Neighbourhood guide
Chiang Mai Old City Travel Guide: A moated square mile of 300 temples
Chiang Mai’s Old City is the historic moated centre founded in 1296, a one-square-mile walled district containing over 300 temples including Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. It is the city’s best area to stay, with guesthouses, cafés and the Sunday Walking Street market.
Chiang Mai Old City at a glance
| Timezone | ICT (UTC+7) |
|---|---|
| Currency | Thai Baht (THB) |
| Languages | Thai, Northern Thai (Kam Mueang) |
| Coordinates | 18.7883, 98.9853 |
Why visit Chiang Mai Old City
The Old City is Chiang Mai distilled: a moated, walled square laid out in 1296, where golden temple spires rise over teak guesthouses and the Sunday Walking Street fills the main road with lanterns and grill smoke. Stay here and everything essential is a ten-minute walk.
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Chiang Mai Old City travel questions
What is the Old City in Chiang Mai?
The Old City is Chiang Mai’s historic walled centre — a square moat and ruined brick ramparts enclosing more than 300 temples, from the towering chedi of Wat Chedi Luang to the gold-leaf halls of Wat Phra Singh. It is the city’s cultural heart and the best area to stay for first-time visitors.
How long do you need in Chiang Mai Old City?
One to two days is enough for Chiang Mai’s Old City: a day to temple-hop between Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phan Tao, plus an evening at the Sunday Walking Street market. The whole walled square is walkable, so you can see the highlights at an easy pace.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.