Chiang Mai has the richest concentration of temples in Thailand outside Bangkok, and the old city alone contains more than 30 wats worth visiting. The most important are Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Chiang Man, all within easy walking distance of each other inside the moat.
Beyond the old city, Doi Suthep Temple on the hill above the city is the essential out-of-town sight. The Elephant Nature Park north of the city is the responsible choice for elephant encounters — no riding, no hooks, no shows.
For a complete contrast, Wat Umong offers ancient tunnel shrines and a forested monastery campus on the western edge of town, while Wat Sri Suphan in the silversmith district is clad entirely in hammered silver.
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival in November is worth planning a trip around. At other times, the Sunday Walking Street and the Wualai Walking Street on Saturday evenings offer markets, food, and atmosphere without the commercial edge of the Night Bazaar.