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Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Probably the
most visited attraction in the northern capital is the
temple on the hilltop 15 km east of the city. If you are energetic,
climb the steep stairway, all 290 steps. If not, take the
funicular railway.
The golden center chedi of the temple is spectacular.
Before leaving the temple area, enjoy the commanding view
of the Chiang Mai Basin.
Phu Ping Palace
Located near Doi Suthep, the royal palace has beautifully landscaped gardens are open on weekends and holidays when the royal family is not in residence.
Chiang Mai Zoo
If you like animals or are traveling with children, the zoo at the edge of town has a good collection of bird life, fish, reptiles and mammals. Feature exhibits are the Humboldt penguins, fur seals, Gibbon Island and a children's zoo.
Orchids & Butterflies
These nurseries and aviaries in the Mae Sa Valley are commercialized but still offer a pleasant afternoon. But commercial or not, the orchids and butterflies are beautiful.
Chiang Mai National Museum
The museum has a Lanna Thai art collection, ancient Buddha images and weapons of war. Closed Monday, Tuesday and for lunch.
Chiang Mai City Temples
Attracrions Outside Chiang Mai City
Doi Inthanon
(60 km) When it's hot in the city this mountain park is cool. To the pleasing climate add beautiful waterfalls, diverse wildlife, forests, wild orchids, hill tribe settlements and visitor facilities and you have a great destination.
Mae Klang Waterfall
(60 km) At the base of Doi Inthanon
and regarded as Chiang Mai's most photogenic waterfall. Take lunch
and have a picnic.
Mae Sa Elephant Training Center
(30 km) Elephant skills demonstration each morning. Gallop through the jungle atop one of these fellows ... okay, ride one on a walk through the forest. Riding an elephant is a unique and singular experience.
San Kamphang Hot Springs
(35 km) Trees, hills and hot mineral water baths are the attraction of this resort. A swimming pool, dining facility and accommodations for overnighters. Tel 661 510-0418
Taeng Dao Elephant Camp
(55 km) Elephant demonstrations and rides as well as river rafting and trekking hill tribe villages
Chiang Dao Caves
(70 km) Actually a network of caves extending deep inside Doi Chiang Dao. It has sacred Buddha images as its primary attraction. Hired guide can take one deeper into the tunnels. The cave has an interesting
l@ egend of Chiang Dao caves
Doi Ang Khang
(160 km) A royal agricultural station
which is a research and demonstration site for flowering plants, temperate
zone fruit trees, vegetables and crops. The station enjoys patronage
from His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Fang Hot Springs
(160) As many as 50 hot springs flow out of this 10 acre plot of forest. Three of the springs boil continuously at 90 - 100 degrees celsius and smell of sulphur.
Ob Luang Gorge
The Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai province, surrounded my mountains and a teak forest.
Tribal Research Center
Part of Chiang Mai University. A cultural exhibition of northern hilltribes. Closed weekends and lunch time.
