Chiang Mai is...the land of beauty, warm hospitality and good manners ...the land of fascinating, mist-shrouded mountains and fertile valleys ...the land of relig ion with over 1,100 Buddhist temples...and the land of Thai arts and handicrafts. An old city of over 700 years, Chiang Mai has rooted its culture so deeply that it has its own dialect, its own architecture, its own costume, its own dances and its own cuisine. Though modernization has crept into this faraway region for decades, Chiang Mai still retains its natural charm and old culture. If you have a chance to visit this tourist paradise, you will understand why people call it "The Rose of the North".
There are three sections of Chiang Mai Attractions as follows:
Tour Routes
The numerous places of interest in Chiang Mai can be conveniently grouped into the following routes, each easily accessible by car and mostly covered within one day.
City Tour
Among the places most worth visiting in Chiang Mai are its centuries-old wats (Buddhist temples), many of them in the city area. As the city is of a moderate-size, touring around town to visit these temples by bicycle is very popular.
Wat Chiang Man
(off Ratchapakhinai Road in the northeast corner of the old
city)
This is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai town which was built
in 1296 by King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai.
The
temple is famous for its Lanna-style chedi supported by rows
of elephant-shaped buttresses and an ancient and invaluable
Buddha image named Phra Kaeo Khao.
Wat Lok Moli
When in Chiang Mai, the city of old culture and sweet-mannered people, the sites where
you can linger all day to admire the city's magical charm are temples dotting the city in
abundance.
Apart from Wat Phra Sing which is a well-known beautiful Buddhist temple
where Phra Phuttha Sihing, a most revered Buddha image of the north is enshrined,
Wat Lok Moli appears to be another interesting and visit-worthy temple.
Wat Phra Sing
This lovely temple, built in 1345, houses the North's most revered Buddha statue, Phra
Phuttha Sihing. Every year on April 13, Songkran Day, the image is paraded on Chiang
Mai streets for local people to sprinkle scented water at.
The temple compound contains a lai-kham chapel which features exquisite
woodcarvings and northern style murals.
Wat U-Mong
Built in 1296 by King Mengrai, it is situated in a rustic
forest setting. This famous meditation temple is unique in
its large tunnel-like construction.
Wat Ku Tao
This old temple is noteworthy for its unique Burmese-style chedi
(pagoda) that consists of a series of circular layers piling one
above the other and decorated with coloured porcelain pieces.
As
this round layered pagoda resembles a water gourd, the temple is
called Wat Ku Tao, which means "Temple with the Water Gourd
Chedi".
Wat Suan Dok
This temple was built by command of King Kuena of
Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1371.The 500-year-old bronze
Buddha image, enshrined in the temple, is one of the
most beautiful and largest metal images of the Buddha in
Thailand. The temple ground is also a favourite spot for
photographers, especially for scenes of the striking
sunset.
Wat Chedi Luang
This 14th century temple, where the City Pillar Shrine is located, is famous for its
enormous chedi (pagoda) measuring 282 feet high and 144 feet wide at the base. Its
spire collapsed in 1545 because of an earthquake. A pair of magnificent Naga
staircases at the front porch of the chapel is among the most beautiful in the North.
Wiang Kum Kam
The ancient town of Wiang Kum Kam, founded by King Mengrai in the late 13th century,
flourished more than seven centuries ago. Then it was devastated by flood and
vanished without a trace.
The entire community was buried under layers of earth and remained interred for
several hundred years until the site was excavated. The main historical remains are
found in several temples located in the compound, e.g. Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chang
Kham and Wat Noi.
Night Bazaar
This popular place is an extensive night market spreading out along Chang Khlan Road.
It consists of a great number of shops and street vendors, many of whom are hilltribes.
The market offers a large variety of Thai and northern Thai goods, especially
handicrafts and souvenirs, at attractive prices. This is a must for shopping-oriented
visitors and bargain lovers.
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
For those whose time is limited but who still want to discover the true identity of Chiang
Mai, Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre is recommended. Established in 1997,
the Centre is well located in a beautiful historical building constructed in 1924. The front
part of the building is used for permanent exhibits and the rear is dedicated to other
cultural activities and temporary exhibitions. Permanent Exhibits comprise 15 sections,
which are divided by periods and topics.
Chiang Mai Zoo
On a 210-acre woody land at the foot of Doi Suthep, it is home to over 7,000 animals in
a wooded natural environment.
Due to its plentiful animals and beautiful natural setting, the zoo is one of the popular
attractions in Chiang Mai.
Since December 2003, it has become a must-visit place for
both Thai and foreign visitors as it received a couple of pandas - Chuang Chuang and
Lin Hui - from Sichuan, China. Recently, in July 2006, Chiang Mai Zoo became the first
zoo in Thailand to house koalas as Australia shipped four of the marsupials here to
mark the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne. Now, let's
welcome a newborn baby Koala.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Located on Mount Doi Suthep, only 15 km. from town and about 3,000 feet above sea
level, this temple is an important landmark of Chiang Mai and regarded as a "mustvisiting
place" for all visitors to this province.
Its special feature is the 300-step naga stairway leading to the temple. The temple's
golden pagoda contains holy Buddha relics.
Bhubing Palace
The palace stands further up the mountain 6 km. from Wat Phra That. Its landscaped
gardens are decorated with plenty of colourful, exotic flowers.
It is open every day from 08.30 - 16.30 hours, except when the Royal family is in
residence, usually from mid December to early February.
Doi Pui Tribal Village
Doi Pui Tribal VillageIt is located at Doi Pui about 4 km. from the Bhubing Palace. For those who don't have
enough time to visit remote hilltribe villages, here is a good spot to see modern tribal life
and buy Meo handicrafts.
Doi Inthanon
Doi Inthanon National Park is home to Thailand's highest peak, Mt. DoiInthanon, which climbs to more than 2,500 meters and offers superb views as well as stunning waterfalls and entertaining birdwatching.
Waterfalls in Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai
The park is best visited between November and February, but remember the high mountain air can get quite chilly at any time, and it
is advised you take a pullover.
Doi Ang Kang
Doi Ang Khang Mountain is a three-hour drive from chiangmai. The last part of the journey is a very steep and twisty climb to the summit, which is poised 1,300 m above the Burmese border.
The are several reasons why Doi Ang Khang is an exceptional and eye-catching natura
l attraction. It has breathtaking scenery, invigorating mountain air, a fresh cool climate as well as the general peace and quiet of the countryside. There are also guesthouses, an excellent small hotel as well as other tourist amenities, so bird watching, mountain biking, trekking or just sitting and contemplating are all possible here.
Mae Klang Waterfall
The Nam Tok Mae Klang Waterfall lies 66 km southwest of Chiang Mai city at the foot of Doi Inthanon Mountain. This unusual waterfall has been visited by Thai people for many years and is easily Chiang Mai's most photographed waterfall.
Visitors continue to come in large numbers on any sunny day in the year to swim or simply unwind in this beautiful natural setting.
(off Ratchapakhinai Road in the northeast corner of the old
city)
This is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai town which was built
in 1296 by King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai. 
When in Chiang Mai, the city of old culture and sweet-mannered people, the sites where
you can linger all day to admire the city's magical charm are temples dotting the city in
abundance. 
This lovely temple, built in 1345, houses the North's most revered Buddha statue, Phra
Phuttha Sihing. Every year on April 13, Songkran Day, the image is paraded on Chiang
Mai streets for local people to sprinkle scented water at.
Built in 1296 by King Mengrai, it is situated in a rustic
forest setting. This famous meditation temple is unique in
its large tunnel-like construction.
This old temple is noteworthy for its unique Burmese-style chedi
(pagoda) that consists of a series of circular layers piling one
above the other and decorated with coloured porcelain pieces. 
This temple was built by command of King Kuena of
Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1371.The 500-year-old bronze
Buddha image, enshrined in the temple, is one of the
most beautiful and largest metal images of the Buddha in
Thailand. The temple ground is also a favourite spot for
photographers, especially for scenes of the striking
sunset.
This 14th century temple, where the City Pillar Shrine is located, is famous for its
enormous chedi (pagoda) measuring 282 feet high and 144 feet wide at the base. Its
spire collapsed in 1545 because of an earthquake. A pair of magnificent Naga
staircases at the front porch of the chapel is among the most beautiful in the North.
The ancient town of Wiang Kum Kam, founded by King Mengrai in the late 13th century,
flourished more than seven centuries ago. Then it was devastated by flood and
vanished without a trace.
This popular place is an extensive night market spreading out along Chang Khlan Road.
It consists of a great number of shops and street vendors, many of whom are hilltribes.
For those whose time is limited but who still want to discover the true identity of Chiang
Mai, Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre is recommended. Established in 1997,
the Centre is well located in a beautiful historical building constructed in 1924. The front
part of the building is used for permanent exhibits and the rear is dedicated to other
cultural activities and temporary exhibitions. Permanent Exhibits comprise 15 sections,
which are divided by periods and topics.
On a 210-acre woody land at the foot of Doi Suthep, it is home to over 7,000 animals in
a wooded natural environment.
Due to its plentiful animals and beautiful natural setting, the zoo is one of the popular
attractions in Chiang Mai. 
Located on Mount Doi Suthep, only 15 km. from town and about 3,000 feet above sea
level, this temple is an important landmark of Chiang Mai and regarded as a "mustvisiting
place" for all visitors to this province.
The palace stands further up the mountain 6 km. from Wat Phra That. Its landscaped
gardens are decorated with plenty of colourful, exotic flowers.
It is open every day from 08.30 - 16.30 hours, except when the Royal family is in
residence, usually from mid December to early February.
Doi Pui Tribal VillageIt is located at Doi Pui about 4 km. from the Bhubing Palace. For those who don't have
enough time to visit remote hilltribe villages, here is a good spot to see modern tribal life
and buy Meo handicrafts.
Doi Inthanon National Park is home to Thailand's highest peak, Mt. DoiInthanon, which climbs to more than 2,500 meters and offers superb views as well as stunning waterfalls and entertaining birdwatching.
Doi Ang Khang Mountain is a three-hour drive from chiangmai. The last part of the journey is a very steep and twisty climb to the summit, which is poised 1,300 m above the Burmese border.
The Nam Tok Mae Klang Waterfall lies 66 km southwest of Chiang Mai city at the foot of Doi Inthanon Mountain. This unusual waterfall has been visited by Thai people for many years and is easily Chiang Mai's most photographed waterfall. 