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When thinking of traveling Thailand, palm fringed beaches, warm turquoise water and lazy days on a tropical island come to mind. Thailand is not all sand, sea and surf though Chiang Mai is fast becoming one of the most popular Thailand tourist destinations with many attractions and activities on offer. The beautiful mountains and forests waiting to be explored, spa resorts that pamper, spoil and delight and the city with its rich ancient history and culture is beckoning more and more tourists to this northern part of of the country. Here we have compiled a list of things to do and see so you can plan your itinarary and make the most of yur time here.
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Chiang Mai caters for everyone. Whether you are adventurous and exploring, the more history and culture orientated or just need to be pampered in a friendly, peaceful and scenic environment. As your Thailand hotel and travel guide, we suggest you contact us and allow us to book one or more of our hand picked guided Chiang Mai tours in advance, together with your Thailand hotel accommodation booking. |
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This way you will arrive ready to see and do as much as possible of this beautiful region in your available time. No need to run around looking for reputable tour operators, wasting valuable vacation time. You will also know you are working with professionals who can advise the best tour for your particular interest at affordable prices.
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 Chiang Mai Tiger Kingdom |
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The Tiger Kingdom is 10 Km (20 minutes) from the City. The Tiger Kingdom is one of only two such ventures in the whole of Thailand that allow visitors "up close & personal" experience with the tigers, play, stroke and take photos of the tigers in there enclosure.
Suitable time to play with the Tigers are around 10:00 am until 18:00 pm
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Maesa Elephant Camp |
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within twenty minutes drive from the city centre is the Maesa Elephant Camp, flanking a rushing river in a lush tropical valley. The camp is home to no less than 78 elephants and has been in existence for nearly 30 years. Here you will have twenty elephants parading to welcome you to the camp and its elephant shows. You will also be able to view the elephants while they bath before each show. |
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Elephant shows include elephant musical performances, elephant football, elephants painting and even an elephant dart game. Two Saturdays in January is Children’s day when children and students are allowed into the camp to learn more about these gracious creatures and their habits. Given the high esteem of elephants in Thailand, the Thai government has declared March 13th, National Thai Elephant Day. |
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On this day children and students are again allowed free entry to promote the importance of the day. During the festivities, dozens of elephant gather to eat at the world’s largest buffet. During Songkran, the Thai New Year, 13 to 15 March, decorations are put in place creating a Lanna atmosphere, giving a glimpse into the old Lana culture.
At the turn of the twentieth century there were more than one hundred thousand elephants in Thailand. Now it is a battle for survival. The Maesa Elephant Camp’s primary objective is conservation and spreading the message of these highly intelligent animals. This camp, its elephants and shows guarantee not to disappoint. So come down and meet the elephant family.
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Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens |
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Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, named after Her Majesty, The Queen Sirikit, was established in 1993 and is the first botanical garden in the region. The garden is home to native and tropical species from abroad. It is an internationally recognized center for botanical study and research. Several walking trails exist through the gardens and apart from being awe inspiringly beautiful, made even more so by its surroundings, a trip here will be quite educational. |
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Doi Suthep |
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Built in 1383 by King Gue Na, is Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep, sitting atop a hill overlooking Chiang Mai. Fifteen kilometers to the summit, you will have travelled through rain forest and seen beautiful waterfalls. Half way to the top you can stop at the viewpoint and admire the view. Take a taxi, rent a scooter and or go on an organized trip. Taxis leave from Chang Puak Market several times daily. |
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Ping River |
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Take a quiet scenic stroll along the Ping River and have lunch at one of the riverside restaurants. River cruises are also available showcasing some of the most beautiful scenery along the banks of the river. |
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Castle Rock |
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Castle Rock is a sanctuary for the preservation of Asian Bears and Gibbons. It is situated 30 kilometers from the city in the rural countryside. A great place for the whole family to spend the day. |
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Cotton and Silk Weaving |
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Here the locals still weave silk and cotton on traditional looms. Local cotton is grown, spun, dyed and processed by small holders in the countryside throughout the North, while silk yarns and fabrics are produced in the Northeast and Lower North. |
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Chiang Mai Zoo |
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The zoo is situated at the foot of the hill on which Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep is located, and is open to visitors from 08:00 am until 21:00 pm. The emphasis is on conservation and education and animals are very well cared for. The zoo is home to more than 400 species of animal including elephant, tigers, chimpanzee, rhino, monkeys and many others. |
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It also houses animals from Africa such as giraffe and zebra and dingos and kangaroo from Australia. The zoo offers visitors two waterfalls, lakes, forest and beautiful views of the city. Two Pandas, Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui, on loan from the Chinese government, are the newest addition to the zoo and has caused a mentionable increase in popularity for the zoo. |
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The Night Safari promises to be quite a thrilling experience and deserves some mention. It creates a feeling of being out in the wilderness at night. Two night safaris are available. The Savannah focuses on herbivores, while the Predator Prowl takes visitors through an area inhabited by lion, tigers and bears. |
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Night Safari |
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The Night Safari is a government nature theme park, built to promote Chiang Mai tourism. At the same time, the government also works for the promotion of the city's hoping to make it an international airport which will allow Chiang Mai to be a top tourist center in Indo-China and Southeast Asia. If you are looking for a place to visit at night amidst the real natural environment, learn the ecosystem, wildlife and natural resources, the Night Safari is the answer. |
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The Night Safari is located at Doi Suthep-Pui National Park which covers Tambon Nhong Kway, Hang Dong District, and Tambon Mae Hia, Muang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai Province. The park, located 12 kilometers from downtown Chiang Mai, covers approximately 324 acres and consist of mixed deciduous forest. By car, it is a 15-20 minute drive from Chiang Mai Airport, the train station or the bus terminal. |
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Night Market |
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If you think the markets of Bangkok are cheap, be sure to visit the markets here, especially the night market. Located in the heart of the city, it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Chiang Mai and within walking distance of most hotels. Take a leisurely stroll through the many stalls where you will find beautiful handicrafts, spices, silk, Asian silver items, gems, cheap fakes, clothes and anything else you may think of. Located around the market are many restaurants, travel agents, internet cafes and much more. |
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Chiang Mai Temples |
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Bangkok has various beautiful and old temples, but none as old and with the same history as the temples ohere. The area is host to many temples, some dating back 700 years and certainly deserves a visit. The Wat Phratat Doi Suthep, a pilgrimage temple located on a hill, is at the top of the list and offers the most stunning views of the city and surrounding plains. Wat Chedi Luang is approximately six hundred years old and Wat Chiang Man is probably the oldest temple in Thailand. |
Wat Pan Tao, meaning “to increase 1000 times” is one of four monastic temples serving the royal temple. Wat Umong is most unusual featuring a maze-like tunnel system. Also worth a visit is Wat Pra Sing, Wat Pa Poa, Wat Lok Moli, Wat Gate, Wat Suan Dok, Hor Klum Long and several others.
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