Old City

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Old City is a distinct neighbourhood in Chiang Mai.

Places in Old City

Khao Soi Mae Sai A local legend serving Chiang Mai's signature dish—creamy coconut curry noodles topped with crispy fried noodles and tender chicken.
Khao Soi Khun Yai The khao soi institution — chicken and beef curry noodles cooked since the 1960s. Lunch only, cash only, and always packed.
SP Chicken (Som Phet) Old City rotisserie famed for charcoal-roasted chicken and som tam — humble setting, queue out the door at lunch.
Fern Forest Café Lush garden café tucked into a quiet Old City lane — wooden decks under tropical foliage, all-day brunch and Thai-grown coffee.
North Gate Jazz Co-op Tiny corner bar by Chang Phueak Gate — live jazz nightly, crowd spilling onto the street, cold Singha in hand.
Old City Temple Trail Walk between the Old City's 30+ temples—Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Chiang Man are highlights, each with distinct Lanna architecture.
Sunday Walking Street The Old City's Ratchadamnoen Road transforms into a kilometer-long market of handicrafts, street food, and live music every Sunday.
Wat Phra Singh The most revered temple in the Old City — a gilded 14th-century Lanna complex housing the Phra Singh Buddha.
Wat Chedi Luang Imposing ruined 15th-century chedi at the heart of the Old City — atmospheric at dusk when monks chant.
Sunday Walking Street (Tha Pae) The Old City's main east-west axis closes every Sunday afternoon for Lanna crafts, street food and live music.

Best time to visit: Chiang Mai is best visited during shoulder and peak seasons when weather is ideal and cultural activity peaks.
Getting around: Getting around Chiang Mai is straightforward using public transport and walking. Neighbourhoods are best explored on foot once you've oriented yourself.
Currency: Thai Baht (THB). Cash preferred at markets; cards accepted at hotels and restaurants.
Language: Thai. English understood in tourist areas. Learning basic Thai phrases is appreciated.
Timezone: Indochina Time (ICT), UTC+7
Current trends: Chiang Mai's cultural and culinary scene continues evolving with new restaurants, galleries, and creative spaces opening regularly.

Nimmanhaemin — The trendy neighborhood near the university—cafés, boutiques, galleries, and Chiang Mai's best coffee scene.
Santitham — A more residential area north of the Old City with excellent local restaurants and fewer tourists.
Tha Pae Road — Tha Pae Road is a distinct neighbourhood in Chiang Mai.
Night Bazaar Area — Night Bazaar Area is a distinct neighbourhood in Chiang Mai.
Ping River — Ping River is a distinct neighbourhood in Chiang Mai.
Nimman Road — Nimman Road is a distinct neighbourhood in Chiang Mai.