Chiang Mai Old City travel guide

Best Selfie & Photo Spots in Chiang Mai Old City

Wat Chedi Luang is the most dramatic temple in Chiang Mai’s Old City — a partially ruined 80-metre chedi from 1441 that glows under floodlights at dusk. Wat Phra Singh offers the finest intact Lanna gold-leaf interiors. Both cost ฿50 and sit five minutes apart on foot.

Best selfie spots in Chiang Mai Old City — ancient Lanna temple spires inside the moated old town, Thailand
best selfie spots in Chiang Mai Old City — updated 21 September 2026 | original AmazingAsia artwork

Photographing Chiang Mai Old City

The Old City rewards wanderers: every lane hides a chedi, a mural or a café courtyard. Golden hour bounces off teak and gold leaf like nowhere else in Thailand.

The best photo & selfie spots in Chiang Mai Old City

  1. Wat Chedi Luang

    Massive ruined 15th-century chedi, the city’s icon.

    Best time to shoot: Blue hour when floodlights switch on

    Pro tip: Entry ฿50; the southeast angle captures scale with pillars

    Coordinates: 18.7870, 98.9868

  2. Tha Phae Gate

    Restored brick gate with flying pigeons.

    Best time to shoot: 7–8am

    Pro tip: Buy pigeon feed from vendors for the classic motion shot

    Coordinates: 18.7876, 98.9933

  3. Wat Phra Singh

    Gold-leaf Lanna architecture at its finest.

    Best time to shoot: Late afternoon

    Pro tip: The rear viharn is quieter than the main hall

    Coordinates: 18.7884, 98.9819

Nearby destinations

best selfie spots in Chiang Mai Old City — FAQs

What is the most beautiful temple in Chiang Mai’s Old City?

Wat Chedi Luang is the most dramatic temple in Chiang Mai’s Old City — a partially ruined 80-metre chedi from 1441 that glows under floodlights at dusk. Wat Phra Singh offers the finest intact Lanna gold-leaf interiors. Both cost ฿50 and sit five minutes apart on foot.

Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.