Chiang Mai, with its rich historical background, has many places of tourist interest. There are many temples dating back to 13th and 14th centuries.

In Chiang Mai city

Wat Phra Singh

This temple located on Sam Lan Road was built in 1345. It is here that the locals converge during Songkran festival held from April 13 to 15, to bathe the Phra Buddha Singh idol. Another attraction here is the Lai Kham chapel, located in the same premises. This chapel has many beautiful murals, elegant woodcarving and a scripture repository.

Wat Suan Dok

This 14th century temple is located on Suthep Road. Here you will find many Chedis containing the ashes of royal family members. The highlight of the place is a huge metal image of Buddha, which is 500 years old. This image is said to be the largest in Northern Thailand. Many tourists come here to get a spectacular sunset view.

Wat Chiang Man

This is Chiang Mai’s oldest temple dating back to 1296. This temple located on Ratchaphakhinai Road, used to be the royal palace of King Mengrai, who founded Chiang Mai. There are many Chedis held aloft by elephant-shaped buttresses. Other attractions are Phra Kaeo Khao and an old Buddha image.

Wat Chedi Luang

This Wat located on Phra Pokklao Road has an imposing pagoda. This pagoda used to stand 85m tall, but during the earthquake of 1545, it caved in, reducing its height. This used to be the original home of the famous Emerald Buddha, now displayed at Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok. The Naga staircase situated on the main chapel’s front porch is an architectural wonder.

Wat Ku Tao

Built in 1613, this Wat is located near the Chiang Mai Stadium. Porcelain chips decorate this Chedi.

Wat Chet Yot

The seven-level spire of this square-shaped temple was built based on the architecture found in Buddhagaya, the place in North India where Buddha achieved enlightenment 2500 years ago. This Chedi was built in 1453 by the Lannatai masters, who came back from Buddhagaya. It is located on the Super Highway, which lies north of Doi Suthep - Nimmanhemin Road.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Built in 1383, this is an important place of worship of Buddhists. The golden pagoda holds Buddha relics, which attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. It is located on Suthep Mountain, 15km to the west of the city. This temple situated at a height of more than 1000m, lies in a forested land. To reach this temple, the visitors may climb the Naga staircase, which has 300 steps or take the funicular car.

Chiang Mai National Museum

The National Museum displays ancient Buddha images, Lannatai art and war weapons. It is open from 9am to 12noon and 1pm to 4pm on all days except Monday and Tuesday.

Castle Rock Sanctuary

Located 30km from Chiang Mai, this sanctuary lies on a lakeside. This sanctuary was formed recently for the protection of gibbons and Asian bears. The sanctuary has lots of space for children to play games and is perfect for a day’s family outing. Contact +66+53+350387 for more information.

In Mae Rim

Mae Rim is a beautiful town, lying in the picturesque Mae Sa Valley, 15km north of Chiang Mai city.

Orchid Farms

Orchid-lovers can see a wide variety of orchids at the Mountain Orchid and Sai Nam Phung Orchid Nursery. These farms are located near Chiang Mai city. There are many more farms scattered over the countryside.

Wang Kulap (The Rose Garden)

The garden has an amazing variety of roses and other colorful flowering plants. A stream running through the garden makes it all the more attractive.

Mae Sa House

This is a private collection of antiques on exhibition for public. Most of the antiques displayed here are of Thai origin.

Mae Sa Falls

The eight-layered waterfall is spectacular to watch. The dense tropical forests with tall trees form an impressive background to the majestic falls.

Ban Hmong Mae Sa Mai

This hill tribe village welcomes tourists to see their way of life. Visitors get a close peek at the Hmong tribal culture and daily life. Visitors are welcome to stay overnight and camping facilities are available for those interested. There is also a souvenir shop in the village.

Elephant Training Center

This center is located at Mae Sa Mai, which is 30km t the north of Chiang Mai city. Here elephants display their skills for the benefit of the visitors. Later on visitors are offered jungle rides by the elephants. Separate fees are charged for the show and ride. The ride takes approximately two and a half hours.

In Chiang Dao

Chiang Dao, a small town, is located 75km to the north of Chiang Mai.

Chiang Dao Caves

These caves are the main attraction of the town. The holy caves have numerous Buddha images from Wat Tham Chiang Dao. The higher portions of the cave are well lit. However, to explore the lower parts, you need the service of guides, who are equipped with oil lamps.

In Fang

Another small town located 150km to the north of Chiang Mai city.

Doi Ang Khang

This place is situated on Highway 107, also known as Chiang Mai- Fang Road. King Bhumiphol developed this place to demonstrate that temperate climate flowers and vegetables can be cultivated here.

Fang Hot Springs

About 50 hot springs are located at Ban Pin, 11km from Highway 107. The water at these hot springs has temperature between 90 and 100?C. The place smells of sulphur. Of these 50, three are always boiling and the rest bubble forth once in a while.

In San Kamphaeng

San Kamphaeng is a village located 15km east of Chiang Mai city.

Cotton and Silk Weaving Villages

San Kamphaeng is very famous for its silk and cotton. The villagers still use traditional looms to weave them. The fabrics are made in a variety of designs and lengths.

Other Cottage Industries

The road from Chiang Mai city to San Kamphaeng is dotted with factories making silverware, lacquer ware, woodcarvings and other handicrafts. Visitors are welcome to watch the production process of each item. Some of these demos are used as a part of marketing strategy. The prices of the manufactured items are the same as in shops in the city. Tourists come in busloads to these factories as part of tour packages. However, this is not the case with handicraft items sold on roadside. They are genuinely made in cottage industries and not mass-produced in factories.

Bo Sang Umbrella Making Village

This is something not to be missed at any cost. Bo Sang is a small village located 9km away from Chiang Mai city on the road to San Kamphaeng. The village is famous for umbrella and parasol making. Many families are engaged in this work for generations. Here they manufacture silk, cotton and Sa paper, from which umbrellas and parasols are made. Then they are hand-painted with animal and floral designs. Sa paper is made from the bark of mulberry trees by a unique process known to these hill tribals.

San Kamphaeng Hot Spring

This hot spring surrounded by lush green vegetation is located 23km from San Kamphaeng. The water with high sulphur content is said to possess curative and restorative properties. This spring is a popular picnic location and has separate bathing facilities for men and women.

Roong Aroon Hot Springs

This hot spring is located 35km from the city. There is a resort near the spring, which has bungalows with individual bathrooms and bathtubs. The mineral-rich water from the two hot springs is provided to the visitors of this resort. The resort has a restaurant serving Thai and International cuisine.

In Mae Klang Falls

This waterfall located on Chiang Mai – Hod Road is 58km from the city. The waterfall with picturesque background is a popular picnic spot, especially for those interested in nature photography.

Doi Inthanont National Park

This National Park lies close to Mae Klang Falls. This park is spread over 1005sq.km. and is named after Doi Inthanont, the highest mountain in Thailand. The park covers many tribal villages. The higher reaches of the Park are overgrown with wild orchids and lichens. It is a protected area and so fishing, shooting and cutting down of trees and plants are strictly prohibited. The areas near Wachirathan, Siriphum and Mae Pim waterfalls are the best.

Wachirathan Falls

This waterfall lies on the way to the Inthanont Mountain, almost 30 minutes from Mae Klang Falls.

Siriphum Falls

Lying on the same route as Wachirathan Falls, it takes about an hour to reach from Mae Klang Falls.

Mae Ya Falls

This waterfall is located 12km from Chom Thong market. A minibus will take you to the spot.

Borichinda Cave

Located close to Mae Klang Falls, it will take only 10 minutes to reach the cave entrance. However, to look around, it takes around one to two hours of walking. The cave is illuminated by sunlight due to its yawning mouth.

Ob Luang

This river valley lies amidst beautiful mountains filled with teak. It is located at a distance of 88km away from the city along the Chiang Mai - Mae Sariang Road. It is a famous tourist spot.

Towards West

Tribal Research Institute

This institute is located on the Chiang Mai University Campus, which is about 5km from the city. There is a display of artifacts here. The institute is open from 8.30am to 12noon and 1pm to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Chiang Mai Arboretum

This is a beautiful landscaped garden, located 6km from the city, near the Chiang Mai University. Here the visitors can see huge varieties of local tropical plants, trees and flowers.

Chiang Mai Zoo

The zoo lies on the foothills of Suthep Mountains, adjacent to Chiang Mai Arboretum. Though not vast, has an interesting collection of Asian and African animals and birds.

Huai Kaeo Falls

This popular picnic spot is located 7km from the city, near Chiang Mai Zoo.

Khruba Sivichai Monument

This monument is a memorial to Khruba Sivichai, who started the construction of the road to the monastery on Suthep Mountain. It is located 7km from the city, near Huai Kaeo Falls.

Phu Phing Palace

The landscaped garden of this royal palace is open to public when the royals are away, on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. It is located at Doi Buak Ha, past Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It was built in 1962.

Doi Pui Tribal Village

For first-hand knowledge of tribal life in the 21st century, visit this Meo Tribal village. It is located 4km from Phu Phing Palace.

Phu Dam (Black Cliff)

Located close to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, it is a popular picnic spot.