Wat Phra Singh Sam Lan Road
This lovely temple dates from 1345 and is one of the focal points of Songkran festivities each April 3-15 when people bathe the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image.
The temple compound includes the lovely Lai Kham chapel with its exquisite woodcarvings and northern-style murals, and a magnificent scriptural repository with striking has relief.
Wat Suan Dok
This temple was built in a 14th century Lanna Thai monarch's pleasure gardens and is a favourite spot for photographers, particularly for striking sunsets. Several the white chedis contain ashes of Chiang Mai's former royal family.
The 500-year-old bronze Buddha image in a secondary chapel is one of Thailand's largest metal images.
Wat Chiang Man
This is Chiang Mai's oldest temple and probably dates from 1296. The temple was the residence of King Mengrai, who founded Chiang Mai, and is noteworthy for a chedi supported by rows of elephantine buttresses, and a small ancient Buddha image, Phra Kaeow Khaow.
Wat Chedi Luang
The temple on Phra Pokklao Road is the site of an enormous pagoda, originally 85m high, which collapsed during an earthquake in 1545. At one time, Wat Chedi Luang housed the revered Emerald Buddha image now found in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaeo. One of the most striking architectural features of Wat Chedi Luang is a Naga staircase adorning the main chapel’s front porch.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
15km west of the city, this temple, 1,156m above sea level on Suthep Mountain, overlooks the city from its forested backdrop. It is one of Chiang Mai’s most important landmarks. Dating from 1383 and has holy Buddha relics in its golden pagoda. Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world visit throughout the year. To reach it one can chose the hard way and climb a steep Naga staircase comprising of around 300 steps or the less energetic may ascend by funicular cars.
Chiang Mai Nature & Cultural
Doi Inthanont National Park (Amphoe Mae Chaem)
The Park beyond Mae Klang Falls is one of Thailand’s most famous and well equipped for visitors. It has an area of 1,005sqkm. It is named after Doi Inthanont, Thailand’s highest mountain (2,565m) and encompasses several Karen and Meo hill tribe villages. The natural scenery is spectacular and areas above 1,800m are covered with lichens and are rich in wild orchids. Shooting, fishing or damaging vegetation is strictly forbidden. The more scenic spots are around the Wachirathan, Siriphum and Mae Pim waterfalls.
Doi Luang Chiang Dao (Amphoe Chiang Dao)
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
Doi Ang Khang National Park (Amphoe Fang)
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 (Amphoe Fang)
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 (Amphoe Hang Dong)
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.
Ban Hmong Mae Sa Mai (Amphoe Mae Rim)
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 (Amphoe Mae Rim)
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.
Mountain Orchid (Amphoe Mae Rim)
This plantation has been established for over 20 years and is famous for breeding a variety of species of orchids using appropriate technology. In addition to learning about orchid breeding, it is also possible to learn about various butterfly species. Facilities for tourists include toilets, parking area and beverage and souvenir shops.
Mae Sa Waterfall (Nam tok Mae Sa ) (Amphoe Mae Rim)
This famous 8-tiered waterfall which is located at Km. 7 along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route is situated in a natural setting among towering trees and has a lovely breeze flowing throughout the year. It is an ideal recreational spot for both residents and visitors.
Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden (Amphoe Mae Rim)
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.
Supha Bee Farm (Amphoe Mae Rim)
Supha Bee Farm mainly deals with bee-keeping. It shares its accumulated knowledge and research results regarding bee-keeping technology to the public and the building where honey is produced is worth a visit. In addition, bee products such as honey, beehive capsules and bee pollen are also on sale in the farm. Basic tourist facilities are provided.
Tribal Museum (Amphoe Mae Rim)
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.
The museum exhibits ways of life, culture, beliefs, and local wisdom of those tribes, which have been intellectually conveyed through artistic objects displayed in the museum.
Huai Nam Dang National Park (Amphoe Mae Taeng)
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.
Mok Fa Waterfall (Namtok Mok Fa) (Amphoe Mae Taeng)
This one-level waterfall is located on the Mae Malai-Pai road. To get there, take a left turn at Km. 20 onto a dirt road and proceed for 2 kilometers. The waterfall, which is surrounded with lush green trees, is full of water all year round.
Chiang Mai Zoo (Amphoe Mueang)
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. Contact: tel. 0-5322-1179, 0-5322-2283.
Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park (Amphoe Mueang)
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. The Park has interesting attractions, which include:
Namtok Huai Kaew
This waterfall is located near the Chiang Mai Zoo and is a pleasant place for relaxation and picnics.
Doi Pui Tribal Village
This village is a Hmong village situated on an asphalt road approximately 3 kilometers from Phu Phing Palace and approximately one hour from Chiang Mai. The village presents the typical lifestyle of the Hmong as well as a scenic view of Doi Inthanon.
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.
Khruba Siwichai Monument (Amphoe Mueang)
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.