Located just outside Chiang Mai’s Old Town, Nimmanhaemin is a lively commercial district in northern Thailand. It’s traversed by the north-south thoroughfare of Nimman Road, which is lined with designer brand stores, eclectic cafes and globally inspired restaurants.
Things to do in Nimmanhaemin
If you’re interested in Thailand’s architectural heritage, visit the Lanna Traditional House Museum, which exhibits antique houses and rice barns that are typical of the region. Admire the colonial-style architecture of Heuan Lung Que and the decorative lintel of Heuan Kalae, as well as the Lanna-style folk house of Heuan Oui Kaew. Demonstrations of traditional handicrafts, such as paper making and natural dyeing, are regularly held at the museum.
Nearby is Wat Suan Dok, a magnificent Buddhist temple notable for its 48-metre-high gilded chedi that houses a relic of the Buddha. It occupies the site of a former royal garden and the ashes of royal family members are housed within the temple’s white chedis. Step inside the ordination hall to see its bronze seated Buddha and colourful mural paintings depicting scenes from the “Jataka”.
For a retail fix, head to the Maya Lifestyle Shopping Centre, an upscale mall home to both local and international boutiques. You can shop for the latest fashions at American Eagle, browse the jewellery at Pandora or pick up some new reading material at Asia Books. When it’s time to eat, options include Hong Kong Lucky, Coco Ichibanya or Imaji Vegan, as well as the beloved ice creamery Swensen’s.
Getting around Nimmanhaemin
Nimmanhaemin is around 10 minutes’ drive from the centre of Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Asia. Regular buses connect to Nimmanhaemin and tuk-tuks are readily available for getting around the area.