Chiang Mai Attractions - Chiang Mai Sightseeing
Wat Phra Singh
Dating from 1345 this temple on Sam Lan Road is one of the focal
points of Songkran festivities each April 13-15 when people bathe
the Phra Buddha Singh image. Also on the temple compound is the
Lai Kham chapel with exquisite woodcarvings, murals and a scripture
repository with striking reliefs.
Wat Suan Dok
This temple on Suthep Road was built in the 14th century and is
a favourite spot for photographers, particularly at sunset. Several
of the Chedis contain ashes of local royals. One of northern Thailand’s
largest metal images is the 500 year old bronze Buddha in a secondary
chapel.
Wat Chiang Man
This Wat on Ratchaphakhinai Road is Chiang Mai’s oldest temple
and is thought to date from 1296. It first served as residence
of King Mengrai, who founded Chiang Mai and is noted for a Chedi
supported by rows of elephant buttresses and a small, ancient
Buddha image, Phra Kaeo Khao.
Wat Chedi Luang
The temple on Phra Pokklao Road is the site of an enormous pagoda,
originally 85m high, which collapsed during an earthquake in 1545.
At one time, Wat Chedi Luang housed the revered Emerald Buddha
image now found in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaeo. One of the most striking
architectural features of Wat Chedi Luang is a Naga staircase
adorning the main chapel’s front porch.
Wat Ku Tao
This Chedi near Chiang Mai Stadium was built in 1613. The structure
is adorned with porcelain chips.
Wat Chet Yot
On the Super Highway, north of Doi Suthep - Nimmanhemin Road,
this temple dates from 1453. The seven-spired square Chedi was
inspired by designs at Buddhagaya, the site of Buddha’s enlightenment
in northern India over 2,500 years ago and was built by recently
returned Lannatai masters from Buddhagaya.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
15km west of the city, this temple, 1,156m above sea level on
Suthep Mountain, overlooks the city from its forested backdrop.
It is one of Chiang Mai’s most important landmarks. Dating from
1383 and has holy Buddha relics in its golden pagoda. Buddhist
pilgrims from all over the world visit throughout the year. To
reach it one can chose the hard way and climb a steep Naga staircase
comprising of around 300 steps or the less energetic may ascend
by funicular cars.
Chiang Mai National Museum
The Chiang Mai museum beside Wat Chet Yot contains Lannatai works
of art, ancient Buddha images and war weapons. The museum is open
daily, except Mondays and Tuesdays, from 9:00 to 12:00 and 13:00
to 16:00.
Castle Rock Sanctuary Located just 30 km from Chiang Mai
with lakeside frontage in rural countryside is this newly established
sanctuary for the preservation of Asian bears and gibbons. There's
lots of space for the kids to run around. A perfect spot to spend
the whole day relaxing and learning something more about this
country's fauna. Telephone +66+53+350387 for more information.
Mae Rim is a small town in Chiang Mai Province, in the enchanting
Mae Sa Valley, some 15km (9mi) north of Chiang Mai city.
Orchid Farms
Mountain Orchid and Sai Nam Phung Orchid Nursery, have an amazing
variety of all year round blooming orchids. These farms are within
the vicinity of Chiang Mai but there are many scattered around
the province. Orchids are known the Queens of the Forests.
Wang Kulap (The Rose Garden)
A great variety of roses and other beautiful flowers can be seen
on both sides of the stream passing through this garden.
Mae Sa House
The houses private collections of Thai antiques which are on show
to the general public.
Mae Sa Falls
The falls cascade through eight different levels in an impressive
setting with many gigantic trees and tropical foliage.
Ban Hmong Mae Sa Mai
The village offers an insight into the culture and ways of living
of the Hmong hill tribe. Lodging, campfire and food are available
for visitors wishing to stay overnight. In addition, souvenirs
can be purchased in the village.
Elephant Training Center
At the centre at Mae Sa Mai, 30km north of Chiang Mai city, trained
elephants demonstrate their formidable and highly valued forestry
skills. There is a small admission fee and a jungle tour is also
offered after the show, lasting two and a half hours for which
a further fee is charged.
Chiang Dao is a small town in Chiang Mai Province, some 75km
north of Chiang Mai city.
Chiang Dao Caves
These sacred caves, 72km north of Chiang Mai city are filled with
Buddha images belonging to Wat Tham Chiang Dao. The upper parts
of the caves are electrically illuminated and the deepest recesses
can be explored with local guides equipped with oil lanterns.
Fang is a small town in Chiang Mai Province, some 150km (94mi)
north of Chiang Mai city.
Doi Ang Khang
Under the patronage of King Bhumiphol, this demonstration site
for planting temperate climate vegetables and flowers is 163km
from Chiang Mai on Highway 107 (Chiang Mai - Fang Road).
Fang Hot Springs
In a 4 hectare (10 acre) forest clearing at Ban Pin, 11km off
Highway 107 before reaching Fang are about 50 hot springs. The
water smells of sulphur and temperatures range between 90 and
100 degrees C. Three boil continuously and others spume forth
occasionally.
San Kamphaeng is a village in Chiang Mai Province, some 15km
east of Chiang Mai city.
Cotton and Silk Weaving Villages
San Kamphaeng and the surrounding villages are famous for silk
as well as cotton, both still woven by local folk on traditional
looms and sold in a wide variety of lengths and designs.
Other Cottage Industries
On both sides of the road from Chiang Mai city to San Kamphaeng
are factories for silverware, lacquer ware, woodcarvings and other
handicraft. Visitors can watch how particular items are made.
However, demonstrations of the manufacture of certain handicraft
are often part of the marketing.
Prices at places that manufacture themselves are not necessarily
lower than in ordinary shops. Large traders proclaiming themselves
as wholesalers have retail prices that are generally not at all
lower than the prices at the factories themselves.
Many of the handicrafts sold along the road between San Kamphaeng
and Chiang Mai are indeed produced in cottage industry but this
is not the case at many of the so-called factories where tourists
arrive by the busloads.
Bo Sang Umbrella Making Village
This village, 9km from Chiang Mai city on the road to San Kamphaeng,
should not be missed by anybody with an interest in Thai handicrafts.
Generations of Bo Sang families have been making umbrellas and
parasols for over 200 years. They manufacture silk, cotton and
Sa paper parasols and umbrellas which in turn are hand-painted
in a variety of floral and animal designs. The Sa paper, which
these hill tribe people make, is made by an ancient process using
the bark of mulberry trees.
San Kamphaeng Hot Spring
The spring in green surroundings, about 23km from the town of
San Kamphaeng has water with a high sulphur content that allegedly
possesses curative and restorative properties. Separate male and
female bathing facilities are available. It serves as a popular
picnic spot for locals and visitors alike.
Roong Aroon Hot Springs
This 16 hectare resort near San Kamphaeng Hot Spring, 35km east
of Chiang Mai city, is decorated with many tropical plants. Two
boiling hot springs provide mineral water for individual bathrooms
and bathtubs. The facilities also include bungalows and a restaurant
serving Thai specialities and international cuisine.
The Mae Klang Falls, on the Chiang Mai - Hod Rd, 58km from Chiang
Mai city, are large falls in scenic surroundings near the Doi
Inthanont National Park. The spot is popular for picnics a photographers
paradise.
Doi Inthanont National Park
The Park beyond Mae Klang Falls is one of Thailand’s most famous
and well equipped for visitors. It has an area of 1,005sqkm. It
is named after Doi Inthanont, Thailand’s highest mountain (2,565m)
and encompasses several Karen and Meo hill tribe villages. The
natural scenery is spectacular and areas above 1,800m are covered
with lichens and are rich in wild orchids. Shooting, fishing or
damaging vegetation is strictly forbidden. The more scenic spots
are around the Wachirathan, Siriphum and Mae Pim waterfalls.
Wachirathan Falls
They can be viewed on the route to Inthanont Mountain, a 30min
drive from Mae Klang Falls.
Siriphum Falls
They are on the same route about an hour’s drive from Mae Klang
Falls.
Mae Ya Falls
These falls, 12km from Chom Thong market, can be reached by local
mini-bus.
Borichinda Cave
A 10min drive from Mae Klang Falls brings you near this cave after
which one must walk for 1 to 2 hours. Due to its massive gaping
entrance the cave is not dark.
Ob Luang
Ob Luang is a steep river valley amidst scenic mountains and teak
forests. 88km from Chiang Mai city on the Chiang Mai - Mae Sariang
Rd it’s a popular tourist destination.
Tribal Research Institute
The Institute on the Chiang Mai University campus, 5km from the
city, has a permanent exhibition of artifacts. It is open is open
Mon-Fri 8:30-12:00 and 13:00-16:30.
Chiang Mai Arboretum
This attractively landscaped garden near Chiang Mai University,
6km from the city, contains many kinds of tropical trees and flowers.
Chiang Mai Zoo
Occupying the lower forested slopes of Suthep Mountain the zoological
gardens, next to the Chiang Mai Arboretum, are 6km from town.
The small display has a collection of Asian and African mammals
and birds.
Huai Kaeo Falls
The area around the falls near Chiang Mai Zoo, 7km from the city,
is another popular spot for picnickers.
Khruba Sivichai Monument
7km from the city, the Khruba Sivichai monument was built near
the Huai Kaeo Falls, commemorating Khruba Sivichai who initiated
the plan to construct a hillside road to the monastery on Suthep
Mountain.
Phu Phing Palace
Phu Phing palace on Doi Buak Ha, 7km further down the road passing
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, was built in 1962. The landscaped grounds
are open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public
holidays, unless members of the Thai Royal family are staying
there at that time.
Doi Pui Tribal Village
The Meo tribal village, some 4km from Phu Phing Palace, offers
glimpses of modern tribal life.
Phu Dam (Black Cliff)
This scenic spot near Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a popular picnic
spot.
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