The Doi Suthep temple here is one of the most famous temples in northern Thailand. Perched high on a hilltop, it offers fine views over the city on clear days. The trip up can either be made via a funicular or via a grand staircase with 400 steps. The banisters alone are worth a visit: a giant green-and-red glazed serpent windsits way down to end in a magnificent dragon's head.
Early morning is when the saffron robed monks leave the sanctuary of their wats to receive alms from the people. Buddhism is a way of life here and with the reverence the people have for the monarchy, a dynasty that has maintained the independence of the country for centuries, the result for the Thai's is a blend of tradition with contemporary living.
Located just outside the city is an elephant training school and also nearby, an orchid farm. Longer trips can be made to the Doi Inthanon National Park and to Chiang Rai, from which the Mekong River and the Golden Triangle can be reached. Another interesting route to take is the road to Mae-Hong-Son near the border with Myanmar. It is a good base from which to go trekking or motorcycle touring.
On the way round the Mae-Hong-Son loop, it is possible to stop at the small town of Pai, a relaxed and friendly place. In every village or town bargain hunters thrive in the street markets crammed with all manner of goods, where good-natured bartering is the norm.
Located only one hour flying time from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is the key to the North of Thailand and a great place to start a a trip around the rest of the country.
Our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture and customs. Below are some of our recommended highlights. Some tours and packages can be organized when booking your program, please see the program price page for more information.
city tour
Chiang Mai is an ancient city (it was once the capital of an independent kingdom), and the moat around the original town is still intact. There are several old and interesting wats (temples), among them Wat Suan Dawk (with an adjoining handicraft shop), Wat Chiang Man and Wat Phra Singh. The National Museum and the Tribal Research Center at Chiang Mai University also merit a visit.
The city's sights can be seen in a day, but most people use the town as a jumping-off point for exploring the region. Several hill tribes live in the area, and trekkers can visit tribal villages.
If you aren't taking a trek, visit the night market to watch the local hill tribe members buying and selling. If you're looking for a day trip, go see the elephants being trained at the Elephant Conservation Center near Lampang. This village also has interesting blue and white pottery and an old fortress temple, Wat Lampang Luang.
chiang mai national museum
Housed in a beautiful, recently renovated building, this Museum offers an interesting way to learn about the ancient Lanna culture. Downstairs, various displays document the history of northern Thailand from pre-neolithic times to the present. Included in the showcase areimpressive bronze and gold jewelry, and actual ceramics excavated from the famous 14th- to 16th-century kilns of the old kingdom of Lanna. Upstairs, you can gain insight into the crafts and skills practiced in Lanna times. There are collections of farming tools, wood carvings, old photographs and textiles.
wat phra sing
This temple was founded in the 14th century, but most of the buildings have been restored and date from the 19th century. At the rear of the main temple sits a copy of the Phra Sihing Buddha image. During Songkran people flock to the temple to bathe the holy image in water. In the same building are some of Northern Thailand's most famous murals. To the right of the main entrance, one can see the magnificent scripture repository where some holy books written on bai lan paper are stored.
night bazaar
Though the main Night Bazaar is located in a rather drab three-story building, this shoppers' paradise also sprawls along the entire Chang Klan Road. The street stalls sell a variety of items, including fine Thai silk, antiques, silver, clothing, handicrafts, CDs, videos, perfumes and watches. Look out for the fried insects! Bargaining is expected, but do so in a good-natured way.
queen sirikit botanical gardens
In the 1930s, Englishman Dr. Kerr started a small botanical garden in this location 12 kilometers along the Mae Sa Valley. The current garden was opened in 1992 and covers a large area that incorporates many vegetation types, including some rare species. The mountain location makes it an enjoyable escape for everyone, particularly nature enthusiasts.
bo sang umbrella village
For more than 200 years, almost everyone in the small village of Bor Sang has been earning a living from the umbrella trade--silk and cotton umbrellas and paper parasols. Watch the umbrellas being made, then choose one from the variety of beautiful and colorful designs to take home as a souvenir. There is also an annual fair, held each January on the main street, which features an umbrella procession, beauty contests, exhibitions and the selling of umbrellas and other handicrafts.
doi inthanon national park
This 1,005 square-kilometer Park is, in parts, mountainous and wild. Species not found elsewhere in Thailand can be found here. Perhaps its biggest draw is Doi Inthanon, Thailand's tallest mountain. Standing at 2,565 meters, it offers one of the best places in Thailand for bird watching. Other attractions include Wachiratarn Waterfall, twin stupas dedicated to the king and queen and hill-tribe villages. On higher ground, one can see wild orchids growing.
mae ping river cruise
To feel the essence of Chiang Mai, take a cruise along the Mae Ping River. An exotic boat takes you to a traditional farmhouse where kitchen herbs, fruit and vegetables are grown in the garden. The trip takes around two hours, with fruit and drinks provided.
wat phrathat doi suthep
This famous and important temple dating from 1383 enjoys a prominent position in Chiang Mai, overlooking the city from its mountainside perch. It sits about 3,520 feet above sea level and is accessible via a steep naga staircase comprising around 300 steps. The temple has a huge golden chedi (spire), within which lie some holy Buddha relics that attract devotees from the world over. A walk around the grounds reveals a variety of colorful and fragrant flowers, and murals that depict Buddha's previous lives.
