Independent hotels in Old City

The Old City is the historic zone of modern Chiang Mai and is enclosed by the four sides of a 700-year-old moat. The red brick walls that once surrounded the Old City are still standing in places and so are the four main gates. Several temples and monuments that are nearly as old as the city itself ensure the district is a firm favourite with visitors. On quiet lanes leading off the main streets strollers will see the Thailand of half a century ago.

Greater Chiang Mai boasts around 300 temples in total. Wat Chiang Man, Phra Singh and Chedi Luang are trio of temples are in the Old City and essential stops on sightseeing trips. The massive pagoda at Chedi Luang Temple is a highlight. The Three Kings Statue marks the entrance to the heritage city hall where The Art and Culture Museum is packed with artefacts and displays depicting Chiang Mai’s passage through time.

Chiang Mai Gate and Somphet markets provide glimpses of yesteryear. A guided tour is the easiest means of finding out more about the Old City and its matchless attractions. Taking the tour on a Segway two-wheeler is a novel option that is fast gaining popularity with visitors.

The Old City’s nightlife is vibrant and its eateries will satisfy the food cravings of visitors from all corners of the world. Fried noodles, noodle soup, fried rice and the various Thai curries are served in a good variety of restaurants. Pizzas, pasta, burgers, sandwiches, falafels and sushi are among international dishes on the menu. Bars are clustered on Moonmuang Road and around the corner on Rajvithi Road.

There are more than a few shops around the Thapae Gate zone of the Old City from which holidaymakers can buy items such as silk parasols, wooden or lacquerware ornaments and boxes, colourful ethnic shirts and trousers, and silver jewellery. Stallholders sell a dizzying array of handmade products at the Sunday street market held every Sunday in the Old City.