Chiang Mai has a way of surprising you. One moment you’re standing in a throng of visitors admiring a gleaming golden stupa, and the next you’re surrounded by ancient trees and the hush of a hidden forest temple.
We set out to see Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of northern Thailand’s most sacred and iconic landmarks. We climbed into a classic red songthaew the shared local taxi trucks and began the winding ascent. The road to the top is an experience in itself: over 300 curves twist their way through the dense jungle of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. Even though it’s only about 15 km (9 miles) from Chiang Mai’s old city, it feels like a little pilgrimage, though Ali was not feeling the bends, she felt quite sick (but wasnt).
When we arrived, the temple was gleaming brilliantly under the midday sun. The 24 metre golden chedi has stood here since 1383, said to enshrine a relic of the Buddha himself. We explored the terrace, rang the bells for luck, and paused to take in the sweeping views across Chiang Mai sprawling far below. Despite the crowds, there was something undeniably special about standing in such a revered place.
Afterwards, we found a tiny shack serving simple Thai dishes nothing fancy, just delicious. The perfect lunch after a morning of exploring the 4 of us ate for around £5 with drinks.
Descending the mountain, we stopped at another temple that couldn’t have been more different. Nestled in the forest, Wat Pha Lat felt almost hidden so quiet it was like we had stumbled into a secret. This temple dates back to 1355, originally built as a resting point for monks making the journey up to Doi Suthep.
Walking among the moss covered stone statues and shrines, with the sound of a small stream trickling past, it felt as though time had slowed. The contrast to the bustling crowds above was striking. Here, the jungle wrapped around every corner, and the atmosphere was calm and meditative. A few monks passed by silently, and we lingered just to soak in the peace.
The juxtaposition between the two temples was one of my favourite experiences so far in Chiang Ma: the vibrant energy and grandeur of the golden chedi, and the hushed serenity of a forest sanctuary.
The next dat, we swapped temples for market stalls.
We spent the afternoon wandering Chiang Mai’s famous Sunday Walking Street Market. Every Sunday from about 4 PM to 10 PM, Ratchadamnoen Road shuts to traffic and transforms into a lively maze of food vendors, artists, musicians, and craftspeople. It’s nearly 1 kilometre of stalls, and unlike some markets that just sell the same souvenirs, this one is full of genuinely interesting finds: handmade textiles, ceramics, jewellery, paintings, and street food in every direction.
The atmosphere was electric. There were thousands of people browsing and tasting, and yet it never felt overwhelming. It was the perfect way to end a weekend of exploring Chiang Mai’s culture, history, and incredible food.
If you’re planning a visit here, don’t skip either of these temples or the Sunday market. Experiencing them all together is what made our time in Chiang Mai feel so rich and memorable.
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