Attractions

The most important and most visible landmark, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, is perched high atop a mountain overlooking the city with the forested mountain backdrop providing a very scenic panorama. The temple is accessible by climbing a steep 300-step staircase with naga siderails or, for those less active, by funicular railcars. The temple's golden pagoda contains the holy relics of Buddha. Further up the road from the temple is the Phu Phing Palace. Built in 1962, the royal winter palace's lavish landscaped gardens are open to the public on weekends and holidays when the Royal Family is not in residence.

Wat Chiang Man, the city's oldest temple, dates back to 1296 and is the finest example of Northern Thai architect. The temple was the residence of King Mengrai, the city's founder. The temple has massive teak columns and a chedi supported by rows of elephant-shaped buttresses. It also houses a 20-30 cm. marble Buddhist relief believed to have originated in India or Sri Lanka some 2,500 years ago and Phra Kaew Khao, a small, ancient crystal Buddha image.

The focal point of the Songkran (Thai New Year's) festivities occurs at Wat Phra Sing where local people bathe the revered Buddha image. Dating back to mid-14th century, the lovely temple is named after the Phra Singh Buddha image, believed to have originated in Sri Lanka 300 years ago. The Buddha image's travels to its present location is clouded in myth. View the exquisite woodcarvings on temple pillars and doors and northern style murals.

The highest point in Thailand is located at the peak of the Doi Inthanon National Park . Rare, colorful floral plants that thrive in the year-round chilled air are only found here at the peak Sites of interest include the Inthanon Royal Project which promotes sustainable income to Karen and Maew hilltribe by growing flowers and the Royal Pagodas dedicated to H.R.H. the King and the Queen.

Early birds are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the sea of mists in the early morning hours at the Huai Nam Dang National Park . The park also has well maintained flowerbed landscapes and tribal villages. Nearby at the Huai Nam Roo , visitors can stop by a Lisu hilltribe village or enjoy the tranquility of a coffee farm and fruit cultivation center.

Only 36 km away from town is the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs amidst the natural forest surroundings and verdant hills. The continuously boiling water, with temperatures ranging from 90 to 100 Celsius, contains a high content of sulfur, popular for its curative and restorative properties. Private mineral water bathing rooms, a swimming pool, accommodations, and dining facilities are available.

Doi Ang Khang .Watch trained elephants demonstrate their highly valued forestry skills as they perform at the Mae Sa Elephant Camp from 09.30-11.00 hrs daily. After the show, hop on for a thrilling two-hour jungle tour on elephant back. Close by is the Chiang Dao Cave , a highly popular tourist attraction with a stream teeming with fish flowing in front of the cave's entrance. Within the cavern is Burmese-style Buddha images and spectacular rock formations.

Chiang Mai is Thailand's main center for quality handicrafts. Visitors can watch artisans working in the outlying villages where authentic cottage industries thrive, particularly along the Bo Sang-San Kamphaeng Road , lined with handicraft-producing factories. Along this road is the famous umbrella village of Bo Sang where young women manufacture and paint silk and cotton umbrellas and paper parasols. This trade has been passed down for more than 200 years. San Kamphaeng is renowned for its silk and handicraft products.

For those short on time, a visit to the Night Bazaar will give you the advantage of viewing a variety of handicrafts without traveling the distance. At night, the pavements of the Changklan Road are transformed into a bazaar selling a wide range of goods besides handicraft products.