The temples of Chiang Mai are perhaps the most interesting of its many attractions. Unlike Bangkok, where few temples are more than 200 years old, some temples in Chiang Mai are as old as the city, which celebrated it's 700th anniversary in 1996.

The one temple every first-time visitor absolutely, positively must see is the mountain-top Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. The temple is a "must see" not only for its importance as a pilgrimage temple, but also for the outstanding views it has of the city and its surrounding plain, "when the weather cooperates". A trip to the temple is usually combined with a stop at the Royal Phu Phing Palace and the Doi Pui Mao village. There are, however, many other temples in Chiang Mai worth a visit. Some of these are a bit off the tourist trail.