Chiang Mai travel guide
Best Selfie & Photo Spots in Chiang Mai
The Chiang Mai lantern festival (Yi Peng) falls on the full moon of the second Lanna lunar month, usually in November — November 4–6 in 2026. The famous mass release happens at ticketed events like the CAD Mae Jo show; free lanterns are released around Tha Phae Gate.
Photographing Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai photographs softer than Bangkok: misty mountains behind temple roofs, monks collecting alms at dawn, and — once a year — thousands of lanterns rising into the night sky.
The best photo & selfie spots in Chiang Mai
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Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Golden chedi above the clouds with city views.
Best time to shoot: Sunrise, before the tour buses
Pro tip: Climb the 306-step naga staircase for the arrival shot
Coordinates: 18.8050, 98.9217
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Tha Phae Gate
Old-city brick gate with resident pigeons.
Best time to shoot: Early morning
Pro tip: Locals will scatter feed for the flying-pigeon shot — tip them fairly
Coordinates: 18.7876, 98.9933
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Yi Peng lantern release
Thousands of lanterns over Mae Jo — the definitive shot.
Best time to shoot: November full moon (check dates yearly)
Pro tip: Book official CAD event tickets months ahead; tripods allowed in ticketed areas
Coordinates: 18.8729, 99.0264
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Wat Chedi Luang at dusk
Ruined 15th-century chedi glowing under floodlights.
Best time to shoot: Blue hour
Pro tip: Shoot from the southeast corner for scale with the pillars
Coordinates: 18.7870, 98.9868
Destinations in Chiang Mai
best selfie spots in Chiang Mai — FAQs
When is the Chiang Mai lantern festival?
The Chiang Mai lantern festival (Yi Peng) falls on the full moon of the second Lanna lunar month, usually in November — November 4–6 in 2026. The famous mass release happens at ticketed events like the CAD Mae Jo show; free lanterns are released around Tha Phae Gate.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.