Chiang Mai Tours
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Chaing Mai General Information
Experiencing the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city's 700-year history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town.
For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern junction and the base from which they can explore other provinces. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around" was common. Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something new to discover Chiang Mai. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of Asia's most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers.
The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity.
Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves to the fullest.
Chiang Mai Festival Information
- Yi Peng Festival
Yi Peng Festival is held annually on Loi Krathong day. It is a very interesting event of Chiang Mai. The festival features launching lanterns into the sky to worship the gods. There are also fireworks, lantern contests, and beauty pageants.
- Bo Sang Umbrella Festival
Bo Sang Umbrella Festival is held in January in Bo Sang Handicraft Centre. The festival features paper products, paper parasols in particular, cultural shows, a parade showing traditional ways of life, and several contests.
- City Pillar Inthakin Festival
City Pillar Inthakin Festival is held to invoke blessings of peace, happiness and prosperity for the city and its residents. Buddha images are paraded around the city. It is held at Wat Chedi Luang for 7 auspicious days and nights in the 7th lunar month.
- Doi Suthep Pilgrimage
On the night of Visakha Bucha Day, worshippers gather to light candles and make the 7-kilometre pilgrimage up to the temple on Doi Suthep.
- Flower Festival
Flower Festival is held in February. The festival includes ornamental garden flower contests, floral floats parade in the morning and beauty pageants. The parade begins at Chiang Mai Railway Station and passes Nawarat Bridge and ends at Nong Buak Hat Park.
- Songkran Festival
Songkran Festival is held annually from 13 to 15 April. The 13th of April is the Great Songkran day featuring the revered Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image parade around Chiang Mai town for bathing, sand pagoda making, blessing of elders, and water splashing.
Chiang Mai Attactions Information
- Tham Tap Tao Temple (Wat Tham Tap Tao)
Doi Luang Chiang Dao is a limestone mountain in the Chiang Dao Wildlife Reserve area, Amphoe Chiang Dao. This cone-shaped mountain is 2,195 metres from sea level, which makes it the third highest mountain in Thailand after Doi Inthanon and Doi Pha Hom Pok. Narrow plains on top of the mountain overlook spectacular views that include a sea of fog on the Amphoe Chiang.
Dao side, Doi Sam Phi Nong, the Chiang Dao mountain range, and the far end of Doi Inthanon. The peak is cool and windy. It is full of rare highland flowers, birds, and butterflies. Visiting Doi Chiang Dao needs an approval letter from the Director of Wildlife Reserve Division, Royal Forest Department. Travel must be arranged at least 2 weeks in advance.
- Huai Luek Royal Project Development Centre
The center serves as a demonstrative development model for the hill tribe people based on the philosophy of promoting proper agricultural technology to hill tribe farmers. The site is open for the public to explore pilot plots of vegetables, flowers, fruits, Hmongs plantation and the Poi River. In addition, the Royal Project Foundation has its own shop selling daily fresh produce. Tours complete with a lecturer can be arranged in advance and advanced reservation is recommended for group visits. Toilets and parking areas are also available.
- Chiang Dao Cave (Tham Chiang Dao)
Tham Chiang Dao is a charming cave located in Amphoe Chiang Dao. It is situated 72 kilometres from Chiang Mai town, turn left at the entrance route and proceed for 5 kilometres on an asphalt road. Convenient parking is available. Climb a staircase with a zinc roof to reach the cave. The lovely cave greets visitors with various kinds of fish swimming in a stream in front of the cave.
Touring in and around Tham Chiang Dao with a local guide is possible by contacting local guides in front of the cave. A service fee is charged
- Doi Tao Lake
The lake is located approximately 133 kilometers from Chiang Mai town along the Chiang Mai-Hot-Doi Tao route. This large reservoir is actually situated above the Bhumibol Dam in Tak province. The lake offers many recreational opportunities during the rainy and cool seasons, including rafting and cruise services to Bhumibol Dam. Accommodations are also available.
- Phra That Doi Noi Temple (Wat Phra That Doi Noi)
Situated in Doi Lo, Chom Thong District along Highway No.108 between Km. 43 and 44, the temple was built by Queen Jamathewi in 658 AD. During excavations, numerous marble Buddha images, Buddha image containers, and a chapel were discovered. The hilltop temple provides visitors with a panoramic view of the scenic beauty of the Mae Ping River and surrounding hills and valleys. The temple can be reached on foot by climbing 241 steps.
- Phra That Si Chom Thong Temple (Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong)
This temple is situated approximately 58 kilometers from the town in Chom Thong District. The temple can be dated back to the mid-1400s and houses a collection of bronze Buddha images while the secondary chapel contains a holy Buddha relic.
- Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station
Located in the valley of Doi Ang Khang, the station is designated for conducting experiments on possible temperate plants to be grown in Thailand. The experiment is aimed at promoting the cultivation of cash crops to replace hill tribes' opium plantations. Inside the station, there are beautiful landscaped flower gardens, a restaurant and plantations. Advanced contact is recommended for a group visit with lecturers available upon request. Facilities include guesthouses (inside the station), food and beverage, parking space, toilets, etc.
- Doi Ang Khang National Park
Famous for its cool climate all year round, visitors can explore the Royal Angkhang Station Project and visit hill tribe villages to learn more about their daily life. To get there, take Highway No. 107 (Chiang Mai-Fang), turn left at an intersection around Km. 137 (Mae Kha Market) and proceed for another 25 kilometers to Doi Ang Khang. As the route is filled with steep s-curves, an experienced driver and vehicles in good condition is required. The local truck (song taew) from Mae Kha Market offers chartered service to the mountain.
- Fang Hot Springs
These hot springs are situated at Ban Pin, which is located approximately 8 kilometers northwest of Fang city. The hot springs originate from simmering granite with temperatures from 90 to 100 degrees Celsius. Most notable is the largest spring which constantly jets out strong sulphur scented steam.
- Chiang Mai Night Safari
Chiang Mai Night Safari was established as evening and night tourist attraction. It is the first night safari in Thailand. Chiang Mai Night Safari is committed to be a world class destination and is constantly upgrading to international tourism standard. Exhibition zone is divided in three main areas: Savanna Safari, Predator Prowl and Jaguar Trail.
Chiang Mai Night Safari is located in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park area of Mae Hea and Nong-Kwaii district in Hang-Dong and Suthep district in Muang, Chiang Mai province. The total area in 131 hectares. It takes only 10 km. driving from the town central to Chiang Mai Night safari.
- Huai Phak Phai Royal Project
This is at Ban Mae Ha, tambon Ban Pong along the Samoeng-Hang Dong route. It is approximately 300 metres from Km. 17. From Chiang Mai, it can be reached via 2 routes: Chiang Mai-Mae Rim-Samoeng-Hang Dong route which is 32 kilometers in length and Chiang Mai-Hang Dong-Samoeng route that is 43 kilometers in length. The project is responsible for collecting, researching, and breeding roses. One of the highlighted attractions in this project is the Royal Rose Garden, which covers an area of 8.4 acres where various kinds of roses have been planted along the mountain ranges. The best time to visit is from October to February.
A number of pretty resorts decorated with highland flowers are located along the route to Huai Phak Phai Royal Project and are open to the public and for camping. Accommodations are available at Kritsada Doi and Lanna Garden.
- Wat Thaton
Wat Thaton occupies an area of more than 160 acres and spreads over several rolling hills. The temple is situated on the bank of the Mae Kok river and offers beautiful scenery.
- Doi Inthanon National Park
This national park which covers an area of 1,005 square kilometers is located on Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain which is 2,565 meters above sea level. Located between Mae Chaem and Chom Thong, the park is comprised of the largest tract of upper mountain forest which ranges across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and ends in Northern Thailand. The mountain ranges gave birth to the main tributaries of the Ping river and formed the beautiful waterfalls, namely Siriphum, Wachirathan, Mae Pan, Mae Klang and Mae Ya. The moist and dense evergreen forest is abundant with lichens and wild orchids. The park is also a paradise for bird lovers. Visiting Doi Inthanon is possible throughout the year however, the best period for viewing the waterfalls is May through November while the best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February and for ornithologists is November through March.
- Doi Inthanon Royal Project Research Station
This is located at Ban Luang, Chom Thong District, on the way to the Doi Inthanon peak. The research station is operated under the Royal Project. The facilities are for research and development of pilot projects for cash crops, which include coffee, cold-climate fruits, and cut flowers. The research station also provides services and information regarding the application of advanced technology to help alleviate poverty, natural resource conservation etc. In addition, information on production and marketing of the products is also available. Tourists can visit the stations charming garden of temperate-climate flowers and a cut-flower nursery. The research station is located approximately 90 kilometers from the city and near Inthanon peak. The research station is ideal for flower lovers and is a recommended stopover for travelers heading up or down Doi Inthanon. Advanced contact for a group visit is recommended. Tour guide services are also available.
- Traditional Cotton Woven Village
The village where the unique northern style Sarong is made is located approximately 3 kilometers from Mae Chaem District Office in Tha Pha Sub-district. The uniquely woven fabric is in great demand because of its striking color and indigenous style.
- Ban Hmong Mae Sa Mai
This Hmong village has preserved their simple but splendid traditions and lifestyles. The village can be reached by taking a left turn at Km.12 and proceeding for 7 kilometers. Only four-wheel vehicles in good condition can make the trip. Along the route, you can visit resorts which are open to visitors, including Mae Sa Valley, Mae Sa Resort (offers a 9-hole golf course), and Kangsadan Farm.
- Mae Sa Snake Farm
The farm is located approximately on Km. 3 along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route. It is home to various kinds of snakes native to Thailand. The farm, which also conducts snake breeding, provides 30-minute snake shows daily.
- Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden
This botanical garden, which covers a mountainous area of 560 acres, is located around Km. 12 along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route. This international botanical garden with a fine collection of Thai and foreign plants exhibited according to species and climate was established in 1992 to honor Queen Sirikit. Visitors can drive around the area in order to see include the Tourist Information Center, the Thai Orchid Breeding Center, Herbs Museum and the Research Center. The garden is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
- Tribal Museum
Tribal Museum is in King Rama IX Lanna Garden on Chotana Road. This is an ethnology museum featuring the indigenous culture of 9 hill tribes including Karen (Kariang), Hmong (Meo), Mien (Yao), Lisu (Liso), Akha (Iko), Lahu (Musoe), Lau,Thin, and Khamu including the minority tribe of Malabri. Each tribe possesses unique identity and culture.
- Huai Nam Dang National Park
The park occupies an area of 180 square kilometers in Mae Taeng Sub-district, Chiang Mai and Pai Sub-district, Mae Hong Son Province. The mountain, which is mostly ranged highlands, has verdant forests that are the sources of tributaries and various streams. Notable attractions in the park include Huai Nam Dang Viewpoint and Doi Kiu Lom, which overlooks Doi Chiang Dao. To get there, drive along Mae Malai-Pai Road to between Km. 65-66, and then take a 6-kilometer access road to the park office.
Another attraction, Doi Chang Viewpoint, is located 20 kilometers beyond the Huai Nam Dang Viewpoint and is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicle. The scenic views of natural mountain ranges and early morning sea of clouds can be seen from this view point. Camping is possible provided that visitors bring their own tents and food. Nearby attractions in Mae Hong Son Province worth visiting include Tha Pai hot spring (Pong Nam Ron Tha Pai) and Mae Yen waterfall.
- Royal Agricultural Research Centre, Chiang Mai
The Royal Agricultural Research Centre in Chiang Mai consists of 2 sub-stations. The first station is composed of demonstrative fields for research, collection, and breeding of various plants. The second station, located at Mae Win sub-district, mainly deals with research of temperate fruits, flowers and coffee (Arabica). The centre also serves as a source of information complete with lecturer for educational tours and training. Accommodations and basic facilities are available. Advanced contact is recommended.
- Chiang Mai Cultural Centre
The Centre is situated at the beginning of Chiang Mai-Hang Dong road. The center has an exceptional collection of Lanna art, and intriguing displays of traditional northern culture. A spectacular folk dance and tribal shows are performed while the typical northern dinner Khan Tok is served.
- Chiang Mai National Museum
Located on the Chiang Mai-Lampang Super Highway near Wat Chet Yot, the museum has been designated by the Fine Arts Department as a regional center for education and preservation of the art and culture of Chiang Mai and upper northern Thailand the Lanna Kingdom. Their Majesties the King and Queen graciously presided over the opening of the museum on 6 February 1973. The museum was built according to traditional northern architecture, with a Lanna Thai rooftop. Interesting exhibitions include:
- Topic 1: The natural and cultural background of the Lan Na Kingdom including the geology, ecology, geography and prehistoric settlement of the north.
- Topic 2: The history of the Lan Na Kingdom from the establishment of Chiang Mai city to its peak and decline under Burmese control from 1558 to 1769.
- Topic 3: The city of Chiang Mai under the Kingdom of Siam, from the time Chiang Mai regained its freedom from Burma, to the reestablishment of Chiang Mai city in 1782.
- Topic 4: Trade and economy of the Lan Na Kingdom from 1782 to 1939.
- Topic 5: The modern way of life and social development: agriculture and industry, banking, international relations, education and public health.
- Topic 6: The development of the Lan Na Art Style, and the history of art in Thailand from the Dvaravati period to the present day.
Not far away from the Chiang Mai National Museum is the Tribal Museum, which displays information on the history and culture of each hill tribe as well as their traditional handicrafts. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (closed on National Holidays)
- Chiang Mai Zoo
Situated next to Huai Kaew Arboretum at the foot of the mountain where Phra That Doi Suthep is located, the zoo houses a pair of cuddly Pandas on loan from China. Inside the zoo, there are over 200 types of Asian and African mammals and birds for visitors to observe. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., the admission fee for an adult is 100 baht and a child is 20 baht. There are excellent facilities for tourists with restaurants and a camping site. Advance booking is required for large groups.
- Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park
Covering an area of 262 sq. km., this luxuriant park is home to more than 300 bird species and nearly 2,000 species of ferns and flowering plants. Some hiking trails in the park pass Hmong villages while others lead to a few small waterfalls where local people come to picnicking on weekends. Accommodations are available near the park headquarters. To get there, take Highway No. 1004, its only 16 kilometers drive northwest of Chiang Mai town.
- Phu Phing Palace (Royal Winter Palace)
The palace is located further up the mountain and approximately 6 kilometers from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The royal winter palace was built in 1962. Its landscaped gardens are decorated with plenty of colorful, exotic flowers. It is open every day from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. except when the Royal family is in residence which is usually from mid December to early February.
- Kad Suan Kaeo Art & Cultural Centre
This newly developed centre is located in Kad Suan Kaeo Shopping Mall. It is a centre where traditional arts and cultural performances are performed using state-of-the art stage technology. For more information contact tel 053 224333 ext. Kad Silpa.
- Khruba Siwichai Monument
Located at the foot of Doi Suthep, the monument was built in 1935 to honor Khruba Siwichai a famous Lanna monk who initiated construction of the road leading up to Phra That Doi Suthep. Throughout his life, Khruba Siwichai organized many temple related renovation activities.
- Wat Chedi Chet Yot
Located on the Super Highway Road (Chiang Mai-Lampang) only 4 kilometers from the town, the temple is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai. One of the main attractions is a seven-spired square chedi, which was inspired by the design of the Phuttakaya stupa in India. More importantly, the stupa contains the ashes of King Tilokkarat, a king of the Meng Rai Dynasty who built this temple.
- Wat Chedi Luang
This 14th century temple, where the City Pillar Shrine is located, is famous for its enormous chedi, which is measured at 282 feet high and 144 feet wide (at the base). Located right in the middle of the city, it is considered to be the largest chedi in Chiang Mai. Its spire collapsed in 1545 due to an earthquake. A pair of magnificent Naga staircases at the front porch of the chapel is among the most beautiful manmade serpents in the North. Chao Khun Uba Lee Poramacharn (Sirichantathera) and Chao Kaeo Navarat built the front chapel in 1928.
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Locals would say, You havent really gone to Chiang Mai unless youve been to Wat Phratat Doi Suthep. Truly, the place is the most important and famous Chiang Mai landmark. Built in 1383, this mountaintop temple has a chedi (pagoda) that houses holy Buddha relics. The gold-plated chedi lies in the middle of a square marble-tiled courtyard. The four corners of the chedi are adorned with parasols which represent royal regalia. The temples courtyard is lined by a cloister, which contains images and murals depicting Buddhas life. There are also two viharns situated in the middle of the east and west sides of the cloister.
This temple is 15 kilometers from town and is 3,520 feet above sea level. It is the perfect place to get a birds eye view of the city. The temple can be reached via a steep Naga staircase comprised of 290 steps or railcars. The temple is open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Wiang Kum Kam
A recently discovered ancient city believed to have been built during the reign of King Meng Rai in 1286, the city was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom until the Maenam Ping flooded and wiped out the whole city. To visit Wiang Kum Kam today, drive south east of Chiang Mai, between Km. 3-4, on the Chiang Mai-Lamphun route in Saraphi District. Just drive along the road at Nong Hoi Police box to the Ko Klang Pa Kluai intersection and proceed to Chedi Liam Police box. There are more than 20 ancient ruins inside and around Wiang Kum Kam including Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chang Kham, Wat Noi, Wat Pu Pia, Wat Ku Koa, Wat E Kang, Wat Hua Nong, and Wat Pu Song which are dated from the 21st 22nd Buddhist centuries.
- San Kamphaeng
The village is located 13 kilometers the east of Chiang Mai town in a district that is famous for silk and a cotton weaving. The silk and cotton souvenirs produced in this village are high quality. Factories and souvenir shops selling woodcarving, silverware, earth ware, lacquer ware and cotton fabrics are located along the way from Chiang Mai to San Kamphaeng.
Located in San Kamphaeng is Bo Sang a village that produces handmade umbrellas. In addition to umbrellas, visitors will also be able to find various woodcarving and Thai silk products here.
- Phra Borom That Saen Hai
This temple is situated in Wiang Haeng, San Pa Tong District, which can be dated back to the early Buddhist times, was renovated in 1914. The pagoda is a unique blend of Myanmar and Lanna Thai architecture. According to the legend, King Naresuan the Great rested his troops here and built a pool at the foot of the hill for his use and that of his elephants.
**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org
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