Chiang Mai Province Sightseeing
Chiang Mai Province’s sights split cleanly between the mountaintop temples ringing the city and the provincial landscape further out: Thailand’s highest peak, a subterranean cave system, and a hilltop monastery built entirely in Lanna and Burmese style.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Established in 1383 to enshrine a sacred Buddha relic, this hilltop temple sits at 1,073 meters overlooking the city. Visitors climb a 306-step staircase flanked by ceramic-tiled naga serpents, or take the electric funicular for 20 THB, to reach a 24-meter gold-plated chedi in a marble courtyard ringed by shrines and a panoramic terrace. Foreign admission is 30 THB for the temple or 50 THB including the funicular; open daily 06:00 to 20:00, modest dress required (Doi Suthep-Pui National Park info from the Department of National Parks ).
Doi Inthanon and its waterfalls
Thailand’s highest peak, at 2,565 meters, sits 100 km southwest of the city. An elevated boardwalk crosses sphagnum moss and cloud forest near the summit shrine, where temperatures rarely climb above 15°C and winter mornings can drop to freezing. The Twin Royal Pagodas at Kilometer 41.5, built by the Royal Thai Air Force, add a separate 100 THB entry. Wachirathan Waterfall, an 80-meter cataract at Kilometer 20, is included with the 300 THB foreign adult park entry, and Mae Ya Waterfall’s 260-meter cascade tumbles down 30 limestone tiers in the park’s southern sector.
Wat Ban Den
Fifty kilometers north in Mae Taeng district, this hilltop monastery complex mixes authentic Lanna and Burmese architecture: deep blue-glazed roofs, gold spires, twelve stupas dedicated to the Thai zodiac animals, and teakwood viharns guarded by mythical chinthe lions. Admission is free (Tourism Authority of Thailand listing ).
Chiang Dao Cave Complex
At the base of Doi Luang Chiang Dao, 75 km north, Wat Tham Chiang Dao opens onto more than 12 km of passages. The illuminated outer caves, housing historic Burmese-style golden Buddhas, cost 40 THB foreigner admission; the unlit inner caverns require a local Shan or Thai guide with a kerosene lantern, at 100 to 200 THB per group.
Bo Sang Umbrella Making Centre
Nine kilometers east on Highway 1006, artisans demonstrate the full process of making a traditional parasol from mulberry bark paper to bamboo struts and natural resin waterproofing. Walking the workshop floor is free; painting classes on a mini umbrella or fan cost 100 to 250 THB. Open daily 08:30 to 17:00. Search half-day tours pairing Bo Sang with the Old City on Viator .
The verdict
Doi Suthep and one further sight, Doi Inthanon or Chiang Dao, is a realistic single day; combining all four listed here means a very long day on winding roads. See timed slots for Doi Inthanon on GetYourGuide if you prefer a fixed schedule, and pair it with the day trips guide for transit details.
Before you go
Carry cash for every temple entry fee and the Chiang Dao lantern guide; none of these sites take cards.