chiangmai travel guide

A showcase of northern splendor, Chiang Mai is an ancient city in Thailand. With over 700-year history, is takes great pride on its provincial beauty combining the past with the present. Located about 700 kilometers from Bangkok, it is blessed with spectacular mountains, national parks and other intriguing attractions. Translated as “New City”, Chiang Mai is amongst the few places in the country where visitors can relish in the soul of the city age-old pagodas and monasteries. The unique culture, picturesque landscapes and exotic floras all make this community one of Asia’s most favorite tourist spots. A myriad of destinations well worth your visit include Doi Luang Chiang Dao, Doi Ang Khang National Park, Huay Nam Dang National Park, Op Luang National Park, Doi Inthanon National Park, Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park, Chiang Mai Night Safari, Mountain Orchid, Mae Sa Waterfall Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, Chiang Mai Cultural Center, Kad Suan Kaew Art & Cultural Center, Night Bazaar and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

Whether you are on a business trip or a leisure trip you must go for Sightseeing in Chiang Mai. The tourist attractions not only offer peace and relaxation but they also give us deep insight on the history, people and culture of Chiang Mai.

Sightseeing in Chiang Mai offers tourists various options. You can choose to visit various temple sites like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai. If your quest to know more about Buddhism is not fulfilled then you can also visit other temples like the Wat Jet Yod and Wiang Kum Kam, Chiang Mai.

Sightseeing in Chiang Mai offers something for every body, if you area person who loves adventure then you should opt for Chiang Mai Night Safari or Chiang Mai Trekking at caves like Chiang Dao Cave.

Mountain lovers can go for Sightseeing in Chiang Mai at Doi Ang Khang and Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai. While visiting Doi Suthep you should definitely visit the famous temple Wat Phra Borommathat at Doi Suthep.

People who are interested in history of Chiang Mai can visit places like the Bo Sang Umbrella Village and Meo Tribal Village. They can also have a glimpse of Hilltribe Villages, Chiang Mai and Mae Sa Valley Craft Village.

If you like relaxing then you can visit Chiang Mai Zoo or you could opt for Mae Ping River Cruise. Health conscious tourists can go to San Kamphaeng Hot Spring, Chiang Mai. Spiritual tourists can go to Wat Chiang Man and Wat Chedi Luang. Speedsters can visit the popular Chiang Mai Speedway.

If you want to learn special skill of the region then you should join Baan Thai Cookery School or you could be a student of Thai Massage School of Chiang Mai.

Wat Phra Sing
Located on Sam Lan Road, this lovely temple dates from 1345 and enshrines the revered Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image, a focal point for the Songkran Thai New Year festivities on April 13-15. The temple compound includes the Lai Kham chapel featuring exquisite woodcarvings and northern-style murals; a magnificent scriptural repository with striking bas-reliefs, and a bell-shaped stupa.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
Situated 15 km. from town, this is Chiang Mai’s most famous and most visible landmark, and at 3,520 feet above sea level, it commands an exhilarating view of the city and surrounding countryside. Dating from 1383, the temple is approached by a flight of 290 Naga-flanked steps (although the less energetic may ascend by a funicular railway), and is dominated by a golden Chedi which contains holy Buddha relics and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world.

Phu Phing Palace
Further up the road from the foot of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, the Phu Phing Palace is the Royal winter residence, built in 1961. The lavishly landscaped gardens and grounds are open to the general public daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. except when the Royal Family is in residence.

Doi Inthanon National Park
The 1,005-sq. km. park encompasses Thailand’s highest peak which rises to 2,565 metres above sea level. Rich in flora and fauna, especially bird life, and with waterfalls, nature trails and Hmong and Karen hilltribe villages, the park as a whole is one of Chiang Mai’s top attractions and well worth visiting.

Doi Ang Khang
This is the location of a Royal agricultural station, 163 km. north of Chiang Mai, which is a demonstration site for the research and cultivation of flowering plants, temperate fruit trees, vegetables and other crops under the patronage of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Outside the agricultural station, the area of Doi Ang Khang is a nature resort where activities include trekking, mule-riding and mountain-biking can be found.

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
Located 36 km. from town and set amid natural surroundings of trees and verdant hills, these springs have water with a high sulphur content and possess curative and restorative properties. Accommodation, a swimming pool, dining facilities and segregated mineral water bathing rooms are available. Nearby is Rung Arun Hot Sping Resort which offers bungalows, mineral baths and an excellent park setting.

Chiang Mai Zoo
Next to Huai Kaeo Arboretum, this is a large and extremely well-managed zoo occupying the lower forested slopes of Doi Suthep mountain and showcasing more than 200 species of Asian and African mammals and birds, as well as some adorable pandas named Thewa and Thewi. Open daily from 8.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. Restaurants and a camping site are available.