Doi Suthep
Some 13 miles (21km) west of Chiang Mai lies the Doi Suthep
Mountain, famous for the Wat Phrathat temple perched on the summit.
Legend has it that in the late 14th century King Ku Na was looking
for somewhere to house a collection of holy relics. He placed them
in a howdah (canopied seat) on the back of an elephant and let the
animal wander. The elephant proceeded to climb Doi Suthep, on top
of which it trumpeted, turned round three times and knelt to
indicate that this was the spot. Within the site are bells,
pagodas, statues and shrines influenced by both Buddhist and Hindu
culture, including a model of the Emerald Buddha and a statue of
the Hindu god Ganesh. Wat Phrathat can be reached either by a
flight of about 300 steps, or by funicular, and offers breathtaking
views of the countryside.
Transport:
Songthaews (red taxi trucks) leave from in front of
Chiang Mai University and in front of the Chiang Mai Zoo. They cost
around THB 30 per person one-way.
Doi Suthep
Doug Knuth
Mae Sa Waterfall
Set in the lush Doi Suithep-Pui National Park, only 10 miles
(15km) out of town, the Mae Sa Waterfall is definitely worth
visiting on any Thailand holiday. Travellers should follow the
winding pathway to the waterfall's plummeting 10-tiered cascades.
There are various little secluded areas along the trail where
visitors can relax with a picnic. The jungle villages dotting the
riverbanks are also fascinating to see. This popular picnic and
swimming spot gets a bit over-crowded on weekends.
Address:
Mae Sa Valley
Opening time:
Open daily 8am-6pm.
Mae Sa Waterfall
Arvind Govindaraj
Chiang Mai Zoo
Boasting giant pandas from China, Chiang Mai Zoo has earned
itself quite a reputation with travellers as one of the top
attractions in the region. The perfect destination for a day trip
with the kids, the Chiang Mai Zoo also features exhibits such as a
walk through aviary, Gibbon Island, an aquarium, a Cape Fur seal
exhibit and even a special Children's Zoo. With two waterfalls,
plenty of space to run around and a fabulous variety of exotic
residents, a trip to the zoo is a must for all animal lovers and a
great way to spend the day. Seal shows and other animal shows are
conducted several times a day.
Address:
100 Huay Kaew Road, Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe
Mueang
Opening time:
8am to 6pm
Giant Panda
Jeff Tollefson
Pai
Located 83 miles (135km) up a coiled mountain road from Chiang
Mai in the extreme northwest of Thailand, Pai is an unlikely
tourist attraction. The town has undergone a number of transitions
from hill tribe village to hippie hideaway to a tourist playground.
Its relaxed atmosphere and peaceful mountain scenery have enlarged
its widening reputation and it is now a tourist hot spot. Pai is a
popular base camp for treks into the hills which can be arranged
through hotels or travel agencies in the city. Closer waterfalls
and hot springs are worth a visit, and elephant camps are nearby as
well. An airport now connects Pai to Chiang Mai, but the best way
to get there is by motorbike or bus in order to see the beautiful
scenery on the way.
Address:
83 miles (135km) from Chiang Mai
Pai
Kansaikiwi
Chiang Mai Temples
Temple tours of Chiang Mai are a wonderful attraction for
visitors. The old town is home to the most honoured temples and
some tranquil Buddhist sanctuaries. The historic Wat Pra Singh
holds the revered Phra Singh Buddha, which possibly dates from the
14th century. The oldest temple in Chiang Mai is Wat Chiang Man
(established by King Mengrai), noted for its ancient bas reliefs
and massive teak columns. Wat Chedi Luang boasts a gigantic chedi
ruin, said to be the tallest structure in the old town, and was
once home to the sacred Emerald Buddha (now in Bangkok).
A Chiang Mai Temple
Michael Jenselius
Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center
The Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center is an interesting
attraction near the Three Kings Monument (Saam Kasat). This
multimedia history and cultural education centre offers
English-subtitled video displays of Chiang Mai, followed by tours
of the rooms documenting the region's history and culture since the
pre-Muang period. There are also exhibits showcasing Buddhism and
regional beliefs, as well as agricultural history, hill tribes and
other regional cultures, and the royal dynasties are also
represented. The guides are elegantly outfitted in traditional Thai
clothing. The Center is a must-visit for anyone interested in
learning more about the rich culture and history of Chiang Mai.
Address:
Prapokkloa Road
Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural
Center
Stefan Fussan
Lisu Hill-Tribe Display
A worthwhile Chiang Mai attraction is the Lisu Hill-Tribe
display at the Hill-Tribe Research Institute Museum. The lives and
cultures of the hill-tribe people of Thailand are exhibited here
through photographs, agricultural implements, religious artefacts
and musical instruments. Household utensils and ethnic costumes are
also displayed. The non-hill-tribe ethnic minority, the Mlabri (who
are often associated with the 'spirit of the yellow leaves'), are
included in this extraordinary exhibit.
Address:
Chotana Road
Lisu Women
ShahJahan
Bhubing Palace
The royal winter palace of Bhubing has beautiful, regal
structures and extravagantly landscaped gardens for visitors to
take in. The palace may not be entered but the gardens can be
explored when the Thai royal family is not in residence. The
gardens of Bhubing Palace are known for their stunning roses, and
are home to a variety of bird and insect life. Visitors can walk up
to the Queen's water fountain and find some shade under a pagoda.
There is a strict dress code which must be adhered to when visiting
this royal site, including a ban on shorts and dresses that show
the shoulders.
Address:
Doi Buak Ha, Doi Suthep
Opening time:
8.30am to 4.30pm, closed when the Royal Family is in
residence.
Bhubing Palace Flowers
Alpha
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
A beautiful Chiang Mai attraction, the first genuine botanical
garden in Thailand was the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in the Mae
Sa Valley. It now also serves as a centre of botanical research and
studies. The main feature of this attraction is the Glasshouse
Complex, made up of four exhibition conservatories and eight
display glasshouses. A lovely river runs melodically through the
grounds. The Thai Orchid Nursery and Rock Garden are other
highlights of the gardens, as well as various walking trails and
shaded rest areas. Facilities for visitors include a restaurant, a
first-aid station, souvenir shops and toilets.
Address:
Mae Sa Valley
Opening time:
8.30am - 5pm
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
User:Amada44
Maesa Elephant Camp
Maesa Elephant Camp is a popular attraction located up in the
Muang hills, about a half hour's drive north of Chiang Mai. The
camp is home to dozens of Asian elephants, and is dedicated to
conservation and breeding. Visitors to the camp will be privy to
shows which include elephants playing football and even painting!
There are also elephant rides available for the more adventurous.
Although this is not a natural environment for these great animals,
they are well cared for and very entertaining. The best time to
visit Maesa Elephant Camp is on March 13th, which is National Thai
Elephant Day and is celebrated by an enormous banquet for the
pachyderms.
Address:
119/9 Tapae Road, Muang District
Elephant painting
Deror Avi
Museum of Insects and Natural Wonders
Kids will love this wonderland of interesting creepy crawlies.
Founded in 2002 by Manop Rattanarithikul (nicknamed 'The Mosquito
Man') and his wife, Dr Rampa Rattanarithikul, a distinguished
academic with 44 papers published in her name. The couple both have
a keen interest in insects and have been studying them for most of
their lives. Manop guides curious visitors through his vast and
rare collection of insects and invertebrates that comprises 422
species of insects in Thailand.
Address:
Sirimungkalajarn Road Soi 13
Opening time:
Open daily 10am - 4pm
Coleoptera
Georgios Katsanevakis
Chiang Rai
Nestled into the lush mountains of northernmost Thailand, Chiang
Rai is a hotspot for travellers who want to get a real cultural
experience from their stay in Thailand. The region is home to the
remote hill tribe communities that make up about 10 percent of
Thailand's population. Scattered through the mountains and valleys
of the province, the tribes are descendents of nomadic peoples from
Tibet and southern China. Each tribe is unique, with its own
colourful culture and traditions. Many travellers arrive in Chiang
Rai from Chiang Mai (a three-hour bus journey) to begin their treks
to hill tribe villages, but there is plenty to see and do in Chiang
Rai itself including many beautiful temples and interesting
museums. Visitors will also find good restaurants and food stalls
offering a taste of northern Thai cuisine. The city has a lively,
if not endless, nightlife, with a few good bars and pubs hosting
live music. Chiang Rai is situated near the coming together of the
three modern nations of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, a region known
as the Golden Triangle, which is dissected by the mighty Mekong
River.
Transport:
Chiang Rai is 3-4 hours by bus from Chiang
Mai
Wat Rong Khun
Stefan Fussan
Generally more family friendly than Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a
great place to take the kids while on holiday in Thailand. The
national way of life, sanuk (fun), is enough to keep the kids on
their toes. Couple that with the friendly, child-loving qualities
of the Thais, and travellers have a recipe for a fun-filled holiday
with the family in Chiang Mai.
Parents can take their kids to watch the animal shows in the Mae
Sa Valley, where monkeys ride tricycles and play basketball. Also,
kids can hold a cobra at the Mae Se Snake Farm, enjoy the views
from an elephant's back at the Elephant Conservation Centre on the
Chiang Mai-Lampang road, swim and play under a waterfalls in the
Doi Suithep-Pui National Park, go fishing in a local pond, or visit
Chiang Mai Zoo's giant pandas from China.
Parents should make sure their kids have plenty of sunscreen on
and kit them out with a sunhat, as the temperatures can be searing.
With all these attractions and more, children on holiday in Chiang
Mai will be entertained from dawn to dusk.
Chiang Mai has a tropical climate, but is cooler and less humid
than most of Thailand. The city experiences monsoons: the southwest
monsoon arrives from India at the end of May and lasts until
November, with the heaviest downpours in August and September. Rain
usually occurs in the late afternoon. Summer temperatures range
from 73°F (23°C) to 98°F (37°C). Between November and May cool air
blows in from China and northern Vietnam, bringing a dry season
with mild days and balmy nights. Temperatures are at their lowest
in December and January, dropping to about 59°F (15°C), and it is
chilly enough to require a warm jacket at night, although
temperatures can still reach 86°F (30°C) during the day.
The unique and world renowned food of Thailand is definitely a
highlight of any trip to the 'land of smiles', with no exception in
Chiang Mai. The ancient city of Chiang Mai rivals the quality of
some of the best restaurants in Bangkok, but has the bonus of
almost always offering up less expensive food than the capital.
With a wide range of eateries in Chiang Mai, travellers can pick
and choose between some of the best local cuisine on offer or try
one of the many top-rated restaurants serving world-class
international dishes. Among the options, Aroon Rai severs authentic
northern Thai cuisine, while Le Coq d'Or is a renowned French
restaurant. The settings of many of the best restaurants in Chiang
Mai are exquisitely located on the tranquil Ping River, creating a
beautifully romantic atmosphere for diners as they enjoy a
carefully prepared meal. The outdoor atmosphere of some of these
restaurants also produces a unique dining experience, as visitors
enjoy the reliably temperate evenings which Chiang Mai will
provide. So whether diners enjoy a deliciously spicy Thai curry or
a high-class affair of French cuisine, there will be a restaurant
in Chiang Mai that can cater to their appetite and often a fraction
of the cost to which they are accustomed for such a grand meal.
Chiang Mai International Airport
Location: The airport is situated two miles (4km) from Chiang
Mai.
Time: Local time is GMT +7.
Getting to the city:
The airport does not allow public tricycle and pick-up cars to
enter the airport area; these can be accessed outside the airport
boundaries. They are the cheapest transport option from the
airport, but can be uncomfortably crowded with luggage. Taxis,
limousines, and car rentals are the only form of transport
available at the airport. Many hotels will arrange transport for
guests with advance booking.
Car Rental:
Car rental agencies at the airport include Hertz, Avis, and Thai
Rent a Car.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available for travel to Chiang Mai from outside the
airport; fares should be agreed in advance.
Facilities:
Facilities include currency exchange, lost and found, ATMs,
business lounges, a sauna and spa, shopping, and dining options.
There are limited facilities for disabled travellers; those with
special needs should contact their airline in advance.
Parking
Parking is charged at about THB 20 for the first hour, THB 30
for two hours, and THB 40 for three hours, up to a daily limit of
about THB 250.
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Chiang Mai is tourist-oriented, and it is therefore relatively
easy to get around, with several transport options. Three-wheeled
tuk tuks, also known as samlors, are usually the quickest means of
transport, and fares should be negotiated before travelling.
Songthaews are another novel (if slightly hair-raising) way to
travel. Songthaews are small, usually red, pickup trucks with
benches fitted along the side; they have no fixed route but pick up
and drop off passengers like buses and need to be flagged down.
Passengers should be sure to check the destination with the driver.
The Chiang Mai bus service is very limited; catching a metered taxi
can also be difficult at times. Renting a motorbike is a popular
option, and car rental agencies are also available, though traffic
can be heavy, and it is advised to rather hire a car with a driver.
Bicycles are another good way to explore Chiang Mai and can be
hired in the old city, though travellers will have to watch out for
other drivers.
Chiang Mai is a magical wonderland for visitors to explore. With
so many breathtaking natural and cultural attractions, travellers
will be hard-pressed to know where to begin. The best time of year
for sightseeing in Chiang Mai is between November and May, when the
cooler weather allows for perfect days spent outdoors. A must while
on holiday in Chiang Mai is the Maesa Elephant Camp, where visitors
can enjoy an elephant ride and even watch them play football or
paint a picture. The Mae Sa Waterfall in the Doi Suithep-Pui
National Park is a great place for a picnic and a swim, while the
Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center will teach visitors about
the region, its culture, religion and its history. And if
travellers enjoy cultural activities, they should check out the
Lisu Hill-Tribe display at the Hill-Tribe Research Institute Museum
to learn about the lives of the hill-tribe people. There are plenty
of temples in Chiang Mai to visit too, such as Wat Phrathat Doi
Suthep, which overlooks Chiang Mai from the slopes of Mount Suthep;
and Wat Phra Singh, the city's best-known temple which houses the
Phra Singh statue, dating back to the 14th century.
Doi Suthep
Doug Knuth
Mae Sa Waterfall
Arvind Govindaraj
Giant Panda
Jeff Tollefson
Pai
Kansaikiwi
A Chiang Mai Temple
Michael Jenselius
Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural
Center
Stefan Fussan
Lisu Women
ShahJahan
Bhubing Palace Flowers
Alpha
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
User:Amada44
Elephant painting
Deror Avi
Coleoptera
Georgios Katsanevakis
Wat Rong Khun
Stefan Fussan
