Hidden Chiang Mai: Wualai Trail, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Most people who visit Chiang Mai will spend some time inside the inner wall of the old city. But while the inner city provides insights into life of the royal families and the elites, the Wualai trail allows you a glimpse into an authentic local life that helped build this great city.

Escape the crowd of the inner city into the Wualai trail, known for its handicrafts and silversmiths, as well as quaint temples away from the tourists which are no less beautiful. In fact, I personally find this area to be more beautiful than the walled city, in some respect.

Your trail into the Wualai village begins at the southern exit of the inner city. Get yourself feeling excited because it is time to discover the life of the everyday people beyond the obvious!

This small local temple is worth visiting if only just to witness the ancient Silver Buddha image inside of it! While you are on the way to the next temple, you will also get to appreciate a beautiful ancient temple ruin.

Wat Yang Kuang is a small local temple with colorful murals. The temple is brimming with activities. You can watch the locals going on with their daily prayers if you visit at the right time.

This big Buddhist temple once served as the center of lacquerware handicrafts. Interestingly, this temple also features the Hindu elephant deity of Ganesha prominently, making it quite a unique visit compared to the other temples of Chiang Mai. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).