. Even though it was destroyed in an earthquake in 1545, it was to remain the tallest structure in Chiang Mai till today.

Nearby is Wat Phra Singh, which was built in the year 1345. This temple contains marvelous examples of Lanna art including a Lanna style viharn and the finest scripture repository of its type in the north.

Proceed to Wat Suan Dok, which means "field of flowers." This temple is one of the first temples with a large viharn, or prayer hall. This chapel is unusual not only for its size, but also the fact that it is open on the sides rather than being totally enclosed.

Then continue to eastern side of old city to Warorote Market, the biggest local Market in Chiang Mai which sells everything from clothes and textiles to fruits, herbs, flowers, vegetables, insects and even fireworks. Then transfer back to the hotel.