Chiang Mai is no longer just the popular digital nomad safe haven, but it is quickly getting more and more popular among tourists and photographers as well. No wonder, with its beautiful temples, amazing nature, and majestic elephants, it offers the best of Thailand besides the classical beach destinations. Discover with me the top 10 most Instagrammable places in Chiang Mai and explore the other side of Thailand you might have not known before.

Most Instagrammable places in Chiang Mai

We are talking about one of the most spiritual cities in Thailand. So don’t be surprised that about half of the most Instagrammable places in Chiang Mai are temples. However, there is much more than just that. From luxury hotels and unique festivals to beautiful botanical gardens and majestic animals, as the local elephants certainly are.

Loy Krathong & Yee Peng Lantern Festivals

You know the feeling when hundreds of hot air paper lanterns just take off simultaneously and fill the sky with a sea of little lights? Well, me neither. As such a thing is strictly forbidden in my country due to fire safety regulations and most likely it is in yours as well. Well, not so much in Thailand. I experienced this beautiful sight when celebrating the New Year at Phuket, but it was still incomparable to the Loy Krathong and Yee Peng lantern festivals in Chiang Mai 

Wat Lok Moli

Wat Lok Moli immediately reminded me of the beautiful ancient pagodas in Bagan, Myanmar. No wonder, it has the same plain brick look and was constructed in the 14th century, it counts among the oldest temples in the whole of Chiang Mai. However, even more than the ancient pagoda itself, I have enjoyed the slick-looking black and white temple with an ancient brick gate in front of it. Truly an example of Thai architectural elegance. 

Doi Ithanon

Surprisingly for the highest mountain of Thailand, climbing up Doi Inthanon is not worth it just for the view. The Thais decided to turn its peak into a beautiful garden with its signature elegant violet pagodas.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the most popular temple in the Chian Mai area, so be sure to come early, as the crowds get pretty nasty. My tip is to take a shot from one the corners so you can squeeze in its characteristic golden parasols.

Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai Hotel

It came as such a surprise to me when I finally found out that Dhara Dhevi was actually a hotel! I knew it from photos and I have always imagined it must be a ravishing ancient temple or palace in the center of Chiang Mai. Well, that doesn’t make it any less beautiful or photogenic.

Wat Rajamontean

A truly unique temple, even in terms of Chiang Mai. What makes it distinctive is not just its brown color, nor the rich decorations, but the huge statue of a sitting Buddha Placed in front of it.

Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden

If you get tired of temples, my best recommendation is to jump on a motorbike and drive about an hour from the city to the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden. It is a great place to relax among the beautiful flowers, but even better, it is full of great photo opportunities. The best is for sure these stairs with a roof overgrown by climbing plants. It is not that easy to be found, so search well in the top part of the Garden’s glasshouse complex.

Wat Suan Dok

And one last temple for each of you already fed up with them. Wat Suan Dok is unmistakable even in Chiang Mai with its signature huge golden pagoda and a labyrinth of small white ones in front of. Get lost in the beautiful white towers and use the big golden structure as a dominant of your background.

Elephant Sanctuary

Elephants are the symbol of Thailand and it is impossible not to love these magnificent creatures. Luckily, Chiang Mai is basically the elephant capital of the whole kingdom. If you try for a bit, you will find plenty of opportunities where you can not only interact, but also take great pictures with these calm giants.

The best and the most ethical way how to get close to elephants in Chiang Mai is in the Elephant Sanctuary. You can not only try to take care of them and photograph them, but you are sure they are well treated.

Let me hear from you

I have really enjoyed my stay in Chiang Mai. Not only it was a great place to relax, but we also realized it is one of the most Instagrammable places in Thailand! I brought you my list of top 10 most Instagrammable places in Chian Mai, how do you like it? And is there a place you would say I have missed? Let me know in the comments section!