As the second largest city in Thailand, Chiang Mai is a fascinating destination, rich with history, tradition, and culture. The best way to get around is on foot, although there are also a number of wonderful attractions within easy reach of the city.
Chiang Mai is in the heart of an area once known as the Lanna Kingdom, meaning “the land of a million rice fields.” While its vibrant blend of cultures gives the area a distinctive charm, the landscape is still covered with vivid green rice fields. The city is often fondly called the “Rose of the North” for its beauty and spirit.
Founded more than seven centuries ago, Chiang Mai is a significant center for architecture, arts, and culture. Home to some of the country’s most ornate structures and striking monuments, this serene city offers a wealth of attractions for visitors including a picturesque old city and several stunning temples.
Chiang Mai is truly a perfect honeymoon destination. Its intimate feel makes it a perfect choice for honeymooners looking for a quiet getaway. Due to its misty mountains and colorful hill tribes, adding to its charm, Travco Holidays will take you on an enchanting trip to the north of Thailand.
Sukhothai historical park
Temples
Lying 15km outside the city, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is Chiang Mai’s most famous temple. Founded in 1383, the temple and its grounds are considered sacred and are known as an important pilgrimage destination during Buddhist holidays. With an elevated location on the slopes of Doi Suthep Mountain, the temple also offers beautiful panoramic views of the city on a clear day.
Built around 600 years ago, Wat Chedi Luang enjoys a central location in the heart of the old city. The temple’s massive Lanna-style chedi is visible throughout the city and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Located at the western end of Ratchadamnoen Road in the old city, Wat Phra Singh is the most visited of Chiang Mai’s Buddhist temples. Built by King Pha Yu in the 14th Century to enshrine the ashes of his father King Kam Fu, it houses the city’s most revered image of Buddha, Phra Singh Buddha.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple
Arts and Crafts
Famed as the cultural capital of Thailand, it is home to a number of factories and shop outlets specializing in wonderful arts and crafts. The Bor Sang Village-Sankampaeng and Baan Tawai neighborhoods are often referred to as the ‘Handicraft Highway’. Here you’ll find factories and shop outlets specializing in pottery, stoneware, silverware, lacquerware, silk, wood products, arts, and crafts.
Sunday Market
The weekly Sunday market or Sunday Walking Street is open from late afternoon until 11pm at night every Sunday. Stretching from Tha Phae Gate along the Ratchadamnoen Road in the heart of the old city. The road, which is closed to traffic, is lined with stalls selling everything from handicrafts to food. During this time the road is full of musicians, dancers, and artists who will leave you truly impressed and astonished.
Whitewater Rafting
Located an hour from Chiang Mai, Zipline Chiang Mai operates whitewater rafting trips throughout the year. Lasting from 1-3 hours with intensity ranging from comfortably placid to an exciting challenge, rafting trips take place on the Mae Taeng River. Open daily, trips are dependent on weather and river conditions and are accompanied by an on-land support team.
Natural Attractions:
Elephant Camp
One of the most enjoyable things to do when in the Chiang Mai province is to visit an elephant camp. Originally founded to help protect local elephants that used to work in the now banned logging trade. These camps help provide income to the elephants’ handlers and provide funds to care for the elephants.
Jungle Flight
Jungle Flight offers guests the chance to soar above the jungle canopy on zip-lines through the trees. Accompanied by sky ranger guides, this is a wonderful way to experience the lush tropical forest of Northern Thailand.
Chiang Mai Night Safari
Situated on a 300-acre site on the outskirts of the city, the Chiang Mai Night Safari nature park is home to a number of animals including white rhinos, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, crocodiles, and tigers. Open daily between 11am-11pm, the park offers day and evening visits. Additionally, the park offers a spectacular musical fountain and laser light show.
About the Author
Mahy Medhat
A storyteller with a wanderlust desire, who loves exploring the world with a penchant for culture and food. Mahy has been writing for numerous high-profile magazines and currently working on publishing her own book.
