Chiang Mai is a city that effortlessly blends cultural richness with natural beauty, making it a paradise for travelers of all kinds. Nestled in the mountainous region of Northern Thailand, it’s a haven for anyone seeking to explore unique wildlife and capture breathtaking photographs.
From lush jungles teeming with rare animals to serene temples that glow during golden hours, Chiang Mai promises unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re a wildlife lover looking for unique animals or a travel photographer aiming to click that perfect Instagram shot, the city has it all. Here’s my curated list of 15 best spots in Chiang Mai for wildlife and photography lovers that you absolutely shouldn’t miss!
Kanta Elephant Sanctuary
Address: 200 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
| Type | Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Time to Spend | 3 to 4 hours |
Kanta Elephant Sanctuary is the perfect place to get up close to these magnificent creatures. You can feed them, bathe them, and simply enjoy their company in a peaceful, natural environment.
The surrounding nature offers great opportunities for some beautiful photos of the elephants and the landscape. You’ll feel relaxed, and you’ll definitely want to spend a few hours here to fully experience the sanctuary.
Living Green Elephant Sanctuary
Address: 8 Rachadamnoen Rd, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| Type | Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Time to Spend | 3 to 4 hours |
Living Green Elephant Sanctuary is all about giving elephants a safe and loving home. Here, you’ll get to interact with them, feed them, and learn more about their stories.
The setting is lush and calm, which is ideal for snapping some beautiful photos of the elephants in their natural surroundings. If you love elephants and nature, set aside a few hours for this one—you’ll be glad you did.
Elephant Sanctuary Care Park
Address: Chiang Mai, Thailand
| Type | Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Time to Spend | 2-3 hours |
Elephant Sanctuary Care Park offers a tranquil setting where elephants roam freely, and visitors can interact with them. Whether you’re walking with them through the park or feeding them, it’s a great spot for wildlife lovers.
The peaceful environment, along with its natural beauty, makes it an excellent place to take some stunning photos. You can easily spend a couple of hours here just soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying your time with these incredible animals.
Chiang Mai Night Safari
Address: 33, Nong Kwai, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand
| Type | Wildlife Safari |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
Looking for something a little different? Head to the Chiang Mai Night Safari! Hop on a tram and explore the park in the evening, spotting tigers, zebras, and other animals under the stars.
It’s a unique way to capture some incredible shots of wildlife in low-light conditions. If you enjoy adventure and wildlife photography, plan to spend a couple of hours here, especially to catch the magic of the night.
Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Chiang Mai, Thailand
| Type | Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Time to Spend | 3 to 4 hours |
At Blue Daily Elephant Care Sanctuary, you’ll experience the magic of spending time with elephants in a gorgeous natural setting. You can feed them, bathe them, and really connect with these amazing animals.
The beautiful surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for some amazing photos, so don’t forget your camera. Set aside a few hours to really enjoy everything this sanctuary has to offer.
Elephant Freedom Village
Address: Unnamed Road, Mae Win, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai 50360, Thailand
| Type | Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
Elephant Freedom Village is all about letting elephants live freely in their natural environment. Here, you can interact with them, feed them, and learn about their history.
The village is surrounded by stunning views, which makes it a photographer’s dream. You’ll get some fantastic shots of the elephants in the wild, as well as some beautiful shots of the landscape. Three hours here will give you plenty of time to experience everything.
Kerchor Elephant Eco Park
Address: Ban Sob Win Mae Win, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai 50360, Thailand
| Type | Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
At Kerchor Elephant Eco Park, the elephants roam freely through the jungle, making it a perfect place for wildlife lovers. You’ll get the chance to feed them and walk alongside them, all while enjoying the lush environment.
The scenery here is beautiful, offering the perfect setting for wildlife photography. Set aside about 3 hours to enjoy everything this park has to offer and capture some memorable shots.
Chiangmai Elephant Home
Address: Chiang Mai, Thailand
| Type | Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Time to Spend | 3 to 4 hours |
Located in the stunning cloud forests, Chiangmai Elephant Home gives you the chance to spend time with elephants in a peaceful, natural setting. You can walk with them, bathe them, and even go on jungle treks.
It’s a perfect spot for photography, with beautiful landscapes and great photo opportunities of the elephants in their natural habitat. You’ll want to spend 3-4 hours here to get the full experience.
Elephant Village Sanctuary
Address: 79 หมู่ที่ 19 Mae Win, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai 50360, Thailand
| Type | Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
At Elephant Village Sanctuary, the elephants live in a beautiful, natural setting where you can interact with them. You’ll get the chance to feed them, walk with them, and even learn about their history.
The surrounding nature provides some stunning photo opportunities, whether you’re snapping pictures of the elephants or the landscape. Spending 2-3 hours here will give you plenty of time to connect with the elephants and take great photos.
Elephant Care & Grand Canyon Jumping
Address: Chiang Mai, Thailand
| Type | Wildlife Sanctuary & Adventure |
| Time to Spend | 4 to 5 hours |
At Elephant Care & Grand Canyon Jumping, you’ll first get to spend time with elephants and take some amazing photos as you interact with them. Afterward, head to the nearby Grand Canyon for a fun, adventurous jump or a swim.
The beautiful canyon provides an incredible backdrop for photography. You’ll want to set aside 4-5 hours to experience both the wildlife and the adventure in one unforgettable day.
Thapae Gate
Address: Tha Phae Road, Chang Khlan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| Type | Historical Landmark, Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
Thapae Gate is a must-see in Chiang Mai, especially if you love history and photography. This ancient brick gate is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, and it looks stunning, particularly during sunrise or sunset.
It’s perfect for snapping wide shots of the gate or capturing its intricate details. Spend 1-2 hours here to get the best photos and enjoy the historical vibe.
Baan Kang Wat
Address: 191-197 ซอย วัดอุโมงค์ Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| Type | Artistic Village |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
Baan Kang Wat is a charming village known for its creative atmosphere. With local art galleries, vibrant murals, and cozy cafes, it’s a great place for photography.
Whether you’re into candid shots of the locals or you’re capturing the colorful art, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to snap something special. Take your time here—spend 2-3 hours exploring and getting some beautiful photos of this artistic community.
Iron Bridge
Address: Q2M3+HRW, Loi Kroh Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
| Type | Urban Landmark |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
The Iron Bridge is another iconic landmark in Chiang Mai, perfect for capturing cityscapes and night photography. The bridge is especially striking when lit up at night, and it offers fantastic photo ops from both sides.
Whether you’re using long exposure techniques or just snapping a few shots of the city, the bridge is sure to provide amazing photo opportunities. You can spend 1-2 hours here to get the best shots.
Wat Suan Dok
Address: 139 Suthep Rd, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| Type | Buddhist Temple |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
Wat Suan Dok is one of Chiang Mai’s most beautiful temples. The golden Chedi and peaceful temple grounds offer incredible opportunities for spiritual and architectural photography.
Whether you’re taking wide shots of the temple or getting close-ups of the intricate details, this place has a lot to offer. Spend 2-3 hours here to take in the serene atmosphere and capture the beauty of the temple.
Mon Long and Mon Chaem
Address: Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
| Type | Scenic Viewpoint |
| Time to Spend | 3 to 4 hours |
For stunning panoramic views of the mountains and valleys, head to Mon Long and Mon Chaem. These viewpoints offer breathtaking scenery that’s perfect for landscape photography.
Whether you’re catching the sunrise or sunset, the lighting here creates amazing photo opportunities. You’ll definitely want to spend 3-4 hours here to fully take in the views and capture some incredible shots.