Wat Suan Dok Located on Suthep Road, this temple was built in a 14th century Lanna Thai monarch’s pleasure gardens and is a favorite spot for photographers, particularly for striking sunsets. Several of the white chedis contain ashes of Chiang Mai’s former royal family. The 500-year-old bronze Buddha image in a secondary chapel is one of Thailand’s largest metal images.

Wat Chiang Man Located on Ratchapakkinai Road, this is Chiang Mai’s oldest temple and 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, and a small ancient Buddha image, Phra Kaeo Khao.

Wat Chedi Luang Located on Phraokklao Road, this temple is the site of an enormous pagoda, originally 280 feet high, and which was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545. At one time, Wat Chedi Luang housed the revered Emerald Buddha image which is now enshrined in Bangkok’s Wht Phra Kaeo. One of Wat Chedi Luang’s most striking architectural features is magnificent Naga staircase adorns the chapel’s front porch.

Wat Chet Yot located on the super highway, north of the Huai Kaeo Nimmanhemin Roads intersection, this temple dates from 1458. North India inspired the seven-spired square chedi over 2,500 years ago. And it was built by Lanna Thai architects after visiting the holy site.

Wat Ku Tao this temple is near the Chiang Mai Stadium. It is noteworthy for an unusual bulbous pagoda. The structure is decorated with colorful porcelain chips and is believed to represent five Buddhist monks' alms bowls which symbolize five Lord Buddhas.

Chiang Mai National Museum This is located beside Wat Chet Yot. The museum houses a collection of Lanna Thai works of art, ancient Buddha images, and war weapons. It is open daily, except Mondays, Tuesdays and official holidays, from 9.00 a.m. until noon, and 1.00 until 4.00 p.m.