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In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know to plan a trip to the Wiang Kum Kam in 2026. Chiang Mai is a beautiful city packed with culture, history and heritage. Chiang Mai has a well-earned reputation for stunning temples and ancient buildings. One of the lesser known attractions in Chiang Mai is the ancient city which used to be the capital city of this region. It is still possible to explore this ancient city and see many of the ruined temples and buildings.
This is one of the most unique and interesting temple experiences around. The Wiang Kum Kam ancient city is located to the south of Chiang Mai and is well worth a visit. You can actually take a horse and cart tour of the Wiang Kum Kam ancient city. This is a great activity for families with kids.
Don’t miss our special guide to the best Chiang Mai old city hotels – you wont believe the one with a private glass pool suite.
How much does it cost to visit the Wiang Kum Kam ancient city?
It is FREE to visit Wiang Kum Kam. There are no entry tickets or permits required for this area. However, we recommend seeing Wiang Kum Kam by horse and cart. Tours take around 60 – 90 minutes and cost 300 baht per carriage (roughly £6 or $8). A horse and cart can take up to 5 people.
Where is the Wiang Kum Kam ancient city Located?
Wiang Kum Kam (เวียงกุมกาม) is located approximately 2km south of the Chiang Mai old town. Most of the temples that you can visit can be found within an area of around one square kilometer.
You can arrange official tours at the Wiang Kum Kam information centre located to the south of Wiang Kum Kam on route 3029.
How do you get to Wiang Kum Kam?
If you are staying in Chiang Mai you can get to Wiang Kum Kam by taxi. The most common way to get taxis in Thailand is the Grab or Bolt taxi app (Bolt is slightly cheaper but also slightly slower). It is likely to cost around 100 baht for a taxi ride to Wiang Kum Kam from the Chiang Mai old town. Another popular way to get around in Chiang Mai is to use motorbike rental (roughly 150 baht per day). Make sure that you are qualified and insured to dive a bike in Chiang Mai.
What is the best time to visit the Wiang Kum Kam ancient city?
You can take daily tours between 8am – 5pm. We recommend taking a tour in the morning before it gets too hot. You can also experience the vibrant local morning culture.
What is the history of the Wiang Kum Kam ancient city?
Wiang Kum Kam was built by King Mang Rai the great. It was originally established as the capital city in the Lanna region in the north. However, it was abandoned over 700 years ago due to flooding in the area. This ancient city was lost from history when the Burmese invaded Chiang Mai in 1558 until it was re-discovered in 1884.
What is there to see at the Wiang Kum Kam ancient city?
If you take a tour of Wiang Kum Kam You can see the foundations of many ruined temples and buildings. Some of the temples are still in relatively good condition and it is possible to walk around the sites. You can also see some temples which are inhabited by monks. The area is also home to locals living in the villages around Wiang Kum Kam. So this is a great way to experience local life too.
Horse and cart tours normally visit around 10 temples and stop at each temple for a 5 minutes for you to explore. You can walk around ancient foundations and explore pagodas and ruins. The horse and cart tour also takes you to the site of the ancient city moat. The mud and clay from digging the moat was used to make bricks for the pagodas.
Tours of Wiang Kum Kam will normally include the following temples: Wat Ku Pa Dom, Wat Chang Kam, Wat E-Kang, Wat Nan Chang, Wat Pu Pia, Wat That Khao, Wat Phra Chao, Dong Dam, Wat Pha Ya Meng Rai and finally Wat Chedi Liam.
Wat Chedi Liam is the main temple in the city. Horse and cart tours normally finish at this temple. Its most prominent feature is the large Chedi (tower). Monks still live at this temple so this is a great chance to experience authentic monastic culture in Chiang Mai.
What are the best places to stay in Chiang Mai?
Here are a few of our favourite places to stay in Chiang Mai.
Anumat Premium budget hotel
If you’re looking for a budget hotel in Chiang Mai check out the Anumat Premium budget hotel. This hotel is located in the old city – it offers plenty of style, comfort and character for the price. Fantastic for the location. Reserve the Anumat on Agoda. Alternatively reserve the Anumat on booking.com.
Phra Singh Village
Phra Singh Village has an outdoor swimming pool, large spacious rooms, rich wood furnishings and bathtub suites. The Phra Singh village delivers style, comfort and luxury in the Chiang mai old town. Reserve Phra Singh on Agoda. Alternatively reserve Phra Singh on booking.com.
Saran Boutique hotel
We love the stylish Asian vibes of this beautiful hotel. Excellently located near the bustling Thapae gate – the Saran Boutique brings the Chiang Mai dream to life. They even have a suite with a bathtub on the balcony! Reserve a room at the Saran Boutique on Agoda. Alternatively reserve the Saran Boutique on booking.com.
The Shangri-La Chiang Mai
The Shangri-La is one of the biggest hotels in Chiang Mai and it is also one of only a few brand names around. And this hotel delivers. We love the impressive outdoor pool, waterslide and excellent 5 star facilities. This is a great option for families. You can find the Shangri-La on Agoda. Also, find the Shangri-La on booking.com.
The Inside House
This elegant regal property is genuinely one of the most unique and stylish 5 star hotels around. What makes this super special is the glass pool suite. Serious amounts of fun and style. Reserve the Inside House on Agoda. Alternatively reserve the Inside House on booking.com.
