Chiang Mai Thailand Travel Information Guide and Hotels

Chiang Mai - Popularly known as “The Rose of the North” and with an enchanting location on the banks of the Ping river, the city and its surroundings are blessed with stunning natural beauty and a unique indigenous cultural identity.

Located some 700 km. from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is the principal city of northern Thailand and capital of the province of the same name.

Popularly known as “The Rose of the North” and with an enchanting location on the banks of the Ping River, the city and its surroundings are blessed with stunning natural beauty and a uniquely indigenous cultural identity. Founded in 1296 by King Mengrai as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai has had a long and mostly independent history, which has to a large extent preserved a most distinctive culture. This is witnessed both in the daily lives of the people, who maintain their own dialect, customs and cuisine, and in a host of ancient temples, fascinating for their northern Thai architectural Styles and rich decorative details.

Chiang Mai also continues its renowned tradition as a handicraft centre, producing items in silk, wood, silver, ceramics and more, which make the city the country’s top shopping destination for arts and crafts.

Beyond the city, Chiang Mai province spreads over an area of 20,000 sq. km. offering some of the most picturesque scenery in the whole Kingdom. The fertile Ping River Valley, a patchwork of paddy fields, is surrounded by rolling hills and the province as a whole is one of forested mountains (including Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon), jungles and rivers.

Here is the ideal terrain for adventure travel by trekking on elephant back, river rafting or four-wheel drive safaris in a natural wonderland. Adding a special feature to the landscape are the traditional villages of the region’s hilltribe people, distinguished by their colourful tribal costumes and lifestyles mostly untouched by the modern world. At the same time, visitors will find deluxe hotels, mountain resorts and other facilities that ensure today’s comforts and convenience.

Around Chiang Mai, the neighbouring provinces of Lampang, Lamphun and Mae Hong Son have great appeal, offering further opportunities to experience the North’s natural beauty and distinctive culture.

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 Suan Dok
The temple, on Suthep Road, was built in a 14th-century Lanna king’s pleasure garden and is most notable for its several white Chedi, which contain the ashes of members of Chiang Mai’s former Royal Family. Enshrined in a secondary chapel is a 500- year-old bronze Buddha, one of Thailand’s largest metal images.

Wat Chiang Man
Located within the old walled city on Ratchaphakhinai Road, this is Chiang Mai’s oldest temple, believed to date from 1296, when King Mengrai allegedly lived here while the new city of Chiang Mai was under construction. The temple is noteworthy for its fine Chedi supported by rows of elephant buttresses and a beautiful chapel, while enshrined within are the ancient Buddha images of Phra Kaeo Khao, a tiny crystal statue thought to have the power to bring rain, and Phra Sila Khao.

Wat Chedi Luang
Here, on Phrapokklao Road, is the largest Chedi in Chiang Mai measuring 98 m. tall and 54 m. wide. It was originally completed in 1481 but partially collapsed due to an earthquake in 1545. Among other features is a magnificent Naga staircase adorning the chapel’s front porch. Wat Chedi Luang is also notable as one of the temporary abodes of the Emerald Buddha, now enshrined at Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok.

Wat Ku Tao
Located near the Chiang Mai Stadium, Wat Ku Tao is remarkable for its unusual bulbous Chedi, shaped like a watermelon and thus prompting its Thai name. The structure is decorated with coloured porcelain chips and is believed to represent five monks’ alms bowls.

Wat Chet Yot
Away from the town centre on the Super Highway, north of the Huai Kaeo Nimmanhemin intersection, the temple is characterised by its square Chedi with seven spires. The design was inspired by the temple at Bodhgaya, in India, the site of the Lord Buddha’s Enlightenment.

Wat U-mong
Located on Suthep Road, this delightful meditation temple, founded in the reign of King Mengrai, is very different from Chiang Mai’s other major temples and enjoys an almost bucolic setting. Its principal architectural feature is a large ancient Chedi.

Wat Saen Fang
This old temple on Tha Phae Road is interesting for its Burmese- style architecture.

Wiang Kum Kam
Southeast of Chiang Mai between KM 3-4 on the Chiang Mai - Lamphun road, the site is an ancient city built by King Mengrai prior to the founding of Chiang Mai. Uncovered by archaeologists are the ruined remains of some 20 ancient temples and other buildings.

Chiang Mai National Museum
Standing next to Wat Chet Yot and in modern Lanna style, the museum houses an interesting collection of northern arts and crafts. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m except on Songkran and New Year.

Insect and Natural Wonders Museum
On display here is a fascinating collection of domestic and foreign insects, as well as animal fossils. The museum is located at 72 Nimmanhemin, Soi 12.

Huai Kaeo Arboretum
Beside Chiang Mai University, this attractively landscaped garden contains many kinds of tropical trees and flowers.

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.

Namtok Huai Kaeo
Close by the zoo, this 10-metre cascade provides a green and scenic picnic spot.

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 Pui Tribal Village
This Hmong village lies some 3 km. from Phu Phing Palace. It is the most accessible of hilltribe villages and has accordingly lost some of its authenticity, although it still provides a glimpse of tribal life.

Khruba Siwichai Monument
Situated at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain, the monument honours the devoted Buddhist monk whose followers built the first 10- km. paved road to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep in 1935.

Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre
Located at the beginning of Chiang Mai-Hang Dong road (Highway 108), the Centre has an excellent collection of Lanna Thai art. It is also the venue for folk dance performances and typical northern-style khan tok dinners. Open from 7.00 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Wat Phrathat Si Chom Thong
Located 58 km. from town, this intriguing temple dates from the mid-1400s and houses a collection of bronze Buddha images while a holy Buddha relic is enshrined in the secondary chapel.

Wat Phrathat Doi Noi
The temple, between KM 43 and 44, was built by the Mon Queen Chamma Thewi in 658 AD. The hilltop location, reached by a flight of 241 steps, affords fine views of the Ping River and surrounding countryside.

Namtok Mae Klang
Chiang Mai’s most photographed waterfall lies some 58 km. from town at the foot of Doi Inthanon. The picturesque setting is a popular pinic spot.

Tham Borichinda
A 10-minute drive and a 2-hour walk from Mae Klang, this large cave has stalactite and stalagmite formations, Buddha images and a rocky stream.

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 Inthanon Royal Project Research Station
Located in Khum Klang village, close to the park headquarters, this royally initiated research station was established in 1979 to help hilltribe farmers to cultivate temperate-clime cash crops instead of opium and to train them in modern agricultural practices. The flower plantation and the plant and breeding research lab are open to visitors.

Phra Maha That Napha Methanidon
and Phra Maha That Naphaphon Phumisiri These twin pagodas, located at KM 41.5, were built to commemorate the fifth cycle birthdays of Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit.

Traditional Cotton Weaving Village
Located 3 km. from Mae Chaem District Office in Tambon Tha Pha, the village is famous for producing northern-style cotton sarongs.

Op Luang Gorge
This picturesque gorge with a river zigzagging between high, steep cliffs, is located 105 km. from Chiang Mai. The area is pleasantly framed by teak forests and hills.

Ban Rai Phai Ngam
Also renowed for its high quality traditional cotton, this village is reached after a left turn between Km. 69 and 70 along the Chiang Mai-Hot road.

Doi Tao Lake
Doi Tao district is 133 km. from Chiang Mai. The large reservoir here lies behind Bhumibol Dam in Tak province and offers recreational opportunities, including boat cruises.

Huai Phak Phai Royal Project
At Ban Mae Ha in Hang Dong district, this royally initiated project is a research and cultivation centre for roses. The main attraction is the 8.4-acre Royal Rose Garden, best seen between October and February.

Tribal Museum
Situated in King Rama IX Lanna Garden on Chotana Road, this ethnology museum has exhibits highlighting the separate identities and cultures of the North’s nine major hilltribe groups, Karen, Hmong, Yao, Lisu, Akha, Lahu Lau, Thin, and Khamu. Open daily to the public from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. except Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays.

Orchid and Butterfly Farms
There are several orchid nurseries in the Mae Sa Valley area where visitors can view these exotic year-round blooms. Some orchid farms also have special butterfly enclosures where tropical species can be seen in a natural environment.

Mae Sa Snake Farm
Here, some 3 km. along the Mae Rim-Samoeng road, various kinds of snakes indigenous to Thailand can be seen. There are also daily 30-minute snake shows at 11.30 a.m., 2.15 p.m. and 3.15 p.m. Open from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Tel. 0 1472 1566

Namtok Mae Sa
This 8-tiered waterfall in Mae Rim district is 26 km. from town and occupies a lovely setting among towering trees.

Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden
This international botanical garden, located around 12 km. along the Mae Rim-Samoeng road and extending over a mountainous area of 560 acres, was established to honour Queen Sirikit in 1992. The garden has an excellent collection of Thai and foreign plants laid out according to species and climate, and there are three walking trails. Also here is a Tourist Information Centre, the Thai Orchid Breeding Centre, the herbs Museum and the Research Centre. Open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Chiang Dao Elephant Training Centre
Located off Highway 107 at KM 57 between Mae Taeng and Chiang Dao, this is one of a number of elephant camps in the area which put on shows of work elephants displaying their forestry skills. Open from 8.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. daily. There are shows starting at 9.00 a.m. and 10.00 a.m.

Tham Chiang Dao
Sacred Buddha images can be seen in the cave complex of Wat Chiang Dao at KM 72 on Highway 107. The caves are illuminated by electric lights.

Doi Luang Chiang Dao
This cone-shaped limestone mountain in the Chiang Dao Wildlife Reserve rises to 2,195 metres above sea level, which makes it Thailand’s third highest peak after Doi Inthanon and Doi Pha Hom Pok. The area is rich in highland flowers, birds, and butterflies. Permission to visit the mountain must be obtained from the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department.

Huai Nam Dang National Park
The park, accessed via the Mae Malai-Pai road, covers an area of 180 sq. km. in the Mae Taeng and Pai districts of Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son provinces. Forested highland ranges and panoramic views are among the attractions.

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.

Fang Hot Springs
Located at Ban Pin, 8 km. northwest of Fang town, 50 hot springs occupy a 10-acre forest setting. Three of them boil continuously with water temperatures of 90 to 100 degrees Celsius.

Ban Tha Ton
Sited on the banks of the Kok River, close to the border with Myanmar, this small town is full of atmosphere and has a few interesting sights, such as Wat Tha Ton. However, it is best known as the starting point for longtail boats trips downriver to Chiang Rai, a thrilling 3 1/2 hour journey that passes hilltribe villages and jungle scenery. It is also possible to hire bamboo rafts for the same trip, the journey taking 3 days.

San Kamphaeng
This district, 13 km., is famous for its silk and cotton weaving. The village showcases finished products as well as the silk- weaving process. On the way from Chiang Mai to San Kamphaeng, the road is lined with factories and souvenir shops selling woodcarving, silverware, earthenware, lacquerware, and cotton fabrics.

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.

Thailand Destination Guide

		:: North
		Mae Hong Son Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Phayao Lampang Lamphun Phrae Nan Tak Sukhothai Uttaradit Phitsanulok Kamphaeng Phet Phichit Phetchabun Uthai Thani Nakhon Sawan

		:: North East
		Loei Chaiyaphum Nong Bua Lamphu Khon Kaen Udon Thani Nong Khai Sakon Nakhon Nakhon Phanom Kalasin Mukdahan Nakhonratchasima (Khorat) Maha Sarakham Roi Et Yasothon Amnart Charoen Buriram Surin Si Sa Ket Ubon Ratchathani

		:: East
		Chon Buri (Pattaya) Rayong Chanthaburi Trat

		:: Central
		Chainat Kanchanaburi Suphan Buri Sing Buri Ang Thong Lop Buri Saraburi Ayutthaya Ratchaburi Nakhon Pathom Nonthaburi Pathum Thani Bangkok Samut Songkhram Samut Sakhon Samut Prakan Nakhon Nayok Chachoengsao Prachin Buri Sa Kaeo Phetchaburi (Hua Hin - Cha-Am) Prachuapkhirikhan

		:: South
		Chumphon Ranong Surat Thani (Samui) Phang-Nga Krabi Phuket Nakhon Si Thammarat Trang Phatthalung Satun Songkhla Pattani Yala Narathiwat