Chiang Mai City a Living World Heritage

Chiang Mai's big moment: closing in on UNESCO status as it is named a top 3 city in the world. It is a golden moment for Chiang Mai. Just as the northern city pushes towards becoming a UNESCO World Heritage city, it has also been named the third best city in the world by readers of Travel + Leisure.

A top 3 city in the world : In the magazine's 2026 World's Best Awards, based on votes from more than 207,000 readers worldwide, Chiang Mai ranked third among all cities on earth, behind only San Miguel de Allende in Mexico and Kyoto in Japan. That makes it the second best city in Asia, and it finished ahead of Bangkok, which came a respectable sixth. Readers praised the city's cultural charm, warm hospitality and atmosphere. It was a strong year for Thailand all round, with Koh Samui also crowned the Best Island in the World for the first time.

The recognition comes as Chiang Mai enters the most crucial stage of its decade-long UNESCO bid. Thailand has formally submitted the nomination, titled "Chiang Mai, Capital of Lanna," to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, after the Cabinet approved it in January 2026. The city was first placed on Thailand's tentative list back in 2015. The nomination is for a "cultural landscape," covering the historic old city within its walls and moat, together with the sacred mountain of Doi Suthep. At its heart are seven major temples, including Wat Chiang Man, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, along with the ancient city walls, five gates and four corner bastions that tell the story of Chiang Mai as the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom.

A living heritage city : What makes the bid special is also its biggest challenge. If successful, Chiang Mai would become Thailand's first World Heritage site set entirely within a living, populated city, rather than a preserved historical park like Sukhothai or Ayutthaya. That means protecting centuries-old heritage while nearly a million people go about daily life, with all the traffic and development that brings. A UNESCO advisory team is expected to carry out an on-site assessment, with a final decision anticipated around 2027.

Between global acclaim from travellers and a real shot at World Heritage status, Chiang Mai's star has rarely shone brighter.

Objectives of the Event

1. To stimulate the economy and tourism in Chiang Mai Province.

2. To support sports tourism in Chiang Mai and neighboring provinces.

3. To be one of the activities celebrating the "730th Anniversary of Chiang Mai City" in 2026 and to support Chiang Mai's cultural heritage sites in being considered for World Heritage status.

4. To promote and encourage the general public to exercise for health through walking and running.

Expo Day 18-19 DEC 2026 (10AM - 6PM)

At Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai.

Please contact by your Passport on mobile phone.

All register can reservation status registration will be complete search by Passport at www.jogandjoy.run,

Runners whose flights arrive at the Chiang mai airport after 5:00 PM on Saturday, December 19, 2026, please email us to arrange for special pickup of your running equipment.