Some good reasons why Chiang Mai town is best explored on foot:
1. Hidden Gems Around Every Corner
Chiang Mai’s Old City is full of small laneways (called soi or trok) that you can easily miss if you’re in a car. Walking lets you stumble upon hidden temples, charming cafés, local art galleries, and traditional houses that you might not find otherwise.
2. Rich Cultural Experience
Many of Chiang Mai’s temples, museums, and historical landmarks are located close together, most within the Old City walls. Walking gives you the chance to really soak in the architecture, history, and atmosphere without rushing.
3. Vibrant Street Life
Chiang Mai’s streets are alive with local life — from morning monks collecting alms, to street food trolleys, to foot massage on beach chairs on the roadside. Walking lets you take your time to interact, observe, and really experience the local life.
4. Relaxed Pace
Walking gives you time to be present and mindful, rather than rushing past everything. There are cafes all over the city where you can make a stop for refreshments.
5. Eco-Friendly
Walking reduces carbon footprint and supports the idea of mindful, sustainable travel. The Old City is compact — about 1.5 km wide — making it easy to navigate on foot.
6. Chance to Support Local Businesses
When you walk, you’re more likely to notice small, family-run shops, cafés, and street vendors that you might otherwise miss. These little stops often end up being the most memorable part of the journey!
7. Senses Engaged
Walking allows you to fully experience the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Chiang Mai — from the scent of incense drifting from temples to the sizzling sounds and smellls of street food vendors.
Here’s a simple walking route plan for Chiang Mai, depending on your mood:
1. Culture Lovers’ Route – Temples and History Walk
- Tha Phae Gate is the iconic entrance to the Old City.
- Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai with beautiful elephant statues and ancient Buddha images.
- Three Kings Monument is symbolic heart of Chiang Mai and a great photo spot.
- Lanna Folklife Museum, right next to Three Kings Monument, gives a great overview of Lanna culture and traditions.
- Wat Chedi Luang, right at the centre of Chiang Mai Old City, is once home to the Emerald Buddha. Now the massive, partially-ruined chedi is still a stunning sight.
- Wat Phan Tao, right next to Wat Chedi Luang, is another very old but very charming temple.
- Wat Phra Singh, one of the oldest, the most beautiful and the most revere temple of Chiang Mai.
2. Shopping Lovers’ Route – Boutiques and Local Crafts Walk
- Warorot Market (Kad Luang) is the main market of Chiang Mai town. You can buy ready to eat food, fresh produce, textiles, flowers, and souvenirs.
- Kuangmane Road (Trok Lao Zhou) is a narrow laneway with a short walk from Warorot Market. It is my most favourite spot to shop handmade crafts and clothes.
- Walk across Iron Bridge (Saphan Lek) to Charoenrat Road for handicraft shops like ceramics, paintings, and woodcarvings.
- Wua Lai Road is a famous Saturday Night Walking Street selling silverworks, handmade crafts, and local foods.
3. Food Lovers’ Route
- Intrawarorot Road near Wat Inthakhin City Pillar – Try Krit Ocha chicken rice, Lim Lao Ngow fishball noodle, Wanlamun Thai dessert, Khun Yai grilled sticky rice.
- Warorot Market and around – Try Sai Ua sausages at Dumrong inside the market, Patongo Ko Neng on Praisanee Road, Guay Jub Chang Moi on Chang Moi Mai Road.
- Nimman – Try Ginger Farm Kitchen and Kiew Kai Ka northern Thai food inside One Nimman on Nimman Soi 1, Roast8ry Lab Cafe on Nimman Soi 3, Khao Soi noodle on Nimman Soi 7, Anchan vegetarian restaurant on Nimman Soi 8, 7 Senses Gelato on Nimman Soi 11, KanVela Craft Chocolate x Coffee Bar and Tong Tem Toh Thai food on Nimman Soi 13 … or try anything you want to try … Nimman Road between Soi 1 – Soi 17 has so many lovely cafes and restaurants. Nimman is also a good area for lovers of arts and a night out.
- Tha Pae Road near the intersection with Changklan Road – Try Maadae Slow Fish southern Thai food, Kiti Panit Thai food, Street Pizza & The Wine House for Thai inspired Italian food, Roti Pa Day in front of Wat Mahawan.
- The Riverside, along Charoen Rat Road – Try Vieng Joom On Teahouse, The Good View Bar & Restaurant